1830 Värmland, Sweden. Master Karl Arthur Ekenstedt comes to aid the Minister at Crosss Church. He falls in love with Charlotte Löwensköld, housekeeper in the rectory. They get engaged. Charlotte is full of life, energetic and practical. Karl Arthur struggle with his faith and God.
The fishermen Österman and Sjöberg are sued by merchant Wikström. In order to raise capital, they decide to start producing a medicine from a recipe by Österman's father.
