It was meant to be a duel like any other - avenge a lady's honor, take a shot, and win the day. But from the moment Keene Davies takes the pistol from its case, it's clear the cursed thing will ruin his life. Not only does his shot go awry, his father's reaction to news of the confrontation is an unprecendented threat to cut off Keene's inheritance if he doesn't settle down and marry - specifially, a scandalous little hoyden named Sophie.