Drama series. 1 of 6: When sailor Peter Greenback is murdered within hours of arriving in rural Northumberland, his 11-year-old son Roddy is sent to live with village herbalist Kate Makepeace.
Roddy's love for a mystery girl leads to danger.
Roddy starts art college in Newcastle, moving in with his patron Alfred Cottle. Hal is fixated with avenging his fether's death.
Mary Ellen moves into Kate's cottage, Hal puts the past behind him and buys a small farm and Roddy continues his affair.
It's now 25 years on and young Kate is about to be married. But an early wedding gift from Hal results in heartbreak.
Kate reluctantly decides to take a chance and allows Ben to meet her family.