In the summer of 1798, Abigail Adams falls gravely ill on her way home to Quincy, Massachusetts. Dr. Tufts suspects she has yellow fever. While Abigail is delirious with fever for over ten weeks, she overhears that former president George Washington has agreed to lead a new army against France, but only if Alexander Hamilton is appointed his second-in-command. President John Adams reluctantly agrees, and Hamilton immediately uses his power to ensure Abigail’s son-in-law, Colonel Smith, is given only a minor, humiliating command.

After beginning to recover in November, Abigail learns from John that circumstances in Europe have changed, with evidence of France’s desire for peace conveyed by their son Minister John Quincy Adams serving abroad. She urges John, who has refused to leave her side, to return to Philadelphia and pursue a diplomatic solution. As her strength returns, Abigail uses her private investment funds—a secret she shares only with Dr. Tufts—to finance additions to their home, Peacefield, hoping to make it a true family sanctuary. During a sleigh ride, she confides in Phoebe, who she considers like a parent, about her anxieties for her children.