Beautiful tomboy Emilie Le Breton prefers the name "Lillie". Lillie's fetching looks attract the attention of many men on the British Island of Jersy-even those who arrive by accident. After a disastrous visit to London, Lillie falls in love with a local fisherman with whom she has a bit too much in common. Soon afte the forbidden relationship, she accepts the marriage proposal of the wealthy Edward Langtry, a man who offers an escape from both her father and Jersey.

Settling with husband Edward in her somber new home in Southampton, Lillie finds less freedom now than she did on Jersey. Worse, Edward's riches have long been spent. After a life-threatening illness and a bit of trickery, Lillie and Edward move to London where Lillie gets her first delicious tast of upper-crust society. but tragedy forces Lillie's return to Jersey. Her beloved brother Reggie has suffered a fatal accident, causing her intense grief and unrelenting guilt.