DavidHarveyisawidowerwithayoungson,Davey.TheyliveonanisolatedOhiofarmduringthepioneerdays.Hewantshissontoberaisedinthemannerhiswifewouldhavewanted-withproperschooling,Biblestudyandpropermanners.Rachel,anindenturedservant,issoldtoDavid.DavidthenmarriesherinorderthatlittleDaveywouldhaveamothertoproperlyraisehim.DavidshowsnorealaffectiontowardsRachelsincethisisamarriageofconvenience.ThisallchangeswhenJim,afriendofthefamilycomesforavisit.Duringhisstay,DavidseesthatthereismoretoRachelthanjustbeinga"bondswoman",especiallywhenJimtakesalikingtoher.ThisawakennewfeelingsinDavidforRachel.