David Harvey is a widower with a young son, Davey They live on an isolated Ohio farm during the pioneer days He wants his son to be raised in the manner his wife would have wanted - with proper schooling, Bible study and proper manners Rachel, an indentured servant, is sold to David David then marries her in order that little Davey would have a mother to properly raise him David shows no real affection towards Rachel since this is a marriage of convenience This all changes when Jim, a friend of the family comes for a visit During his stay, David sees that there is more to Rachel than just being a quot bonds woman quot , especially when Jim takes a liking to her This awaken new feelings in David for Rachel