Michael Bromley, Duke of Woriton, has a passion, but it's not for chasing ladies or gambling till dawn. No, his is the far more dangerous pursuit of the science of chemistry.
He may be a tad eccentric, but he can navigate a society ballroom and manage a polite conversation, if he must. He is certainly capable of taking care of his aunt's perfectly behaved poodle, Lancelot, while she's on holiday.
Elizabeth "Bitsy" Dockering, third daughter of a viscount, is enjoying her second spectacular season in London. She is a "diamond of the season" and is adored by all, especially by her precious black poodle, Galahad. To everyone else, however, Galahad is a demon dog--so much so that Bitsy's most insistent beau and particular victim of Galahad's bad manners has hired a thief to steal the dog, clearing the way for his suit.
But none of them can plan for a chaotic encounter in the park, resulting in lost notes, a soaking in the Serpentine, and an accidental dog swap--and Lancelot being kidnapped instead of Galahad!
Determined to locate the dog, Michael isn't thrilled to be saddled with a flighty female insisting on helping, except that Bitsy has a great deal more sense than he expected--and a sharp tongue to match.
Still, what's a scientist to do but continue to pursue an outcome, however unexpected it may be? But chemistry is all about attraction, and this is one formula with some hilariously romantic results.
