Lissadell House, Sligo, 1914: Friends Lily and Nellie work long, hard hours as housemaids for the Gore Booth family in the Big House. And yet these are days filled with friendship, fun and even madcap bicycle rides with Maeve, daughter of the famous Republican, Countess Marcievicz.

But Lily knows there’s an empty place in her friend’s heart. Nellie is all alone in the world; she grew up in the workhouse, where she was separated from her sisters. Lily longs to help her, but she could end up losing all she has - even her livelihood. And what will happen to her hopes and dreams? Just how much would you give up for a friend …?