Drama written and directed by Peter Greenaway, set in Wiltshire in 1694. Young, successful artist Mr Neville (Anthony Higgins) is commissioned by Mrs Virginia Herbert (Janet Suzman) to produce a series of drawings of her country house and gardens as a gift for her husband, who is currently away on business. Part of the contract includes Mrs Herbert's agreement to comply with Mr Neville's sexual demands. Mrs Talmann (Anne Louise Lambert), Mrs Herbert's married but childless daughter, then blackmails Mr Neville into complying with her own sexual requests because she wants a baby. When a body is discovered in the moat, accusations and violence follow.