It's three days before Christmas and just starting to snow. Against her better judgement, Libby Pugh has been persuaded by her best friend to stop in on their university reunion on her way back from a wedding in North Yorkshire with her boyfriend, Max. The host is Archie Templeton, the playboy of their group, who has finally inherited his father's title and estate - even if the latter is more stately heap than palace. Libby is surprised at how good it feels to catch up with friends of old. The night is a great success but when they go to leave, the road is now impassable and she and Max are given a bed for the night. At first being snowed in with old friends is rather lovely - the next day is spent in high spirits as they wait for a local farmer to clear the snow. But as the hours pass and he doesn't come, everyone grows restless. Christmas is two days away and everyone has plans, other places to be. Then the power goes out. By the fireside and by candlelight, the old friends must hunker down together as they await help. They reminisce about times past, good and bad. But as the cracks in their relationships start to show, Libby is confronted with a truth she has long tried to deny.