Winter 1559-60, pages 290 - 322 Summary

In the Winter of that year, the worst scenario happens. The French fleet sets sail for England, to reinforce their allies at Edinburgh, and to prepare to invade England and take Elizabeth's throne. Elizabeth is beside herself with worry, wondering whether she should sue for peace or whether she should take her country to a war that everyone is sure England will lose. She changes her mind so much that in the morning she could believe one thing, and then in the afternoon another. William Cecil brings to her a letter from the Scottish Protestants, begging her to intercede and defend Scotland, and saying that only she can save them from the French. Still indecisive without her lover, she cannot take her country to war, even when a secret emissary is sent from the Scottish Lords to...