An aging duke attempts to choose a wife from among his three former mistresses while his son unexpectedly intervenes in the selection process. The Duke of Altair, a man of scientific curiosity and romantic history, invites his past lovers to his estate to facilitate a marriage arrangement. His plans are disrupted by the arrival of Perpetua, the daughter of his estate agent, whose presence shifts the emotional dynamics of the household. The narrative unfolds through intricate verse, exploring the tension between the Duke's detached observation of life and the unpredictable nature of human affection.

Discussion often centers on the lyrical quality of Fry's verse and his ability to balance philosophical weight with lighthearted comedy. Readers frequently highlight the play's focus on the passage of time and the Duke's attempt to impose order on his romantic history. Critics often note that the play serves as a significant example of the mid-century revival of poetic drama in the British theater. The work is recognized for its sophisticated wordplay and the deliberate artifice of its structure, which invites audiences to reflect on the nature of observation itself.