Convicted murderess Grace Marks is interviewed by Dr. Simon Jordan. He becomes conflicted by Grace's enchanting, persuasive nature and her claims of having no memory of the events surrounding the murder.

In 1859, Simon investigates the murders; in 1842, Grace befriends a woman who dies from a back-alley abortion.

Simon attempts to extract Grace's memories; Grace starts working as a servant at the Kinnear farmhouse.

Simon is intimate with Mrs. Humphrey in 1859; Jamie confesses his love in 1843

In 1859, Grace tries neuro-hypnosis in an attempt to recover memories.

In 1859, Simon joins the Union Army; Grace gets some unexpected news in 1872.