Society lady Anne’s dinner party seems ill-fated since, due to her stepson’s unannounced visit, there are 13 place settings at the table. A catastrophe for the perfectionist hostess and her enterprising husband, Paul. Without further ado, their long-time employee Maria is asked to stand in as guest number 14 – and lo and behold, her wealthy dinner partner, art dealer David, becomes enamoured with her. Worried about her reputation, Anne tries her best to counter the ensuing chaos – while Maria seems to be enjoying her newly found role.