Chevalier de Grammont enters Charles II's England as the court itself is being reborn, trading Cromwell's stern restraint for a world of ceremony, pleasure, and dazzling wit. Around the restored monarchy gathers a brilliant cast of kings, brothers, nobles, mistresses, and exiles, each defined by charm, pride, loyalty, vanity, or intrigue. Charles II's easy grace and inconsistency are set against the Duke of York's discipline and duty, while figures such as the Duke of Ormond, Buckingham, St. Albans, Sir George Berkeley, and the elder Hamilton reveal a society where favor and reputation can outweigh merit. Within this glittering arena, Grammont's effortless sociability makes him a favorite, especially beside the sharp-eyed Saint Evremond. Their conversations, suppers, and flirtations lead into a courtly comedy of love, fashion, and strategy, from Mrs. Middleton and Miss Warmestre to the rise of Jermyn, whose polish and reputation carry him farther than talent ever could. The queen's awkward household, the rivalry of beauties like Frances Stewart and the Countess of Castlemaine, and the ambitions of women such as Mrs. Hyde all show a world where beauty is power, desire is politics, and every glance may alter one's place near the throne. This edition has been fully restored with modern typesetting, custom cover design.