Fanny's father dies in a fight. Her family runs a brothel. Her real father is a politician. She falls for his advisor Harry. Lord Manderstoke's interference causes conflicts between classes. Tragic events occur due to the Lord's schemes.

Returning to 1870's London after finishing at boarding school, Fanny witnesses the death of her father in a fight with Lord Manderstoke. She then finds that her family has for many years been running a bordello next door to their home. When her mother dies shortly after, she next discovers that her real father is in fact a well-respected politician. Meeting him and then falling in love with his young advisor Harry Somerford leads to a life of ups and downs and conflict between the classes. Periodically the scoundrel of a Lord crosses her path, always to tragic effect.—Jeremy Perkins {J-26}