January 1986. Industry Year. Rummidge, that lovely, sprawling Midlands city raked by motorways, reluctantly confronts another working week. On our right, Mr Vic Wilcox - dynamic, self-made managing director appointed to 'turn round' a struggling engineering firm. On our left, Dr Robyn Penrose - university lecturer in English Literature and expert on the Victorian industrial novel. They have no notion of each other's existence; the piece of paper that will bring them together lies in a recycled envelope at the bottom of someone's in-tray.

Sexually, Vic and Robyn's lives are as far apart as they are professionally. The Shadow Scheme continues on its bumpy course as Vic, a week later, drives Robyn from Rummidge up north on a confidential business investigation. But their weekly appointment grows in significance, as they begin to make surprising discoveries.

Vic acts on Robyn's advice to educate the workforce and addresses a meeting - with an unexpected interruption. Basil turns up unannounced, with disturbing news of Charles's research in the City of London. And as the Shadow Scheme draws to an end, Vic presses Robyn to accompany him on a vital business trip to Germany.

Summer Term. Robyn returns to Rummidge to find urgent messages from Vic and Charles - and from Philip Swallow, inviting her to meet a famous American visitor. What will happen to Robyn and Vic in their relationship and their careers? The endings of the Victorian novels taught by Robyn may provide clues.