Had he been heir to a throne, Jack Conroy could not have felt the weight of expectation more. He'll go to Wall Street just as his father did, but two things complicate the family plan. First, Jack discovers an affinity for landscape design. Second, he discovers Veronica Cashmiris. Jack's parents assume that Veronica is just a college infatuation that will yield to Wall Street after graduation.

However, Veronica is no passing fancy. She loves and understands Jack, perhaps better than his parents do. The intuition of Veronica and inclination of Jack give way to the world-wise wisdom of Jack's parents. But what happens to Jack turns all hopes for his future into a kind of haunting reverie. It is not until Veronica gives birth to their son that hope returns.