In Berlin in January 1939, Major-General Erich von Schellendorf meets Celia Ashton at the British Ambassador's annual New Year's levee, and steps into a casual affaire. By August, on the eve of Hitler's inevitable war, they are dangerously in love. On the brink of war, Erich is caught - between his German wife who will not live with him and the Englishwoman who loves him... - between his English roots and his life in Germany... - between British Military Intelligence and his career in the Wehrmacht... - between his love for the Army and his hatred of Hitler... Erich finds himself cornered by the appalling reality of Nazi control over Germany, and by the realization that out of uniform he has no individual identity. Compelled to pursue his own troubled conscience, he strives to maintain a delicate balance of honour through the most destructive war in history.