Sir Ranald and his wife, Lady Elspeth, appoint Miss Susan MacDonald as governess to their three badly behaved daughters. Miss MacDonald is offered the position because of her common sense attitude and her stance on corporal correction, believing that a red bottom helps drive the message home and encourage good behaviour. The three girls now in Miss MacDonald's charge are Elspeth, the youngest at 18, and the 20 year-old twins, Janet and Marjory. The new governess has a challenge on her hands in instructing the three girls to behave like young ladies, as well as attending to aspects of their neglected education. It is a challenge she rises to enthusiastically, with the aid of her hard hand, trusty slipper, and leather strap. Her methods prove effective, bonds are forged and ultimately it is not only the three girls who acquire a wider education, but their governess too, as she learns more about certain female proclivities...