Colette, the eldest daughter of the count, has long been suppressed by her sickly sister Liliarne and dismissive family. Liliarne has taken everything from Colette—her fiancé and her place as heir—mocking her in the process. Driven to despair, Colette declares complete estrangement and runs away. In the forest, she collapses, but is found and rescued by a handsome young man, setting her on a path toward a new life.