Mary is worried she is over-sexed, but that is the least of Tommy's worries. Their love is strong, and yet as powerful as their passion is for each other, their physical relationship remains within firm, frustrating limits Mary has set. Tommy is more concerned about the likelihood he will be called up into the armed forces, or forced to work down the mines. Making plans for the future is difficult, but they are determined. With the prospect of a job for Tommy, it seems they may achieve everything they want, but Tommy is still struggling to cope with Mary, with her mother who looks and behaves more as though she is Mary's sister, and with the young women who work with Mary at the factory.