In the world of bicycles, new-fangled automobiles and Votes for Women there are many exciting opportunities. But while her father and brother leave London to follow their chosen careers, Phoebe Denford feels she has little choice but to settle for marriage to widower Alban Brockhall. But if Phoebe remains uncertain of how easily she will adapt to her new life, Annie Goode, the maid Phoebe insists on taking with her, has far greater misgivings about a return to Rosecot.