Phoebe's hometown of Philadelphia is buzzing with news of the newly declared independence when she encounters a childhood friend, now an officer in Washington's army. She is delighted whenever Nicholas's duties bring him back through town, but his behavior seems suspicious. Furthermore, she wonders if he is interested in her sister Alice or herself --or if he is simply amusing himself with both of them. The summer and fall of 1776 seem to spell doom for the cause of the Revolution and also for Phoebe's own prospects of happiness. As she uncovers Nicholas's secrets she learns more about herself, her loyalties, and her own struggle for independence.