The Maker of Opportunities

In the glittering world of early‑20th‑century New York, Mortimer Crabb makes a living out of elegance and indolence. A self‑styled “apostle of flaccidity,” he spends his days lounging in a studio above a stable, dispensing witty remarks and grand ideas for society’s most extravagant gatherings. When a sudden newspaper announcement reveals that the heiress Juliet Hazard’s wedding has been rushed forward, Crabb’s languid routine is jolted awake. He instantly sees a tangled knot of fortunes, broken promises, and a chance to turn a social crisis into a lucrative venture.

With his characteristic flair, Crabb begins to plot a scheme that could rescue the Hazard family’s dwindling empire while delivering a spectacular event for the city’s elite. As he enlists the help of his loyal valet and a few well‑placed acquaintances, the story unfolds as a clever comedy of manners, where ambition, wit, and the art of seizing opportunity collide in the most entertaining of ways.