Cressida Fellbridge is living the high life as a debutante in 1960s London society when she is courted by a friend of her brother"s and is set to marry. To mark the occasion, her father decrees that she must have her portrait painted. But as soon as Cressie meets the painter Ralph Few, she knows her life will never be the same again. She falls deeply in love with Ralph, but he is still married to Catherine. As Cressie is drawn into a strange, triangular relationship, Catherine"s behaviour becomes increasingly erratic, so Ralph and Cressie escape to Cressie"s family home in Cumbria. But Catherine will not give up Ralph that easily...