When Ren's mother realises that she's expecting her second child, she knows that Ren must be sent away. The tax on excess children is more than she can afford, and a relative, Greta, has offered Ren shelter in the north.

But the journey to Greta's goes terribly wrong, and Ren finds herself alone on the desolate moors. There she meets Brocket, Lil, Hilary and Mrs Gimmer. Like Ren, they are determined to remain concealed in the wilderness, away from the dangers of the cities.

All their lives are changed by the discovery of an abandoned baby. In their efforts to protect her, each of them must overcome their deepest fears . . .