Trying to fill the void in her life after the death of a much-loved brother, Delia Lydgate goes to stay with her grandparents in their peaceful Surrey home. The gentle countryside is bliss after London's social bustle and Delia is delighted to have the chance of becoming secretary to a local writer, Sophie Dilney. Delia's mother is equally delighted at her daughter's friendship with another neighbouring household, and hopes for a romance which will rewrite a page of her own youth. But Delia finds herself being drawn by some strange force to Gavin Dilney, her employer's sardonic nephew. The hopelessness of her love seems complete until an unforeseen accident leads to a full explanation and a happiness untarnished by memories of the past.