Enchanted April

Following World War I, Rose Arbuthnot and Lotty Wilkins, previously strangers, come together through a ladies' club to escape domestic tedium. They decide to vacation as a pair and share the cost of a month at an Italian castle. The plan starts as a pragmatic relief, but it foreshadows a larger, more intricate social dynamic.

They post an advertisement seeking two reputable ladies to share expenses for the holiday. The appeal attracts Mrs. Fisher and Lady Caroline Dester, completing their foursome. The arrangement promises relief from daily life and the lure of a luxurious escape.

The ad draws together the four women who will share the San Salvatore holiday, foreshadowing tensions and alliances. They prepare to travel to Italy, each bringing their own pasts and expectations. The stage is set for a month of social testing and tentative camaraderie.

The group arrives at the Italian retreat of San Salvatore and meets their hosts, including the elegant yet aloof Caroline and the rigid widow Mrs. Fisher. The lush setting immediately contrasts with the occupants' complex dynamics. Tensions simmer as first impressions take hold.

Caroline, tired of always being the center of attention, initially withdraws and seeks solace in the villa's landscapes. Her sense of isolation stands in contrast to the others' expectations of sociability. The retreat promises both quiet and opportunity for new connections.

Mrs. Fisher, a widow with rigid manners, reopens memories of illustrious circles and insists on reserving the main drawing room for her exclusive use. Her routines and expectations clash with the others at first. Despite this, her perspective gradually broadens as the days unfold.

Lotty observes the group with new insight and quietly exerts influence to reduce friction. She avoids confrontation while guiding the others toward a healthier dynamic. Her tactful approach helps her see how shared discontent stems from internal attitudes.

Lotty invites her frugal husband Mellersh to join the holiday and encourages Rose to ask Frederick to repair their marriage. She also hints at the two wealthy prospective clients, Mrs. Fisher and Caroline, to motivate participation. The move shifts group priorities toward potential social and financial gains.

Mellersh arrives at San Salvatore and eagerly engages with the plan, even offering to cover Rose's expenses to preserve her savings. He begins to reassess his wife and sees her as a cultural asset rather than merely a domestic companion. The dynamic between the couple shifts toward mutual benefit.

Tracking the elusive Caroline, Frederick reaches San Salvatore unaware that Rose is present. He introduces himself to Caroline as 'Frederick Arbuthnot, Rose's HUSBAND,' while Caroline chooses not to expose their prior acquaintances. The encounter blends awkward secrecy with a renewed spark of intrigue.

George Briggs, the owner of San Salvatore, makes an unplanned visit and is immediately drawn to Rose, who he initially mistakes for a war widow. His nearsightedness means he judges people by character rather than looks, creating a different kind of chemistry. The moment unsettles Caroline's expectations and reshapes attention within the group.

Caroline is drawn to George precisely because he does not fawn over her beauty, and she shares with him the lingering unhappiness of losing her fiancé. George confides his own disappointments about Rose's marriage. Their walk together deepens a quiet, unspoken connection between them.

As the holiday nears its end, Mrs. Fisher acknowledges the value of human connection and notes the group's evolving pairings. Lotty suggests there can be many possible 'pairs,' and she and Mrs. Fisher decide to maintain a lasting friendship. The retreat closes with a sense of renewed companionship and potential futures.