Philip Langhorne serves as a physician with the British army on the peninsula during the fight against Napoleon. On his return to England he unexpectedly inherits a baronetcy, which immediately changes his social status, making him an eligible catch in the London marriage market. At a ball he meets the beautiful Lady Vanessa, who is intrigued by the handsome stranger. Their budding romance is abruptly halted though by the machinations of others in Lady Vanessa’s orbit who resent Philip for his profession, and his past. Vanessa does not stand up for him, and angry at her lack of faith, he leaves her and London behind. They next meet during the battle of Waterloo, where she finally sees his great talent and goodness.