A young man pressures his grandfather to arrange his marriage to Ms. Ashford, who is already engaged to Edwin. He argues Edwin's character is flawed and claims he wants to save her, but his grandfather dismisses this as another ploy to avoid duty. The man reveals he has already given Ms. Ashford his signet ring to force the issue. Meanwhile, the man's extravagant gifts to Ms. Ashford spark rumors across the city that he is pursuing her, leaving her shocked and her reputation hanging in the balance.