In 1776 the Ogleby's, represented by the Lord and his fey son, Sir John, visit the home of Sterling, intending for Sir John to marry Sterling's eldest child, Betsy. The two broods could hardly be more different -- the Oglebys are of noble blood, but bankrupt, whereas the Sterlings are "nouveau riche," symbolised by Betsy's haughty sister, Heidelberg. Unfortunately, things take a turn for the complicated when everyone falls in love with people they're not supposed to, a farcical situation compounded by the fact that Sterling's youngest daughter, Fanny, is secretly hitched to Lovewell and is carrying his baby.