In 1937, with Britain preparing for war, eighteen-year-old Libby Shakespeare finds employment as a shorthand typist at the offices of a Black Country steelworks. There, she meets Bunty, the daughter of wealthy steel magnate Charles Burgayne, and they become best friends. When Libby is brought to Charles's attention, he comes to admire her competence, while his sons Edward and Hugh admire her vivacious looks and likeable personality. Despite her...