Robert Merivel, the royal dog pack's physician and unofficial court jester under Charles II, has succumbed to the indulgent and extravagant life at court. He believes he is in seventh heaven when he is chosen for a special task: he is to marry the king's mistress, Celia Clemence, to protect her from the wrath of the "legitimized" mistress, Lady Castlemaine. It goes without saying that the marriage must not be consummated. However, Robert cannot resist the alluring Celia for long. The bestselling author of "The Long Way Home" paints a vivid and opulent picture of the 17th century, transporting readers into a world of sensuality.