Set in the seventeenth century "Restoration" tells the story of Robert Merivel, who abandons his medical studies for the decadent Court of Charles II. Finding favour with the King, he serves as "paper groom" to the youngest royal mistress but then violates the rules by falling in love with her. Banished from Court, Merivel's enforced purgatory leads to a yet more painful fall from grace before he achieves both spriritual and social restoration.