Ginny Hamilton is turning sixteen and has a fortnight before her cotillion ball at Magnolia Grove Plantation. In that time, she prepares for the return of William Brown, who has been studying to be a doctor. She is determined to enlighten him to the fact that she is all grown up now and hopes for a romance, as she has been smitten with him since she was ten. In the midst of picnics, plantation races, and foxhunting, Ginny and William encounter one adventure €“ and injury €“ after another. Two sisters come to visit who vie for William€s attention, resorting to extreme measures in order to do so. Sam Bowen, a cousin of Ginny€s step-father, also comes to visit, with his eyes on plantation life as well as Ginny. A scandal threatens to ruin all of Ginny€s hopes and dreams, and she discovers that she must be bold and stand up for herself in order to redeem her virtue and achieve her dreams.