Grayeson Manor has been a sign of enduring strength for many years. When Lord Grayeson is called back to his homeland, the large estate is left in the hands of his painfully debilitated wife, Myrnie. During the long years of his absence she lovingly oversees the manor and raises her twin sons, who are approaching manhood. When a horseback ride ends tragically for one of the young men on the estate, Myrnie must face the fact that her son, Charles Martin, is choosing an increasingly dangerous course, one that threatens the future of Grayeson Manor and its people. Charless disturbing behaviors, plus the arrival of a beautiful neighbor, Catherine Hampton, create a growing rift between him and his younger twin, John Paul. Myrnie must lean on her husbands invisible presence as she plans for the traditional Christmas Ball, an evening that becomes more and more pivotal to this allegorical tale, set in 1812.