As the 14th annual running of the Lexington Stakes draws near, the Logan's prize thoroughbred Gauntlet remains the horse to beat. News of Gauntlet's impressive practice times has even reached as far away as Europe.
With the county tobacco farmers burned up over the low price they are being offered for their crops, Sean decides to run for State Assemblyman against William Winters, whose firm is trying to cheat the growers.
When Ned publicly rejects Georgina, she begins to plot revenge on the Logans. Meanwhile, Helene slips a knockout powder into Jeremy's drink and later accuses him of rape, causing William to challenge him to a duel.
Ned comes to the aid of a mysterious young woman, when her buggy crashes, and he falls in love with her. Meanwhile, Clay and Vivan's relationship begins to blossom, at the same time that Jeremy and Alice's begins to fade.
After an accident leaves Ned in a coma, his children try to cpie without him. A terrified Alice keeps vigil, Sean tries to run the breeding business at the same time as his new political gig and Lexy blames herself for the tragedies that have befallen her.
During post-civil war, Ned Logan, a wealthy widower, is raising a family all on his own. Ned's streetwise adopted son clashes with his youngest son, Clay, as well as the southern society.
When Jeremy escorts belle Virginia Griffith to the debutante ball, Alice is heartbroken. Meanwhile, Sean and Clay put the family name on the line when Jeremy remembers that William Winters was responsible for burning down Sean's barn.
While Ned and Sean are out of town in Frankfort, Jeremy finds himself in over his head with a poker debt. And in order to pay off his debts, he throws together an evening of gambling at the house, with the help of Clay, Alice, and Lexy.
Ned's new wife, Charlotte, causes turmoil in the family when she meddles with Sean's accounting records, fueling him to move out of the house. Meanwhile, a frustrated Jeremy turns to Molly when Alice puts their relationship on hold.