When young Maria is married off to Jacques Redford, a wealthy nobleman, she is grateful that he seems to be gentle and understanding. However, there are dark secrets to be discovered in the Redford estate, and Maria’s life takes a turn for the worse as her husband's sadistic preferences come to light. With no one left to lean on, Maria finds solace in the companionship of Jacques’ illegitimate half-brother, Lowell. Now that Lowell has returned home as a war hero, can he save Maria from her cruel fate?