In A rose in winter, the fairest flower in Mawbry is Erienne Fleming, the daughter of the village mayor. She is beset on all sides by suitors, but Erienne's heart belongs to one, Christopher Seton. But marriage for love is not to be. In an attempt to end his gambling debts, Erienne's father auctions her off to the mysterious Lord Saxton. The passage of time reveals a gentle and adoring husband, and Erienne vows to be a loyal wife. But Seton returns.