In early 19th century England, moving from one class to another was almost impossible. Rebecca Thomas, the beautiful daughter of the local blacksmith encounters Sir William Courtenay, the dashing and handsome Earl of Devon who falls in love with her as soon as he sees her. Described as a wraith, many believe her to be one of the magical forest dwellers, because she is so different and so beautiful. The Earl, recently graduated from the University of Edinburgh, has a reputation as a lady's man, and has been dubbed "the earl of depravity" because of the rumors of his sordid past. The earl, along with his advisor, Dodsworth, offer to train Rebecca to be a lady as a way to marry her, and to improve her lot. Through a series of difficult and challenging adventures, balls, soirees, lessons, duels, and pranks, their relationship develops into a powerful and all-consuming love affair. There are many twists and turns on the road to happiness though, and it is by no means clear that this uncommon and, in some ways dangerous relationship will be allowed to develop.