A ship from England arrives in 17th-century Virginia. Onboard is the new governor of Jamestown, Sir George Yeardley. He conveys revolutionary plans which will ignite a rebellious conflict within the settlement. With him arrive a group of women, destined to marry the beleaguered inhabitants of the colony. Among them are the sophisticated courtier Jocelyn, farm girl Alice Kett and streetwise Verity Bridges. They are faced with a hazardous wilderness and physical hardship, but they see the prospect of freedom and adventure. Some men are threatened by the impact the women have and look for ways to keep their authority and influence intact. Not everyone is preoccupied by them, though - Henry Sharrow sees significance in Yeardley’s arrival and an expedition upriver ends with a terrible accident and troubled consciences.

Farlow and Redwick look to send the women a powerful message as their disdain for their new female neighbors intensifies.

A tribe invades the town, giving Jocelyn a chance to advance Samuel's career; Alice and Silas's future is thrown into jeopardy.

Rumors of a goldmine spread suspicion through the settlement; Farlow and Redwick resort to espionage to get the better of Jocelyn.

Redwick sees a chance to stir up civil unrest when Yeardley is struck by illness; Jocelyn realizes she may have underestimated Temperance.

Alice turns to James for help as news about Henry spreads around the town; Verity falls back into dangerous old habits.