Spanning two world wars the story follows the lives of three generations of the Stone family, opening with the birth of Mary's baby, Victoria. Condemned to grinding poverty which destroys her health, Mary vows her daughter will not suffer the same fate, beginning to instill in Victoria an ambition to succeed whatever the cost, only to die tragically a few years later. Adopted by wealthy relatives, the young Victoria captivates her uncle - but the legacy he bequeaths her will condemn future generations to unimagined pain and suffering as, with single minded determination, Victoria follows her mother's dream for her.But will it turn into a nightmare from which there is no escape?