In the year 1856, set against the rustic backdrop of Schoharie County, New York, the lives of Abigail and Dyer are steeped in solitude as they toil away on their farm, grappling with the profound grief of losing their young daughter, Nellie. This loss hangs heavily over them, casting a long shadow on their once vibrant existence.
Their lives take a turn when a new couple moves in next door. Among them is Tallie, whose presence quickly captivates Abigail. The bond between Abigail and Tallie blossoms into a deep friendship, rich with emotional revelations. In intimate conversations, Abigail shares her feelings of entrapment in a marriage with Dyer that lacks romance, while Tallie speaks of her own struggles with a husband, Finney, who often exhibits a controlling demeanor.
To mark Abigail’s birthday, Tallie surprises her with a long-desired atlas. However, fate intervenes when a fierce storm engulfs Tallie on her way home, nearly claiming her life. Following her recovery, the arrival of spring rekindles the warmth of their friendship, leading to a pivotal moment when Tallie confesses her dreams of a life with Abigail. Overwhelmed by their emotions, they share a passionate kiss, igniting a secret affair that brings both pleasure and turmoil.
As the affair unfolds, Dyer grapples with his own grief, becoming increasingly emotional and suspicious of Abigail's time spent with Tallie. Simultaneously, Finney, Tallie's husband, grows uneasy as he notices her extended absences. In a moment of concern, Abigail warns Tallie about the chilling tales of husbands poisoning their wives in the area, deepening the sense of foreboding.
Their lives intersect further when Finney invites Abigail and Dyer to dinner, where he awkwardly broaches the subject of their deceased child. A disturbing atmosphere accompanies the evening, especially when Abigail observes bruises on Tallie’s neck and Finney shares a macabre story of his pet's demise. Following the encounter, Tallie disappears for a week, prompting Abigail to search for her. The discovery of an empty home, accompanied only by a bloodied kerchief, sends shivers down Abigail’s spine, leading her to suspect foul play.
Ultimately, a letter from Tallie reveals she has moved 85 miles away to the area of Skaneateles in Onondaga County. Despite Dyer’s reluctance, Abigail decides to visit Tallie. Tragically, upon their arrival, they learn of Tallie's death, officially attributed to diphtheria. Fractured memories invade Abigail’s mind—passionate encounters with Tallie clash with unsettling visions of Finney cradling her.
Returning to her farm life, Abigail and Dyer strive to maintain their partnership, yet they remain emotionally distant. In her solitude, Abigail finds herself consumed by dark thoughts, envisioning scenarios where she might one day kill Finney. As comfort eludes her, she seeks solace in the imagined reunion of Nellie and Tallie in the afterlife, and when Dyer prompts her to envision something that could alleviate their shared grief, Abigail's imagination cruelly reconfigures their reality, casting Tallie in Dyer’s place.
