On a bitter December day in 1785, Silas Ballantyne arrives at the door of master blacksmith Liege Lee in York, Pennsylvania, determined to finish his apprenticeship and move west. But Silas is a prodigious worker and craftsman, and Liege endeavors to keep him. Silas has become interested in Liege's daughters, the gentle and faith-filled Eden and the clever and high-spirited Elspeth. If he chooses one, will the other's jealousy destroy their love?