A powerful Duke visits Lord Lancaster's home, offering his house exclusive tax-free trade rights in exchange for a marriage alliance. Lancaster enthusiastically offers his daughter Veronica. The Duke shocks everyone by demanding the other daughter, Cordelia, who is blind and described by her father as a 'useless, broken girl.' Lancaster, fearing the loss of the vital trade deal, reluctantly agrees despite protests. The next morning, Cordelia will be taken to become the Duke's Duchess. The Duke reveals to his companion that this marriage is not for love, but to enact revenge on his former lover.