As Australia faces internal and external threats to its way of life so too do the people of Inverness, and previous alliances and relationships are tested. Sarah’s dilemma between her feelings for George and her duty to her husband Rene is exacerbated by a heartbreaking secret. James and Olivia’s relationship is under pressure by the desire of physical fulfilment, while the true parentage of baby George is threatened with exposure. Elizabeth Bligh’s decision to leave Ash Park to explore a life of her own proves more difficult than she thought. The difference between the fairy tale romance of Anna and Gino and the reality of married life threatens to tear them apart.