Anne Gray is forced to marry for the chance of a better life. Until she learns that her cruel husband murdered his first wife and now threatens her, so she flees Devon and escapes to Australia.
James Barratt emigrated from Sussex to Australia to make his fortune. After his fiance jilts him, he takes a mistress, vowing never to fall in love again. But she convinces him to try again.
In Australia, Anne changes her name and answers James' advertisement for a wife. But her blossoming romance and marriage is shortlived when her past returns to haunt her and, once again, she is forced to flee. Pregnant and homeless, Anne struggles to resolve her future until James fins her and the real truth is uncovered.