The Civil War is over for Union Major Seth Torrance, although he continues to fight it every night in his dreams. Though his mother expects him to take over the family munitions business, Seth can no longer bear to construct instruments of war. When he receives word that his oldest friend died on the Confederate side of one of the many battles Seth fought, his guilt deepens. He jumps at the chance to travel to Virginia and settle his friend's affairs.

Upon his arrival, Seth discovers those affairs include not only the family farm but five children, presently being watched over by a neighbor who doesn't take kindly to Northerners. Though Ella Fontaine is ready to shoot Seth on site, she refrains once she discovers his honorable intentions. To tell the truth, between keeping up the farm, caring for the children, fighting off carpetbaggers and deserters, she needs help--even if it is from a Yankee.

However the children have other ideas and set about getting rid of the Major. But Seth has fought worse battles, and he plans to win this war. To the victor goes the spoils, and Seth wouldn't mind winning the heart of Ella Fontaine.