When Hamilton Forsyth leaves the family ironmongery, Walter, his son and heir, seems set to manage the business and marry Clarissa Pinkerton. His sister Belle will do the accounts and keep house. Their youngest sister Morna needs an occupation and, in 1909, the best occupation for a woman of her class is to marry, but when Walter announces he is to marry their pregnant housemaid Sarah, the sisters find their plans have to change. When Morna finds a job and Belle makes a scandalous marriage they find that women can be just as strong as men in this changing world.