Christine Preece's dramatic entry into the world heralds a life of mixed fortunes. Her relationship with her first love, Andrew ('Finchie'), ends in an unwanted direction. However, her marriage to Oliver, a work colleague, writer and passionate supporter of the 60s' peace movement, helps resolve some of both their traumas. During Oliver's recovery from cancer, Christine researches the history of Springwell, an 18th century mansion she had visited...