Eighteen year-old Marion Brookfield promises her father, on the nightof his murder, that she will take care of her younger sister, Annette. Little does she know that this responsibility will turn her whole world upside down.Marion is kind and resourceful, but with very little money she struggles to look after her willful sister. When their wealthy landlord, Victor Bateman, proposes marriage Marion agrees, despite being desperately in love with Daniel Brady, a clever young laboring man who was also a student ofher late father. Victorreveals himself to bea cruel and suspicious husband and as Daniel begins to investigate Henry's murder, he uncovers the true nature ofVictor's interest in the two sisters..