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Set in Dublin at the turn of the twentieth century, Florrie's future is set out for her as the eldest daughter in a Catholic family. It is anticipated that she will marry her childhood sweetheart Fitzgerald. However, the future he can offer her is mundane and mediocre and Florrie has her eyes set on a flamboyant and fanciful future. Before she leaves to visit Scotland, with the promise of work in a fashion-house, she gives Fitzgerald a golden cross, high on Howth Hill outside Dublin. And he says he will wait for her forever. The story is recounted by Florrie to her teenage granddaughter Julia. The themes explored are the powerful influences of religion and the pitiful rights of women in the 20th century. Florrie's strength of character and courage help to overcome the injustices she encounters in life. She never loses faith and in her final months, she unexpectedly receives a letter with the promise of a future that she could never have imagined.