In nineteenth century Jutland, Mikkel Krænsen, a peddler of knitted goods, wants the best for his daughter Cecilia, who is in love with the neighbour's son Esben. Only too late, the father realises that love is not as manageable as business.
A poor, struggling South Carolinian mother and daughter face painful choices with their resolve and pride. Bone, the eldest daughter, and Anney her tired mother, grow both closer and farther apart: Anney sees Glen as her last chance.