The period of time is the Revolutionary War. For Amelia Gaillard and the other citizens of St. Matthews Parish in Eutaw Springs, South Carolina, nothing could be more frightening than to know the security they have worked so hard to protect is being burned to ashes along with their homes and fields. Having lost her father in a devastating battle, Amelia and her mother are left alone to defend their beloved Haydon Hill. Thomas Majoribanks is a ruthless British soldier who is sent by his father to seize what is left of South Carolina. Thomas is apathetic and bitter towards the people of St. Matthews when he arrives, and soon, he entrusts his troops with the task of setting up a reconnaissance at Haydon Hill, much to the dismay of Amelia and her mother, Susannah. Thomas terrifies Amelia, but through time, they each learn that they are two souls caught up in one very unfortunate situation. As they learn to respect one another, hide their love for each other, and carry out the duty of their country's, Thomas and Amelia must learn what is most important to them....one another or freedom itself?