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As the 1980s begins Charity Walton appears to have it all - a husband, four children, and a promising academic career. But the cracks are beginning to show in her marriage, and when Professor Mark Carleton joins her university department, the two are attracted to each other.

Summer 1981: Charity and Mark consummate their affair at Sally and Eric's holiday cottage, but as Charity has daughter Rachel in tow it's not long before Charity's husband and Mark's wife figure out the truth. James begins an affair with his secretary. Charity and James attempt to stay together for the sake of the children while continuing their extra-marital relations, but matters come to a head and something has to give.

James begins a new life with Shelley. Charity throws herself into her work, gaining her PhD, lecturing overseas, and supporting her friend Sally through her fertility treatment. Mark, jealous of Charity's new lease on life, is reluctant to leave Jane, until Charity takes matters into her own hands.

Two years later, Charity and her children are flourishing while Mark and Jane are reconciled - at least on the surface. Mark and Charity meet up and re-establish their relationship, but both fear they are going over old ground.

Mark begins an affair with the daughter of a colleague. Sally is determined to pursue one last cycle of IVF. Both matters come to a head as Charity throws Mark a 50th birthday party.