Mrs. Gareth is the widowed chatelaine of Poynton. She is fighting to keep her house with its priceless objets d'art from her son Owen and his lovely, but utterly philistine fiancee. When she discovers that her young friend Fleda Vetch is secretly in love with Owen, she thrusts Fleda into the battle line. The power struggle between the three women leaves Owen vacillating. Fleda risks betraying, and being betrayed by, all that she holds most dear.

Title from container. Based on the novel by Henry James. Originally broadcast as a television motion picture in 1970. Contains 4 episodes: Pride of possession, Sharp practice, Trail of strength, Retribution.