1822, England: Lady Caroline Elmhurst is twice-widowed, down on her luck and pursued by creditors. But she's optimistic about finding a new husband - or if necessary, a rich lover - and when she meets handsome, mysterious Nicholas Congrevance at a house-party in the country, she sets out to entice him. For his part, Nicholas simply sees Lady Caroline Elmhurst as just the sort of woman he's used to exploiting - rich, available, and gullible. Neither realizes the other is penniless and neither has any intention of falling in love...