1914: Vivian, a young, impassioned debutante is hurried into a marriage to cover a scandal, then War breaks out on her wedding day. Quick to escape matrimony, her traditionalist husband immediately enlists and Vivian has no alternative than to take up the running of his estate. Howard, a brilliant young playwright, refuses to enlist, becoming one of the most notorious conscientious objectors of the time. Narrowly escaping a death sentence by agreeing to take essential work on Vivian's farm, it's only then Howard understands what is worth fighting for.