Angry and frustrated by the workers' refusal to work to his orders, Robert takes violent revenge, hoping to scare them into working - to the shock and horror of July.

Caroline and July compete for Robert's attention. Robert announces he is marrying Caroline, but on the wedding night he goes to July's bed.

Born a slave, July is taken from her mother to a plantation house and forced to work for the odious Caroline. But she slowly learns how to handle her new mistress.