Everyone in Amherst, Massachusetts knows that Emily Dickinson is odd. But no one really knows her better than Susan Gilbert. Friends since childhood, Emily and Susan can always be seen walking arm and arm and sneaking off into the woods, though what they do alone out there, no one knows. But when Emily's brother, Austin, takes a romantic interest in Susan, things begin to change for Emily as she starts to experience a feeling she doesn't quite understand - jealousy.

When Susan Gilbert moves back to Amherst it becomes clear that her family has certain financial needs that need to be met. It also becomes clearer that the family is depending on Susan to meet those needs. A man like Austin Dickinson solves all of those problems. He's handsome, kind, seemingly intelligent, and wealthy. The only issue? Susan is madly in love with his sister.