Autumn 1554 - Spring 1555 Summary

In September, when she had not menstruated for two full months, Queen Mary was confident of her pregnancy and informed Philip. The court was alive with love and happiness for the first time in many years. It was a court unlike any that Hannah had previously been exposed to. In October the court received word that Elizabeth was ill again. Mary felt compassion and sent Hannah along with a team of doctors to check on Elizabeth. The Queen reiterated her promise to release Elizabeth if she would only confess to her involvement in the plan to overthrow Mary's reign. Hannah found that Elizabeth was indeed ill again. Hannah encouraged her to confess, but Elizabeth refused. In doing so she condemned herself to a long, cold winter at Woodstock. On the queen's orders, Hannah remained with Elizabeth, who became increasingly...