When young Effie Gray becomes the wife of John Ruskin, one of the most distinguished writers and critics of the day, who has known her since her childhood, it soon becomes apparent that Ruskin regards her as a muse rather than a wife, and the stifling atmosphere of their home and Ruskin's overbearing wealthy parents soon take a toll on Effie's health.
A trip back to Scotland for Ruskin to have his portrait painted by his protege John Everett Millais increases the distance between husband and wife, but the sympathy shown by Millais begins to offer her a release.
