Losing her position as a sewing maid with Madame Barin, Garnet Appleby finds herself alone on the streets of London. Her present circumstances are a far cry from her genteel upbringing and she resolves that she will do anything to reverse her fortunes.

Finding a position as housekeeper to Matthew Lambert, Garnet discovers warmth and security for the first time. However, she is quick to relinquish this for the excitement of the Court of Charles II when she is offered a position by Lady Caroline. She becomes the object of Sir Nicholas Graveney's attentions and begins to think her ambition to become a lady is about to be realised. But Garnet is too naive to know that the only intentions the notorious Sir Nicholas are capable of are strictly dishonourable. The gypsy's prophecy that Garnet had always feared may now be the only thing that can save her.