Two young adults, from completely different social situations, meet in 1893 when the Huntingtons purchase horses from the Hadleys for their summer home on Mackinac Island. in desperate straits when the economy takes a severe downturn. In Charleston, Jesse Huntington, from a wealthy family, learns just how fall his father has fallen from grace when his father passes away and Jesse must support the family

Meanwhile, desperate for work, when her family's Percheron Farm is struggling, Margaret "Maggie" Hadley dresses as a young man "Mickey" to secure a dray driver's position. Maggie and Jesse soon encounter each other on the island when the Huntingtons relocate there--to the cottage which is their last remaining home.

When soldiers at the fort threaten Maggie's safety during a Christmas event, Mackinac Island's newest teacher, Jesse Huntington, intervenes. But will it be too late!