In the late summer of 1952, amidst the turmoil of people moving en masse out of Cotton Street to pastures new, Edie Birch and her only child Maggie must say a sad farewell to old friends and neighbours. Edie loves her modern flat on the innovative East End council estate but making a new start is daunting. But she needn't have worried - helped along by the enthusiasm of her flamboyant Aunt Naomi, new friendships are forged and a brighter life begins. Edie even meets a new man. Outside of her happy orbit, however, a dark secret threatens to destroy her world. Aunt Naomi and her not-so-law-abiding friends must join forces to shield Edie. But can they stop the cruel hand of fate from delivering a blow which - at the very least - would expose the shameful truth?