It's 1900, but Anna and Dorrie Furlong, young daughters of a strict Liverpool ship's captain, are expected to stay at home in Everton until they marry. Dorrie, beautiful and popular, with numerous admirers, is content to do this, but Anna longs for freedom and independence. James Hargreaves, the only son of a sadistic, domineering mother, has adored Dorrie since first seeing her at church, but lacks the confidence to approach her. Instead, Dorrie marries Michael, a soldier, and moves to London. James and Anna are both left unhappy and try to console each other, and much will happen in their lives before they realise where true happiness lies.