Unrealistic expectations can lead two people down a trail to despair. After the untimely death of her husband, Esther Wilmington must choose between pauper's life as a poor widow in Philadelphia or a marriage of convenience to her late husband's son. However, she is presented with a third option she couldn't have imagined: moving west as a mail order bride. Elias Jones likes the idea of a wife but quickly discovers how complicated it is to share his home, his bed, and his life with someone. Perhaps he was hasty in marrying. But he soon realizes he cannot imagine a life without his new bride.