'We are merely the stars' tennis balls, struck and banded / Which way please them' {The Duchess of'Malfi. John Webster) For Ned, 1980 seems a blissful year. Handsome, charming, popular and talented, his life is progressing smoothly, effortlessly, happily. And when he meets the lovely Portia Fendeman his personal jigsaw appears complete. But timing is everything life, and his life is about to change for ever.