Life is not easy for children in 1811. Annie Spears is a maid at Dinham house where Lucien Bonaparte is on parole. Her brother, William, makes silk top-hats for the mad hatter, while her little sister works as a glove-maker for the despicable Leonard Evans. They have not heard from their father since he was transported to Australia years ago.

When a fire destroys the Spears home and William and Annie are accused of theft, they take to the hills with Sam, the chimney sweep, trying to make their way to the sea. But great danger and deceptions lie ahead ...