Hell's Kitchen

In the dying days of the Edwardian Empire, principled aristocrat Christopher Tietjens enters into a destructive marriage with cruel socialite Sylvia (Rebecca Hall), despite learning that the baby she carries may not be his. Christopher resolves to remain faithful, even after encountering Valentine Wannop, a fearless young suffragette with whom he shares an instant connection.

After a stint in France with her fawning admirer, Perowne, Sylvia reunites with Christopher. Under his terms of reconciliation, Christopher insists they move into a flat opposite Macmaster. After war is declared, Christopher is ordered to massage military numbers. Outraged at being asked to lie, he quits his job and enlists in the army, infuriating his wife.

As Christopher recovers from shell shock in France, a round of vicious rumors leads to a shocking tragedy at Groby, his family home. Sylvia finds a new admirer, Brownlie. Edith and Macmaster plan a new life together. Valentine, whose family has been stigmatized, secures a London teaching job but falls out of favor with the social-climbing Edith.

In Rouen, Christopher prepares recruits for battle. Bored in London, Sylvia decides to visit her husband in France, oblivious to the consequences. Christopher's leniency towards a soldier accused of desertion angers the chief of military police. Following a confrontation outside Sylvia's hotel room, Christopher is ordered to leave Campion's training unit -- for the front.

At the front, Christopher takes over from a commanding officer who suffers from shell shock and a drinking problem. After General Campion arrives to take over his command, Christopher convalesces and is sent home, where Sylvia -- now ensconced at Groby -- makes a last-ditch attempt to keep her husband from building a future with Valentine.