Adam Deveril, a captain in Wellington's army, returned to England to find his family on the brink of financial ruin, his once beautiful estate heavily mortgaged and in a shocking state of repair. Not the least of his surprises was teh unexpected presence of Jonathan Chawleigh, bluff financier. Chawleigh was a city man of unlimited wealth and no social aspirations-- for himself. But his eyes were set firmly ahead on a suitable-- noble-- match for his daughter.