Following the death of her father and the demise of his business, Miss Francesca Eversham is forced to seek suitable employment. She obtains the position of governess at Edgeley Manor, where she is to tutor the wayward Clara Davenport, a headstrong and wilful girl who is in dire need of discipline. Having discussed her 'methods' with Clara's father, Miss Eversham learns Mr Davenport is only too pleased for someone to take his daughter in hand and teach her obedience, as well as her lessons. So begins a unique relationship between Miss Clara and her strict governess, for Clara has met her nemesis in Miss Eversham - a formidable woman who demands obedience, a woman who does not hesitate to administer a sound strapping or caning on deserving bottoms... and Clara's bottom is very deserving of such treatment. The experience of being punished is a new one for Clara, and she undergoes a rite-of-passage as she comes to terms with the feelings evoked by being on the receiving end of whip, strap and cane.