Lady, in Waiting

The Tudor Court #3

by Karen Heenan

She serves the queen. Her husband serves the court.
How can they be so far apart?

Margaery Preston is newly married to a man she barely knows. Proposing to Robin Lewis may have been impulsive, but she wants their marriage to work - she just doesn't know how to be married, and it seems her husband hasn't a clue, either.

Treated like a child by everyone from her husband to the queen, lost in the unfamiliar world of the Elizabethan court, Margaery will have to learn quickly or lose any chance at the life she wants.

Can a marriage for all the wrong reasons make it to happily ever after?

Genres: Historical Fiction, Fiction, Historical

Kindle Edition

Published February 14, 2022

About the author

As an only child, Karen Heenan learned young that boredom was the ultimate enemy. Shortly after, she discovered perpetual motion and has rarely been seen holding still since.

Since discovering books, she is never without one in her hand and several more in her head. Her first series, The Tudor Court, stemmed from a lifelong interest in British history, but she's now turned her gaze closer to home and is writing stories set in her hometown of Philadelphia.

Karen lives in Lansdowne, PA, just outside Philadelphia, where she grows much of her own food and makes her own clothes. She is accompanied on her quest for self-sufficiency by a very patient husband and an ever-changing number of cats.

One constant: she is always writing her next book.

Reviews

[Allison · Rating 5 out of 5]

The latest installment in the Tudor Court series features some of the grandest names of the Elizabethan age, but the character who'll stay with you is Lady, in Waiting's narrator, the spirited young bride Margaery Lewis. I was as invested in Margaery's journey as if I was the one who had to earn her place in the treacherous, deceitful court of Elizabeth I. From fraught romance and political intrigue to profound tragedy and glorious redemption, Margaery's story fully captures the beautiful, timeless adventure of being alive. I'd have spent another full book in Margaery's company if I could.

[Bjørn]

Lady, in Waiting begins where most books end: the boy met the girl, the girl sort of proposed, the boy sort of accepted, happy ending…did not follow, because neither of them received a manual on how to happy end correctly.

Robin signed for a marriage of convenience. When Margaery proposed to him, thus solving certain problems related to finances and accommodation, he placed her in the "other people" box in his mind. There were no plans for her to be a "wife," because that would force him to be a "husband," a role that he just KNOWS he can't play adequately. Due to Robin's superior knowledge (and high level of slappability) when Margaery attempts to learn via trial and error, Robin can't afford a trial, since that's how errors happen. He also can't figure out why Margaery can't be more like the love of his life, i.e. his library. Instead, she does horrible things such as making sounds, having demands, and not allowing him to put her back on a shelf. It keeps getting worse when she reveals some really nice qualities that pleasantly surprise Robin, turning out to be quite an agreeable companion actually, therefore he even more can't ruin it…

Where the first two books in the series featured actual royals in, let's say, supporting roles, Heenan is generous enough here to grant Queen Elizabeth a few bits of dialogue. Heenan's (oops, Elizabeth's) England is one where women rule, and men have only three ways to escape their roles of powerless spectators: actual escape (looking at you, Robin Lewis), violence and/or lies (looking at you, Will Hawkins), or…growth of the sort not found in scholarly treatises.

Grand-Mére doesn't waste time establishing her dominance in what Robin thought of as his dwelling. #poorCecil keeps trying to get Queen Elizabeth to marry (not at Grand-Mére's dwelling), but she doesn't feel like it. Katherine Grey gonna Katherine Grey – the reasons why Margaery even talks to her remained a one puzzle I failed to solve. Mary might be the Queen of Scots, but Susan is the queen of Scots. Margaery sums it best, of course. "Why do men keep making plans for women's lives, and being confounded when we don't fall in line?" she asks – and it's a question Robin will probably still ponder in his afterlife.

I nagged the author about an ARC for months until I wore her out and she gave me one, which she probably greatly regrets. The opinions above, though, are entirely honest and unaffected by my victory.

[K.T. McGivens · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have always been intrigued with stories about marriages of convenience so bought this book after reading its synopsis. I’m so glad I did because “Lady in Waiting” is a well-researched, well written, often suspenseful tale, not only of Margaery and Robin’s unconventional marriage but life in general in the court of Queen Elizabeth I. I am not usually a fan of the Tudor era, but the story was so relatable that I couldn’t put it down. I loved these two characters even when they appeared downright dysfunctional. I wanted them to fall in love or, at least, figure out how to be married. The pace was just right to hold my interest, the main characters loveable, and the supporting characters interesting. Whether one loves the Tudor era or not, this is an enjoyable book and one I highly recommend. It is book three in a trilogy and I now plan to go back and read the first two!

