In 18th century England, a woman's role is to be a wife, and a mother - something which holds no appeal for Elizabeth Searson.
When Elizabeth's Professor dies unexpectedly, leaving his apothecary to her, she discovers that she must marry in order to claim her inheritance.

Threatened by bankruptcy, Elizabeth begins a double life by dressing as a man and quickly learns the perks of being male. Under her alias, Elizabeth soon finds she is quite popular with the ladies, and finds herself under a particular ladies spell.