Ellie Summers' life is unravelling. A couple of months ago, she was quite happy living with her boyfriend Rick in their little cottage, producing paintings of local people's homes. But now, finding herself pregnant - and discovering that Rick is less than enthusiastic about imminent parenthood - things seem rather more complicated. Grace Soudley's life has been coming apart for more than a couple of months. Abandoned by her unsuitable husband for another woman, her only real security is the wonderful old house she was left by her godmother. She's scraped together enough money to repair the roof but, riddled with damp and dry rot, Luckenham House is in serious danger of disintegrating around her unless she finds some more money fast. When Ellie and Grace meet, the two very different women suddenly find they can help each other out. Ellie needs a place to stay; Grace needs a lodger. Both of them need a friend. But then Grace's step-daughter Demi arrives on the scene, followed by the disconcertingly engaging Flynn Cormack - who seems determined to help. And when Grace discovers some beautiful painted panels - which may or may not be rather valuable - hidden behind the tattered dining room curtains, the whole business of restoration starts to get serious.