A romance set against the background of the Australian Gold Rush. 1890, Western Australia. 14-year-old Sarette Maitland is orphaned when her father dies of a snake-bite on the goldfields. Rescued by a wealthy adventurer, John Kern, she takes the place in his heart of his own dead daughter. Several years later, he sends her back to England, to learn the manners society expects of a beautiful young woman. At Kern's family home in Dorset, Sarette is introduced to her mentor's nephew, Magnus, who has been appointed her guardian. When Magnus learns that his beloved uncle has left the entrancing Sarette a considerable fortune, both his honesty and his heart are tested...