[Laury · Rating 5 out of 5]

Five stars because Heenan has become on of my favourite historical fiction authors and she does not disappoint in her third in the Tudor Court series. I'll put up a quick review now and a fuller one later.

What happens when an inveterate bachelor agrees to a marriage to set right a wrong at the instigation of a young woman because she believes it will give her a chance at a different life? Will they settle into a companionate marriage of father-figure to daughter, of respect leading to abiding friendship, or will they ultimately find their way to love? These questions are answered with emotional complexity, a clear eye view on what partnership in marriage meant in the Tudor period, and against the backdrop of tumultuous change in the Tudor court.

I adored it.

[Heidi Malagisi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Elizabeth Tudor is now the Queen of England and is learning quickly how her relationships with others would affect all of Europe, especially when it comes to her marriage. Marriage is difficult, as Margery Preston soon discovers. Margery is a lady in waiting to the fickle Queen Elizabeth and must navigate the intricacies of court life while learning to be a wife to Robin Lewis, a man she barely knows. She is treated like a child rather than a woman by those around her. Can Margery convince others that she is a strong woman and find love and happiness in the quagmire of court life? Margery's story is told in the third installment of The Tudor Court series by Karen Heenan, "Lady, In Waiting."

I want to thank Karen Heenan for sending me a copy of this novel. I have enjoyed the Tudor Court series so far, and I wanted to see how she would continue her Tudor saga. I enjoyed how Heenan had developed the character of Robin Lewis in "A Wider World," so I wanted to see what kind of woman Robin married.

"Lady, In Waiting" picks up where "A Wider World" left off. Margery and her Grand-mere enter the estate of Winterset, which used to belong to her family, but now belongs to her husband, Robin Lewis. Although they are married, Margery knows very little about her husband and his life. He tends to be surrounded by his books and friends, including a former monk named Anselm. While Margery tries to adjust to this new lifestyle, Robin drops a considerable surprise; Margery will be a lady-in-waiting for Queen Elizabeth I. An enormous honor, to be sure, but to be one of Elizabeth's ladies meant loyalty and, above all, the ability to keep secrets, even from your significant other. Margery must keep some secrets with more significant implications than mild court gossip.

I loved this book's central relationship between Margery and Robin. It is a gradual friendship turned romantic love that fans of historical romance swoon. There is so much heartache and sorrow in their relationship, but there are moments of happiness in all of the chaos. Margery's relationship with her Grand-mere is just as complicated, but the familial bonds are strong between these two women. I also enjoyed Margery's interactions with famous figures during this time. Her loyalty to Queen Elizabeth, her rather complex relationship with Katherine Grey, and her unexpected friendship with Mary, Queen of Scots.

I found this a delightful read that continues with Heenan's idea of having characters that would traditionally have been seen as side characters in other historical fiction novels as the heroes of their own stories. Margery Lewis is an excellent leading lady for this third novel in the Tudor Court series. A story full of love, heartache, and intrigue that fans of historical fiction will adore. You will love "Lady, In Waiting" if you have enjoyed Heenan's previous Tudor Court books.

[Helen Hollick · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Discovering Diamonds Reviewer's Choice Selection
Longlisted for the Richard Tearle Discovering Diamonds Award 2022

We were introduced to Margaery at the end of Ms Heenan’s second novel, A Wider World, and it’s been a pleasure to read this new book, told from her point of view.

Margaery is young, lively, and hopeful. The comma in the title is telling though, for this is a story of waiting; not only for married life to begin, but her own life too. (The small but significant triumph when she meets Lord Cecil and arranges her own adventure was satisfying to read.)

Whenever I read a book from this author, I find myself marvelling at her effective economy of words when describing characters’ actions. In a huff, Margaery goes to the parlour to ‘ignore her embroidery’. Her husband, coming to bed late, keeps his breath deliberately shallow and haven't we all done that so as not to disturb someone we believe to be asleep? ‘Robin’s head emerged from the open neck of a fresh shirt’ and instantly we have an image of a man getting dressed. Margaery is intoxicated by the attentions of a man at court, but when he takes things too far and tries to seduce her, she notices the smell of the roses in the garden and knows that aroma will always trigger reminders of this man.

