(I've rarely disliked a character so much in historical fiction, but Cecil is a vile character here). Tracy Borman writes so vividly as to make you seriously afraid of Cecil on Frances's behalf. He is determined to bring Frances to justice - right to the grisly fate of 17th-century witches: burning at the stake. He's deeply suspicious of her, and takes his role leading James's witch hunt quite seriously. Sir William Cecil - a key figure in the Elizabethan government, and new right-hand man to King James, proves immediately to be one of Frances's foes. so the days ahead are dark for Frances, indeed. James is notorious for his fear of witchcraft and loathing of women. The story opens with her at Queen Elizabeth I's death bed in 1603, and as we (as Tudor enthusiasts) may know, her healing work will soon be under serious scrutiny when the new king, James VI of Scotland/I of England, takes the throne upon the Virgin Queen's death. She's a healer, having learned the art of medicinal plants and herbs from her mother, and earning a positive reputation among her many patients. Frances Gorges is a character I instantly liked and sympathized with. Does that capture your interest? It certainly piqued mine, and though I've rarely delved into 17th-century novels, I was very excited to start this one.
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