In This Our Life

Adult sisters Roy Kingsmill and Stanley Timberlake are the daughters of Asa and Lavinia Timberlake. Roy takes after her father's side of the family--compassionate and thoughtful if somewhat "soft"--whereas Stanley takes after her mother's side of the family: cutthroat and selfish. The differences between these two sides of the family can also be seen in the former business dealing between Asa and Lavinia's brother, William Fitzroy, who came into wealth at the expense of Asa's side of the business. William dotes on his niece Stanley, who adds excitement to his life. Stanley is about to marry Craig Fleming, a lawyer without much professional ambition. Roy is already married to surgeon Peter Kingsmill and they live in the Timberlake family home. Just before Stanley and Craig's wedding, Stanley and Peter, who have been having an affair, run off together. Peter felt stifled in the marriage because of living at the Timberlakes' while Roy allowed her family to control their lives. After Stanley and Peter run off, Roy and Craig try to get on with their lives. Just as Roy and Craig feel that they have left this dark part of the lives behind them, Stanley re-enters their lives, insisting on satisfying her selfish desires at the cost of anyone who gets in her way.