The story picks up with the Linton family as they prepare for a journey from their cattle station, Billabong, to London. The primary characters include Norah Linton, a spirited young woman, her brother Jim, and their friend Wally Meadows. With World War I casting a shadow over Europe, the characters are drawn into the broader context of global events as Jim and Wally enlist in the war effort.The trip to London represents a significant change for Norah, who is leaving behind the familiar landscapes of Australia for the excitement and uncertainty of life abroad. The contrast between the rugged, rural life at Billabong and the sophistication and wartime atmosphere of London is a central theme in the novel.