The bohemian existance of Juliet and her father in 19th century Paris is abruptly ended one tragic night by a wrecklessly driven carriage. Juliet, left penniless, seeks refuge with her aunt and uncle and receives an offer of employment from Sybil Chartley as secretary to her crippled husband. She meets their son Richard, fighting to save the family pottery, hampered by the follies of his charming but irresponsible cousin Philip and the ruthless scheming of Lady Chartley. Juliet and Richard are drawn to each other, but their love suffers a stormy course against a background of family intrigue and industrial strife.