Historical novel about the 17th century, women, the king and his gardener. "The Comtesse" tells the story of Héloise de Clement-Barentin, Comtesse de Bellefort. In 1660, Héloise travels to court as a lady-in-waiting to Marie-Thérèse, Infanta of Spain and Queen of France, and immediately enjoys the favour of Louis XIV, the young king who wants a prestigious palace outside Paris. His father's hunting lodge in the Val-de-Galie (Versailles) does not seem to offer the best conditions: Swampland surrounds the neat building, which is only a few decades old. But Louis has a vision, and to realise it he needs France's most experienced master builders: Louis Le Vau, Charles Le Brun and André Le Nôtre. In March 1661, events came to a head. Prime Minister Mazarin dies and Louis XIV takes over the reins of government - alone. Meanwhile, planning for the palace begins. Louis concentrates on the gardens and invites his 'gardener' to the summer festival at Fontainebleau. There André Le Nôtre meets the pretty Héloise and falls in love with her. Will this love have a chance?
