Three years have passed since the tragic events of that summer, when swans first visited the city and Maidy is on the way to New York, where Ruth, now a famous film star, is to be married. Promising Pappy to toss her memories overboard, this proves impossible when a chance encounter with a passenger brings back thoughts of Zande and the realisation that she still loves him.

On her return a casual job offer from Hans, to work in his art shop in Flambeau in France, brings Justine into Maidy’s life. But all too soon Ruth and Zande step out from the wings and reassume their dominance of events. Ruth re-awakens Hans’ boyhood passion for her, placing his relationship with Justine in jeopardy, and Zande?

Once again, both happiness and tragedy will find their way to Maidy’s door but is the ending already written?