A shy beauty in distress.

When Guineveve Holland arrives in London, she is full of apprehension. The Earl of Holybrooke, her twin brother and sole confidante, is immediately immersed into his own social rounds. Mrs. Holland, her mother, is an ambitious social climber. Though Mrs. Holland has no great affection for her daughter, she still has grand ambitions for her.

Guin is to be married off for wealth and position.

Guin's own wants are ignored. Stammering, shy, and gauche under the waspish Mrs. Holland's aegis, it is little wonder that Guin does not shine in society.

He has a soft spot for damsels in distress.

Sir Frederick Hawkesworth, a suave diplomat, pities the beleaguered Miss Holland. He sets in motion an effort among a few society friends to aid Miss Holland's social entree. As the London Season progresses, he begins to take a very personal interest in Miss Guin Holland.