Baronet Richard Harmsworth, haunted since childhood by gossip about his illegitimate origins, decides to put an end to these vile rumors and find a mysterious ancient jewel that can prove the legitimacy of his inheritance rights. For this, he is ready to do anything, even to seduce the current owner of the jewelry - the modest daughter of a village priest, Geneveve Barrett, who is completely immersed in scientific research. However, an error creeps into Richard’s calculations: Geneveve, with all her inexperience, resolutely resists his advances, but the seasoned rake himself falls in love with this unusual girl more and more...