The Bridled Tongue
In England in 1586, 28-year-old Alyce Bradley has learned to be “silent and obedient and not draw attention.” Twelve years ago, her outspoken ways and interest in healing and the physic, as with her grandmother, could make her the target of witchcraft accusations festering in the town, so the family sent her away to work for Lady Faulconer. She became a serving maid, and her life in exile was harsh. This taught her to curb her sharp tongue and unseemly behavior.
She has now returned home, and her father insists she marry. He will provide a sizable dowry to compensate for her lack of beauty, but she has no desire to marry. She agrees only if she is allowed her choice of suitors, but her choices are limited. First is Robert Chapman, an overbearing and opportunistic apprentice in her father’s shop. He has expected for years to marry Alyce and inherit her father’s shop, but Alyce refuses because of his aggressions toward her. Second is Thomas Granville, a privateer under a cloud of villagers’ gossip. He needs Alyce’s dowry to fund his newest expedition. After meeting Thomas, she decides that they can make a life together based on courtesy and respect. Thomas seems unaffected by the town’s gossip swirling around him, living his life as he chooses. Neither does Alyce allow gossip to determine her choice of a husband.
You could not find a better character than Alyce. She is a plain-looking woman of strength and profundity that diminishes the typical beautiful heroine. She settles into her new married life with contentment and hope for her future. What takes place throughout the rest of the book is not to be missed. The engaging plot, authentic dialogue, and narrative woven with rich descriptions will wrap the reader in the world of Tudor England.
