Sisters to the King by Maria Perry

Author:Maria Perry [Perry, Maria]
Language: eng
Format: epub
ISBN: 9781780120706
Publisher: Andre Deutsch Ltd
Published: 2007-03-05T00:00:00+00:00

Later, when she was told she would have access to her children, she said this proviso ‘was colourably refuted by the said Duke’, who addressed her ‘with many haughty and high words’.27

Dacre was horrified. Henry’s worst fears had been confirmed. Once again the Warden of the Marches suggested Margaret should flee. With infinite patience, he pointed out to her what destruction she had brought upon herself, her children, her husband and her husband’s grandfather. ‘And therefore, Madame,’ he entreated, ‘finally and without further delay think of the high mind and pleasure of the King, my master, your brother. With all the politic ways and wisdom you can use and with all haste possible withdraw yourself from Edinburgh,’ he wrote.28 If she would only get to the Border, she need have no fears; she could place herself under his protection and everything she needed would be provided.

Dacre wrote on 1 September. A few days earlier Margaret had announced to the Regent that she would retire to Linlithgow with her women in preparation for her confinement. Albany could scarcely object to a royal lady wishing to take to her chamber. Using the secret passwords which had been agreed earlier, the Queen did her best to let Henry, and more specifically Dacre, know that she was ready to comply with their schemes. As early as 20 August, the day Albany had made her sign the declaration that she was content for him to have care of the children, she had notified Henry that she expected to set out for Linlithgow on 31 August. Her letter, she guessed, would be scrutinized by the Regent and, as a sign that it was not a forgery, she ended with the special signature ‘your loving sister, Margaret R’.29 Four days later Lord Home scribbled a hasty note in his own hand to Dacre, explaining that Margaret was very far from content. She had been forced to write any letter Henry might receive saying she was willing to give up her children. He ended with a cryptic PS, ‘Now or never’, presumably meaning it was high time for Henry to send an army.30

Margaret, meanwhile, reached Linlithgow, where a lying-in chamber had been prepared. She immediately feigned sickness so that Albany would give permission for Angus to visit her. As soon as he arrived, they planned their escape. Under cover of darkness, with four or five trusted servants, they stole out of the palace and rode to a spot three miles outside the town of Linlithgow, where they were met by Lord Home with an escort of horsemen. Margaret was in the eighth month of her pregnancy, but the party kept up a breakneck speed and before dawn they reached the Douglas stronghold, Tantallon Castle, which was within easy reach of the Border.

A situation of great complexity now arose. England and France were at peace; Dacre and Albany were merely the representatives acting on behalf of Henry VIII and Francis I, who wished to maintain that peace. ‘Beware lest

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