The book follows the story of Miss Magdalene Prescott, a gentle and quiet lady who unexpectedly inherits a cottage in Devonshire and £600 a year from her great-aunt Tremlett. The novel explores the impact of this inheritance on Miss Prescott and her relationships with her family and friends, as well as the challenges and opportunities that come with newfound wealth. The book also touches on themes of duty, sacrifice, and social class in Victorian England.