London, 1899. As she prepares for a glittering ball that will usher in the new century, twenty-year-old Gertrude Melrose considers her good fortune. Attractive, intelligent, with a loving family, her only concern is for her brother Edward, who has been mixing with a disreputable crowd and seems intent on squandering his inheritance at the gaming-tables. Gertie hopes that with the support of Edward’s long-standing friend, David, he can be made to see the error of his ways.A few days later the Melrose family’s happiness is shattered when Edward’s mounting debts threaten to destroy their prosperity, with the loss of both house and business. Edward is disowned by his father, and Gertie and her parents must face up to their changed circumstances. But with the support of David, and Alexander Glendale, one of Gertie’s spurned suitors - as well as the encouragement of two youngsters from the slums whom she has befriended - Gertie finds the strength of character to fight for her family and, ultimately, to hold on to her dreams.