At the outset of the Cold War, Lewis Eliot allies himself to the cause of nuclear disarmament and to the ambitions of a young and idealistic Tory minister, Roger Quaife.

Roger Quaife 's political ambitions are jeopardised by a private scandal -and Lewis Eliot finds his own career is also placed at risk.

Lewis Eliot has renounced his career in Whitehall and become a successful writer. The offer of a post in the new Labour government tempts him back to political life.