Set during the mid-1800s Lilly finds herself betrothed to Nathanial Lyndhurst, the brother of her very own best frined, Bess. These two women have known each other since childhood but an unexpected kiss from Bess causes Lilly to rethink their relationship. When the Lyndhurst family leave Northern England and head for a new life in Canada, Lilly waits for almost two years for her instructions to follow. Her extensive journey across land and sea allows her time to reflect on that moment with Bess and the closer she gets to Canada, the more she finds herself wanting Bess.