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 purpose until he meets Ellen. Plum learns of their deep and touching romance and traces the early steps of their performing career. She now faces three challenges. She is determined to discover the truth about Hugh, she has to help Nicola make sense of her troubled life and, most perplexing of all, she must find her own way forward.