Escape Me Never

In Venice at the turn of the century, the young composer Caryl Dubrok begins a romance with English heiress Fenella MacLean. The affair is passionate but complicated by social expectations and the looming possibility of scandal that could entangle both families.

Fenella's parents mistake Caryl for living with Gemma and her baby, triggering a protective but anxious reaction. They decide to leave Venice and retreat to a safer distance in the Dolomite mountains to avoid further trouble.

Gemma ends up living with Caryl's big brother Sebastian in the mountains, where he offers her shelter and support for the baby. He vows to help explain the misunderstanding to the MacLeans and keep the peace within the family.

Caryl, Gemma, and Sebastian survive the harsh journey by singing in the streets, using their music to earn a living while they seek clarity. Both Caryl and Sebastian are aspiring composers who rely on their talent to sustain themselves.

One day Caryl hurts his foot, and Gemma and Sebastian sing together in the street, where they meet a strikingly beautiful woman. Sebastian is instantly drawn to her, unaware that she is Fenella, while Gemma quietly returns to Caryl.

The inspiration from that encounter drives Sebastian to compose a music piece as the beginning of a ballet, started that very night. He pours his new emotions into the work, laying the groundwork for a larger commission.

Morning reveals to Gemma that the beautiful woman is Fenella; to avoid further misunderstandings, Gemma and Sebastian marry and move to London. Sebastian continues to develop the ballet, hopeful for a new chapter in their careers.

The MacLean family settles in London while Caryl follows, taking a job as a music agent. He begins navigating the city’s musical scene, seeking opportunities and connections for Fenella and their circle.

Caryl and Fenella become engaged, and Fenella arranges for Sebastian to perform his ballet in London. The arrangement tightens the bond between Fenella and Sebastian as they shape the production.

The ballet’s London success brings Fenella back into close contact with Sebastian, but his rehearsals consume him and he neglects Gemma at a critical moment when Gemma’s baby is ill. Fenella, torn by her relationship with Sebastian, breaks off her engagement to Caryl.

Fenella and Sebastian spend a weekend at the MacLeans' country estate, during which Gemma's baby dies from illness and Gemma herself disappears. The loss leaves Sebastian with deep guilt and a sense of irrevocable consequence.

Sebastian returns to London, overwhelmed by guilt, and begins reworking the ballet inspired by his love for Gemma. The renewed creative energy channels his remorse into a refined and evolving work.

When the ballet finally has its first performance, Gemma returns to watch and is reunited with Sebastian. The triumph of the piece brings closure to a painful chapter and seals their renewed bond.