The heroine of Maria Barrett's novel, Francesca, learned hatred, jealousy, and violence early on. But having decisively broken with the past, she goes to England, where she finds true passionate love. But a simple girl from the Italian outback is no match for Patrick Devlin, a promising young politician. Patrick leaves Francesca and she has to rebuild her life. Francesca becomes a famous fashion designer, Patrick becomes a member of the cabinet, but they cannot forget their former love.