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Lady Sarah returns to London after her confinement following the birth of her son, Samuel. However, her relationship with her husband, Sir Arthur, is taut and strained and when he demands a legal separation she finds herself isolated.

She's also the target of outraged scandal. This situation forces Lady Sarah to appeal to William Garrow. Together they must confront the web of deceit and accusation that Hill weaves around them. And in doing so they must acknowledge their feelings for each other – feelings they have been desperately trying to ignore.

Lady Sarah finds herself confounded by the deep inequality of eighteenth century life: an inequality that robs her of her child, denies her independence and engulfs her in scandal.
Lyndsey Marshal explains:

"This year's a bit more gritty and emotional for Lady Sarah as it looks at the possible break-up of her marriage. This time around she's got a little boy and it's really interesting because it's all about what happens to women when faced with divorce.

"Lady Sarah is potentially facing a life of nothing if Sir Arthur wins – she'll have no house, no child, no money and she won't be able to marry anybody else.

"It's not that she's fallen out of love with Sir Arthur and wants to be with Garrow – I think Lady Sarah loves them both. I think it's more interesting that way because it is a real emotional battle for her to make a decision.

"Garrow allows her to have her say and space whereas Sir Arthur stifles her – he wants her to stay home. I think the attraction between Lady Sarah and Garrow is that they're like minded people. There's a physical attraction too but a very strong attraction of minds as well.

"Without a doubt, her relationship with Garrow was a huge scandal at that time even today it would cause controversy. Everybody in that society would know who these people are – they would be like the Beckhams in court!"