In Paris in 1815, Juliette Récamier is adored by Parisian high society, sought after by artists and intellectuals, among whom writer and politician Benjamin Constant. When she welcomes him to her salon, her intention to convince him to write a memoir for the Congress of Vienna on behalf of Murat, King of Naples, threatened with losing his throne after the defeat and abdication of his brother-in-law Napoleon I. After much hesitation, he accepts this delicate task, which incidentally will enable him to see again the woman he is secretly in love with. A few days later, Benjamin Constant reads his latest novel, "Adolphe", in Juliette Récamier's salon. It's the start of a hellish game.—Guy Bellinger