Passion and tragedy rock the Harvey family 1931: Emilia and Alec's daughter, Lottie, is a source of joy to her mother, and a comfort at a time when her marriage is under strain. Alec is prone to melancholy, and after being injured in a storm, his misery draws him to seek solace with his brother's new wife. When Perry Bosweld, a disabled army surgeon, re-enters Emilia's life, she finds that she is still attracted to him . . .