The Colefaxes are an unconventional family. When you think you understand them their behaviour startles you. The story tells us about Rosemary, a traditional wife whose discovery of her husband's deceit changes her into a renegade and fierce rival. David, a well-meaning but self-doubting husband contained in his safe, middle class world who believes his secret is safe and Sean, their complex and insightful son, just discovering his adult persona. Their fates are interwoven by Alice, a designer whose commune childhood has given her a liberal and free-thinking attitude to love, sex and childbirth. 1960s London is exploding with liberated sex, fashion and music and morals break down rapidly into the summer of love. Alice's family leaves David stunned with confusion. Sean's discovery of free love grows during his adventures in Rome on holiday with his parents, where he meets Gina, a stunning Roman beauty. Each has a secret passion only expressed in the heady atmosphere of a Roman hot-bed.After they return to London and recognise their individual desires all are focussed on Alice and an intricate and hilarious farce ensues between the four that ends in an unexpected drama on New Year's Eve.