Miss Evelyn Dower believes Mr. Peter Hawkins is perfect, truly a paragon among men. Nothing could make her happier than to accept his offer for her hand. However, she is insultated when, as she thinks, he proposes to her at the behest of his grandmother. She wants romance. She wants to be swept off her feet. She doesn't want a proposal made out of duty Mr. Hawkins was brought up to revere women. He loves Miss Dower but he fears his ardency might shock her sensibilities. So he treats her like the rare, fragile beauty she is. However, he's the one shocked when Evelyn attracts admiration even from his own smart London friends. He must very quickly learn how to romance a high-spirited lady. And at the same time, beat out all of his rivals for her affections.