1844: when Josie returns to London after twelve years in America, she is overjoyed to discover her childhood sweetheart, Patrick, who she believed to be dead, is alive and well. But her happiness is short-lived - Patrick now belongs to another.

Heartbroken, Josie tries to settle back into the East End. But life as she knew it has changed: her family's social standing has improved and resentment brews over her new-found status as a lady. Torn between two worlds, Josie is still drawn back to her old haunts - and to Patrick.

When the couple are finally offered a glimmer of hope, their happiness is threatened by Ma Tugman and her criminal empire. But will Josie forsake everything for the man she loves...?