Peter Vibart is expected to inherit the fortune and title of his uncle but will only inherit if he marries Lady Sophia, the toast of the town. His cousin, Maurice Vibart (whom Peter has never met) has the same option but he has been in London and with Sophia for a whole season. Peter has never been ambitious so packs a knapsack and travels as far from London as he can. On his journey, he meets a huge range of people, all of who try to see what they can get out of him. This includes his cousin. Luckily, he is resourceful and sensible and manages to avoid all sorts of trouble. Along the way he meets Black George, the smith, the Ancient, sweet Prudence, mercurial Charmain, and others. In the process, Peter grows up and learns the secrets of life – and of love. (Summary by Simon Evers)