Sophie and Lydia Westlake have always been close, and think of each other as sisters, despite the fact that they are really cousins. Sophie has always been the prettier, more light-hearted younger sister, whilst Lydia has grown up in her shadow, and is more serious and reserved. But until dashing young architect Christian Mellor arrives in town on the day of the annual summer fete, their differences had never mattered. Both girls immediately fall for Christian's charms as he becomes a regular visitor to the family home, having been commissioned to do some building work for their father. Sophie marries Christian, blissfully unaware of her sister's secret passion for her husband. Lydia is devastated and tells no-one how she really feels. But cannot let go of her feelings for Christian, especially when Sophie confides that she is unhappy in the marriage.