1912: The farmer's daughter Sofie Brix saves the shipping heiress Anna Nieland from a burning beach hotel. Two years later, she receives an offer to take a position as a companion in Anna's wealthy Hamburg family. For Sofie, who has always longed for the wide world, a dream comes true - even though she initially faces rejection from some family members and staff. But then World War I breaks out: the men are drafted, and Sofie and Anna's sister Edith volunteer as nurses on a hospital ship. Meanwhile, Anna tries to keep the shipping company running by any means necessary - but that requires a dangerous journey to Chile...