In Paris in 1887, Irène works as a governess to , the grand-daughter of the dowager Countess de Bonafé. believes she is in love with Fabien, the handsome manager of the estate. However she cannot hope to marry him because of their class difference. ’s widowed father, the Count de Bonafé, has a wooden leg, and is infatuated with Irène. discovers that Fabien is planning to flee to Quebec with Irène, and also finds out that the Count has asked Irène to marry him. So tells Fabien this and convinces him to run away with her, causing consternation in the family.