What do penniless aristocrats do to maintain their standing in 19th century London? They open a hotel! Despite her rank, Lady Fortescue, a widow in her seventies, has neither an annuity nor an inheritance to live with dignity. Tired of depending on charity family, she however gives up on parting with her large decrepit house in Bond Street and her servants whom she has not paid for a long time... Then the crazy idea arises of making common cause with other unfortunate people and transforming her house overnight, "Au Parent Pauvre" becomes the most chic and famous place in London. But his nephew, the Duke of Rowcester, takes a dim view of this little revolution and puts himself at the head of His meeting with Miss Harriet James, the head cook, could well change his mind...