While Isabella and her family were with King Charles II in exile, she was jilted, and has set her mind against any marriage.

Instead, she wants the lovely Clare, her younger sister, to restore the family fortunes with a wealthy husband.

When they visit London for the coronation festivities she decides it is the ideal time for Clare to attract eligible suitors, such as Jason Marlowe, but he appears to be destined for their cousin Frances.

Meanwhile, men who are far from eligible have to be deterred.

Clare, however, is unwilling to be sacrificed, especially as she has her own ideas of who will be the best husband for her.

This brings Isabella into unexpected danger as she attempts to save Clare from an improvident move.