 Early in the 20th century, family and friends gather at the country estate of a general s widow, Anna Petrovna. Sofia, the new wife of Anna s step-son, recognizes Misha, the brother-in-law of one of the widow s admirers: a few years before, they had been idealistic lovers and now she can t believe he has settled for a dim wife and a job as a teacher. Amidst parlor games and idle talk of women s rights and peasants  capabilities, Sofia and Misha rekindle their love. Will they flaunt convention, abandon families, and run away to pursue lost dreams? Rescue comes from an unexpected place.