After her father died, Penelope retreated from polite society and buried herself in her books. But now her older brother wants to take even that away from her! As long as her brother is managing her inheritance, Penelope is bound by his wishes. So she decides to go out and find a husband who will let her do what she wants! Just as she leaves on her journey, a drunk man throws himself in front of her carriage. He seems to come from a good family, though, and he's quite handsome... Penelope recognizes that this is her chance and talks him into marrying her...but she had no idea just who he is!