The story opens before the turn of the century, in a gay and lighthearted Paris, filled with the scent of chestnut blossoms, the whispers of secret lovers, the laughter of children. It was a younger city, unaccustomed to the bitterness of tears. But Marie knew about tears, and now she could finally tell Jeanette about how one innocent loan of a necklace had ruined her life.

Just when you think the story is over, there is always something unexpected.