Laura (Judi Dench) a brainy translator, and Mike (Michael Williams), a shy landscape gardener, are introduced by Laura's glamourous younger sister, who is intent on finding a mate for her spinsterish sibling. Awkward and rumpled, Mike fails to impress the prickly Laura. Still, Mike senses an opportunity, if only he can find the courage to pursue it. From this inauspicious beginning, the pair lurch and swerve their way to companionship, friendship and, finally, love.