William Harper is a shy, obsessive-compulsive who is seriously traumatized in his youth. In a later era he may have been diagnosed as mildly autistic. He derives comfort from repetitive habits. He can be gravely troubled if things are not done in a familiar way. His family history includes a minor title currently in the possession of his childless elder brother. A certain foreign business man of immense wealth desires his family lineage to include aristocracy and presses his suit for William to marry his daughter, Elise. The day William sees Elise for the first time is a major turning point in his life. All his obsession descends upon her in the guise of love and, in middle age, he blossoms into the talented man he had not the confidence to become previously. Elise is as ruthless and calculating as her father and for the first couple of years of marriage she throws everything she has got at it. Two sons are swiftly produced to the joy of all except William's sister. William is oblivious to Elise's extra-marital affairs for she keeps him utterly satisfied. The age difference comes between them as William sickens with mental problems that threaten to destroy their relationship. Can William cure his problems and regain Elise's trust? Beyond the camera nothing is as it seems to the naked eye.