The very different lives of Jan Leigh, a poor but studious young country lad, and Diana Gayelorde-Sutton, the equally single minded daughter of a rich landowner, from the 1920s through to post-war Britain.
When John Leigh arrives in Devon to live with his relatives, little does he realise how his life is about to change – and all due to a chance meeting with Diana Gayelorde-Sutton.
Jan sets out to learn the qualities required of a gentleman in order to impress Diana. However, his plans for the future seem destined to fail.
Two years have passed and Jan leaves Devon to work on a Fleet Street newspaper. He soon finds that the experience he gains is not confined merely to his journalistic talents.
Just when he least expects it, Jan's idyllic days with Diana are brought to an end. He accepts an assignment abroad, only to find the past catching up with him.
Jan's life seems to be taking a turn for the better; it appears that nothing can stand in his way. Or so he thinks.
With the outbreak of the Second World War, Jan leaves 'Sennacharib' and discovers that by coming to terms with the past, he is able to look forward to the future.
Assigned to a quiet desk job near his home, Jan enjoys two years of happy married bliss. However, his military duties abruptly change and dramatically alter the course of his life.
Jan's return to France proves shattering – in more ways than one.
Back in England, Jan makes a last-ditch attempt to put his life into some sort of order. But fate has yet another card up her sleeve.
Jan is sent on his final, most dangerous mission of the war — the repercussions of which are almost too much to bear.