The charming Mr. Briggs finds himself utterly undone by the enchanting Lady Caroline upon their introduction. As he fumbles and stammers through their interaction, a deep melancholy envelops Scrap, who foresees her peaceful retreat being rudely interrupted by Briggs's unmistakable infatuation. In her determination to escape this unwanted attention, she escapes outside and has a surprising encounter with another unexpected visitor, the amiable yet unassuming author Ferdinand Arundel.