While visiting Grace Allingham in wartime London at the behest of Hugh "Hughie" Palgrave, his friend, Charles is charmed by her and abruptly proposes marriage. They marry, but before their honeymoon, Charles reports back for military duty.
He reportedly is shot and taken prisoner. Grace waits for his return while raising their young son, Sigismond "Sigi". Charles returns after nine years, but over time, Grace comes to learn that during his long absence he has been seeing other women. She turns for comfort to her old love, Hughie.
A divorce seems imminent, while eight year-old Sigi is torn between the two parents and their very different ways of life. Because of their commitment to him, Grace and Charles ultimately reconcile.