Itv's acclaimed british historical drama based on the novel by julian fellowes about scandalous secrets and star crossed lovers. Starring tamsin greig, harriet walter, philip glenister and tom wilkinson. The drama opens in 1815, two days before the battle of waterloo, and the duchess of richmond is hosting her annual ball in brussels. The great and the good of british society have gathered what is to become one of the most tragic parties in history. Many of the handsome young men attending the ball will soon find themselves on the battlefield. For sophia trenchard, the young and beautiful daughter of wellington's chief supplier, this night will change everything. But it is only 25 years later, when the upwardly mobile trenchards move into the fashionable new area of belgravia, that the true repercussions of that moment will be felt. For in this new world, where the aristocracy rub shoulders with the emerging nouveau riche, there are those who would prefer the secrets of the past to remain buried . . .