Robert Merivel is a physician whom is more interested in his passion for women than his gift for medicine. Because of his desire for many women, but commitment to none, King Charles II entices Merivel to marry his mistress Celia to keep her out of his hair. The King gives Merivel everything he could ever want, with the condition that Merivel is forbidden to fall in love with Celia. Much to Merivel's own surprise he does fall in love with her. When the King finds out, Merivel is banished from the Kingdom and he loses everything. Heartbroken and penny-less Merivel starts on an unknown journey. During his travel he meets Katherine. While Merivel thinks she is in desperate need of help, it is actually she who helps him. She gives him the strength and hope to survive the challenges that he must face. It is through these challenges and Katherine's love that Merivel discovers who he really is and he becomes the man he never dreamed he would be.