Lindsey, a successful novelist who is widowed and childless, allows herself to be persuaded into boarding students for the university. She is determined not to get involved in their problems, but she does. Solid, practical Chris gives her little trouble; febrile, father hating, guitar playing Dickon causes upheavals but wins her heart with his warmth and sympathy. The boorish "Blitz' is another matter and his appalling girlfriend who attempts to smash up the cottage brings matters to a head. When she is finally free from them all, another student appears and it looks as if she will be starting all over again.