The series follows the conflicts surrounding the new money Russell family and their old money neighbors, the van Rhijn family, in 1880s New York City high society.

Old New York the 1880's. Old Money and New Money are the opposites that attract to create a Post Civil War Era New York society. The Who's Who of society is carefully orchestrated by the Old Money folks that can't help but be fascinated and seduced by the "nouveau riche" folk. The lives of the characters are also merged with people from all walks of life.—BaublesBangles