Jane Fairchild, a 22-year-old maid for a family in Berkshire, lies naked in bed with her lover, Paul Sheringham. He is the 23-year-old son of a nearby wealthy family, and they have just made love. It is March 1924 and “Mothering Sunday”—a Lenten holiday that servants are traditionally allowed off to return to their families. Although Jane has been seeing Paul for seven years, this is the first time that she has been in his house or bedroom. She fantasizes about going with Paul to watch his family’s horse, Fandango, race.

Jane skips back in time to the events leading up to her visiting Paul’s house. Her employers, Mr. and Mrs. Niven, are going out for the afternoon with Paul’s parents and another local family (the Hobdays) to a place called Henley; they are celebrating the upcoming marriage between Paul and the Hobdays’ daughter, Emma. Jane is unsure whether Paul and Emma will attend the celebration and, since she has no family, plans to stay at the Nivens’ home (Beechwood) and read. Then she hears the telephone ring, with Paul on the other end.