Since the Great War, some family fortunes have suffered, including those of the Renshaws. Despite being the granddaughter of an earl, Julia Renshaw is under pressure to marry for money – and has settled for Gilbert Townsend, a viscount and a wealthy industrialist. He is decades older than Julia, and it’s clear to her sister Phoebe – and to Eva, who has been like a surrogate mother to the girls – that this is not a love match. Nevertheless, the wedding takes place – and in a hurry.