Roxanne Whitcomb plans to spend her London season finding a rich backer for her brother's inventions until she meets Spencer Tanner and realizes she cannot marry for money. Tanner is attracted to her wit and startled by her lively nature, but assumes that, like other women, she needs protection. Her London debut is ruined by the arrival of her estranged mother and guardian, recalling gossip about her father's suicide and mother's untimely remarriage. Roxanne decides to tackle her problems by rescuing her mother and protecting her brother, but Tanner is reluctant to offer help, doubting her theory on why this would be necessary. Then he discovers the independent Rox can also be resourceful and courageous.