What is the theme in The Thistle and the Rose by Jean Plaidy?

The importance of family is another theme. Margaret says that she is prepared to leave her family and to make her home is Scotland but is saddened when her mother dies prior to her departure. She cries for her mother and misses her gentle ways. This is the young Margaret's nature - to desire that her family be nearby. This aspect of her nature is seen again and again as Margaret fights for control of her sons.