Synopsis: Planting a Seed

Annabelle Lawson has enjoyed a lavish life as the daughter of an industry mogul and sharp businessman. But, when the money panic of 1893 strikes, her family is affected. The town mayor advocates on behalf of those struggling to make ends meet and get back on their feet again, so prime land that Annabelle’s father owns is made available for vegetable farming with funds collected from churches for supplies. One of the families who arrive on their land to farm includes a young man named William Berringer who works side by side with his father to double their family’s output. Having had limited exposure to those in need, Annabelle can’t help but get involved with the efforts and throw herself into the plights of the families trying to get back what they lost. But she keeps returning to William. Despite his tales of what his family once was, Annabelle doesn’t know if he’s telling lies or if his family truly was once an affluent part of her very own society. As the effects of the panic subside, William’s family is well on their way toward reestablishing what they once did. While it’s enough for Annabelle, it’s not enough for her father. He forbids her to be involved with William and instead forces her to abide the unwanted advances of other young men equal to her station. William becomes quite scarce in her life, and she wonders if he’s given up on her. She won’t settle for less than what she wants though and is determined to make it work with William…whatever the cost.