During the American Civil War, a Union Army Captain (Chris Cooper) leads his ragtag cavalry troop up a misty creek to a remote farm to steal enemy livestock and supplies. The farm is owned by Sarah Anders (Patricia Clarkson), whose husband is away fighting for the Confederate Army, and her young son. When an accident forces the patrol to stay, the captain and Sarah find they have more in common than they want to admit. Thrown together by destiny, the Captain and Sarah are forced to make choices beyond their control and want to come to terms with their divided loyalties.