The 1860s. Emma wakes in a place called the Infirmary, from dreams of smoke and shadows and a blind man reaching out for her. She cannot remember who she is. Mrs. Kendall, the old lady in charge, is kind but offers no useful information. Emma is left to discover for herself that she is on the Moon which Mrs. Kendall treats as if it was nothing extraordinary. Emma is introduced to her new home, a series of connected ‘boroughs’ beneath the surface of the Moon mimicking Victorian England’s towns. She is introduced to James, a boy of her own age, who is said to have ‘arrived’ with her, and who also has no memory of his past. She is shocked that his first, instinctive reaction to her is to cringe away in fear. James and Emma become friends, although Emma feels that James is hiding something from her. This is true. James has a brother, William, who has cerebral palsy When she finally discovers William, Emma, not understanding, is alarmed, but the feeling quickly gives way to friendship and even affection.