Jack Carstares, the eldest son of the Earl of Wyncham, is a highwayman living on the land because he was disgraced six years back.

Diana Beauleigh, a young lady of Sussex, falls victim to an abduction by the Duke of Andover, but the plot is foiled by Carstares. Alas, Carstares is injured rescuing her, so Diana and her Aunt Betty take him to their home to recover. Romance and intrigue ensue, and so begins the long career of Ms. Heyer.