It is 1814, and Lydia Perkins is in London for the Season. While visiting St. Barnabas Church, she is moved by the sight of the wounded soldiers and ends up returning to the makeshift infirmary as a nurse. Among the men is an earl, Major Sam Reed. After Lydia makes a fatal social gaffe, she has nowhere to turn, until Major Reed offers to marry her in name only and take her to his estate.