Edinburgh, 1822: In the glittering New Town, the Scottish capital is fast transforming itself into the Athens of the North. Catriona Dunbar lives in the dank underground vaults of the Old Town, where she and her young brother Andrew are slaves in all but name to their grasping aunt and pitiless, lecherous uncle. Proud and determined, Kate dreams of escape for Andrew and herself, a dream that may come true when handsome medical student Richard Hope walks into her life. Their love meets horrified opposition from Richard’s wealth family, while Kate’s aunt and uncle see an opportunity for easy money.