In the bleakness of post-World War I February in London, Mrs. Wilkins stumbles upon an enticing advertisement in The Times for a charming Italian castle available for rent in April. Spotting another lonely soul from her womens club, Mrs. Arbuthnot, engrossed in the same ad, she persuades her to join in on this adventure. Both women find themselves trapped in unfulfilling marriages and are unable to shoulder the cost of the villa, San Salvatore, alone. They decide to seek two additional companions, ultimately bringing aboard a genteel elderly widow, Mrs. Fisher, and the captivating young socialite, Lady Caroline Dester, who is eager to escape the confines of London society. As they embark on their journey to Italy, the enchantment of San Salvatore begins to work its magic, transforming each of their lives in ways they could never have imagined. (Summary by Diana Kiesners)