While Napoleon and his army march on the European continent, it is blessedly peaceful in Christiansand in the spring of 1807. The harsh grip of winter is slowly giving way, and spring thaws the town. Amalie Gren knows both the town's drafty living rooms and its pompous ballrooms, but dearest to her is the small skipper's room where she grew up. When she finally returns, the long-awaited reunion with her mother is shattered by a shocking revelation from Mrs. Gyllenmark. Her mother has been carrying a secret so heartbreaking and scandalous that Amalie cannot comprehend that it is true.

Back in Villa Gyllenmark, the atmosphere is still tense. Mrs. Gyllenmark is more malicious than before, the master of the house has shown his true self – and the servants are on their toes. Worse still is the truth about Captain Sjaaland. At the same time, Amalie realises that she has been deeply mistaken about Mr. Wickfall.

As Amalie's emotions rage inside her, time is running out. Soon the big spring masquerade ball is approaching, where Mrs. Gyllenmark will expose Amalie and her mother's great shame to the whole town - and get her final revenge on Amalie.