Norfolk, 1920. Barbara Bosgrove has lived in the in the charming market town of Melsham all her life, and is looking forward to the annual Harvest Supper dinner and ball - the first since the dark days of the First World War. It isn't long before George Kennett seeks her out for a dance. He has had his eye on her since spotting her punting on the Cam with her great friend Penny. George vows to win Barbara's hand in marriage - a woman of her prestige would help raise his prospects considerably, and George is nothing if not a man of ambition. Barbara agrees to marry George; although he can be rather serious at times - she believes he is a man she can rely on. Little does she realise how wrong she can be.