Three-part dramatization of the novel by Joanna Trollope. A clergyman's wife shocks the church establishment and infuriates her husband by taking a job in a supermarket. She attracts the passionate interest of three very different men: a newly-appointed archdeacon; his younger brother, a philosopher and academic; and a wealthy businessman new to the village.
When Peter misses out on promotion to Archdeacon, Anna takes a job at the supermarket to earn enough to send Flora to private school, which Peter sees as an act of rebellion against him and the church.
Anna's wealthy new neighbour, Patrick, offers her son Luke a job. The village ladies show their disapproval of Anna's job, and Anna finds herself attracted to the Archdeacon's brother, Jonathan.
Anna gets closer to Jonathan, while Luke thinks she's having an affair with Patrick. When Peter finds out that Flora has a free place at St Saviours he tells the supermarket that Anna will be leaving.
Tragedy strikes after Patrick's housekeeper Ella tells Peter that Anna is having an affair with Patrick.
