Theodosia Burr, daughter of Senator Aaron Burr, is a young socialite who comes of age in 1800. In a time where female education and independence of spirit are not encouraged, she is something of a rarity. The other ladies around her prefer to talk of mindless topics—such as courtship and gossip—while she likes intelligent discourse. The product of a well-rounded education overseen by a caring father, she is entirely unconventional.