It's 1858 and gamekeeper Dewy Kittow has a cosy sexual relationship with Lizzie Hudson, a lady's maid at Long Livery Hall. But, in the heat of a sweltering late summer, Lizzie makes one terrible mistake. To make matters worse, Virginia Windlesham—now returned to Long Livery after the birth of her illegitimate baby—is anxious to resume relations with Dewy. She'll go to any lengths to get Lizzie out of the way, regardless of how much Lizzie will suffer for it. But even Virginia couldn't have foreseen just how terrible the ensuing events would be.