We are introduced, through the eyes and voices of the members of the large Victorian era family Moulton-Barrett especially the tyrannical, unyielding father and his invalid elder daughter, Elizabeth. She confides to her sister, Henrietta, that she has been receiving letters from a fellow poet, Robert Browning, that have been highly complimentary about her work.

Browning is rehearsing one of his plays at the Theatre Royal at Haymarket, and things are going badly. The mood takes an abrupt turnaround, however, when his manservant brings him word that Elizabeth Barrett has agreed to see him. There, upon their first meeting, Browning expresses his love.

Love has a remarkable effect. Elizabeth begins to gain strength. Her brothers and sisters now move her to the sunlight of the garden each day. Her father believes he is losing his grip on the only one of his children he really loves and disapproves. Elizabeth's growing self-confidence and independence cannot be dominated. Browning's devotion and continuous optimism encourage her to try to walk. Father arrives on the scent and forbids Browning to visit the house again. Respecting his wishes, they part.

Elizabeth has a relapse. Browning, in a state of some agitation, arrives at the conclusion that all the properness of England is not enough to keep him from her. The whole family is on the verge of revolt against their father's aggression. Father Barrett decides the best solution is to close the house on Wimpole Street and move the family to seclusion in the country. Hearing this, Browning - in a secret meeting - tells Elizabeth that they must elope to Italy or she must face the remainder of her days in a sickroom. Family ties give her pause for the first time, and Browning leaves without an answer. His eternal optimism deflated, he waits, frustrated, until her letter arrives conveying her consent. Their train has arrived: happiness cannot be denied as they board to begin their life together.