Born to a mother who died in childbirth, and to a father who could never truly love him, Niall McAndrew grows up a solitary child, without a home to call his own. His only friend is Bridget, a young girl forced prematurely into womanhood, who takes him under her wing and demands his lifelong devotion. Niall has brains, spirit and ambition, as well as devastating good looks. He soon begins to make his own way in business, and becomes famous throughout the Newcastle area by befriending the wealthy and powerful mine-owner Aulay Redpath - and his beautiful daughter Caitlin. But Niall's loveless childhood has left its mark, and it will be many years before he finds the personal happiness he yearns for...