Oscar and Lucinda

In a quaint Australian town, Lucinda Leplastrier has a life-altering experience when she unknowingly comes into possession of a Prince Rupert's Drop. This exquisite piece of glass ignites a passionate love for the craft of glassmaking, shaping the course of her life forever.

After the sudden and tragic loss of her parents, Lucinda's life takes a dramatic turn as she becomes a wealthy heiress. With her guardians quickly selling off her family's expansive farmland, her newfound wealth sets her on an unexpected path.

With her inherited wealth, Lucinda embarks on an ambitious venture to acquire a glass factory. This decision marks the beginning of her deep involvement in the art of glassmaking, yet it also opens the door to a world filled with high-stakes risks and challenges.

Meanwhile, Oscar, a young man raised under the strict beliefs of the Plymouth Brethren, experiences a crisis of faith. After receiving what he perceives as a divine sign, he decides to abandon his father's teachings and transition to the Anglican Church.

As Oscar immerses himself in his new studies, he discovers the thrill of betting, leading to unexpected success. His winnings not only allowed him to fund his education but also enabled him to generously support those in need within his community.

Oscar's hard work and gambling success culminate in receiving a scholarship to New South Wales. This new opportunity sets the stage for a fateful encounter with Lucinda aboard a ship as they engage in a high-stakes game of cards.

Once arriving in New South Wales, Oscar's luck rapidly declines as he succumbs to his gambling addiction. The unfortunate turn of events results in the loss of his scholarship, leaving him in a vulnerable position without any clear direction.

Having lost everything, Oscar seeks refuge at Lucinda's glass factory, where he finds a sense of purpose and inspiration. Lucinda shares her vision of constructing a glass church, prompting Oscar to wager that he can complete it by Good Friday.

Oscar embarks on a perilous journey to create the glass church, accompanied by the stern Mr. Jeffries. This adventure is fraught with personal and moral challenges, intensifying as Oscar's fears and reservations about water and gambling come to the forefront.

During their travels, Oscar witnesses Mr. Jeffries commit violent acts against Indigenous Australians, forcing him into a tragic moment of self-defense. This harrowing experience weighs heavily on Oscar as he struggles with the morality of his actions.

After the arduous effort, Oscar successfully delivers the glass church back to Lucinda, but the emotional toll of his journey leaves him haunted. The experiences he endured begin to seep into his daily life and thought processes.

Upon returning, Oscar finds himself under the care of Miriam Chadwick, who sees an opportunity to exploit his emotional and physical frailty. This critical juncture sees Oscar grappling with the consequences of both his past decisions and current vulnerabilities.

In the aftermath of his struggles, Oscar seeks solace in prayer within the glass church he helped create. However, exhaustion catches up with him, leading to a deep sleep that threatens to unravel everything he has worked for.

Tragedy strikes when the barge, meant to support the glass church, capsizes unexpectedly. Awakening from his slumber to this disaster, Oscar realizes the magnitude of his losses and the fragility of his recent triumphs.

In a cruel twist of fate, shortly after Lucinda gives birth, she passes away, leaving her son in a precarious position. With Reverend Dennis Hasset intent on destroying her legacy, Miriam becomes the unwilling caretaker of Lucinda's child, weaving the final strands of their intertwined stories.