A mother, a wife, a woman of substance...
At nineteen, Elizabeth Seymour is already a mother, has been recently widowed, and seen her Queen, Anne Boleyn, lose her life. Against the wishes of her father, she heads North, away from Wulf Hall and the court in London to Yorkshire, determined to establish a new beginning as a landowner and business woman. As her family in Wiltshire curry favour with King Henry, aided by Thomas Cromwell, Elizabeth makes Kexby Manor her home, finding loyalty among her people there.
Soon, news comes to Elizabeth of the King's desires for her sister, Jane, while her brother, Edward, encourages her own betrothal to Gregory Cromwell, son of Thomas. It is a happy second marriage for Elizabeth, but it brings unwanted involvement in the dark plots and secrecy of the court, while in the wider country, changes in religious practice threaten to alter the traditions and values of all she has known...
THE QUEEN'S SISTER vividly imagines the story of the woman possibly portrayed in Hans Holbein's beautiful painting 'Portrait of a Lady,' and is a colourful, meticulously researched novel of Tudor life behind the scenes.
What readers say about Carol McGrath's novels:
'Another beautifully crafted, well-researched work of historical fiction from Carol McGrath'
'Brimming with intrigue, tension and adventure, The Lost Queen is a powerful Medieval tale full of atmosphere, danger and emotion and transports the reader to another world'
Pages: 300
Genre: Historical Fiction
EXCERPT
Accompanied by Madeleine, wearing large cloaks and carrying baskets so we look like a merchant’s wife and her servant, we hasten to the Cathedral to pray for Queen Anne’s soul and for the souls of the men who were accused with her and died. Their heads brutally struck from their bodies, those handsome proud courtiers once gorgeously clothed in colourful velvets and silks are no more.
Often people gather in the Cathedral to discuss news as well as pray. The columned nave is busy today. As we make our way through throngs in the main aisle, faces carved on pillars stare down on us with menacing grins. Stone monkeys appear as if they want to leap upon us, sculptured dogs snarl with glaring open mouths ready to snap. We weave our way through to seek solitude in a peaceful side chapel dedicated to the Virgin. When we rise from our knees and exit the chapel, I overhear lewd talk.
A tall, severe faced woman, her hair concealed under a dark French hood, stands amongst a group gathered around her. She’s saying in a low voice, ‘That Bullen whore would hide her musician in a cupboard and call out for marmalade when it was safe for him to come out of his hiding place and attend her. My husband heard it in London last week.’
Another woman retorts, as we slip past, ‘Never, by the cross, has there been such a scandal in England,’ I wrinkle my nose not just at her vicious gossiping manner but because she smells of vinegar as sour as her face. ‘Did your Nick hear anything else?’ she adds nastily.
‘The King is well rid of her. It’s said down in London she bewitched the King and poisoned good Queen Katherine who died in January. Anne Bullen was a witch as well as being a whore.’
Despite the heat of the day, I draw my cloak closer and whisper to Madeleine, ‘Do not listen to them. It’s an evil pack of lies.’
‘Indeed. Wicked gossiping but ‘tis best we get back to the peace and quiet of Kexby away from these nests of ill-wishers.’
I say firmly. ‘This very afternoon. William does not need me here for cloth deals. These, he can handle himself.’
But it is not over. My sister and King Henry are wed. Throughout the land bells ring again, this time joyously and light, sounding for the King’s new marriage. On the second day of June, a long letter from Edward arrives. With a heavy heart, I climb the staircase to my bedchamber and sink into my armed chair by the window wondering at my sister’s wisdom in marrying a King who set one wife aside and killed another.
Following a first degree in English and History at QUB, Carol McGrath completed an MA in Creative Writing from The Seamus Heaney Centre, Queens University Belfast, followed by an MPhil in English from University of London. She is published by Headline.
The Handfasted Wife, first in a trilogy about the royal women of 1066, was shortlisted for the RoNAs in 2014. The Swan-Daughter and The Betrothed Sister complete this highly acclaimed trilogy.
Mistress Cromwell, a best-selling historical novel about Elizabeth Cromwell, wife of Henry VIII’s statesman, Thomas Cromwell, was republished by Headline in 2020.
The Silken Rose, first in a Medieval She-Wolf Queens Trilogy, featuring Ailenor of Provence, saw publication in April 2020. This was followed by The Damask Rose. The Stone Rose was published April 2022. The Stolen Crown 2023 and July 2024, The Lost Queen, about Berengaria of Navarre and The Third Crusade.
The Queen’s Sister, sequel to Mistress Cromwell, sees publication in June 2026. Carol writes Historical non-fiction as well as fiction. Sex and Sexuality in Tudor England was published in February 2022 by Pen & Sword. She speaks at Conferences and gives interviews.
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