This is a story of love and betrayel set in a Staffordshire village in 1946. Hannah Kimble has an unhappy life, has no family and lives alone in the village shop. Walking with her border collie is the extent of Hannah"s social life. Joshua Tyne, a dashing American air-force pilot, purchases Edingale manor house and the villagers can"t wait to meet him, especially vivacious May Morris. One night in the manor"s coppice Hannah meets Joshua and he walks her home. Some days later, Joshua asks Hannah if she will help him host a dinner party he"s giving. The evening is a success and Hannah believes she has found love with Joshua because of the way he treats her. However, the following day, May tells Hannah something about Joshua that devastates her.