In the bustling streets of a late 19th century East Coast city, a newspaper page flutters in the wind before coming to rest at the feet of Becky Ellington. Her curious gaze is drawn to a faded advertisement amidst the smeared print - a shopkeeper from the faraway town of San Francisco, California is seeking a mail-order bride who is intelligent and adventurous.

Though raised with little means, Becky possesses an insatiable thirst for knowledge from devouring any books she can acquire. Her adventurous spirit has always strained against the confines of her humble life. As she reads the ad again, she feels a spark ignite within her. This could be her chance to break free and forge an exciting new path.

With trembling hands, Becky pens a response, laying bare her yearning for something more and her belief that she meets the stated criteria. She knows the odds are slim, but she must take this risk. After slipping her letter into the mail, she can barely sleep in anxious anticipation of a reply that may never come.

Weeks later, a letter arrives bearing the California postmark. Becky's heart races as she reads that Mr. Jonathan Wakefield has accepted her as his prospective bride. He requests she join him out west with haste to become his wife and helpmate in his dry goods store. Though apprehensive, the possibility of an adventure out in the untamed western frontier emboldens Becky's resolve.