Upon the death of her father, Miss Charlotte Royce must save her family from destitution by marrying the formidable Sir Prescott, an older gentleman of sophisticated means. She arrives at Wharton Manse as his newly affianced and shortly begins her education under him in the sensual arts. She meets Mr. Hathaway, a younger and most handsome rake, who further tutors her in the study of ecstasy. Her education is complete upon her union with Simon, the Earl of Radway, with whom she learns that love and lust can coincide.