Grace's four older sisters have married and moved away, and life is very quiet and boring. It's so stifling being female, occupying herself with her tapestry or painting, when she'd much rather have been a soldier, galloping about with a sword in her hand. She wouldn't mind marrying, because who wants to be an old maid? But all her suitors are dullards who are only interested in her dowry. If only something exciting would happen!

George Graham is at a loose end, too, now that his Oxford cronies are settling into boring domesticity. But when he learns that a valuable diamond necklace may have been hidden somewhere in his parent's house, he's fired with enthusiasm for the search, and lively Grace Allamont is just the girl to help him. Along the way, they find plenty of adventure, lots of trouble - and a most unexpected love.