Sally Armstrong, having given up her independence and career to follow her husband, Ralph, to his dream job at Jorvik University in York, is finding that she is venting her frustration on household objects. Ralph, seeing her unhappiness, suggests that she finds outlets within the community which she does, and begins to find both a role for herself and makes new friends. Ralph eventually finds her a voluntary task in the Gisburn Archive at the University, and while there she is invited to use her talents and expertise in assisting with the authentication of a document which has been donated to the Archive. If found to be genuine the document will completely alter the historical perspective of one of England's most reviled monarchs. Meanwhile Ralph and Sally's marriage goes through various ups and downs which they weather with humour and love, until they achieve the balance which they both desire.