They chanted. ‘Release Mandela’. But for three young individuals, their motives are their own…

During a London Anti-Apartheid march, the Daily Mirror reporter Harry meets the impassioned Petronella, a communist activist. Alongside her is Josiah Makoni, a man spearheading his own cause to free his people from colonial Rhodesia. A country threatening to declare unilateral independence from Britain…

Enamoured after his brief encounter, Harry wants more. Why is this woman so intriguing when her political agenda is in direct contrast to her family background? The granddaughter of an English magnate and daughter of a privileged white Rhodesian farmer. Playing with Harry, it becomes clear that Petronella and Josiah are lovers, driving Harry ever more to win her over.

But for Josiah, his desire and passion are for his land. To break free of white oppression. To recruit freedom fighters and take back the power of his country, Zimbabwe. No matter the unthinkable…

The Best of Times is the ninth episode in the Brigandshaw Chronicles. It’s the best of times for some, but the start of a bitter war to come.