Title:

To Shield the Queen

Author:

Fiona Buckley

Category:

Mystery / Thriller

Rating:

Date Reviewed:

March 9, 2024

o Shield the Queen is the first book in a series of medieval mystery novels featuring Ursula Blanchard. The series is now up to 23 volumes, even longer than the famed Brother Cadfael novels by Ellis Peters. Brother Cadfael is based in the middle of the 12th century, while Ursula is at the court of Queen Elizabeth during the latter half of the sixteenth century, so more than 400 years separates these two fictional sleuths, though to a distant reader like me, it all seems to be part of "the Middle Ages".

Ursula Blanchard arrives at the court of the young Queen Elizabeth with hardly more than her name (she is an illegitimate daughter of King Henry VIII, which makes her a half sister to the queen.) Ursula's husband has just perished from smallpox, leaving her destitute and with a young daughter, Meg, to raise. The glittering court is full of intrigue and rivalries, the opening part of the novel is the slowest part, as Buckley introduces us to too many nobles; perhaps all of these characters play a bigger role later in the series. The other courtiers suggest that Ursula buy new gowns, and a horse, and hire some servants - but of course Ursula can afford none of these things. One member of the court attracts Ursula's attention, the Spanish ambassador - is he trying to recruit Ursula to the Catholic cause, or is he trying to warn her of certain intrigues at the court? Another noble catches Ursula's eye: Matthew de la Roche - he is handsome and considerate, and Ursula feels welcome in his presence (unlike so many of the haughty nobles, who disdain the impoverished Ursula). But, alas! de la Roche is a Frenchman, and a Catholic to boot. Opposites attract.

The most scandalous talk at the court involves speculation that Queen Elizabeth is enamored with Robert Dudley, the master of the Horse. The queen dances with Dudley, and is frequently seen enjoying his company. The courtiers are scandalized - Dudley would make a horrible king. The kingdom would revolt. Fortunately, Dudley is already married - his loyal wife remains back at his estate. But word comes that Amy is ill, should she die, Dudley would be free to woo the queen herself. Would Dudley actually murder his own wife in an attempt to win the throne? Rumors fly.

Dudley approaches Ursula - would she be willing to travel to his estate and protect Amy from any possible nefarious plot? Rather than kill Amy, Dudley apparently wants to shield himself from any possibly accusation of foul play should the stricken Amy die. Ursula, desperate for money, accepts the position and travels to Dudley's manor, Cumnor Place. With Dudley's backing, Ursula can afford to hire a couple of servants and pay to have Meg, her daughter, housed while she is traveling.

Ursula's is not warmly welcomed at Cumnor Place. Rather than accepting Ursula as a guardian and confidant, Amy is convinced that Ursula has been hired by Dudley to kill her. After all, Amy has been suffering from strange illnesses (in addition to her serious affliction, which sounds like advanced breast cancer, though it is never described as such) - has Dudley been trying to have her poisoned? Ursula volunteers to become the official taster for Amy. It is not just Amy who is suspicious of Ursula, the secretary Master Forester clearly does not want Ursula around, while the chief servant, Mrs Pinto, radiates obvious hostility. Strange men occasionally come to Cumnar Place from the court - are they set by Dudley to kill Amy? Ursula finds herself deep in treacherous waters, unable to trust anyone but her own servants. Fortunately, she is both resourceful and courageous.

The eternal strife between Catholics and Protestants is a big part of this novel. There are plenty of powerful men would love to see the Catholic queen, Mary Queen of Scots, placed on the throne of England. They would do anything to hurt Elizabeth.

There is a bibliography at the back of the novel; Buckley studied the Elizabethean court before writing this novel. The story rings true. It is interesting enough that I might pursue the next book in the series, if I can find it in the library.