A new generation of the Pengarron family enter centre-stage with the departure of Lady Kerensa and Sir Oliver for London. Kelynen, the youngest daughter, is left resentful and upset by her father's treatment of her: though she had been looking forward to running the estate single-handedly, Sir Oliver has unexpectedly forbidden it, and instead ordered her brother Luke, the selfish son and heir, to forget his playwriting career and return to Pengarron - much against Luke's will. It seems at first that only Kane, the eldest of the siblings -and the only one to be adopted - is truly happy. Pengarron Rivalry is about the struggles of the next generation to make their own way in life, whilst living under the restraints of an era when a father's wishes were paramount.