This story takes places in the months following Francisco Franco's death as leader of Spain in 1975 and the political struggle which ensued between the national and regional parties. It occurs with the backdrop of the newly installed King Juan Ferdinand who must force the Conservatives and Socialists to set a timetable to write the first Constitution since the 1930's. Xavier Bentley, the protagonist, is a Boston journalist who goes to Spain to cover Holy Week in Southern Spain. His plans become more complicated as he becomes absorbed into the main storyline.

This story takes places in the months following Francisco Franco's death as leader of Spain in 1975 and the political struggle which ensued between the national and regional parties. It occurs with the backdrop of the newly installed King Juan Ferdinand who must force the Conservatives and Socialists to set a timetable to write the first Constitution since the 1930's. Xavier Bentley, the protagonist, is a Boston journalist who goes to Spain to cover Holy Week in Southern Spain. His plans become more complicated as he becomes absorbed into the main storyline.