A chance encounter with the cousin of one of her many admirers sets Lavinia Merridew on an unforeseen course, for Lord Heathbury, who is interested only in his studies, becomes a challenge she cannot resist. Egged on by her friends, she exerts every charm she possesses to ensnare his heart. However, when Lord Heathbury discovers her treachery, he puts his own plans into action, and it seems that it is Lavinia's heart which is doomed to be broken.