Lydia Raymond, a clever and ambitious young orphan, leaves her quiet seaside home to make her mark in bustling London. Working as an accountant at a fashionable shop, she dreams of becoming a writer and navigating the complexities of society. Her beauty and charm attract the attention of a mysterious Greek gentleman at her boarding house, but his sudden departure leaves her questioning his true intentions.

Lydia's determination to rise above her humble beginnings is tested as she faces challenges in work and love. With her quick wit and resilient spirit as her only allies, will Lydia find the success and happiness she craves in the big city?

E.M. Delafield's novel is a timeless coming-of-age tale that explores the aspirations and trials of a remarkable young woman alone in a rapidly changing world.