When Daniel retrieves the red scarf dropped by Ruth at a 1937 peace rally he quickly gets to know her and her friend Nancy; and before long he introduces them to Arthur, his fellow student at the London School of Economics. They are all at the beginning of their careers and enjoying life in London but are also idealistic about working to prevent another war in Europe. Since they are all unattached, their attitudes to each other are influenced by the prospect of more intimate relationships. As their circle of friends widens and their private lives become more complex, public events in the wider world begin to intrude. But Mr Chamberlain flies to Munich and returns to tell them they can now sleep quietly in their beds.