Book excerpt: Among the assorted snobs and eager sycophants employed at London's fifth-largest auction house—an enterprise as unimpressive as it sounds—Alice Duclos and Andrew Heathley stand out as bright and brainy. Alice has a head for science, but her cautious temperament—and controlling mother—keep her toiling at a job she doesn't love. And sweet-natured, adoring Andrew secretly thanks his lucky stars for it. He has not given up hope that the incredible Alice will one day realize that his vibrant charms and witty repartee are all for her. When a business trip takes them away together, Andrew sees his chance to finally capture Alice's attention. But much to his chagrin, the only person Alice seems to notice is Edward Lynden, the handsome, reclusive country gentleman who owns the rare and valuable book they have come to appraise. As Alice struggles to open up her heart for the first time, both Edward and Andrew fight to win her affection. But love doesn't always go to the highest bidder.