Ginny Hamilton is turning sixteen and has a fortnight before her cotillion ball at Magnolia Grove Plantation. In that time, she prepares for the return of William Brown, who has been studying to be a doctor. She is determined to enlighten him to the fact that she is all grown up now and hopes for a romance, as she has been smitten with him since she was ten. In the midst of picnics, plantation races, and foxhunting, Ginny and William encounter one adventure - and injury - after another. Two sisters come to visit who vie for William's attention, resorting to extreme measures in order to do so. Sam Bowen, a cousin of Ginny's step-father, also comes to visit, with his eyes on plantation life as well as Ginny. A scandal threatens to ruin all of Ginny's hopes and dreams, and she discovers that she must be bold and stand up for herself in order to redeem her virtue and achieve her dreams.