'She knew now, with a sense of deep tranquil certainty, that terror and injury could not spring from love of this kind, no matter what Nurse said. But she could not put all this into words'.

Set against the vast garden and private coastline of aristocratic Kellaways’ idyllic country house, three domestic servants awaken to the possibilities of life and love. There’s the young nurse-maid Lottie, terrified by the world of men; the scullery maid Maggie, unafraid of seeking out her own pleasure; and Hessie Price the older governess whose worldview shatters when her younger sister becomes engaged. As each woman tries to navigate her desires, attractions ebb and spring against the bloom of flowers.