Five years after their college graduation, four devoted friends remain as inseparable as ever. As this absorbing novel opens, they are making their way through heavy snowfall to gather at a lavish art world holiday party. But for all the glitz and glamour, the festivities mark a more momentous evening than any of them realise. Irene will first notice a curious lump under her eye. William will fall desperately in love with her. And George will, at long last, ask Sara to marry him. All good - until the devastating blow hits.