Jim Parker has always been a rock. On that his wife Sofia has come to rely. But when Jim is assaulted at the school where he teaches and then is suspected of grade fixing, Sofia and her Pinot Painter friends must spring into action to save his reputation. Sofia is, for once, also teaching at the Cabot Falls, Vermont, high school, a two-week stint in the home economics classroom instructing students in the fine are of cake decorating and candy making. It will provide a perfect cover as she surreptitiously hunts for clues that will help clear Jim's name. Sofia is sure Jim is innocent, but when Jim is suspended from his job, the situation becomes desperate. Meanwhile, Sofia is researching the eleventh block from the heirloom quilt bequethed to her by her grandmother. The clues indicate that the block may be connected with Charlotte Bronte, the famous author.