The Christmas riots and the abolition of slavery turn the world of Amity upside down and throw July's destiny into question. But when order is restored and a new overseer Robert Goodwin arrives at Amity, July and Caroline are both intrigued by his seemingly revolutionary plans to improve the plantation. Could his ideals change everything?

Robert's arrival complicates things at Amity plantation as both Caroline and July begin to compete for his attentions. Robert is entranced by July, but is also occupied with re-organizing the plantation along more humane lines now that the slaves are free people.

Angry and frustrated by the workers' refusal to work to his orders, Robert takes violent revenge, hoping to scare them into working, to the shock and horror of July.