The Napoleonic Wars are over and Sir Walter Elliot, a vain baronet, facing financial ruin due to extravagant spending, is persuaded by his friend Mr. Shepherd and Anne’s mentor Lady Russell to lease Kellynch Hall to Admiral Croft. Anne Elliot reflects on her past decision - eight years prior - to break off her engagement to the then-poor Captain Wentworth, under Lady Russell’s persuasion. Admiral Croft's wife is none other than Captain Wentworth’s sister, setting the stage for their reunion.

Anne visits her sister Mary Musgrove at Uppercross, where she reconnects with the Musgrove family - Charles, his mother, and his two spirited sisters, Henrietta and Louisa. Captain Wentworth arrives, now wealthy and eligible, and quickly becomes a guest at the estate. Though emotionally restrained, Anne observes his growing interest in the younger Musgrove sisters, while tensions simmer beneath the surface of Anne and Wentworth’s restrained interactions.

The group travels to Lyme Regis, a coastal town, where social dynamics shift dramatically. Louisa Musgrove, eager to impress Wentworth, playfully insists he catch her as she jumps from a high step. He refuses, but she jumps anyway - striking her head and falling unconscious. In the ensuing chaos, Anne remains calm and takes charge, demonstrating her strength and composure. Louisa is taken to the home of Captain Harville, a naval friend of Wentworth’s. Anne stays briefly to help, but Mary, jealous of Anne’s competence, insists on taking over as nurse. Anne departs for Bath to rejoin her father and sister Elizabeth.

In Bath, Anne learns that Louisa has recovered and is now engaged to Captain Benwick, Harville’s brother. This news rekindles Anne’s hope for reconciliation with Wentworth. However, her cousin Mr. Elliot, the heir to Kellynch, begins courting her, winning the approval of Sir Walter and Elizabeth. Anne, however, grows suspicious of his true motives. She reconnects with Mrs. Smith, a widowed friend living in reduced circumstances, who reveals troubling details about Mr. Elliot’s character. Meanwhile, Wentworth visits Bath, and their paths cross again - charged with unspoken emotion.

Anne and Wentworth meet at the White Hart Inn, where she engages in a profound conversation with Captain Harville about constancy in love - arguing that women love more faithfully than men. Unbeknownst to her, Wentworth overhears and is deeply moved. He writes her a passionate letter declaring his enduring love. They are reunited and become engaged. At a celebratory gathering, it is revealed that Mr. Elliot and Mrs. Clay have secretly eloped, exposing their shared opportunism.