On her way home to spend the Christmas holidays with her parents in the West Country, Jane Mitchell is involved in a car crash that leaves her clinging to life. As Jane lies in hospital fighting for her life, her parents are struggling to come to terms with the tragic situation, and the strain shows within their relationship. They feel trapped in the routine of constant visits and of holding onto the slim hope of Jane's recovery. Feelings run high bringing behaviours out of character to them. Also in the West Country but many years before, a group of soldiers find themselves on the Island of Steep Holm in the Bristol Channel, guarding an important French prisoner. General Jean-Andoche Junot, one of Napoleon's closest friends and military advisors, was captured at the battle of Vimiero. Whilst waiting for Sir Arthur Wellesley, who will later become the Duke of Wellington, to interrogate their prisoner, the island also proves to be a prison for the soldiers guarding the General. Feelings also run high amongst them, especially when a young girl is sent to look after the General. The two stories run parallel until the past catches up with the future bringing a dramatic conclusion.