Writer Martin Woodbridge first visits the village of Bernay, in the Dordogne, with his wife Merle, in 1966. They are both captivated by it, and relish the friendly welcome shown to them by the locals, in particular the manager of the hotel where they stay, Henri Leroy. Henri's wife Marie is a beautiful young woman, but Martin senses disturbing undercurrents in their relationship, and is concerned by Marie's friendship with a visiting engineer. When Martin returns to Bernay it is under very different, tragic circumstances. But the village still weaves its magical spell, and he knows that he will find it hard ever to leave...