Sylvie Delamare is incredulous when Sir George, her crusty, reclusive, great-uncle sends her GBP 20, saying it is half of what is left of her inheritance, due to her when she is twenty-one. Her parents were wealthy, and Sylvie, furious, determines to go to Norfolk and confront him. Meanwhile her friend Celia invites Sylvie to London where her aunt, Lady Carstairs, is to present her.Aubrey Fortescue, young, romantic and impressionable, falls in love with Sylvie, which annoys his older cousin. Sir Randal determines to foil any offer, as Aubrey is too young for marriage. He is suspicious of Sylvie, whose father was French, after seeing her with a Frenchman. M. Dupont is suspected if illiciting rebellion and spying for Napoleon. While following Dupont, who could be passing messages through smugglers, Sir Randal meets Sylvie in Norwich on her way to see Sir George. He offers her a lift, and becomes embroiled in her affairs.