The story opens in Dumfries, December of 1745, with the retreat of the Jacobite army. Jamie Maclaren and Fergus McLeod, two highland soldiers plan to meet up with a Jacobite sympathizer at Falkirk. Fergus meets and falls in love with his daughter, Fiona. The story then moves to Edinburgh where, General Hugh Cairns, Commander to the Third Army of King George' and his family reside. His daughter Kathy learns from her mother of a tragic event. Her brother Robbie is the child of her father's brother James who raped her mother. The King reveals to General Cairns that he will become the Earl of Lanark and that Clanmere House in the Clyde valley has been built for him and his family, along with the surrounding land. The purpose being that after the final victory over the Jacobite's, Sir Hugh will keep the peace and end the uprisings. Sir Hugh Cairns retires from the army following the battle at Culloden Moor. The defeated highlanders, lay siege on Clanmere House with the purpose of assassinating Sir Hugh and spur a third uprising. Jamie averts the assassination from happening and falls for Kathy. Part two (Disinherited) When Hector, his son and heir turns seventeen, a further attempt is made to kill Sir Hugh and he must flee for his life. Before Hugh dies from his wounds, he appoints his brother Thomas to look after the affairs of the Estate until Hector finishes his education. Thomas sees his chance of becoming Laird of the Clanmere Estate by having Hector disinherited on a false charge of instigating a third uprising. Hector flees for his life and takes shelter with a group of Gypsies. Ex Lieutenant Gregory Armstrong, now a farmer, comes to his aid. Lord Dow takes up his case and Hector is restored to his title of Earl of Lanark.