Spring inspires lessons in love and life for a French family in 1920s Ottawa, especially for teenage Robert, whos blind to the attentions of an American neighbor girl, because hes infatuated with the beautiful new maid, fleeing life as a magicians assistant. Roberts mother bemoans some of the Bonnard family male role models available to Robert: his party animal grandfather, roguish traveling salesman uncle Desmond, and an uncle who carries a water cooler filled with wine everywhere while his wife does all the work. As Desmonds temporarily off the road, he also targets the maid.