King's Walk is a row of semi-detached houses built by Albert king, whose family occupies Cedar Lodge, the big house on the corner. But the war changes the lives of all who live there, whether they are working or upper class. Albert's widow, Theresa, has one son reported "missing in action" and the other about to marry 'beneath him'. For the religious Sands family the morals of their adopted daughter bring shame. Then there is Clarice, footloose when her grandson leaves to do his National Service, who accepts a job in service at Cedar Lodge. But it is very different from pre-war days and now it will be Clarice who makes the rules...