With Abe Lincoln's election as President, secessionist feelings are running high. George Hazard pays a surprise visit to Orry at Mont Royal to apologize for what his fanatical sister said on his last visit. They resolve their differences and Orry finally gives his permission for Brett to marry Billy Hazard. Ashton is still out for revenge against Billy and arranges for him to be attacked on the street by thugs, though it turns out they're not very successful. She then turns to Forbes Lamotte to get the deed done. Billy and Brett's wedding seems to be just the right day to get the job done. Madeline overhears the plot and rushes to tell Orry who tells her she will stay at Mont Royal and never return to Justin. Elkanah Bent plots to run any blockade the North may try to impose on Southern ports. Orry travels to Pennsylvania to repay George his investment in the cotton mill and realizes the full extent of the hatred that now exists. On April 12, 1861, Confederate forces attack Fort Sumter and war is declared. George and Orry say farewell, not knowing what the future may hold for their families or their friendship.