Emily Thompson, the daughter of the Thompson Family—once the richest in Fairview City—becomes an orphan after her parents are murdered. General Robert Anderson, commander of Fairview City, rescues her and takes her in at the Commander's Mansion. Over time, feelings grow between them, but the turmoil of war and societal prejudice keep them from confessing their love. Unbeknownst to Robert, Emily cares nothing about their age difference; meanwhile, his marriage to Grace Anderson is merely a sham, as he only wed his late brother's widow at his brother's dying request. Eventually, they resolve all misunderstandings and unite as a couple.