The narrative opens on a dreary November afternoon at Shenstone Park, where Lady Ingleby passes the time awaiting news of her husband Michael, who is fighting in a border war. Her solitude is broken by the arrival of Sir Deryck Brand, a renowned nerve specialist, who brings comfort and engages in philosophical discussions about the spiritual lives of animals, illustrated through Michael's devoted toy poodle, Peter. As weeks pass without word from the front, a telegram finally arrives announcing Michael's death in an explosion during the assault on Targai. Devastated by the news, Myra retreats to a quiet Cornish coastal village under an assumed name to undergo a mental rest cure, leaving her identity and social burdens behind.
In this secluded retreat, she encounters Jim Airth, a rugged veteran and author working on a book about modern warfare. Despite his initial coldness, Jim becomes a powerful presence in her life, ultimately saving her from the rising tide in Horseshoe Cove after a perilous climb up a steep cliff. Their shared ordeal reveals a profound mutual affection, leading to a deep romantic bond.
However, complications arise when it is revealed that Jim was the one whose accidental error caused the explosion that killed Michael. Tormented by guilt, Jim attempts to distance himself, believing he cannot take another man's place, especially under such tragic circumstances. Myra struggles with her conflicting loyalties and the weight of her past. The emotional climax is resolved when the truth about the accident and the shifting nature of their devotion are confronted, leading to a profound reconciliation and a shared future.
