Eugenia Hampton wants to be loved for who she is, not what she has. Her parents intend to see her married and cared for, but she's determined not to be a mere parlor decoration to show off some man's achievements. She wants a love match or no match.
Paul Stuart is tired of clashing with people over his abolitionist views. Especially with his father who is the overseer for Eugenia's father. He's saving money to move from Tennessee and buy a farm in Illinois where he can live in peace with people who accept him and his ideas.
Paul rescues Eugenia after her horse throws her. They form a secret, forbidden friendship based on their common family problems. Neither of them expects their relationship to grow into love. When Eugenia's father selects a non-Christian man for her husband, she must choose between her known and comfortable life of luxury or a lifetime of love with Paul where little else will be certain.