Beautiful tomboy Emilie Le Breton prefers the name "Lillie". Lillie's fetching looks attract the attention of many men on the British Island of Jersy-even those who arrive by accident. After a disastrous visit to London, Lillie falls in love with a local fisherman with whom she has a bit too much in common. Soon afte the forbidden relationship, she accepts the marriage proposal of the wealthy Edward Langtry, a man who offers an escape from both her father and Jersey.

Settling with husband Edward in her somber new home in Southampton, Lillie finds less freedom now than she did on Jersey. Worse, Edward's riches have long been spent. After a life-threatening illness and a bit of trickery, Lillie and Edward move to London where Lillie gets her first delicious tast of upper-crust society. but tragedy forces Lillie's return to Jersey. Her beloved brother Reggie has suffered a fatal accident, causing her intense grief and unrelenting guilt.

Lillie's beauty creates a sensation in London's social circles. She is now a "professional beauty", a fashionable society woman whose every movement and activity becomes a matter of public interest. Lillie graces magazine covers and becomes highly sought after by artists, photographers, writers, hostesses-and a visiting dignitary King Leopold of the Belgians. While Lillie is highly celebrated, little do the wags know that this radiant beauty has but one simple black dress to her name.

Althought Lillie hasn't requited his attention, King Leopold of the Belgians, like many other men, is enthralled by Lillie's charm and beauty. His daily early morning visists to her home abruptly conclude when his advances are flatly rejected. But will this royal snub stunt Lillie's climb up Society's ladder? A reception at the palatial home of Lord Suffield will answer the question without a doubt. With her place assured, Lillie goes about impressing another set of royals, who selct her for introduction to the Prince of Wales.

Despite being an icon of beauty and glamour, Lillie's marriage to Edward is a loveless farce. Even though Edward attempts to improve her surroundings, wardrobe and lifestyle, Lillie's heart has found another. She becomes quite close to "Bertie", the Prince of Wales, eliciting whispers of an illicit affair between the pair. After a brief trip back to Jersey, Lillie entertains the affections of Arthur Jones, a lifelong friend. But Lillie and the Prince can no longer exist apart. She is now his mistress.