William Blackburn, Earl of Ketterham, lives in exile in the Scottish Highlands with his daughter, Vanessa. When she comes of age, Vanessa returns to her mother in England to make her debut. Lord Montgomery Townsend, a visitor at the Countess of Dawton's home, watches his hostess try to match her estranged daughter with the pompous son of a powerful family. Monty wonders why the independent-minded Vanessa wants to marry the arrogant rogue, but nonetheless steps in to help. But he faces more pressing problems, including the temptation to upend Vanessa's wedding plans so he can marry her himself!