Jamie’s authority is tested when Tom Christie, an old rival from Ardsmuir, arrives with his family and a group of Protestants to settle on the Ridge. When the trauma from her assault begins to get in the way of Claire’s ability to act as healer on the Ridge, she discovers a new and dangerous way to cope.

Ian and Jamie butt heads over Jamie’s reluctance to pass along the Cherokee’s request for guns. Roger keeps his cool during an unusual funeral ceremony, and Tom invites him to expand his role in the church. The tension between Fergus and Marsali dissipates as Marsali gives birth to their fourth child. However, the joy is short lived when a discovery is made.

Roger comes to Henri-Christian's aid after he's bullied by a few Fisherfolk lads who believe the baby is a demon. Fergus is distraught over the child's treatment and worries about his future. Tom allows Claire to perform surgery on his hand despite his discomfort around her. Meanwhile, a friendship blooms between Young Ian and Malva. 

While visiting the Cherokee, Ian encounters a man from his past who dredges up painful memories of his time with the Mohawk. Jamie meets another Indian Agent and fellow Scot, Alexander Cameron, who challenges Jamie's personal convictions and causes him to re-evaluate his position as Indian Agent. Claire tests ether. 

Claire and Jamie attend a loyalist event in Wilmington honoring Flora MacDonald, and Jamie is forced to toe the political line between loyalist and rebel despite knowing the outcome of the impending war. Meanwhile, Roger empathizes with a young widow on the Ridge and is forced to take a step back from helping her after it appears she feels more for him than friendship.

A dysentery epidemic spreads on the Ridge, and Claire falls deathly ill; she is almost recovered when the Christies arrive and drop a bombshell; as nefarious rumors spread like wildfire on the Ridge, tragedy strikes.

Claire struggles with her demons as a nefarious rumor begins to spread on the Ridge. Tensions rise as the residents fear there is a dangerous person in their midst.

Richard Brown and his Committee of Safety arrive to arrest Claire for murder. After a struggle, Jamie and Claire agree to Richard’s demands and go willingly. However, due to the rising political tensions in the colonies, Brown’s plan to find a judge for a trial does not go as expected.