Dora Preston can stand up for herself, but when she impulsively stops some young louts from torturing a puppy, she bites off more than she can chew. Luckily, a good-looking stranger rescues her. But though attracted to him, Dora's first desire is to find success on the music hall stage. Gideon, recently discharged from the Army, has arrived in Hedderby only to discover another man has stolen his name and inheritance. Would it be fair to court Dora when he can offer her so little? Despite his anger he patiently bides his time, working in the markets, until he can reclaim what is his. With the town's orphanage vandalized, the music hall not yet rebuilt, and the imposter prepared to kill to keep what he has stolen, trouble is brewing on several fronts. Gideon and Dora's lives are threatened. And even if they survive, how will they find a future together?