Moscow, 19th century. Lavish balls, glittering estates, and behind-the-scenes intrigue. A young and eligible bachelor, Count Nikolay Sheremetev, returns to high society from the war. His arrival shakes up society circles: mothers and daughters plot against each other, dreaming of landing a wealthy groom. But things are more complicated for Nikolay himself: according to his mother's will, he must marry within a year or lose his inheritance. Meanwhile, the Averin family teeters on the brink of ruin due to the count's gambling debts. Their daughter Anna, a stubborn and witty noblewoman, decides to meet the count in person, hoping he will forgive her debt. Sheremetev, a man of principle, instead of leniency, offers a deal-a year of Anna's service at his estate. Thus, Anna becomes the count's most unusual servant. While she adjusts to her new role, suitors for his hand arrive at Nikolay's house. But the more time they spend together, the harder it is to hide their mutual attraction. Against this backdrop, stories unfold between Anna's younger brother Roma and the wealthy neighbors' daughter Yulya, as well as between Elena and Averin, a couple whose marriage is teetering on the brink of collapse but still retains a smoldering spark.