In the celebratory mood of the recently-ended Civil War, Sarah discovers her betrothed has been keeping a devastating secret. While the tiny town of Wabash, Indiana, celebrates the end of the fighting, Sara Montgomery attends the parties, but inside she’s fighting a deep sadness. The love of Sara’s life, Rand Campbell, didn’t come back from the front. So her brother and ailing father persuade her to pledge herself to another man—despite her misgivings. When Sarah finds out that Rand is in fact alive—and that her fiancé Ben Croftner knew it—she indignantly breaks off their engagement. Croftner doesn’t take rejection lightly—and a single woman with a sick father makes an easy target.
