When Liz Dewhurst discovers that her husband Gregor is having an affair, it not only destroys their marriage but also threatens their livelihoods. Merging their farms in happier times had made perfect financial sense: separating them leaves both facing a struggle for survival. Then an American-financed consortium offers to buy their land and turn it into a golf course. Liz is torn: the money is tempting, but the farm is part of her familys history; is she really ready to give that up, and also to help Gregor and his mistress? Lizs son, meanwhile, suggests renting out a room to raise some money. The person he suggests, his German tutor Arthur Kempler, is funny, charming, and hits it off with everyone. And when Arthur goes on holiday to Spain, and Liz agrees to join him, she meets the last person either expected to see: Arthurs son . .