After running over a woman in his car, Anthony Speed fears he has killed her. However Gertrude Mallender is not one for quitting on life. In her eighties, she is every bit the survivor. Recovering, she invites Anthony to her mansion where he makes contact also with her live-in carer Maria. Together, Anthony and Maria help her come to terms with the memory that has long tormented her: the premature death of her only son. Wealthy and independent-minded as she is, lawyer Richard Noble struggles to persuade his client to put her affairs in order. Not that Richard doesn't have other serious problems of his own. With lives around her in danger of falling apart, 'Mrs M' is tempted to play the role of guardian angel. But then how far are others prepared to have her pull the strings that could determine their own future?