Dramatisation of Jane Austen's novel. Mrs Dashwood is devastated when her husband dies. His estate and fortune are bequeathed by law to his son from a previous marriage. The Dashwoods start a new life in Devonshire but eldest daughter, Eleanor, is upset to leave her sweetheart, while her younger sister, Marianne, quickly finds she has suitors to choose from.

Marianne and Willougby find themselves falling in love while Colonel Brandon is away on business in London, Eleanor receives her visit from Edward - but his odd behaviour leaves her unsettled, Sir John's nieces come to Devonshire, and Marianne gets a horrible shock.

Marianne learns the full extent of Willoughby's betrayal from Brandon. The shock at his behaviour is so severe that Marianne's health deteriorates. When Eleanor learns that Edward intends to honour his engagement to Lucy Steele, even after he is disinherited, she and Marianne decide to leave London. They stay with Mrs Jennings' daughter in Cleveland where Marianne falls gravely ill, but Brandon helps nurse her.