Matthew Cameron's death ends the Camerons' lease of Nethertannoch. But Sandy Logan is determined to secure the tenancy so that he can keep his promise to the dying Matthew - that he will love and protect his daughter, Mattie. But the laird has other plans and they are forced to flee. They find refuge in the rundown farm of Fairlyden, which is owned by Daniel Munro. Daniel does not welcome strangers, but something about the pair of fugitives touches his heart. Slowly they bring the farm to prosperity. But Daniel is the illegitimate son of the late Earl of Strathtod and Fairlyden belongs to him only for his lifetime. So Daniel comes up with a scheme to thwart his half-brother.