Prudence Mallow, country miss, finds herself in London as the poor relation of her Uncle Clarence, a true British eccentric (and erstwhile painter). When she discovers her calling as a novelist, she is delighted to develop a friendship with another writer. But Prudence produces modest, sincere novels, and Lord Dammler, handsome rake that he is, has won acclaim for his scandalous Cantos from Abroad. Drawn by the rakish marquis into the hotbed of London society, Prudence finds herself in way over her head-and heart