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Looking back on her childhood, Emily Lennox remembers how devastated she was when her adored older sister Caroline was banished from the family for marrying Mr. Fox. When Emily meets the man she wants to marry, she pleads her case with more subtlety and success. Though he is Irish, her suitor is also very rich.

After marrying Lord Fitzgerald, Emily adds to her happiness by recruiting Caroline with her parents. The family's joy is short-lived, however, and one death leads to another. Family tensions escalate when their father's will reveals a final snub to Caroline.

After Emily makes a match for Louisa in Ireland, Caroline insists that Sarah be introduced to society in London. When Sarah is presented to the king, he remembers her as the little child who sang in the jar, and the prince is instantly smitten. The family is thrilled at the prospect of a royal match.

Emily is comforted to see the younger children so happy with their progressive new tutor, Mr. Ogilvie. Rebuffed by her indifferent husband, Sarah takes a lover. The scandal that ensues causes a new and serious rift between Caroline and Emily.

Emily is devastated when Lord Fitzgerald falls seriously ill. Sarah becomes resigned to her lonely life and helps Caroline nurse Mr. Fox during his final illness. When he dies, Caroline is almost too ill herself to mourn him.

As rebellion against the government brews in Ireland, and with Emily's beloved son, Edward, in the thick of it, the sisters cling to the hope that their family's reputation, connections, and benevolence will protect them. They manage to secure Edward's safe passage out of the country, but he refuses to abandon his fellow rebels.