Richly detailed historical fiction set in 1920s London - London, 1921. Middle-class Julia Longfield looks forward to marrying Chester Morrison whom, her father assures her, is an excellent match. But when Mr Longfield dies suddenly, leaving them in poverty, Julia is jilted by her fianc and it falls to her to look after her family. Then she meets Simon Layzell, owner of a fabric shop, and they decide to go into business. Determined to fight for her family, Julia seizes this opportunity for a new future.