Emily Montague is a young woman who travels to the new British colony of Quebec in search of a new life. She quickly becomes friends with Arabella Fermor, a flirtatious and dramatic woman. Emily also meets Edward Rivers, a British soldier, and John Temple, a somewhat disreputable friend of Edward's. As Emily and Edward's relationship grows, so too does the tension between Emily and Arabella. Meanwhile, John Temple causes trouble for both Edward and Emily, and Arabella's flirtations threaten to tear the group apart. Set against the backdrop of the new frontier, History of Emily Montague explores the themes of love, friendship, and betrayal.