Ms Heenan is also adept at getting her characters from one scene to another; her writing is tight and efficient without losing any imagery. When Margaery and Will travel through a vicious storm the writing remains tight but, crucially, the depiction of the weather and how it affects the pair of them is vivid.

In another scene, Will ‘arrows’ through the room, and it tells us all we need to know about the urgency of the situation. Will, incidentally, is a skilfully drawn character who shows how people sometimes act badly for the best intentions and how love inspires devotion and jealousy in equal measure.

Once again, much of the story takes place in the Tudor court but the focus is not on the usual people. This is very much the story of Margaery, Robin, and their friends and how the machinations of court life affects them. We hear a little of what the royals are doing, but only when it’s necessary for the story. What comes across, in the portrayal of Robin’s long absences, his exhaustion and his dedication to his job, is the nature of Lord Cecil’s work: the long hours, the ‘busyness’, and the intrigue.

Those who’ve read the other two books in the series will be delighted to know that some old friends appear, and that Ned Pickering is still in Robin’s life and is as much of an overwhelming presence as ever. The beauty of Ms Heenan’s books is that every character is three-dimensional and wonderfully realised. Each character has their own speech patterns, their own way of moving, and to read this book is like watching it all being acted out in front of you.

You can read this book as a standalone, but I urge you to read the other two, and indulge in a rich and involving sojourn in Tudor England.

Originally Reviewed for Discovering Diamonds

[Marian Thorpe · Rating 5 out of 5]

Robin Lewis – a man who can handle the intrigue and diplomacy of the Tudor courts but prefers his books to people, is skilled enough with words to weave a web with them to save his life but can’t express his feelings, and is no one’s idea of either graceful or handsome – is by far my favourite fictional character from all the books I’ve read in the last few years. Robin is also a man for whom marriage is an unlikely union, especially in middle age, solitary and set in his ways.

But marry he has, to Margaery Preston, an unconventional young woman of intelligence and learning, at her proposal. A marriage of convenience, a compromise that allows Winterset, Margaery’s family estate in Yorkshire, to return to her while allowing Robin, who has rented it for some years, to continue to live there among his books and the isolation he craves.

Written in Heenan’s impeccable prose, Lady, in Waiting is told through Margaery’s eyes – and what a narrator she is! Robin, many years older than his bride, has one idea of what this marriage should be: in name only. Margaery has another: she wants to be Robin’s wife in all ways. But this is far from the only tension between them: Robin is called back to the court to work for Queen Elizabeth’s principal secretary, William Cecil, and Margaery is to be one of her women, a chamberer, spending her days in the queen’s presence to do her – or her ladies-in-waiting’s – bidding. Neither should speak to the other of what they learn, but which vow takes precedence: the oath to the Queen, or the bonds of marriage?

Margaery’s doubts and fears, her determination, her joys, and her sometimes wry sense of humour: ‘my virginity lingered like a bad cough’ as she grows into both her roles make for compelling reading. As she comes to both understand and love the complex man she has married, she comes to understand herself, as well. As the years progress, Margaery’s life is not always easy. Trauma, loss and grief shape her life as certainly as love and politics, and growth and acceptance are sometimes very hard. Heenan neither glosses over this nor over-dramatizes it, but expresses Margaery’s reactions in a sensitive, realistic way.

The personal story of Margaery and Robin’s marriage provides the window through which we see the politics of the day: Elizabeth’s possible (or impossible) marriage options ; the unwise, dangerous secret marriage of another Tudor descendent; the implications of Mary, Queen of Scots’ marriage to Lord Darnley. These were important decisions, choices made that had repercussions both personal and political. The combination of the story that Margaery tells of her marriage and private life, contrasted with these acts on a larger stage, set the story fully in its time, without robbing it of its intimacy and universality. Highly recommended.

[Mario Giorno · Rating 5 out of 5]

When I'd finished A Wider World, I knew there would more to come with Robin and Margaery, I just didn't know what a wild ride Karen Heenan had planned. The arduous journey of Robin Lewis' young bride Margaery from girl to lady is full of challenges with her unusual marriage, her placement in the employ of Queen Elizabeth I, and all the court intrigue you can handle. Heenan can still surprise with plot twists and turns and keep you on the edge of your seat.

