[1] Set in the fictional town of Hemsbury in the 1660s, the novel depicts the love between a Quaker girl, Susanna, and Will, the son of a rich merchant.

Their story takes place during the persecution of religious dissenters after the restoration of the monarchy.

[2] In 1662 fifteen year old Quaker Susanna Thorn leaves her village in Shropshire for work in the town of Hemsbury.

Meanwhile seventeen year old William Heywood, the son of an alderman who had recently come home from his studies, noticed Susanna and pursued her and attended Quaker meetings despite being brought up an Anglican.

In the end, William decides to go to London with their friend Nat Lacon but intends to return to marry Susanna when he can provide for them.