In 1890, at Esther Sturry's 18th birthday party, her sister Georgina gets jealous. She starts flirting an eventually has an affair with a prominent Novelist, ending his career and marriage. Georgina's family is furious and she goes to live off on her own, her family severs all ties with her.

Almost two years later, 6 months before Esthers 20th B-Day party, her father dies. Leaving Esther and her mother with money but a scorched reputation, (because of Georgina), and cutting Georgina out of his will, (leaving her with no money, but a very prominent and popular business going as a home-wrecker/harlet.)

The rest of the story is told from 3 perspectives. Esthers, Georgina's and Janes. Alternating every chapter.

Esther and her mother attempt to repair their repuation by becoming the benefactor of a poor, foolish girl from Sussex. (In an attempt to prove that they can raise a child right, trying to make up for Georgina's mistakes).

Meanwhile, Georgina tries to get money by wooing the foolish and impressionable Judge Havensbrow, (who is actually a con man, who went to Africa with Havensbrow, who was killed by Malaria. Adopting his identity and his title, because he looks quite like him).

Havensbrow is scamming multiple women, (Jane and Georgina), Georgina gets jealous and destroys Jane, making her forever hate men.

Jane runs off but Georgina is on good graces with the family. Esther throws her 20th birthday party in which Georgina shows up dressed very modestly, convinced her infamy scared Havensbrow away, (thats why she thinks she went to another women).

While jane shows up wearing a scandalous outfit, (a skirt with a wide brimmed hat with a flower on it).

Esther becomes the old maid, Georgina and Havensbrow fall in love and Jane, (with her hatered of men and sexy outfit), becomes the new 'Home Wrecker', (she becomes the new Georgina). Leaving Esther alone contemplating philosphy, love and medeling with the fabric of things.