Neither of them wanted to love the other because what was the use in dreaming ? After all Mary An had learned early on anit no point in that. Will is the free spirited son of a wealthy slave owner and he never pays any attention to the laborers. That is aside from Mary An of course. Not having to bear the weight of owning anyone, he lives his privileged life breaking the rules. However, when Will's father is stabbed to death in his sleep, all of the slaves are put under suspicion . When his uncle comes to the plantation to help Will fit into his new role he takes a particular interest in Mary An.