The young American Clara Wilson dreamed of her first ball in London, but due to a ridiculous mistake she found herself in extremely dubious company! The girl was saved by the rake and womanizer Marquis Rodon, who had the nobility to let her go without seducing her and help her leave the house, where there was no place for an innocent lady. Clara and the Marquis understand perfectly well that such scandalous circumstances are not a reason for acquaintance, much less for tender feelings. They will have to forget about the chance meeting. But what do duty and honor, gossip and the threat of scandal mean for a man and a woman who fell in love with each other at first sight...