Chapter 2 Summary

Elizabeth lives with Catherine Parr, now Queen Dowager, who secretly marries Thomas Seymour, Lord High Admiral. Seymour has designs on Elizabeth since his brother controls King Edward of Scotland. Seymour has "romps" with Elizabeth and is often alone with her. Catherine unexpectedly finds Elizabeth in his arms, and the child is banished to the house of Sir Anthony Denny at Cheshunt, in the company of Cat Ashley. Elizabeth develops migraines and pains in the eyes, as well as very irregular monthly periods, attributed to shock and emotional strain. Her emotional history is such that the author believes her nervous system and her sexual development are severely injured.

That August, Queen Catherine of Aragon dies within a week of childbirth. Lady Jane Grey attends her service. Seymour proposes that she stay and marry King Edward. Elizabeth wants to go to London to see her...