After selling their town property for a big profit, Maddy and Ed are able to buy their dream house in the country. Maddy and the children set up home while Ed, a wine trader, has a flat in Manchester and visits on weekends. But Maddy's idyllic dream soon falters. When Jean, their previous neighbor, loses her home and seems to be penniless, Maddy invites her to stay. However, Jean proves to be the guest from hell, and Maddy must struggle to cope with feelings of guilt and suspicion as Jean makes incredible accusations against one of Maddy's new friends. And then Ed, barely coping with living on his own and fighting off the advances of the beautiful Alexandra, drops a bombshell.