Two sisters fight to assert themselves after being plunged into devastating poverty following their fathers death. Luckily their natural flair for design soon finds them in demand as dressmakers. Beatrice is the elder & apparently wiser of the two who considers herself plain & unmarriageable & whose relationship with society photographer Jack Maddox is seared with conflict & doubt. Her younger sister is Evangeline ravishingly beautiful the victim of chancers philanderers & rogues -- but most of all the victim of her own desires. Throughout all their private turmoils their professional goal is constant: to establish a fashion house in London to rival any in Paris. Based on the massively successful television series created by Jean Marsh & Eileen Atkins this is the full story of Beatrice & Evangeline & of the strength & triumph bitterly made decisions & anguishes that accompanied the rise of the House of Eliott.