It's 1686. Nella Oortman arrives in Amsterdam to begin a new life as the wife of one of the city's leading merchants, Johannes Brandt. She is greeted by his cold sister Marin, along with their servant Otto and maid Cornelia.

Having realised her marriage is a sham, Nella resolves to go home to Assendelft, but Marin and the servants plead with her to stay. Her departure will bring disgrace on the family and threaten to reveal Johannes' secret.

Desperate to save Johannes, Nella decides to try to sell the sugar herself, with surprising initial success. She visits Johannes in jail, but finds him in a desperate condition. (Final)