Part Four 1376 - 1377/Sixteen Summary

Katherine is the contented governess at the duke's castle, beautifully dressed, perfumed and bejeweled. The duke has again led a courageous military feat that resulted in loss instead of gain, and does not have the same level of support from England that he once had. The king of England has grown senile and there is a new king of France, with whom England has a precarious truce.

The duchess Costanza's newborn son died, and Katherine's two sons sired by the duke are thriving. The duke's daughter Elizabeth is difficult and strong-willed, but his daughter Philippa is strange and has a way of annoying her father. Philippa is pious, and concerned for Katherine and John because they live in sin. John has provided nicely for Katherine's children and the two have stopped hiding their relationship, especially since their...