Summer in February

In the picturesque Cornish countryside of 1913, a vibrant community of bohemian artists flourished under the banner of the Lamorna Group. At its core were the charismatic Alfred Munnings (AJ), Laura Knight, and Harold Knight, their creative energies fueling a rich tapestry of artistic expression. Amidst this swirl of artistic passion, AJ's magnetic charm drew in Gilbert Evans, a gentle soul with a reserved demeanor, whose military background and social connections had earned him a place among the group.

One fateful evening, Florence Carter-Wood arrived in Lamorna, seeking to hone her painting skills under the guidance of the esteemed artists. Her motivations were twofold: she hoped to reconnect with her brother Joey, who was already part of the community, while also escaping the suffocating grip of her father. It was against this backdrop that Gilbert, smitten by Florence's presence, began recording their encounters in his diary.

Florence soon found herself at the center of AJ's attention, as he guided her through sketching exercises and even featured her as a model for one of his most iconic works, "The Morning Ride". Meanwhile, Gilbert's admiration for Florence grew, and he confided in his diary about the depth of his feelings. In a surprise move, AJ proposed to Florence, who accepted with unbridled enthusiasm.

As the wedding preparations unfolded, however, AJ's behavior towards Florence began to take on a darker tone. He invited the couple to an exhibition at the prestigious Royal Academy, where her portrait was displayed alongside those of two other women: a gypsy woman and Dolly, a local model who frequently worked with the Lamorna group. Florence felt mortified by the public display, and in a candid moment with Gilbert, she confessed her growing regrets about accepting AJ's proposal.

At the wedding ceremony itself, Florence implored AJ to remove her portrait from the exhibition, but he remained obstinate, even crowing about his artwork during his wedding speech. Crushed and despairing, Florence attempted to escape the reception, only to be thwarted by a desperate bid for cyanide poisoning that left her clinging to life.

In the aftermath of this traumatic event, Florence retreated to Cornwall, where she turned to Gilbert for solace and guidance. He responded by finding an abandoned cottage, which he offered as a sanctuary for Florence's artistic pursuits. As she packed her belongings to begin anew, AJ ambushed her, attempting to force himself upon her in a desperate bid to reclaim her affections. Florence narrowly escaped this ordeal, fleeing back to the safety of the cottage, where Gilbert's comforting presence awaited.

As the days unfold, a seismic shift rocks the tranquil atmosphere of Cornwall. Gilbert, having made the bold decision to apply for a position in Africa, shares the news with AJ and Florence at their beloved cafe. The ensuing argument sparks a tempest, with Florence storming out of the cafe and Gilbert hot on her heels, following her down to the secluded cottage where they share a momentous encounter. As the dust settles, it becomes clear that their relationship has evolved beyond mere friendship, and they begin to secretly meet in defiance of the societal norms.

Meanwhile, Florence's life is forever altered as she realizes she is with child. She confides in Laura, revealing the truth about AJ's paternity - a revelation that would shatter the fragile facade of their marriage. As Florence struggles to come to terms with her situation, the seeds of heartbreak are sown.

The once-idyllic landscape is now fraught with tension as AJ stumbles upon the truth at a party hosted by the esteemed Knights. His world is shattered, and in the aftermath, Florence flees to the cottage alone, seeking solace in the depths of her despair. In a poignant twist, she succumbs to the darkness, her fate sealed by the cyanide poison that had been a constant presence throughout.

Two years pass, and Gilbert returns to Cornwall, leaving a bouquet of flowers at Florence's grave as an act of remembrance. He seeks out Harold, who presents him with a package containing a note from AJ - a poignant reminder of the enduring power of art. As Gilbert arrives at the cottage, he opens the parcel, revealing AJ's masterful portrait of Florence astride her horse. With reverence, he hangs it above the fireplace, a testament to the indelible mark she left on his life.

The film concludes with a series of poignant vignettes, each illuminating the lives of the characters. AJ never returns to Lamorna, instead finding solace in his art and rising to become one of the most celebrated painters of his generation - a member of the Royal Academy. Laura and Harold Knight also achieve election to the esteemed institution. Florence's brother, Joey, falls in battle during World War I, his sacrifice etched forever in the hearts of those who knew him. And Gilbert Evans remains in Lamorna, the painting of Florence hanging proudly above his fireplace for the remainder of his days, a constant reminder of the love and loss that had defined their tumultuous relationship.