After faithfully nursing her invalid husband for eight years, the widow Laura Brooke is hesitantly emerging into the world. She finds a job with Oliver Farringdon, Ambassador to an international organisation in Paris - he's divorced and needs someone to supervise his teenage daughter. But, can Laura cope with her demanding employer and with Paris after her solitary celibate life in the depths of the country? Leaving the Hampshire mud to live amongst chic Parisians is a culture shock. Laura's position in the ambassadorial household is tricky and the servants resent her. Besides, keeping tabs on Charlotte isn't easy. Oliver has strict views about daughters, as well as everything else. Jane Eyre meets Nancy Mitford in this story of life and love in two countries. During her time in Paris impulsive, over-conscientious Laura comes to realise that adversity has made her a stronger person.