Travelling to a new position as governess in Cockermouth, Miss Dorcas Minster views with dismay the bleak, snowy fells of the Lake District. When an accident forces the passengers of the stage-coach to seek refuge in a lakeside inn over Christmas, she surprisingly finds herself wishing she could stay there indefinitely. For so stimulating are her fellow passengers, particularly the dashing Colonel Sir Richard Severall, en route to stay with his sister after being wounded on the Peninsula. Sir Richard's thoughtful consideration is an entirely new experience for Dorcas, used to being treated as little better than a servant. But do his natural good manners really mask more serious intentions?