When Madeline Prescott took a teaching position at Mrs. Harris’ School For Young Ladies, she did so to help restore her father’s reputation. Her father, a physician, was accused of causing a woman’s death through the use of nitrous oxide or “sleeping gas.” Madeline enlisted the aid of Lord Norcourt, a notorious rakehell, to teach her young students how to avoid improper advances by men bent on their own devices. She had other plans for Lord Norcourt – he could assist her in helping her father.

Lord Norcourt had plans of his own – he wanted his young niece removed from the care of his maternal aunt and uncle and enrolled in Mrs. Harris’ school.  The Bickhams abused Lord Norcourt as a young boy.