Much to the dismay of eight-year-old Emily, father Robert is regularly away from home for extended periods of time. She then lives with her mother de ella Fen and Roberts secretary Marcia Burrows in their house in the countryside. During one of Robert's absences, Emily notices that her mother spends a lot of time with her friend, stage actor Mark. Emily's faith in Fen is shaken. Back at home, Robert senses that something is wrong. Emily lives in fear of her parents breaking up, as does her de ella boyfriend de ella David.