The Godmother’s Secret
The mystery of the Princes in the Tower has fascinated historians for centuries. Upon the death in 1483 of their father, Edward IV of England, his sons Ned and Dickon were whisked away to the Tower of London by their uncle Richard of Gloucester—supposedly for their protection. Soon after, they were declared bastards, Richard took the throne, and the boys were never seen again.
This novel tells the story from the perspective of Ned’s godmother, Elysabeth (St. John) Scrope, an ancestor of the author. Elysabeth’s loyalties are divided. Her beloved husband supports King Richard. Her half-sister is Margaret Beaufort, whose son Henry Tudor is also a claimant to the throne. Elysabeth’s own heart lies with Edward IV’s heir, Ned. Elysabeth was present at Ned’s birth and, in her role as his godmother, helped to raise him. Elysabeth makes several attempts to release the boys from their imprisonment, often to the chagrin of her husband. And she must enlist help from Margaret, who is secretly scheming on Henry’s behalf. Elysabeth recognizes her duty to support her husband, but she also longs for what she calls sovereynté, the freedom to act in accordance with her own convictions. Her climactic act proposes a resolution for the young princes that is counter to the assumptions of most historians.
This book is a little slow in the beginning. Elysabeth is maddeningly naïve and slow to understand the danger facing her beloved godson and his little brother. But the pace picks up about a third of the way through, and I found it to be a very enjoyable read. The historical veracity is impeccable, and Elysabeth is a likeable, admirable character who faces interesting dilemmas with love and courage.
