'Snow was falling thicker now and already a covering lay on the cobbles. The wind was so icy, my cheeks felt hot. I blew on my finger ends, grateful I had on stout boots and thick, woollen black stockings. The gaslight hissed, and glowed eerily against the dusk, and snowflakes whirled around them. Horses wore sacking boots now. If it got much worse, the cabs would be off the street.'

"Alice, I know you're out to impress him, but be careful. I believe he returns your interest, but Susan Dwyer is not a woman to be tangled with."

"I'm not afraid of her!" I said bravely, as the water began to boil,

"Well, you should be!" Mrs Elgin told me, giving me some linen to add to the wash.

Alice Lawrence, daughter of murdered music hall performers, is found seriously ill and homeless in 19th century Great Yarmouth. Nursed back to health, she meets Samuel, a man trapped in an abusive marriage and gradually, romance blossoms.

With the help of Helen, Alice's fiercely independent friend, can Samuel and Alice build a life together, faced with a harsh Victorian society?