SHE IS the daughter of a disgraced physician, forced to work in the kitchen of a great eighteenth-century Spanish house, hiding her intense agoraphobia from everyone. HE IS the Duke of Castamar, one of the most powerful men in the aristocracy. He is also sunk in terrible grief after the death of his young wife in a riding accident. When Clara arrives at Castamar, she is shocked at the state of the kitchen. Unlike most educated girls of the time, she is a gifted cook, and when the annual party in memory of the duke's wife comes around, Clara gets the chance to contribute to the menu. Soon both Clara and her exquisite food have caught the attention of the duke - and aroused dangerous jealousies both above and below stairs. An epic story of swirling conspiracies, risky secrets and scandalous affairs, set against the sumptuous backdrop of eighteenth century Spain.