Daphne Pegg leaves Bolton, a domineering aunt and an abortive love affair to start a new life in London. On the same morning Roland Moody, just-divorced antiques dealer and a man determined to enjoy his new freedom, is moving into his new flat. Little do they realise that they will in fact be forced to share the same flat....
With Roland and Daphne becoming reluctant flat-mates, each regards the other as a squatter and claims dominance. Daphne finds the situation impossible, with Iris (Roland's persistent girlfriend) around for much of the time. Oddly enough, Roland is beginning to see the situation in a different light. Can they reach a mutual understanding?
Daphne and Roland have agreed to share the flat equally,. But neither expected a surprise visit from Daphne's Aunt Ethel - who intends to stay for six weeks. Roland, whose plans for a new campaign of seduction are threatened by the intrusion, unexpectedly saves the day with charm and diplomacy. Daphne is grateful, but ends up owing him for much more besides....
Daphne has no-one to escort hr to her department's annual ball. Not fooled by her indifference, Roland arranges for his assistant, Sid, to take her. Daphne's fury at Roland's interference melts into pleasant surprise on seeing Sid resplendent in his dinner jacket. She has a Prince Charming for the night - but will the rest of the story come true?
Daphne and Roland's neighbour, Commander Shelby-Gibbs, have returned early from Brussels - unknown to them, he has an assignation in his flat with a young lady. All is going swimmingly for the Commander, until his wife unexpectedly appears. Roland makes Daphne a reluctant accomplice in an ever more complicated game of musical beds...
A disagreement involving Roland's lady-friend Monica becomes a blazing row and the delicate arrangement between Daphne and Roland falls apart. Efforts to partition the flat fail, and neither can afford to buy the other one out; a game of chance must decide who is to go. Once parted, both seek out the lifestyles they originally planned. But will these live up to expectations?