Ruth leaves Wales to serve the war effort, firstly in Cardiff and then in Blackpool. But the moment she meets Edward who is on the rebound from Sarah, she is out of her depth and unable to resist his advances.Ruth visits a gypsy who tells her; "In your life you will have the blessing of many children but you will endure lifelong sadness. I can see the life you have yet to live and I warn you now, you will go through life seeing children in your shadow." She warns Ruth; "You will walk many paths in your life but before the sun sets every day you will see those children in your shadow."