Ireland, 1941: while the rest of Europe is at war, the inhabitants of Kinalty Castle find themselves overwhelmed by uncontrollable feelings of lust and passion. Before long, Charlie Raunce, the castle's butler, has fallen head over heels in love with Edith the housemaid.

A recently married schoolteacher becomes infatuated with an enigmatic photographer after a chance encounter. But when she discovers that he has covertly been taking pictures of her, she aims to destroy this part of his portfolio.