Ten-year-old Amy Farthing miraculously survives the sinking of the Lusitania, but loses both her parents in the disaster. However, on her arrival in England, her rich paternal grandfather, Godfrey Farthing, disowns the little girl, for reasons he will not divulge. Although she is confused and hurt by his behaviour, Amy is thankfully welcomed by her maternal grandmother, Beth, and quickly exchanges her life of privilege in New York for the hard realities of a mill town in Yorkshire. Despite the differences Amy starts to settle in, adjust to her new surroundings and make friends, especially with local lad Billy Eccles. However, unbeknownst to Amy and Beth, Amy is the one true heir to the Farthing fortune, and Godfrey is prepared to take whatever measures necessary to ensure she never finds out.