THEN: Emma and Simon move into a unique house built by the brilliant, eccentric architect Edward Monkford. The house requires its residents to follow strict rules and promises to change their lives forever. But what happens if the rules are broken? NOW: Jane recently lost her child; she wants to start her life again and hopes that the Monkford house will help her do this. But this house has its own history, and Jane must understand whether there is a place for her in this history, and most importantly, what role her predecessor played in it.