Set in the 1830s, the story of 16-year-old Cissie Brodie after the death of parents and the repossession of the family home. She finds a barren place to live and care for her younger brothers and sisters with the help of Matthew, a local carpenter, but her life becomes complicated when the aristocratic Fischel family take an unwelcome interest.
To stay together, Cissie moves her siblings into a cave. Local carpenter Matthew is torn between Cissie and Rose. Cissie has a run in with Clive and Isabelle, the adult children of a wealthy land owner.
With the help of Matthew, the cave is enclosed. Lord Fischel shows an interest in his grandson. Bella gets into trouble and Cissie must go to Lord Fischel for help.
Despite being well off, Matthew is unhappy in his marriage. Clive returns from overseas and strives to make amends for his actions. The on going dispute over Richard leads to tragic consequences.