Philip, a painter who specialises as a copyist, has always been dominated by strong women with secrets.

All seems ready for a major sale of impressionist paintings to be graced by a royal visit. But panic erupts in the boardroom when the pedigree of the Van Gogh - to be sold by the Russians - is questioned. When it causes a scene between the porters, Les and Mick, a respectable firm is forced to take drastic action to save the big day.