Two abandoned orphans grow up in Pony's Home in Michigan, the mischievous Candy and the quiet Annie. They do all they can to never get adopted and remain with each other always.
While Candy's satisfied being an orphan forever, Annie can't help wanting a mother and father. Then the two girls stumble across the kind Mr. Brighton and they learn what it's like having parents.
When Candy learns that Mr. Brighton plans on adopting her, she does all she can to assure that doesn't happen. But Annie feels differently about being adopted.
Annie now lives a rich life while Candy remains at Pony's Home. Nevertheless, they keep in contact through letters. Until the letters from Annie stop. Grief-stricken, Candy runs away into the forest where she meets someone mysterious.
Candy gets adopted by the rich Leagan family to be a playmate for their daughter. But all of Candy's hopes are crushed when she arrives as nothing turns out the way she expected.
The Leagan children continually bully Candy until she decides she's had enough and decides to run away back to Pony's Home. However, on the way she finds someone who reminds her of her mysterious Prince of the Hill.
Candy is determined to become an elegant lady, but finds herself reduced to a servant while Mr. Leagan is away. Meanwhile she learns more about the mysterious Adley family.
After the Leagan children ditch Candy in the middle of town, she meets another Adley brother: Alistair. Later it is revealed that the Adleys will be hosting a ball and the Leagans are invited, including Candy.
Candy finally meets the boy she saw at the rose gates: Anthony Brown, along with the Cornwell brothers. The three want to give Candy a good time at the ball, but Eliza (who's infatuated with Anthony) won't let that happen.
John and Sister Mary come to visit Candy, and she must hide the fact that she works as a servant and sleeps in the stable. Furthermore, she hopes she can hide the truth from Anthony.
The Brightons pay a visit to the Leagans, bringing Annie along as well. However, Annie's past must be kept a secret, putting a rift between her and Candy.
Candy is blamed for stealing from Anthony's rose garden, but she knows the truth. However, when all evidence points against her, she runs away - and happens upon another mysterious encounter.
The Leagan children attempt to frame Candy poisoning the horses, but a mysterious benefactor rescues her. She figures it must be Albert and tries to send him a letter. The next day, he comes for her.
Candy visits Pony's Home to learn that Father's Tree on Pony's Hill is to be cut down and sold. Candy and the other children are determined not to let that happen.