Orphaned at fourteen and left in the care of two poverty-stricken aunts, Barbara Pitcairn has seen her share of hard times -- until distant relative and wealthy laird Sir Thomas Gifford takes pity on her, and invites her to live as one of his family. But on first sighting the foreboding Busta House, his luxurious mansion, Barbara is overcome with a sense that all is not well inside. Her fears are compounded when Lady Gifford refuses to welcome her into the family, relegating her instead to the maids' quarters. To make matters worse, Barbara catches the eye of her beloved eldest-son, who is not all that he seems.