In Dear Lady, Montana rancher Garret Steele and his ten-year-old daughter, Janie, are dealing with the death of Janie's mother, Garret's wife -- Janie with grief and Garret with bitterness, since his marriage to the wild Muriel had brought him more than enough grief when she was alive. Then Lady Elizabeth Wellington, a British pen pal with whom Janie has been corresponding, arrives on their doorstep. Although she tells no one, Elizabeth's purpose in fleeing England is to escape her engagement to a brutal man. Garret is resentful and suspicious, but Janie is entranced with her new "surrogate mom" and teacher. Despite their initial dislike, Garret and Elizabeth are soon drawn to one another. But Garret won't soon forget the betrayals of his dead wife and has a hard time accepting new love. Elizabeth is attacked by a ruffian, and while recuperating at the Steele Ranch, she and Garret are found in a compromising setting. Rather than accept the censure, suspicion, and outrage of the community, the two decide to marry, which pleases Janie immensely. But how can Garret and Elizabeth salvage a meaningful marriage from such a rocky beginning?