First part of this epic saga that takes Holly across the world in a dangerous era, spanning her life from an impressionable young lady to motherhood, and a disappointment that threatens to break her heart. When the Fairfield family emigrate from England to a new life in Africa, Holly becomes aware that her life is at risk from her bullying brother Harry. A solution to her problem presents itself in the guise of her distant cousin Jan, who is in need of a wife. John Fairfield reluctantly agrees to his daughter's pleas, and a hasty marriage is arranged. Within days the family continue on their way, leaving Holly alone to her fate. Neither she nor her young husband Jan van Vooren are aware that the storm clouds of war are gathering on the horizon waiting to engulf the Boer natio