The Walsingham Woman

During a time when Queen Elizabeth faced some of the most demanding challenges of her reign ― the threat of Spanish invasion, conflict in Ireland, and destructive battles for political power within her inner circle ― this formidable monarch was advised by her astute secretary, Sir Francis Walsingham. An intellect and one of the greatest linguists of his time, he stood at the queen's side establishing policies, negotiating treaties, and shaping history as it unfolded ― admired and respected by the difficult-to-please Tudor ruler.  The favored secretary's daughter, however, failed to inspire the same sentiments.

Strong-minded as well as beautiful, Frances Walsingham was wed at sixteen to a young nobleman from a powerful family, but when his death three years later was quickly followed by the demise of her father, she was left with heavy debts and had to fend for herself. In order to save the family estates and care for her children, she used all she had learned from her father about the intrigues and political machinations of the Queen's court, as well as her own considerable wiles and charms, to restore her wealth. Aristocrats flocked to her side and Frances became a potent influence over some of England's most charismatic and powerful men. Some of the men whose attention she captured, however, were favorites of the queen ― an intolerable faux pas that incited Elizabeth's mistrust and hatred.

Wed three times, Frances was a fascinating woman and her story is a compelling and melodramatic tale.  Jan Westcott successfully portrays the period and its foibles, the hollow shell of wealth and power, as well as the predicament of women who are thought to be just fluff and powder, with deft skill and attention to historical detail.