Margot Anderson, 44 and unmarried, has reluctantly agreed to accompany her widowed mother Isabel on a cruise of the Baltic coast. Within the claustrophobic confines of the ship, longstanding resentments between mother and daughter begin to emerge. When they encounter Stephen, a charming widower of Isabel's age, both women are pleased to find someone to confide in. Stephen and Isabel have life experiences in common, while Margot shares his appreciation of history, literature and art. From the outset, Isabel stakes her claim, but it is clear that Stephen's interest lies elsewhere.-2 women, 2 men