In September 1914 ten-year-old Millie's father goes to England to join the war effort and she is sent to a new school where she'll be expected to learn languages, dancing, and lady-like activities but she would rather be paddling a canoe or wading among water lilies with her dress tucked up. Although it will be hard for her she has promised her father that she will stay out of trouble while he is away. Can she?