In the summer before World War II, a Member of Parliament, Sir Alexander Keyes (Bill Nighy) and Maud (Jenny Agutter) spend time at their charming summer residence. But their rest is broken when adopted daughter Anne Keyes (Romola Garai) uncovers appeasement feelings among their friends. Hector Haldane (David Tennant) supports Churchill against Hitler and wants war immediately to save what’s left of the British Empire. Worse yet, Anne discovers some conspiratorial recordings that bring doom to those exposed. Her Foreign Office boyfriend Lawrence (Charlie Cox) may not be able to help. It seems there are those who believe aristocrats are dangerous people, leaving Aunt Elizabeth (Julie Christie) and Walter Keyes (Christopher Lee) among those worried about the future.