Escaping the constraints of life as a village schoolmistress, Lilia Brooke bursts into London and into Paul Harriss orderly life, shattering his belief that women are gentle creatures who need protection. Lilia wants to change womens lives by advocating for the vote, free unions, and contraception. Paul, an Anglican priest, has a big ambition of his own: to become the youngest dean of St. Johns Cathedral. Lilia doesnt believe in God, but shes attracted to Pauls intellect, ethics, and dazzling smile. As Lilia finds her calling in the militant Womens Social and Political Union, Paul is increasingly driven to rise in the church. They cant deny their attraction, but they know they dont belong in each others worlds. Lilia would rather destroy property and serve time in prison than see her spirit destroyed and imprisoned by marriage to a clergyman, while Paul wants nothing more than to settle down and keep Lilia out of harms way. Paul and Lilia must reach their breaking points before they can decide whether their love is worth fighting for.