"At the turn of the 20th century, Vivian Lesperance is determined to flee her hometown of Utica, New York, and live a life worthy of the society pages she writes for. When she meets Oscar Schmidt, a queer middle manager at a soap company, Vivian finds a partner she can guide to build the life she wants--not least because Oscar will leave Vivian to tend to her own romances with women. But Vivian's plans require capital, so they approach Oscar's old-money rival, Squire Clancey. Together they found Clancey & Schmidt, a preeminent manufacturer of soap, perfume, and candles. When Oscar and Squire fall in love, the trio form a new kind of partnership. Vivian reaches the pinnacle of her power building Clancey & Schmidt into an empire of personal care products while operating behind the image of both men. But exposure threatens, and all three partners are made aware of how much they have to lose." -- Provided by publisher.

"Vivian Lesperance moves to New York City at the turn of the 20th century with one goal in mind: she will not let her life be dictated by her small-minded family in Utica. Oscar Schmidt chooses the soap industry--and a move from Ohio to New York--in a doomed attempt to run away from his own attraction to men. But while working as a straight-laced middle manager by day and cruising the waterfront and gay clubs at night, Oscar faces dual threats to his new life. Vivian knows she'll never get what she wants in life without effort, so she convinces Oscar to marry her, and then persuades Oscar and Squire to go into business together rather than fight for resources. Clancey & Schmidt Co is born, and with it, a new love affair begins: between Clancey and Schmidt themselves. Meanwhile, Vivian reaches the pinnacle of her power running the business behind a Tiffany's desk--and behind the image of both men. But the threat of exposure--and of an arranged marriage for Squire--looms, and together, the trio must work to maintain the life they've dreamed up, and made real, for themselves."-- Adapted from publisher description.