Driven by a guilty conscience, Carrie Ann Bell Collier will do anything to keep Peyton, her wounded husband, alive. She hears of a nurse who promises miracles if she is permitted to administer her secret medicine made from the seeds of her beloved poppies she obtained overseas. Nurse Hannah Emory hopes to obtain a patent for the brew and become famous among medical scholars. Carrie agrees to the treatments. Confederate Lieutenant Colonel Elijah Kent maintains his responsibilities to the Colliers as Peyton’s executive of his estate, as Peyton is unable to recall the last two years of his life. Eli cannot help but pursue Carrie, even though he gave his word he wouldn’t. She is great with child, but Eli thinks she is beautiful and finds her company more engaging each time he sees her. His monthly inspection of the Colliers’s accounting brings him to Piccadilly Place frequently, and Eli begins to slowly cave to temptation. As Peyton convalesces, Carrie writes to him. Knowing of his memory loss, she describes their meeting, their swift wedding and loving relationship.