Mrs. Tibbet, the wife of a colonel, is in constant search for a housekeeper, but her hires always leave to marry soldiers going home. Caleb, who is intrigued by this situation, sees a chance if Lily takes the job. With her nearby, he plans to court her in his own way.
Caleb has no desire for marriage, but he is determined to win Lily over and introduce her to the pleasures he believes a good man can offer. His intentions are both romantic and unconventional, as he focuses on enjoyment rather than commitment. This sets the stage for an intriguing dynamic between the two characters.