With the help of her old diaries, Sarah Morris recounts the tale of her life. The daughter of an English country vicar and his loving wife, she begins by telling of her happy childhood with her two elder brothers, whom she adores, and her spoilt younger sister in the village of Fairfield. As time passes, Sarah's world expands when her brothers bring friends home from university - among them is Charles, a charming Austrian, to whom she quickly becomes very close. Over the years they fall in love, but when war breaks out in Europe Charles must suddently return to Austria. While she patiently awaits his return, Sarah's quiet life goes on as she continues working hard and caring for her family. But she can't stop wondering if she will ever see her sweetheart again