Rarely has spring in the Cotswolds been as invigorating, nor the orchards of the Chipping Vale Cider Farm as glorious as this year. For Elizabeth Lancaster, 40, a fragile beauty who, with her brother Richard, has inherited the centuries-old, family-run cider farm, the blossoms she enjoys might be her last: she urgently needs a heart transplant.
Ignoring the pains in her chest, Elizabeth had rushed out to the compound but was unable to do anything but gaze at the fiery destruction of her life's work. The fire is followed by more bad news, now from her cardiologist: her body seems to be rejecting her new heart… She refuses to tell her family, so as not to upset her loved ones any further. Encouraged by his children, Duncan launches a campaign to win back Elizabeth.
Andrew, meanwhile, quits his job as an architect, hoping to help Elizabeth rebuild the cider farm. But even though they've once yielded to desire and made passionate love, Elizabeth still cannot decide whether to return to Duncan or commit herself to Andrew. By now, she realizes that Andrew's sister-in-law Janet is in love with him – and it seems to be an obsessive and all-consuming love.