Cass Timberlane

Cass Timberlane, a respected Minnesota judge, presides over divorce cases and notices Virginia 'Ginny' Marshland when she testifies. He adjourns for the day and returns her notebook, a keepsake that hints at a growing connection. He also preserves a sketch Ginny drew of him in his personal library.

Back at home, Cass plays his flute until a kitten slips in, triggering his allergies. He walks along the railroad tracks and finds Ginny playing baseball. He offers to umpire, and they share a dinner at a local restaurant, beginning to fall for each other.

Ignoring gossip among his upper-class friends, Cass deepens the relationship with Ginny. He takes her to the Grand Republic Country Club, where their romance continues and eventually leads to marriage. The ceremony cements their unlikely union.

In the shareholders' lawsuit against the Wargates, Cass declines a motion to recuse himself, demonstrating his commitment to remaining on the bench. His decision keeps the high-profile case under his control. Ginny's presence adds tension as the marriage grows.

Ginny becomes pregnant, and the couple faces the tragedy of a stillborn daughter. The loss weighs heavily on both, highlighting strains in their marriage. Cass consoles her while they search for ways to cope and move forward.

To ease Ginny's troubles, Cass pays for her to learn how to fly an airplane. The new activity opens doors to shared experiences and a sense of freedom. Their bond grows as she soars above the ground they share.

During their flights, Ginny and Bradd Criley, Cass's attorney friend, begin to bond. The growing connection adds tension to the marriage and introduces competing affections. The airbound lessons become a stage for evolving relationships.

Ginny takes up acting and rehearses a love scene with Bradd at the country club. The performance becomes so realistic that Cass suspects adultery, fueling rumors. Bradd eventually leaves for New York City to quiet the gossip.

After the stage work, the couple relocates to New York City, where Cass meets a college friend to discuss a potential law partnership. Cass withdraws the offer, creating strain as Ginny spends time socializing with Bradd. Their plans begin to diverge as the marriage strains deepen.

Cass tells Ginny he has declined the job offer and plans to return home, which inflames Ginny who decides to stay in New York. Ginny continues to interact with Bradd, deepening the emotional rift between husband and wife. The city becomes a crucible for their relationship.

As Bradd drives Ginny, she unexpectedly jumps from a moving vehicle and sustains internal injuries. News of her condition prompts Cass to fly back from Minnesota to be by her bedside in New York. He stays with her through the injury and begins the journey to recovery.

Ginny recovers from her injuries and Cass brings her back home to Minnesota. The trip marks a shift from crisis to rehabilitation as they reassess their future. Their time apart reveals a desire for stability, not escape.

Recognizing Ginny's longing for freedom, Cass offers a divorce if she wishes to return to New York. He pledges to be a faithful husband regardless. Ginny chooses to stay, and the couple commits to rebuilding their relationship in Minnesota.