Anne Elliot is a young Englishwoman of 27 years, whose family is moving to lower their expenses and get out of debt, at the same time as the wars come to an end, putting sailors on shore.

They rent their home to an Admiral and his wife. Brother of Admiral's wife is Navy Captain Frederick Wentworth, a man who had been engaged to Anne when she was 19, and now they meet again, both single and unattached, after no contact in more than seven years.

First time the engagement was broken up because Anne's family persuaded her that Frederick wasn't good enough opportunity.

The new situation offers a second, well-considered chance at love and marriage for Anne Elliot in her second "bloom".