Here is the story of a marriage, of passions lost and found in a setting of controversy about genetic engineering.

Fran and Paul meet on a CND march in the 1960’s. After the birth of their unplanned child they become sexually estranged and lose the joys that illuminated their lives.

Paul gives up his plans to work in Africa and takes a job in the Research and Development department of a drug firm, where he is concerned about the use of genetically modified bacteria. Fran, submerged in motherhood and never be able to live up the her mother’s exacting standards, loses her love of painting.

When an alarming man, a rival in Paul’s firm, begins to harass her she fears that her husband has been involved in something dishonourable. Despite warnings to leave the past alone she is determined to discover the truth about his life.