1. As a child it never mattered to Blake that he has no mother, that no one knew who his father was. He was secure in his grandparents’ love, happy on their farm in the Yorkshire dales. But when his grandparents die suddenly, Blake’s world collapses.

Taken in by a neighbouring farmer as hired help, Blake’s life becomes focused on the land - and on his secret love for Annie, his employer’s daughter.

Annie may love Blake too, but she knows she doesn’t want to spend her life on the farm. So Blake leaves for the busy shipyards of Sunderland, determined to make his name. He swears one day he will come back for Annie - but can he be sure she will wait for him?