Abstract: After the death of his wife, Hamilton Forsyth scandalises the small Ayrshire town of Saltcoats by departing for pastures unknown. His three adult children are left reeling with shock - and with the family ironmongery shop to run. Walter, son and heir, looks set to manage the business and marry the suitable Clarissa Pinkerton but drops a bombshell on his sisters by saying he's going to marry the housemaid Sarah, who is pregnant. Unable to tolerate the housemaid becoming mistress of their house, the girls find there are few choices within their social structure and they must struggle to make it on their own two feet.