 Deluzy-Desportes is governess to the four children of the Duc and Duchesse de Praslin in Paris during the last years of the Orleans monarchy.As a result of the Duchesse's constantly erratic and temperamental behavior, all that remains is an unhappy marriage, but the Duc remains with his wife for sake of their children.Deluzy-Desportes with her warmth and kindness, wins the love and affection of the children and their father, but also the jealousy and hatred of their mother.