In 1686 teen-aged Petronella "Nella" Oortman agrees to marry wealthy merchant Johannes Brandt to save the family fortunes - and arrives at the Amsterdam house he shares with his devout, austere sister Marin and servants Cornelia and Otto. As a wedding present, Johannes gives her a dolls' house, a replica of his own home, which she furnishes with beautiful tiny items sent by an anonymous miniaturist who seems to know a lot about the house. More, unsolicited items follow, including figurines of Marin and Johannes. Johannes seems unwilling to consummate the marriage, and Nella soon discovers his secret as more miniature likenesses are sent, including one of Johannes' lover Jack Philips, who unwisely visits during one of Johannes' many business trips. On his return, Nella discovers her husband's secret and the plan of his enemies, sugar sellers Agnes and Frans Meermans, to expose his sexuality - leading to his flight. Then Nella gets another shock. (thetvdb.com)