Came home a little 'shock, Agnese embraces his brother Martino Ristori (Paolo Seganti), heir to Rivombrosa after his father's death, which occurred on the morning of Christmas of 1773 at the hands of a trap concocted by the late Duke Ottavio Ranieri (Luca Ward), and that of Elisa, died in 1784 (for unspecified reasons).

Vittoria soon becomes jealous of Agnes and tries in every way to bring it closer to the captain of the French guards stationed at Rivombrosa, Lorenzo Loya (Giorgio Borghetti), a cruel man who performs crimes against farmers backed by Sergeant Saval (Francesco Bolo Rossini) .

The handsome Marquis reciprocates the sentiment, but hides many secrets, including that to assume the role of Hawk and to be the son of Lucrezia Van Necker (Jane Alexander), once a bitter enemy of Elisa.

Agnese please his brother not to give up true love, but these now surrendered, however, decides to marry Victoria, who after the wedding want more than ever to be the only lady of Rivombrosa, and that this continues to urge the sister to accept the court of the captain Loya .

A foil yet another maneuver of the Loya captain arrives lieutenant Corsini, his second, who have long been uncomfortable with the abuse and oppression of the superior, and that, in love with Dorina, personal maid countess Agnese, want a peaceful coexistence between village and soldiers.