SHE IS THE DAUGHTER OF A DISGRACED PHYSICIAN, forced to work as a kitchen maid in a great eighteenth-century Spanish house. HE IS THE DUKE OF CASTAMAR, one of the most powerful men in the aristocracy, but sunk in terrible grief over his young wife's death. Unlike most educated girls of the time, Clara is a gifted cook, and she jumps at the opportunity to contribute to the menu at Castamar. It's not long before both she and her exquisite food have caught the attention of the duke - and aroused dangerous jealousies both above and below stairs...