Jack, a child of the Blitz, has fled the law to become a seaman in the Merchant Navy. While on leave in the Navy's secret Scottish harbour, Jack meets Olivia, the cossetted daughter of an officer family; she relishes the new freedom granted by war. But her family – and especially the well-connected Charlie, now a fast-rising pilot – don't welcome these changes. Least of all the arrival of Jack, the boy who casts doubt on each of their futures.