Robert Guildford, heir to an earldom, is a pleasure seeker who believes in living life to the fullest. Accustomed to taking whatever he wants, he casts his eye on his sister's beautiful lady's maid. Julia Brandon may be destitute, but she is proud - and she has a few secrets. While Robert is planning to seduce Julia, she contrives her own plot which may redeem her family's fortunes - or may land her in prison. When she disappears, Robert, knowing he has been deceived, goes in search of her. At journey's end, both make startling discoveries about love.