This is the third book in her series about people around the Tudor Court of Henry VIII, Bloody Mary, and now Queen Elizabeth I. Her characters lead lives that are tangential to the court, but also weave through its vicissitudes. We see this continuing saga now through the eyes of Margaery Lewis, who is constantly trying to figure out just how she should become a lady. It's all new to her. One day she was young and unmarried and after a few weeks she finds herself married, a lady in waiting to the queen and a court figure rubbing up against controversy and danger.

She has become a counterpoint to Robin, whose story we followed in the previous book "A Wider World". Now Margaery takes over as narrator and we see a different side of Robin and the perspective of a young woman in 1560s England. I think giving a female character the kind of whirlwind adventure we got with Robin in the previous book make this story a great counterpoint. The female perspective is helpful because it allows a better angle on Queen Elizabeth's marriage game as well as her fear of Mary Queen of Scots vying for her throne. Together we see a tale of how marriage and coupling is usually a political or transactional event. It can only be for love if the world allows it. Both Margaery, the queens of England and Scotland, and Katherine Grey all share in the misery of the marriage game.

And as always Heenan maintains precise control over the timing and description of actual historical events that occur around her fictional characters' lives. In this sense you get an entertaining history lesson from the book in addition to the narrative entertainment. It's nice seeing a writer maintain historical accuracy where a plethora of other writers throw it under the bus. Luckily Heenan is as gifted a romance and adventure writer as she is a Tudor historian.

My advice is to sit back and enjoy the ride. The book has romance, intrigue, and adventure with characters with whom you immediately identify. In that sense it surpasses being historical fiction genre writing and becomes a great novel for any reader who likes literary fiction or contemporary novels.

[kathleen r. · Rating 2 out of 5]

Stultifying Boring.
There is just too much empty, vacuous prose accompanied by lots of gasping in dismay, crying oneself to sleep and bemoaning one's intrinsic nature of healthy and well adjusted self esteem. When we meet Margeary ( SP?) we seem to see an independent and bold woman of mild means and ( of course) somewhat tragic birthright, but honestly nothing could be further from who she really is. She's every bit as much of a milk sop as her AC/DC quasi spouse Lord Robert Lewis.
Robin's big thing seems to be a more than pretend latent homosexuality, or perhaps a less understood bisexuality, but it's certainly not an aggressive or prudish fear of women. It does seem to be a fear of intimacy that goes far beyond a dislike of sex and more towards a fear of inadequacy and disruption of what he views as his norms and appetites.
But he agrees to her impulsive marriage proposal regardless and the two journey on separate vessels from France back to England once Bloody Queen Mary is dead and her sister Elizabeth I ascends the great throne.
What happens next is all the hand wringing, sobbing, self doubt and avoidance one reader can imagine. I became thoroughly tired and incredibly weary of nothing but tedious melodrama and confrontation that never progressed beyond the worn out, "We need to talk" scenario. Talk. Talk. Talk and yet nothing was ever discussed or resolved. They talked and avoided one another for endless pages.
I had to quit, in self defense. This wasn't even close to the intrigue and excitement of the first two stories. "Songbird" and "A Wider World" were satisfyingly filled with intrigue and the character development was rich and varied. No one person filled every role or seemed to take up so much room doing absolutely nothing. I found myself falling asleep so often I just began to realize how much of my time I was wasting being bored and uninvolved.
I loved the first two books but this one was a total dud. I wanted to like it and finish out what should have been a riveting series conclusion but this was hopeless from the first few pages. I understand that history has never been kind of understanding of strong female personas, but this one made me feel that most women, whilst undeserving of their lesser status and fore-shortened lives of anything more accomplished than having babies and keeping the home fires burning were given a very short shrift for some compelling reasons in spite of their actions and capabilities.
I really think the author has so much more to offer than this gutless and weak character who can't and never would see her own worth no matter who or how well she may have married.
This one was a total waste of my time.

[Eva Seyler · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you want a novel with lovely prose, nuanced characters, and a look at life on the periphery of Elizabeth’s court (with a dash of Mary Stuart), you will love this book. I adored Margaery from the minute she showed up in Book 2 (A Wider World) so I was glad she got a book of her own. There’s drama and scandal and intrigue, bookish reluctant husbands and spunky wives in breeches. Also some plague.

