To escape being married off to a 70-year-old County Magistrate, Clarice Lowell is ordered by her stepmother to seduce her cousin. She mistakes the person and barges into Chancellor Alaric Preston's residence. Believing she is a side character doomed to a tragic death, she tries to save her life, unaware that Chancellor Alaric has fallen deeply in love with her. She flees, he pursues; she believes her love unrequited, he loves her deeply. This mistaken identity leads to mutual love.