Gerald Bradley lives happily on his splendid English countryside estate with his daughter Emily, until his wife Anne's fatal car accident. Art teacher Charlotte Miller returned to her aunt Winifred's neighboring estate to teach in Emily's school, but the rebellious brat opts to transfer to boarding school. In her absence, Gerald and Anne become lovers, which Emily won't accept. Charlotte's ex, London gallery keeper Matthew, tries to solve his financial problems by either marrying well -with her- or swindling Winifred, but neither succeeds.