Raised by an clutch-fisted, vulgar, uncaring father who is deeply in debt and cares for nothing but horses Caroline Richmond faces a bleak future. The only possible escape is through marriage. So she plots (with the help of her invalid mother) to get her father’s permission to spend a small inheritance from her uncle to finance a London Season, on the understanding that she will attract a marriage proposal and generous settlement from her prospective spouse.
The plan seems to be working when she attracts, amongst many others, the notice of Branville, Marquis of Kimston.
Branville appears to fall in love with the impoverished young woman. Despite giving her reason to think he will declare himself, his own weaknessses make him a willing victim of manipulation by his devious friend, Lefbridge. He is convinced that what he feels is infatuation and Caroline is forced to return home - humiliated and without an offer, but with the promise that Branville will visit her father’s estate. She waits and waits but he never arrives.
In the next three years her disappointed mother weakens further and finally dies.
Her furious father then promises Caroline to an elderly gentleman, the Duke of Walverston, who also happens to be Branville’s father.
Despite Caroline’s initial horror and Branville's objections, the couple is married - but the Duke doesn't survive the wedding night. Caroline is now a widow whose purse strings are controlled by Branville, who behaves appallingly to Caroline, before coming to realise that he has been duped.