A Tangled Web (Paperback)

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1885 edition. Excerpt: ...She must first be placed in safety under the guardianship of the Queen. Afterwards--well, it would depend on circumstances. On what circumstances? Kate longed to ask: but she did not dare. There was an expression on the King's face which intimated that while he was unwilling to be harsh towards her, he thought the interview quite long enough. She knelt and kissed his hand, and resigned herself to Sir Charles Somerset, to be taken where the King might direct. For more than one reason, the King was anxious that Katherine should be at once remitted to the Queen's care. He could not but allow her a short rest at Taunton after her already long journey from St. Michael's Mount; but on the 17th of October, she and her convoy set forth from Taunton, reaching Westminster Palace about the 25th of that month. Kate was conducted to apartments already provided--a messenger having been sent forward from the King to announce her arrival--where she rested for a few hours and changed her travelling dress. In the evening Sir Charles Somerset brought her word that the Queen was ready to receive her. Once assured that her life and that of Piers would be spared, Kate was far more nervous and anxious respecting the Queen than the King. This was to be her future mistress, who, if she so chose, would have a thousand little opportunities of making her life miserable. It was therefore with great trepidation that she prepared for the interview. Sir Charles Somerset led the way to the "Green Chamber"--its exact locality in the Palace is not known--which was hung and painted in that colour, whence it derived its name. Queen Elizabeth of York sat at work among her ladies, engaged in the embroidery of large pieces of white Bruges satin, intended for the hangings of a...