The third in its series, this book describes the further adventures of Sylvie, Duchess of Fontsomme, at the court of the young Louis XIV. Like all the writer's books the historical facts have been meticulously researched and many of the characters in the novel were real people living in that tumultuous period. Indeed, for the English reader, much can be gained by reading up on the period before attempting this long and sometimes convoluted novel. It will be well worth it in the long run.