Set in the 1790s, Love and Friendship centers on beautiful widow Lady Susan Vernon, who has come to the estate of her in-laws to wait out colorful rumors about her dalliances circulating through polite society. Whilst there, she decides to secure a husband for herself and her rather reluctant debutante daughter, Frederica.

Four friends rob a safe in an attempt to save a marriage. When the money winds up at a Catholic school going through financial problems, the friends try to get it back. In doing so, they face a complication they never anticipated: the anger of an Irish nun.