Britta works as a maid at the home of the alderman Gericken. The conditions are harsh, and Britta is being harassed by Mathias, who lives in the house. However, Britt's interest is in hired man Ontrej. Relations between Sweden and Russia are tightening.
Year 1740. Britta continues to be a plight for Mathias and the relationship with Ontrej becomes more complicated. Elsewhere, the nobles Juliana Jägerhorn and Johan Cronstedt are in love with each other. Rumors of war against Russia intensify.
In January 1741, the relationship between Britta and Ontrej is still frozen, and Britta's child is soon to be born. The small city of Helsinki, is preparing to receive more Swedish troops. A large celebration will be held in honor of Commander-in-Chief Buddenbrock
In the spring of 1741, Sweden prepares for a war against Russia, and new troops are stationed in Helsinki while the poorest city dwellers are starving. Newlyweds Britta and Ontrej are happy, but luck is overshadowed by Barbro, Mr. Mathias' new wife.
In August 1741 Sweden and Russia are at war, and the Helsinki people hear disturbing news from the front. The heavy war continues over the winter. In the spring, Russia will publish a manifesto that worries the Helsinki aristocracy. Britta is shocked by the task assigned to the Ontrej. The traces of the war are becoming increasingly visible to Helsinki.
The war against Russia did not go according to Swedish plans, and in July 1742 more and more sick and wounded soldiers were transported to Helsinki. The Helsinki people are predicting how the war will end, and the wealthiest are preparing for the coming.