In 1714 a Natchez Indian chief put a spell on Erika's grandmother which saved her life by creating a rip in time and propelling her into another time. As the Indian chief predicted, some residual effects of the spell fall upon not only the grandmother, but also Erika. As a result, Erika, without warning, falls through that rip in time to 1837 while visiting her grandfather. Charles Becquerel had agreed to marry his father's choice in order to acquire a valuable piece of land. When Erika first appears, Charles mistakes Erika for his cousin, Sierra. As Erika's mistaken identity is sorted out, Charles quickly becomes opposed to the arranged betrothal.