Michelle D’Artois and Auguste Fabre act as strangers when mingling with New Orleans society. But they know each other well—too well. Both come from the same small upriver town of Vacherie... She was the daughter of a fisherman; he was the son of the largest landowner in the parish. Any association between them was complicated. Nevertheless, they pledged their love—and more. But when their rendezvous on Christmas morning two years ago at the New Orleans docks fails, they each make their own way in the big city. She became the assistant of a successful milliner; he a rising star in a cotton factorage. Now, each decides to return to Vacherie by steamship for the holidays. The last person Michelle expects to see on board is the man who broke her heart. Betrayed by Fabre once, can she reignite the passion she once felt? Will this be the worst Christmas ever, or the best?