Lady of Misrule

By late 1528, Henry VIII’s determination to end his marriage has made the royal household a place of open faction. Catherine of Aragon summons her daughter Mary to court in the hope that their presence will remind the king of his family obligations, while Anne Boleyn displays the youth and confidence of a prospective queen. Thomasin, now experienced in court intrigue, remains in Catherine’s service but feels the security of that position slipping away.

The Boleyns begin to take notice of Thomasin, forcing her to consider what will happen if Catherine is removed and her household dissolved. Her loyalty to the queen conflicts with the need to protect the Marwood family and preserve her own future. As Henry’s petition advances, Thomasin must navigate a court where even passive allegiance can be treated as opposition.