Lydia Wooding is fascinated by the latest inventions the new century brings, including motorcars. Spencer Hayes is a man of innovation, but he lacks the financial backing to make his dream a reality. When he contacts his friend Andrew Wooding about a promising business venture, he is invited to Briarwall Manor to discuss the terms. Once there, he is surprised to find that Andrew's younger sister, Lydia, has grown into a young woman of beauty, wit, and fire. Torn between risking their hearts and being loyal to their dreams in an era of whirlwind change, Spencer and Lydia anchor themselves with the determination they both share: to live life to its fullest.