1875. Emerald Winter has lived a privileged life with her parents and her younger sister Abigail in the stately Astley house. But all that suddenly changes when her father disappears, leaving the family in enormous debt. They are forced to throw themselves at the mercy of Emerald's uncle who begrudgingly allows them on his farm. Desperate to find work, Emerald must leave her family and travel to London to become the companion of a distant aunt she's never met. Rebellious Abigail is unwilling to lower herself to menial farm chores and instead runs away, finding work as a hostess in a Soho club where she soon attracts trouble. Torn apart by destiny, the sisters must learn to survive against the odds in an unforgiving city. Will Emerald ever be able to find happiness and reunite her family again?