Three women set sail for the colony of Jamestown in 1619. But drama awaits, along with the men they are duty bound to marry. From the makers of Downton Abbey.

Farlow and Redwick’s disdain for the newly arrived women intensifies and they attempt to send them a powerful message. When a mysterious illness spreads around the town, they see an opportunity to exploit it and accusations of witchcraft are levied at the outspoken Verity. Away from Jamestown, Henry is not fit to return to the settlement, but finds solace in a nearby tribe. Meanwhile, Alice faces her own battle as the authorities attempt to dictate who she should marry. The domineering James Read stakes his claim but Alice’s heart belongs to another.

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

Rumours of a goldmine map send suspicion around the settlement and Jocelyn persuades Samuel to help her discover whether Farlow has it. Meanwhile, Farlow and Redwick instruct a handsome young soldier to extract information from Jocelyn’s hapless maid, Mercy. Jocelyn’s incessant interference begins to annoy even Governor Yeardley, who takes his frustration out on James Read. Read, in turn, still smarting from Yeardley’s refusal to allow him to marry Alice, retaliates and finds himself interned for accosting the governor. When Jocelyn learns that Farlow and Redwick are spying on her, she finds a way to play them at their own game. As James Read faces a harsh penalty, Alice steps in to vindicate him. Jocelyn finally learns who possesses the map and Temperance, noting Jocelyn’s interest in such matters, gathers information about the precocious young woman from her cousin back in England. Meanwhile Henry and Davie decide to head towards the mountains in pursuit of the gold.

Alice suspects that James Read may have been involved in the death of the Sharrow’s livestock. Her accusation sends a vengeful Read out into the wilderness to determine what really happened to Henry. Governor Yeardley falls ill and Farlow is quick to seize power but Redwick sees an opportunity to turn the unruly militia against the governing elite. Jocelyn observes the political games that are being played and tries to force the invalid governor to take action, but Temperance has some damning information which soon deters Jocelyn from bothering Yeardley. However, the ailing governor soon leaves his sickbed in an attempt to prevent a complete descent into chaos.

Disillusioned with the leaders of the settlement, Verity finds herself susceptible to her old bad habits, requiring Meredith to be the more responsible of the pair for once. Everyone is intrigued by the news that Henry is still alive, and information is gathered and plans are formed as mistrust deepens. Alice cannot rest knowing that Henry is alive, so makes a challenging request of James Read. Meanwhile, Henry and Davie make a discovery that changes their relationship and alters the trajectory of their futures. When Jocelyn learns that Temperance is organising the upcoming St John’s Eve celebrations, she sees a way to ingratiate herself with her new adversary. But as the celebrations get under way, a devastating shadow is cast upon the proceedings.