Jean Balneaves, born in poverty on a Scottish Croft in the nineteenth century sees for the first time, as bairns, in a chance meeting, young Robert Loudon, son of the soon to be laird of Dollar Glen Castle, and owner of the croft holding. In young adulthood they secretly meet and fall in love. But Robert is persueded to enterSandhurst the English Army Officer's School. Because of a mysterious fire, the croft cottage burns and Jean's father dies. Jean, now a dark eyed beauty takes charge of her siblings and young widowed mother... all eventually are invited to the Castle by a compassionate (now Viscount) Benjamin Loudon, Robert's papa. But his wife, the Lady Katrine sternly objects. Finally afte five years Jean and Robert find each other in Auchenblae where Jean and her brother are helping a linen mill entrepreneur. It is there where Jean and Robert's love is consumated and a child results. However, Jean refuses to wed Robert in view of his mama's strong objections. Jean, a sensitive person and a loving Robert find their lives forever changed. A rare cameo is a symbol of the eternal love they share.