Countess of Intrigue: A Novel of the Tudor Court

Ladies of the Golden Age

by Anne R. Bailey

A tale of surviving battles, plots and love in the Golden Age.

Frances Walsingham is the only child of Sir Francis Walsingham, Queen Elizabeth I’s infamous spymaster. Frances might be ignorant about court life, but she is resilient, and level-headed. These are all attributes she will rely on in the coming years as she faces new challenges and tragedies. It all begins when her father asks her to marry for the good of the realm. Despite her misgivings, she finds duty can be a pleasure. Slowly, Frances finds herself drawn to her new handsome husband even though she knows his heart belongs to another.

Follow her journey as she carves out her own path and searches for happiness.

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Historical fiction with a dash of romance for those who love the Tudors.
This book can be read as a standalone.
Written in UK English.

Also check out the accompanying novella with Frances The Lady's Season.
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“If it is about money, I am afraid my father was insolvent. He owed money to every lender in London.” He shakes his head furiously. “No, it’s not about money. Well, not your father’s.” He speaks the last so low that I think I am mistaken. “My lord?” He approaches me, fixing me with that intense gaze of his. I can see why so many women are eager to fall at his feet. I blink, thinking I am mistaken in seeing him looking at me with so much desire. “Lady Frances, I wish to make you my wife.” I am struck dumb by his words. Then I decide this must be some cruel jest and laugh. “You cannot be serious.” Behind me I can hear Marta cough. He takes a step forward, his face emotionless. “I haven’t come here to make sport of you. I am intent on making you my bride.” “And what if I won’t have you?” I throw back at him, ignoring my quickening pulse. The thought of marrying him is too much. “I think you will.” He is standing in front of me so close I catch the scent of his perfumed leather gloves. Remembering myself, I take a step back. “Is this the way you seduce your conquests? Do you promise them marriage?” “No. You are the first,” he says. His gaze flits between me and what is likely a disapproving Marta behind me. I can tell how desperately he wishes she wasn’t here. Meanwhile, my mind provides me with ample suggestions of what he might do. My eyes slide from his eyes down to his full lips. But reality strikes me hard. “And only?” I cannot help but ask. “And only,” he parrots back. My eyebrows rise at this love talk. Over the last few years, I have become hard as beaten steel, hammered into shape by despair and loss....

Genres: Historical Fiction, British Literature, Historical

226 pages, Paperback

Published December 31, 2021

About the author

Anne is a novelist, entrepreneur and when she can find the time: wife.

Her love of historical fiction, writing, and romance encouraged her to dive head first into the world of publishing. With a cup of warm coffee by her side and her dog at her feet, she can be found at her desk writing late into the night.

Reviews

[Melisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed reading about Frances and her life. I would have liked for the events to be more detailed, but all in all an enjoyable book.

[Kt Dixon · Rating 3 out of 5]

Story enjoyable enough, but don’t think Frances Walsingham is a strong enough character to carry her own book. A lot of the events that would be of interest were passed by as our protagonist often sat on the sidelines of her own story.

[Laurie Devine · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the second historical fiction biography I've read this year about the life of Frances Walsingham, and this one was the better of the two -- it spans her whole life, not just her childhood as the daughter of Elizabeth spymaster Sir Francis Walsingham. As I have written in previous reviews, I have a particular interest in Tudor England, and in the past few years have read many "historical fiction" accounts. Currently I am reading fictional accounts of persons, mostly women, who lived during this period, many of them serving as part of the court. I already had a favorable opinion of the Walsinghams, mostly because Frances' father was the most prominent spymaster in the Elizabethan court. Frances was first married to to Sir Philip Sidney, and then to the Earl of Essex. This second husband was a surprise to me - I had not realized she married that bad boy of the final years of Elizabeth I's reign. So I was absorbed by the chapters concerning her marriage to Robert Devereux, and I was especially interested in the way Frances did not follow her husband into treason and execution. Frances Walsingham seems to have had a good head on her shoulders -- and was savvy enough to keep it. I enjoyed this account of her life and how she lived it wisely and well.

[Helen · Rating 2 out of 5]

Frances Walsingham, daughter of Sir Francis Walsingham, tells the story of her life and marriages in a first person present tense narrative. Philip Sidney is a remote but kind figure, and Robert Devereux, Earl of Essex, a playboy but a good husband. Meanwhile Frances, mostly on the sidelines, proves she has as good a brain as any man when it comes to negotiating court and politics. This book contains some historical errors but its heroine is not anachronistic in her attitude to life.

[Regan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have always been intrigued with stories and history of royalty, especially the Tutors. This author is reminiscent of Philippa Gregory. The daughter of the spymaster Francis Walsingham, must endure two marriages of politically ambitious husbands, the wrath of Elizabeth herself, and the death of half of her children before finally finding peace and love with husband three.
I enjoyed this book and would recommend it to everyone.

[Sweet · Rating 2 out of 5]

Neither fish (historical fiction) nor fowl (historical romance). Riddled with grammatical errors and malapropisms.

[Rosie Lee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Frances Walsingham only daughter of Elizabeth Is great spy master Sir Francis Walsingham and her traumatic life with her husbands Sir Philip Sidney and the Earl of Essex will she ever find true happiness