Two people, twins by birth, are destined for the medical profession in 1859 America, one motivated by expectation, the other by passion. Carl Fielding is acquiescing to his physician father’s bidding even though his heart and talents pull him toward the arts. Cora Fielding longs to attend medical school despite a cultural bias against people of her gender. Her fight for the freedom to fulfill her dream is in direct opposition to the destructive behavior in which Carl’s frustrated talent leads him. Although they seem to be on irreconcilable courses—Cora’s experiences in medical school lead her to join the abolitionist movement against slavery, Carl’s discontentment plunges him into acts that land him in the criminal court system—Cora is determined to use all of her resources to heal their natal bond and help her brother find the same inner light of fulfillment that she is forging in her own life.