It is 1877 and there are hardly any qualified female doctors, which makes it difficult for Susannah. Her post at her teaching hospital is about to end and the only option is another post in the Lone Pine area of California where a new hospital is being built. The problem is that the hospital authorities want her to be married and there is nobody she wishes to marry. Which leaves one option, going as a mail order bride.
The only friend who has any sympathy for her is a porter at the hospital she is about to leave, James. Can he help sort out her problems?