In 1866, a brilliant young orphan and his ailing younger brother are taken in by a charitable aid organization, where they catch the attention of the son of an earl, who is discontent with Britain's class system.

William begins teaching at a university, and is invited to dinner at the home of the Viscount of Belfor. He and his brothers receive a tour of the viscount's well-kept conservatory, but are taken aback by what they hear of the gardener and his wife.