Most of all, this is a love story that beautifully exhibits how true love is neither instant nor static, but a growing together of two hearts over time. In this way it reminds me of the thing I love most about Jamie and Claire in the Outlander series: couples thrown together because it’s advantageous in some way and learning to love someone they didn’t have time to get to know first is a trope that I cannot resist.

[Shelle Cleveland · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have read all three of these books and have love them all to pieces. I can’t wait for another one of Karen Heenan’s wonderful stories with such wonderful people. Thank you so much.

I have read all three books and love them all.
I love all the characters, the history, and especially the storyline.
I cannot wait for the next sequel to be completed hopefully in my lifetime as I am 83 years old 😄

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Definitely my favorite of the Tudor novels. I really enjoyed Margaery's story and her evolution. Without giving spoilers, one particular thing seemed really out of place and out of character in the book and I am curious to see if that is explored further in the future 4th book following Will Hawkins.

[Phyllis C Surface · Rating 3 out of 5]

Three stars

Read all three of the series' books. Book one was decent, book two I thought was kind of irrelevant and speed read through that one after reading perhaps a third of it. Book three, like book one was also pretty decent. Overall these 3 books could have been condensed into two books; it was a slow reading endeavor with a lot of redundancy. Can't recommend

[Pauline Frater · Rating 4 out of 5]

too indecisive

The writing was, again, good, but I became irritated by Margaery’s ‘swithering’. Being irritated, I began to wish the author would not have used so many American word spellings, and could distinguish between ‘sprung’ and ‘sprang’.

[jeannette Dooley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jean38no

Very good reading of the Tudor court under
Elizabeth 1. The authors knowledge of the era emerse the reader In the times. I felt I knew Robin as I had just read a book about him. Now I know his wife! I’m always happiest when reading anything about the Tudor court.

[Elizabeth A Bozzell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved the characters and their growth and change.

Very enjoyable, well written and great character development. Hope to see more from this author. This is also a period that is one of my favorites.

[Gabrielle Harrison · Rating 5 out of 5]

Incredibly good

This is the story of Margeary and Robin 's marriage. This has been such an incredibly good trilogy I really didn't want it to end. Excellent story based in the time of Elizabeth 1st, the history is accurate, and the book very well written

[Gill Dickinson · Rating 5 out of 5]

A must read

I have read all 3 books and found all 3 totally absorbing, each book is a stand alone story, but each has brilliant characters, and historical facts woven in to the story, thoroughly enjoyed them and will look out for further books by this author.

[Charles Prentiss · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wonderfully written

One of the best of this genre on Kindle Unlimited. Look forward to more in this vein, the characters come to life.

[Rikki Pulley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very interesting book

Paints a picture of what England was like during that period. I would like to read book 4. The nook held my interest and was well paced.

[S C · Rating 5 out of 5]

wonderful stories! very well written

History with added delights. Excellent writing. I have been captivated by the whole series, well done. The characters are deep and captivating

[L's of Kauai · Rating 5 out of 5]

Continues the story from Book 3 with some characters from Book 1 appearing briefly.
Good continuation and worth reading all three books.
Learned a lot about Court Life and the queens of the day.

[Katherine Woollard · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really enjoyed this third instalment. I’ve read a lot of fiction based on this period of history and really enjoyed the fresh perspective.

[Mary · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good book

Liked it was written without the usual characters.I thoroughly enjoyed it.I believe anyone who enjoys Tudor fictional history will enjoy it.

[Maria Johnson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lady, in Waiting, is an excellent read, beautifully written with wonderful character development. Following on from ‘A Wider World’, the book follows the point of view of Margery. Margery has recently married Robin Lewis, the main character of ‘A Wider World’.

Margery is one of the ladies waiting upon Queen Elizabeth 1 and her husband serves the court. Despite their roles having much in common, they start their marriage apart. Like the other two books in the series, Heenan gives us an excellent glimpse of history, through very human lives and relationships. A tiny word of warning here that though this book isn’t that explicit, it does have one scene that is a bit spicier/steamier.

Lady, In Waiting has been a wonderful book. Though I’m sad to see the series ending, I’m excited to read the author’s other historical fiction.