On the way to Manchester, Anna and Nick meet bookmaker Piggy White and his assistant 'Mo' - two people who know rather more about Anna's past than she's prepared to talk about
Nick and Anna decide to set up house together, but Nick insists that there are no emotional ties - its a proposition, not a proposal. Nick's not looking for a woman - women, maybe, one woman, no.
Anna and Nick furnish their new home and throw a party, at which Anton invites Nick to a reception for the art community at the Town Hall. Their friendship is stretched to the limit during the evening - and Anna is picked up by a most unlikely man
The strained relationship between Anna and Nick leads Nick suddenly into an affair with Rachel, an affair on his own terms. Anna, left alone, has to cope with new problems concerning her son, Brian.
Anna's son Brian is missing, and her relationship with Nick is deteriorating.
Rachel receives a proposal of marriage, and tragedy touches the lives of Anna and Nick when the young artist comes face to face with his past. A new problem for Rachel means that Nick has to divulge his affair to Anna.
Rachel is alone and penniless - but help arrives from an unexpected quarter.