The Honourable Catherine Elford — Kitty — is presented with an awful choice. Either she is cast off, penniless, by her step—brother, or she marries the handsome Earl of Ledbury, who would be perfect were he not a serial womaniser. Ledbury has only ever courted other men's wives, and does not want a wife of his own. However, Kitty's generous dowry, which will keep him from selling his beloved racehorses, proves too tempting. Kitty believes her only chance of survival is to make her head rule her heart. For his part, Ledbury has spotted a spark in Kitty, and sets out to woo her. But as Kitty begins to succumb to his seduction, Ledbury's past starts to catch up with them.