Unmarried and dedicated to illustrating the Explorers Club's artifacts, Dulcie Middleworth is running out of prospects. Spinsterhood's a tragedy for the daughter of a viscount, but London's most eligible maiden has a secret: she's already in love. But, to confess an attraction to charming explorer Michael Shepard? Not when the man has no wish to marry and his heart's desire lies in adventure abroad. Surely, such a predicament calls for a matchmaker of Poppy Fitzhew-Wellmore's caliber! And, calls as well for a romantic rival, the legendary figment of Poppy's imagination Reginald Everheart, to nudge Michael's affections in Dulcie's direction. But, what to do when everyone demands to meet the famously infamous suitor who doesn't really exist?
