Devastated by the accident that robbed her of her husband and her career, pianist 'Plum' Linthwaite returns to her northern roots to help her struggling granddaughter Nicola and to take stock of her otherwise empty life. However, when she discovers letters belonging to her great-uncle Hugh she becomes engrossed in the mystery and intrigue surrounding his supposed disgrace. With Nicola and her neighbour Paul sharing her curiosity, she learns of Hugh's return, physically and emotionally scarred, from the Great War, and his employment under a harsh and insensitive regime. It seems his life lacks...