In England during the 1850s, a young woman named Nelly Ternan meets Charles Dickens, already a literary giant at the peak of his career. Despite the significant age difference between them, a profound connection forms. Dickens is captivated by Nelly’s intelligence and beauty, while she is drawn to his charisma and passion for literature. As their relationship deepens, Dickens struggles with balancing his public persona and private life, which includes an unhappy marriage. The situation grows increasingly complicated as Dickens’s fame necessitates secrecy and discretion in his personal dealings.

The film progresses with detailed glimpses into Dickens’s complex and often contradictory personality, as well as Nelly's internal conflicts. She grapples with her role in Dickens’s life and the societal expectations placed upon her. The secrecy of their affair brings emotional turmoil and forces Nelly to make difficult decisions about her future and identity. The narrative shifts between past and present to highlight the long-lasting impact of their relationship on Nelly, revealing how she has carried the weight of this hidden chapter throughout her life.