In the dying days of the Edwardian Empire, Christopher Tietjens enters into a marriage with the beautiful but cruel socialite Sylvia.

While Sylvia and Christopher are reunited publicly, their relationship remains turbulent in private.

Vicious rumours about Christopher abound, leading to tragedy at Groby. Sylvia finds a new admirer.

In Rouen, an exhausted Christopher prepares soldiers for the draft. Back in London, Sylvia decides to visit her husband in France.

Christopher is sent to the Front with McKechnie and Perowne. Sylvia makes one final, desperate play for him.