Avelyn's betrothed has just returned from the Crusades and has come to claim her as his bride. She hopes he's partial to cherries, for Avelyn fears she very much resembles one. Too round, too red in the scarlet gown that was all she could fit into...and perhaps too tart for the groom's taste? No doubt he longs for a sweet, docile bride, one who is as slim and trim as she's trying to appear...

Paen de Gerville has dreamt of wedded bliss with a lively, well-rounded woman, one whose plump breasts would cushion his head after the harsh life of a solitary knight. Avelyn, though, appears rigid, her health seemingly fragile as she faints into his arms after their first kiss. But one split bridal gown later, her assets are eye-poppingly apparent, and Paen anticipates the surprises yet to come on his wedding night with...The Perfect Wife.