The married life of Robert Mansbridge and his wife Editha is the talk of the village. Whispers of infidelity and wantonness abound; whilst most of their neighbours respect the doctor, Editha is regarded as a shrew. Meanwhile, timid Catherine Duncton is hopelessly in love with Robert, but chained to her invalid father; and sculptor Leslie Crispin carries a torch for Editha. Then Editha dies in mysterious circumstances, and the rumour mill churns ever faster and more fiercely...