LESLIE, Doris

[349] pp.

Roy Publishers

1949

8 1/8″ x 5 3/4″

*front flyleaf semi-detached from jacket*

A lively young girl is fated to become a political pawn

England, 1590

Orphaned at a young age, Arabella Stuart is brought up by her grandmother, the formidable Bess of Hardwick. With both Tudor and Stuart blood in her veins, she is a possible heir to Queen Elizabeth I, but she cares little for the thought of acceding to the throne nor for the procession of suitors paraded before her.

An early encounter with Robert Devereux, Earl of Essex has imprinted itself on her heart, and Arabella has eyes for no other. But he is not only much older, but also a married man. Her love life is the source of much gossip at court and when the queen dies, Arabella finds herself a helpless pawn in the struggle for succession, manipulated by those who would prefer an English queen to a Scottish king.

A brief taste of independence is hers when her cousin James VI of Scotland finally accedes to the throne. But her secret marriage to William Seymour places her in a perilous position, for the pair have married without seeking the kings permission.

Imprisoned for treason and pining for her love, Arabella hatches a brave but dangerous plan

Will Arabella ever be reunited with the love of her life? Do the pair stand any chance of a happy future together?

Or is Arabella destined for heartbreak once again?