During one glorious summer between the wars; the realities of life and the sexual ritual dance of the adult world creep into the life of young Margaret Marsh. Her father; preaching the doctrine of the unsavoury Primal Saints; her mother; bitterly nostalgic for what might have been; Charles and Binkie; anchored in the past and a game of words; dying Mrs Frayling and Lydia the maid; given to the vulgar enjoyment of life; all contribute to Margaret's shattering moment of truth. And when the storm breaks; it is not only God who is on the rocks as the summer hurtles towards drama; tragedy; and a touch of farce.