Nicola Ambruzzi, a poor traveling player, is an unlikely person to end up "fool"and friend to Mary Queen of Scots. But tumbling and clowning at court, she catches the young queen's eye and heart. As Mary is caught in the winds of fate--running from France to Scotland, confronted by rebellious lords and her unpredictable Scots, Nicola--Le Jardiniere--is there, buffeting and aiding the queen with her wit and wiles.

This epic adventure takes us into the intimate circle of one of the most intriguing queens of all time, the courageous Mary Queen of Scots.