It is 1888 and 18-year old Abigail is excited to be going for an interview at Newcastle's newest department store. The world is at her feet as new opportunities are opening up. But Abigail has a desperate secret and it is a secret that will impact on her life and those of her children. The changes in Abigail's life are mirrored in a city that is growing and becoming more confident as the decades roll by - but will Abigail carve out a happy life or will her secret hound her to her grave?