The family saga continues in this fifth book to Davenport House. It is springtime in 1917 when America joins the Great War in Europe. Phillip enlists to earn his citizenship papers, but Ethan must sign for the Draft against his own conscience. When both men are sent to fight, the ladies of Davenport House join noble causes on the home front while waiting for them to return.

Clara, now a suffragette, is delighted to gain the attention of a secret admirer. Mary finds purpose in a new career during the nation's shortage of medical personnel. Soldiers wounded in mind and body return from the War, and unknowingly import a deadly influenza, proving to every home that a far worse battle has just begun.