Philippa and her adopted young brother, Geordie, have to leave their old, rather stately home after both their parents have passed on somewhat tragically. Philippa sees no future for herself or her beloved Geordie in a fishing village. She knows her father has a sister in London whom she has never met. She knows that her father had intended to send her to London at some point to stay with her aunt. Taking a few belongings, as well as a miraculous find of treasure, they set off. On the way, they come across a man who at first appears to be dead. His horse is grazing nearby. He regains consciousness, but unfortunately, he cannot remember who he is. He begs Philippa and Geordie not to leave him to an unknown fate. They agree and are led into quite a different set of social circumstances with mystery and some danger ahead.