Twenty-seven and unmarried, Miss Charlotte Godwin spends her days as thankless nursemaid to two sullen nephews. Knowing her miserly brother Ludlow has no intention of hiring a governess and her sister-in-law tolerates minimal contact with her sons, Charlotte resigned herself to the bleak situation. After Ludlow denies Charlotte's request to attend her friend's wedding in London, he reluctantly agrees to a few days in December for a visit. The evening before Charlotte's departure, a surprise blizzard threatens her travel plans. A pounding noise intrudes upon Charlotte's sensations of despair. Ludlow opens the front door revealing a gentleman with a child in his arms. His carriage has become stuck in the snow. Could the violent storm be a blessing in disguise?