Home to the Outer Banks

In 1875, Ben and Abby Whimble have been living apart for five years, with almost no communication between them.

As an instructor at the Peabody Normal College in Nashville, Abby has traveled all over the country with her mentor Graham Wharton, visiting schools and observing teaching methods, while Ben has, after years of sadness and a near-fatal illness, at last found a vocation that suits his varied talents.

Neither of them believes the marriage is viable, until Abby decides to forgo her tea...