Hardworking and whip-smart, Elizabeth Pennington is the rightful heir of Bath's premier department store - but her father, Edward Pennington, believes his daughter lacks the business acumen to run his empire. He is resolute that a man will succeed him. Determined to break from her father's hold and prove she is worthy of inheriting Pennington's, Elizabeth forms an unlikely alliance with ambitious and charismatic master glove-maker Joseph Carter. They have the same goal: bring Pennington's into a new decade while embracing woman's equality and progression. But, despite their best intentions, it is almost impossible not to mix business and pleasure... Can the two thwart Edward Pennington's plans for the store? Or will Edward prove himself an unshakeable force who will ultimately ruin both Elizabeth and Joseph?