Tommy Chance arrives in Chancellor, a small, one factory, southern town, looking for work. His love of the rural south and his infatuation with Lara Warrenton, keeps him in Chancellor much longer than he intended. When Tommy is arrested for murder, he has to reveal his real reason for being Chancellor. Lara Warrenton, a depressed divorcee, and Sally Shelly, a lady who makes it clear what she wants, keep Tommy off balance in the romance department. Chan, a man befriended by Tommy when he arrives in town, is a man whose secrets could derail Tommy's success in Chancellor. If By Chance is an enjoyable afternoon diversion.