Young Edwin Turner has moved to Edinburgh, Scotland, after the death of his parents in Nottinghamshire, England. Soon after his arrival he chances to meet William Berridge, a watchmaker, who offers an apprenticeship to Edwin. William's pretty daughter Ann catches Edwin's eye and the couple marry and settle into the Berridge household. Edwin takes to watchmaking; he has the interest and skills to succeed. Nothing can get in his way. The first years of married life are happy; children arrive and business is good. However, a death in the family and a series of misfortunes upset their happiness....