Grief nearly destroys May Burton after losing his beloved she‑warrior, Pitamakan.

At the sacred place, Chief Walking Bear urges him to lay down his sorrow and return home to Williamsburg. Traveling with his father, John Jacy Burton offers quiet wisdom: “You may never be this way again.”

In Williamsburg, the twirl of a lace parasol and a swish of calico awaken something long dormant. Duanna Collins is no longer the tomboy who once annoyed May. Today, Duanna’s gentle charm and tempting fragrance draw May back toward life — and toward love.

His heart heals. Hope returns.

But on Christmas Eve, a single knock at the manor door shatters everything he has rebuilt.