A gritty story of two girls from opposite backgrounds and their search for freedom and happiness. 1925 - The Midlands. Born on the canals, feisty Beth Dawson knows danger lurks in the shadows and suspecting she might be pregnant after a vicious attack she quickly marries a fellow boatman. Her mundane existence is interrupted by the arrival of Anthony Wesley whose mission is to organise the impoverished boatmen for strike action. Feeling valued and soon falling for Anthony, Beth wants to help the cause in any way she can. Along the way she is befriended by the company owners rebellious daughter Abigail Gatehouse. She too is in love with Anthony and sensing the attraction between Beth and Anthony, Abigail is overcome with jealousy. Soon both young women are caught up in events that spiral out of control. Only time will tell what the future holds for them both. In the meantime, it's all about survival...