Mr. Malcolm's List

Julia Thistlewaite attends the opera with the charming Mr. Jeremy Malcolm, hoping to catch his eye. Unfortunately, she fails to attract his attention and becomes the subject of mockery in a caricature, pushing her to seek answers about her shortcomings.

In her quest for understanding, Julia consults her cousin, Lord Cassidy, to discover how she has offended Mr. Malcolm. She learns that Malcolm has specific expectations for a wife, which leaves her feeling inadequate and desperate.

Determined to get back at Jeremy, Julia invites her friend Selina Dalton to London for assistance. She aims to remold Selina into the ideal bride that Malcolm desires, believing that this will help her gain his favor.

During an evening in the orangery, Selina unexpectedly meets Mr. Malcolm, leading to a spirited conversation about philosophy. Their connection deepens, causing Selina to question the validity of Julia's tactics against him.

The following day, Captain Ossery invites Selina for a walk, revealing his intentions to court her based on a wish from his aunt. This new romantic interest complicates Selina's relationship with Malcolm but adds an exciting element to her summer.

Despite Selina's blossoming connection with Captain Ossery, Mr. Malcolm continues to pursue her. Julia assists Selina in fitting Malcolm's list of ideal traits, further entangling them in a web of romantic tension.

During an encounter, Julia meets Selina's aunt's crude cousin, Gertie Covington, whom she inadvertently claims as family. Malcolm later expresses relief that Selina is not connected to Gertie, causing Selina to feel hurt about the implication.

After realizing his mistake, Malcolm seeks to make amends with Selina and even invites Gertie to his country estate, hinting at an impending proposal. Julia grows increasingly anxious, fearing that her friend may get hurt in the process.

At a grand masquerade ball, Julia hatches a plan to have Selina detained while she takes her place to receive Malcolm's proposal. However, Julia's deception leads to unexpected twists when Selina confronts her at the crucial moment.

As Julia’s ruse is uncovered, an emotional confrontation ensues between Julia, Selina, and Malcolm. Julia, heartbroken from her own rejection, reveals that Selina was complicit, leading to Malcolm's anger and his rejection of Selina.

The day after the ball, Julia is burdened with guilt and considers a new plan to reunite Selina and Malcolm. Before she can act, Captain Ossery professes his love for her, adding complexity to Julia's emotional turmoil.

Malcolm and Selina find themselves alone in the garden, where a heated accusation leads Selina to express her anger towards Malcolm's list of criteria. This pivotal moment forces both characters to confront their true feelings.

Julia tries to apologize, but before she leaves, Malcolm's mother reveals that she encouraged Selina’s emotional encounter with her son. This unexpected intervention prompts Malcolm to realize his feelings for Selina.

In a final effort to win Selina back, Malcolm races after her and presents a new list of qualities he seeks in a wife, which, much to Selina's surprise, states only one desire: her name. This moment signals Malcolm's realization of his true affections.