Artemisia Whitaker wants Harriet's help on a prestigious commission. Harriet wants nothing to do with her.

Harriet is done trying. Done failing. Done chasing dreams that always slip out of reach. After a previous commission fails catastrophically, she resigns herself to life as a shop clerk. It's easier to let her hopes of becoming an artisan fade than to add another disappointment to her list of failures.

Artemisia Whitaker is everything Harriet once aspired to be-an artisan destined for the heights of Esk society. Nothing can keep her from her ascension, except, apparently, Harriet's refusal to work with her.

As a flood threatens and the deadline looms, Harriet has one last chance to claim the life she's always wanted. All she has to do is complete the commission. But this time, her failure won't just end her dreams. It will destroy Artemisia's, too.