Playboy Clayton Mirieux wants to continue his easy life as only son of a newspaper publisher in 1875 St. Louis. He writes articles only when his father, Auguste, forces him. He'd much rather play cards and womanize.

When Auguste decides to retire, he'll be damned if he'll leave the newspaper to his worthless son. He decides to send Clay to open a branch office in Denver City, with hopes of making his son grow up. Clay's alternative - disinheritance.

Clay gambles and wins on the train to Colorado, but a loser steals Clay's money.

On a Sunday morning - no gamblers and no drifters allowed in Denver City on Sunday - his father telegraphs: "Good luck until payday. Auguste Mirieux, your employer."

On his own for the first time, Clay hires himself out to Natalie Oakes, a homesteader whose husband was killed in an accident.

Clay can't ride, can't shoot, can't hunt, can't fish, can't plant, and can't swim. He's afraid of horses, bugs, and Natalie's pet snake, Millie.

But he has elements missing from Natalie's life - charm, a sense of humor, and a killer smile.

Clay's never met a woman who didn't fall at his feet until he met Natalie, who knows that constant, hard work is the secret to survival.

Enter Red Eagle, a Cheyenne brave who needs a mother for his three small children and who loves Natalie. But Red Eagle can provide for her.

Will Natalie marry Red Eagle? Will Clay ever mount that damned horse without standing on a fence?