Distraught to learn that her wealthy but tyrannical brother has been granted custody of three children, Lydia and her husband Frank seek offer advice to William, who had not anticipated the challenges of raising children but finds the experience offering unexpected rewards.

William, a confirmed bachelor, becomes guardian to three children. When the girl’s nanny proves abusive, William seeks counsel from his sister and her husband and meets Marianne—who changes his beliefs about women and God.