Recently married to Charles, Sarah is furnishing a cottage in Scotland and starting on a life in sharp contrast to their wartime experiences. Their full entrance into village life is helped by Sarah's delightful grandparents, who have given them the land on which they have built their cottage. They work together, collaborating in translations for a publisher. Charles embarks on more ambitious writing, his autobiography, yet increasingly it is not books but life itself that engrosses him and Sarah. In particular Frederica, the daughter of Sarah's frivolous and pleasure-seeking sister, commands their sympathy and love. One by one the characters of a large attractive family make their appearance but it is through Frederica that the nexus of family problems is finally resolved. A new generation is growing up. The story begins as Roger flies home to Amberwell on leave, full of plans for his family and home.
