Chapter 6, pgs. 204-243 Summary and Analysis

Mary Queen of Scots is interested in remarrying and producing an heir. A strong marriage for Mary would reinforce her claim on Elizabeth's throne. Cecil believes that the only solution is for Elizabeth to marry. When a representative of Mary's comes to see Elizabeth, she suggests that Mary take Dudley as a husband. Elizabeth confers a title, Earl of Leicester, on Dudley to make him more attractive to Mary. At Cecil's urgings, Elizabeth sends Lord Darnley to Scotland as a suitable husband for Mary. Leicester also favors the move because he doesn't want to be paired with Mary.

Darnley arrives in Scotland on February 17, 1565 and Mary falls in love with him. If Mary marries Darnley, this would lend weight to her claim on the throne according to the Privy Council. When Elizabeth summons Darnley to return to...