Mr. Malcolm’s List

Julia Thistlewaite attends the opera with Mr. Jeremy Malcolm but fails to impress him. The encounter leaves her vulnerable to mockery, and she becomes the target of a caricature that circulates through society. The humiliation seems to cement the feud between her pride and Malcolm's expectations.

Julia's cousin Lord Cassidy reveals that Malcolm has a precise list of qualities for a wife that Julia failed to meet. This revelation fuels Julia's fear of losing social standing and sparks her plan to find a flawless match. Cassidy's slip also confirms that Malcolm's standards are real and not just a rumor.

Julia decides to trap Malcolm by presenting a perfect bride and recruits her friend Selina Dalton to play the role. She trains Selina to embody the ideal wife and schedules a strategy in London. Selina hesitantly agrees, drawn by the prospect of turning the tables on Malcolm.

On the night Selina is to meet Malcolm, she accidentally runs into him in the orangery. They debate philosophy and are immediately drawn to one another, despite their social posturing. Malcolm formally introduces Selina and invites her to the museum to plead his case.

At the museum, Malcolm pleads that he and Julia shared only a weak connection, trying to convince Selina of his sincerity. They unexpectedly encounter Captain Ossery, who adds a complicating layer by confirming Selina's romantic entanglements from Bath. The conversation deepens the tension between truth and deception.

The following day, Ossery invites Selina to walk with him and formally declares his intention to court her, inspired by his aunt’s desire for them to be matched. Selina begins to see a potential, yet she remains entangled in Julia’s scheme. The aunt's letter acts as a catalyst for Ossery’s interest.

Malcolm does not abandon his pursuit of Selina, and Julia uses further machinations to present Selina as the perfect fiancée. Selina tries to balance truth with the act, hoping Malcolm will see beyond the ruse. The chase intensifies while social expectations loom.

Selina and Julia accidentally run into Selina’s vulgar cousin, Gertie Covington. Julia claims Gertie is a relation to shield Selina from social scrutiny, triggering a private misgiving in Malcolm. Malcolm privately remarks that he is relieved Selina is not related to someone so crass, heightening Selina’s discomfort.

When Malcolm finally learns the truth about the ruse, he privately apologizes to Selina. He also extends an invitation for Gertie to join the party at his country estate, where he intends to propose to Selina. The revelation marks a turning point in their trust and future.

Julia believes Malcolm is in love and decides to reject him, but Selina reveals she no longer wants the plan and doubts harming Julia's feelings. The honesty shifts the dynamic, forcing both to reconsider their positions. Malcolm's interest remains, but the future is uncertain.

At the masquerade, Julia has her maid lock Selina away and sends Malcolm a message to meet Selina in secret, posing as Selina herself. Malcolm proposes to the person he believes is Selina, only to be rejected by Julia and publicly confronted. The ruse collapses as the truth comes to light.

The day after the masquerade, Ossery dissuades Julia from further schemes and confesses he has fallen in love with her. Julia’s manipulation falters as she faces a more honest path. This development shifts the romantic balance of the story.

Malcolm and Selina find themselves alone in the garden, where Malcolm accuses Selina of trying to trap him into an engagement. She counters with a frank defense and wishes him luck with his list. The tension boils over into a moment of candid truth.

After Julia offers a heartfelt apology, Selina begins to leave for home. Malcolm’s mother reveals she had plotted to leave the two alone in the garden, deepening the fallout. Malcolm chases after Selina and presents a new list that centers on her.

Malcolm reveals his final list for a wife, the sole line reading 'Selina Dalton'. Selina accepts the possibility of their union, and the film closes on a note of hopeful reconciliation. The transactional start has evolved into a genuine connection.