Set over a day in 1924, the narrative follow Jane Fairchild, a maidservant in the Niven family, who has the day off to observe Mothering Lord's Day while Mr. and Mrs Niven go to a luncheon to observe the battle of their neighbour’s merely stay son, Alice Paul, to Emma Hobday. Jane rejoices at her freedom on an unseasonably hot, beautiful springtime day. But, she has no female parent to go to. For about seven old age she has – gleefully and without shame – be Paul’s lover. Like the Nivens, Alice Paul belong to England’s old money nobility, whereas Jane was orphan at birth. With the house handily empty, they can eventually run into in Paul’s sleeping room for the first clip. Today will be their last as lover. It is besides the day that will tag the beginning of Jane’s transmutation as the narrative blossom through the hours of cloak-and-dagger passionateness.