This is the last of the books in Gregory's Tudor series, and it shifts focus to the cousin of Queen Elizabeth I. Mary, Queen of the Scots, has claims on three separate thrones: France, Scotland, and England. As the novel starts, Mary has been forced to flee from Scotland because of rebellious lairds. She finds herself in her cousin's court, hoping for sanctuary. Elizabeth is only too willing to help out, particularly since she questions Mary's loyalty. The result is that she places Mary in the home of George Talbot, the Earl of Shrewsbury, and his wife Bess of Hardwick. The placement is meant to be as much a prison as it is a sanctuary.

Bess of Harwick was definitely a woman of the new age that was spreading across England. She was born to a middle class trade family. Through a series of marriage, hard work, and economic acumen, Bess found herself to be a landed lady. Her husband George was from a well-established family that had lost most of its wealth. Their union was one of love and of political convenience, allowing both to be happy and in a stronger societal position.

The Talbots were selected for the honor of hosting Mary for two reasons. First, one of their homes was a very secure structure that could house Mary with a low risk of escape. Secondly, Bess was a strong woman confident of her marriage. There was no doubt in Elizabeth's court that Mary would be able to use her wily ways to win over George's heart and use him to either escape or commit other traitorous acts. Mary's power for persuasion proved to be stronger than anyone expected.

Mary is able through secret letters, a marriage proposal from a northern lord and Elizabeth's cousin, and the growing willingness of George, to bring about a series of attempts at escape and action against the English crown. This also included almost bringing about a civil war that could have brought down the last of the Tudor monarchs.

The story is told convincingly in three voices: Bess, George, and Mary. The result of the multiple perspectives provides a strong look at the events in the story as well as a chance to really look at the complex person who was Mary, Queen of the Scots. George definitely comes across as a whinging weakling that would have been nothing without his wife. Bess on the other hand raised a strong crop in her children, with a number of them playing a major role in the English leadership, even marrying into the Stuart royal family at a later date.

Gregory finishes up the series with her usual talent for bringing historical figures and events to life by drawing the reader into the humanity of the folks living at the time. I am really sad that the series is done.