Henry Slater is the owner of a successful tea-trading company, and his family enjoys a comfortable lifestyle. But love has never been on offer to his children, Dolly and Ken. Dolly works at Slaters and is to marry Frank Mitchell, her father's deputy. However, during the General Strike, Dolly is rescued from a riot by Bill Drake, a factory hand, and they fall in love. When their plans to elope are discovered by Henry, he sets out to part them forever. Stunned by the apparent rejection of her lover, Dolly marries Frank. Bill joins a rival firm, coldly setting out to marry the boss's daughter and planning revenge against the Slaters. They accept that the past is behind them. Until the end of the Second World War's rationing heralds new opportunities - and a merger between the rival tea companies...