Ethelberta, is an ex-governess from a large servant family. She is already (at 21 years old) widowed, after having married Lady Petherwin's son. When her mother-in-law dies, she tries to earn her living, dramatizing her own poetry. In London, she moves her many siblings, and mother, into her house, passing them off as her own servants in an attempt to disguise her straightened means.
Unfortunately, her young sister, Picotee, falls In love with one of Ethelbert's suitors. Complications ensue
