The plot revolves around Grace Marks, a young woman who was convicted in 1843 of murdering her employer, Thomas Kinnear, and his housekeeper, Nancy Montgomery. Grace worked as a servant in their family with James McDermott, the stable worker who committed the murders. While McDermott was executed for the crime, Grace’s sentence was commuted to life in prison due to her youth and allegations of memory loss about the incidents.

Grace had been imprisoned for several years by 1859. She has become a model prisoner and has been granted permission to serve as a housekeeper at the jail governor’s household. The governor’s wife and a group of reformers led by Reverend Verringer believe Grace is innocent and seek her pardon. They invite psychologist Dr. Simon Jordan to interview Grace and assist her recover her lost memories in order to discover the truth.

Grace informs Dr. Jordan about her life. She discusses her childhood in Ireland, her family’s immigration to Canada, and her challenges following her mother’s death. Grace became a servant and developed a close bond with another maid, Mary Whitney, who died tragically after a botched abortion. Grace eventually started working at Thomas Kinnear’s house, which caused difficulties between her, Nancy, and McDermott. Nancy was jealous of Grace and threatened to terminate her. McDermott decided to kill Nancy and then Kinnear. Grace claims she can’t remember what happened during the murders.

Dr. Jordan grows increasingly perplexed about whether Grace is telling the truth. During a hypnosis session, Grace appears to be possessed by Mary Whitney’s spirit, who alleges she assisted McDermott in the murders while Grace was oblivious. This discovery leaves Dr. Jordan perplexed, and he departs town quickly without solving the problem.

Years later, Grace is pardoned and released from prison. She relocates to the United States and marries Jamie Walsh, a man she knows from her past. The chapter concludes with Grace reflecting on her life while creating a quilt consisting of fabric scraps related to her memories.