The fate of the Henry family pivots around the textile mill, providing an enduring thread spanning a century. They live through turbulent times, interspersed with war, technological revolution, and political change. Abe Henry and his twin brothers, William, and Harry, build a prosperous textile business during times of technical advance and play their part in fighting two world wars. Their successors, Richard, George, and Martha emerge as major influences on the business but as government orders dry up and competition bites hard, they diversify and seek business abroad. When Richard Henry travels overseas, he finds his first love, Jo, a wealthy American on holiday in Italy. Then, later in life, following Jo's death, he meets Francesca, an ICI executive in Hong Kong. They are both strong women and each in turn have an important influence on the mill's fortunes. When the textile industry increases in global reach, the company s the opportunity to invest abroad and profit once again, this time from China's industrial revolution. The joint venture in China proves to be a vital element in the company's survival, and a new generation takes control as the old guard retire,
