During a reception at a noble house, during the XVIII century, an ancient courtesan takes the petals of a marigold off, one-by-one, and remembers his encounter - and separation - of the woman he loved.

Luísa has been married to Jorge for three years. He is about to leave on a mission to the Alentejo when she finds out about the arrival of his cousin Basilio after a long stay in Brazil, where he seems to have made a fortune.