Sir Hallam Holland and his beautiful wife Lady Agnes inherit a dilapidated 165 Eaton Place, and set about restoring the house to its full glory. Former housemaid Rose Buck finds herself back in the house where she was happiest, but the arrival of an unwelcome guest puts a strain on relations, both upstairs and down.

Sir Hallam finds himself at the centre of a national crisis when his friend, the Duke of Kent, asks for help. Meanwhile, storm clouds are gathering within 165 Eaton Place, with Lady Agnes's growing fear over the imminent arrival of her baby, and the servants' concern for Lotte, who refuses to speak. But, as the king finally abdicates, Hallam makes a discovery that will change his life forever.