Chapter 16, Bloody Mary Summary and Analysis

After Philip leaves, Mary is profoundly depressed. Elizabeth stays at court, though it is obvious that Mary despises her sister. Elizabeth tries not to incite Mary's anger by attending mass daily and distracts herself in her studies with tutor Roger Ascham.

Charles V begins the process of transferring power to Philip as soon as he arrives in Brussels. Philip uses Mary's feelings to his advantage, demanding that he be crowned King of England . He attends countless social functions in Brussels and rumors abound that he is not faithful to his wife. She realizes he will not return until she grants him everything he asks.

Mary's subjects are appalled at the continued burnings, and Elizabeth is becoming a champion of the people. Mary sets spies in her household and though Elizabeth does her best to avoid controversy, she...