Ballad of the Five Marys by Donald Smith sampler
Why was Mary deposed? Who killed Darnley? Five hundred years after the Battle of Flodden and the birth of John Knox, this new take on Mary’s life explores not only the historical events which led to her demise, but the relationships and emotions of an increasingly isolated young woman faced with political and religious upheaval and her country’s gradual loss of independence.
Why was Mary deposed? Who killed Darnley? Five hundred years after the Battle of Flodden and the birth of John Knox, this new take on Mary’s life explores not only the historical events which led to her demise, but the relationships and emotions of an increasingly isolated young woman faced with political and religious upheaval and her country’s gradual loss of independence.
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learning to dance: france 1548–1559<br />
***<br />
21<br />
Beaton<br />
A book <strong>of</strong> games, plays and notices, written at <strong>the</strong> Court <strong>by</strong> four<br />
ladies in waiting and <strong>the</strong>ir Queen.<br />
Mary<br />
It is a Folio, which is a Queen’s book. Grannie Bourbon has her<br />
household book, and I have a household now.<br />
Fleming<br />
But this is different. It belongs to <strong>the</strong> children. No adult will ever be<br />
allowed to read this book. By Mary’s command.<br />
Livingston<br />
Only those we allow will read this folio, or write in it. They are<br />
Francis, Elizabeth, <strong>the</strong> four <strong>Marys</strong>, Claude, and little Louis if he is<br />
not sick.<br />
Mary<br />
Only those I permit will read this book. They are Francis, Elizabeth,<br />
Charles, little Louis, Fleming, Livingston, Beaton and Seton. I shall<br />
sign this, Mary <strong>of</strong> Scots, for though Francis will be a king he is not<br />
one yet.<br />
Beaton<br />
All o<strong>the</strong>rs are forbidden. It is secret to us.<br />
Seton<br />
Livingston has shoulder length chestnut hair. I bind this into tresses<br />
and wind it into a crown when we are at court, to sit under her<br />
linen veil. Often she likes <strong>the</strong> tresses to fly free, especially when<br />
riding, and hunting when she is permitted. Beaton is blond and<br />
very curly <strong>by</strong> nature. I trim and crop her curls which never lie<br />
down.<br />
Fleming is brunette and her hair falls in delicate waves round her<br />
warm colour. I tie her hair with ribbons to train it back round her<br />
ears and neck. I love Fleming because she is so kind. My own hair<br />
is dark and quite dull so I cut it short and tuck it under my bonnet.<br />
I admit that this bonnet has river pearls sewn into its hem, which<br />
makes my dark hair look better.
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