Set in 1959, the story focuses on virginal Jenny, who dreams of marriage and children, and Patrick, the local rake who woos her. The competition for Jenny's attention includes her lecherous landlord Dick, socially inept Graham and rich, randy Julian.Pretty school teacher Jenny Bunn arrives in a small town near London and immediately catches the eye of Patrick Standish, Latin teacher at a posh private school. He vows to seduce her and moves quickly to head off competition. Jenny is intrigued, but wants marriage, not a fling. Meanwhile, three of Patrick's pals are also interested in Jenny, each with a different amorous approach -- from crude (landlord Dick Thompson) to inept (teacher Graham McClintoch) to silky smooth (millionaire Julian Ormerod). All have a go while Jenny remains steadfast in her virginity. Beginning to feel the unfamiliar pangs of true love, Patrick looks for distraction in a night of debauchery in London organized by Julian.
Trying intimidation, Patrick gives Jenny an ultimatum -- make love or make tracks. Jenny seems to acquiesce, but then gets cold feet. Patrick has an unexpected tryst with his boss's teenage daughter instead. Thoroughly disgusted with himself, he shows up drunk at Julian's swank party. Jenny shows up and soon gets drunk herself. In a state of mutual inebriation, their relationship takes a new turn.