Lady Madeleine Castleigh has decided to elope with Mr. Dover – that seems to be the best way to avoid all those suitors whose only interest is in her dowry. After hearing a loud noise on top of the coach, a strange man enters and the coach sets off without Mr. Dover. The usual coachman has been replaced by Jack Martingale’s friend and Jack, Marquess of Blackthorne, is fleeing the wrath of the Duke of Blevin, whom he has just insulted.

One adventure leads into another when Jack arranges a drunken priest to perform a sham marriage and the priest performs the real thing. Now that Jack and Madeleigh are husband and wife, the fun really begins. With the bride’s father, and the Duke of Blevins, chasing them, Jack is hard pressed to keep the two of them safe.