The Career of Katherine Bush (1919)

A member of a middle-class English family, Katherine Bush wants to break into the higher ranks of society. She is entrapped by Lord Algernon Fitz-Rufus and gains experience to arm herself for a career in high society. Katherine becomes secretary to Lady Garribardine, whose nephew Gerard is unhappily married and very fascinated with Katherine. She uses Gerard's infatuation to further her ambitions and through him she meets distinguished statesman Duke Mordryn. Despite their class difference, he is so taken by Katherine that he proposes marriage, but Katherine's developed sense of honor forces her to refuse because of her previous involvement with Fitz-Rufus. The Duke recognizes Katherine's lofty character and persists until Katherine accepts his offer of marriage.