Daisy Ellis may be a blue stocking, but she had no intention of being a governess if she could support herself with investment and industry from the initial loan given by Elinor Macfarlane. Her surprise to discover that her parents had not died penniless leads to her decision to enjoy some social life as well as expanding her millinery business. The summer's heat prompts Daisy to leave town for Brighton, with her grandmother and companion, but on the way they run into someone Daisy never expected to see again. Daisy's fortune has far-reaching consequences, however, since suddenly the relatives who were uninterested in helping a crippled brat are desirous of knowing the beautiful and wealthy Miss Margaret Ellis, and exploiting her. Daisy's adventures in Brighton draw her closer to Julian Nettleby, who was happy to get to know her again, and it isn't just that she is wealthy that draws him. Daisy plans to have a good time before choosing a husband, but the efforts of previously unsuspected relatives force Daisy's hand.