Lady Candy Denshire's reputation is ruined. Her ex-husband, a libertine and a scoundrel, disgraced her, tricked her into getting a divorce through the courts and took her son away from her. Secular society does not accept Candy and is happy to discuss behind her back outrageous rumors about the unthinkable debauchery of a young woman. One day, Candy meets another outcast at a ball. Lord Lucas Foxton fought bravely in the Napoleonic Wars, but was wounded and captured. Having escaped from captivity, he broke his word and now also considers himself disgraced. Sympathizing with Candy's story, Lucas offers to help her restore the lady's good name.