August 1939, The Cuthbertsons and their 10-yr old cousin Sophy are in Cornwall for their annual holiday. Sophy does the 'Terror Run' for the first time, despite her misgivings about the Coastguard's hut. The only talk is of war.

The family separate when war is declared. Oliver joins the army, while Polly takes a job at the Home Office. Calypso marries for money, and Sophy is sent to boarding school. The war brings liberation to some. What happened to Sophy in Cornwall?

Richard gets pneumonia, and Helena and Sophy return to Cornwall. Helena reaches an understanding with Monica. Calypso fulfills her side of the bargain with Hector. Sophy tells Walter what happened to Penrose the coastguard

The family react differently to Walter's death. Richard comes to London. Calypso and Richard visit Sophy at school in Cambridge. Oliver and Hector meet in N.Africa. The twins' posting upsets Polly. Calypso gets a telegram. Monica and the General grow closer, with serious consequences.

Sophy runs away from school, only to find that Helena and Polly have gone to Cornwall. Max hears that his son Pauli has died in Dachau - or has he? Hector is a POW. Richard dies. Calypso gives birth during an air raid, with Sophy as midwife. 1984. Sophy and Calypso meet in Cornwall for Max's funeral. Sophy hides from Pauli. Oliver arrives late for the funeral, in a rainstorm. At the wake, Calypso reveals that she grew to love Hector after all. Will Sophy and Oliver resolve their issues?