The story in one page
Cynthia, a beautiful American tourist, plans a ten-day motor tour of England. When her scheduled driver disappears, a romantic young nobleman named Medenham assumes the position of chauffeur to stay near her. As they traverse the countryside, they navigate social scandals and the persistent interference of a devious French count named Marigny. Medenham must balance his aristocratic identity with his duties as a driver while avoiding detection by Cynthia's suspicious chaperon. Eventually, the ruse collapses, but the road trip concludes with the two united in marriage, leaving the vengeful count to depart for Brussels in financial disgrace.
Who's who
- Cynthia
The American heiress embarking on a English motor tour.
- Viscount Medenham
An aristocrat working as a chauffeur to follow Cynthia.
- Count Edouard Marigny
A vengeful Frenchman scheming to sabotage the couple's romance.
- Mrs. Devar
A gossiping chaperon who complicates Cynthia's social life.
What it's really about
- Identity deception
- Noble status masked by a humble job.
- Class tension
- Aristocrats navigating modern social perceptions.
Why it's memorable
- An earl disguised as a driver struggling with the professional mechanics of motoring.
- A high-society count reduced to begging for money in Brussels hotels.
The ending, explained
Spoilers — show the ending
The couple reconciles after Marigny sends a bitter letter from Brussels confirming his failure. Meanwhile, Cynthia’s father plans to marry Mrs. Leland, merging the two families.
For your book club
- Can love bloom between an employer and an employee?
- How does a luxury car fix a broken engagement?