Young, headstrong and wilful, Zandra Rochford marries her first love, Anthony Wisson, believing that his success and strength of character match his good looks and extraordinary generosity. She is unaware that it is her connection to the respected Rochford family that has prompted his offer of marriage. As her eyes are opened to the truth of her husband's cruelty, she turns more frequently to Guy Bristow, her husband's personal assistant, whose values and ideals match her own.
On the outbreak of the Second World War, Guy is captured at Dunkirk and now not only he but all the members of the Rochford family face terrible danger as the German invasion becomes imminent...