Tess Durbeyfield is encouraged by her father to seek advancement with their supposed wealthy relatives, the D'Urbervilles. There she meets the charming Alec, who showers her with attention and gifts. But she soon discovers a dark side to her suitor...

Tess agrees to marry Angel, to his great joy. When he confesses to a dishonourable event in his own past, Tess feels that she can at last tell him about her relationship with Alec D'Urberville and its consequences.