Mannerling, the splendid family estate gambled away by Sir Beverly, remains the desire of his daughters. The eldest daughter failed in her bid to reclaim their home but is now blissfully wed. The mantle of savior then falls to the next eldest daughter, Jessica. How fortunate that the new owner of Mannerling has a son. In truth, Harry is a brutal lecher and a drunkard, but Jessica, blinded by determination, vows to secure a betrothal. She is barely aware of the attentions of handsome, charming Professor Robert Sommerville, whose affection for Jessica is equaled only by the fear that her obsession to secure Mannerling will lead to disaster for all concerned.