In the summer of 1939 19-year-old Olivia Goodland arrives in London. Working for a society dressmaker she meets wealthy beautiful Grace Ruthwell. Beguiled by the glamour of Grace's world it's only slowly and too late that she becomes aware of the darkness that lies beneath the glittering exterior. When the Second World War erupts Olivia joins the Land Army. At a party in Wiltshire she meets the handsome poet George Flynn whose charms prove impossible to resist. Over the ensuing years Olivia's life is absorbed by the upbringing of her three sons and by her relationship with a man whose passions go beyond poetry. But as the 20th century continues to unfold Olivia makes a shocking discovery and starts to question where her true happiness lies . . .