1963. Alexandra arrives at a chateau in Provence: old substantial its four large towers seeming to grow out of the soil. It is she thinks reassuring in its permanence and solidity. Less reassuring are the three silent children waiting for her inside her charges for a month: a boy and two girls badly in need of some love attention and an English education. Fresh from London and a recent cookery course Alexandra has always loved a challenge and feels equipped to deal with most things life throws at her. What she is less sure about is whether she'll be able to deal with the children's father - an impossibly good-looking French count with whom she is trying very hard not to fall in love . . .