Chapter 5, pgs. 163-203 Summary and Analysis

Elizabeth is not happy with the Treaty of Edinburgh which Cecil negotiated. He has been pressuring her to marry and produce an heir.

When Dudley's wife is found dead, Elizabeth is forced to order an investigation. He is eventually cleared but the public remains suspicious. If Elizabeth marries Dudley, the county would be plunged into civil war. The Queen gives Dudley an apartment next to her own and in 1561, Dudley is considered a strong contender for Elizabeth's hand much to Cecil's dismay.

Elizabeth's cousins, Katherine and Mary, both secretly married, incur the Queen's wrath. She has them imprisoned.

England is in financial crisis at the time. English coins did not contain enough precious metal and are being refused by foreigners, who demand payment in gold. The result is a gold drain. Cecil and Elizabeth lower the value...