Mr and Mrs Max Irving request the company of: Mrs Fran Friedman, mourning her empty nest, her lost baby, the galloping years, and a disastrous haircut. Mr Saul Friedman, runner of marathons, avoider of conflicts and increasingly distant husband. The two Misses Friedman, Pip and Katy, one pining over the man she can't have, the other trying to shake off the man she no longer wants. At the marriage of their son James Irving, forbidden object of inappropriate and troubling desire. For thirty-six hours of secrets and lies, painted-on-smiles and potential ruin. And drinks, plenty of drinks. There's nothing like a wedding for stirring up the past. As Fran negotiates her way from Saturday morning to Sunday evening she is forced to confront things she's long thought buried, sending shockwaves through her family, and to make decisions about the future that will have far-reaching consequences for them all.