Chapter 2, Amorous Intrigues Summary and Analysis

Admiral Seymour moves in with Katherine Parr and the Lady Elizabeth, who is fourteen. He is a larger than life figure known for his charm. Elizabeth's caretaker, Kat Ashley, encourages Elizabeth's infatuation with the Admiral. The Admiral would come into her room, to which he had keys made, and wake her up in the morning by throwing open her bed curtains and pretending to come after her. Kat Ashley and Katherine Parr think it is innocent fun, but he seems to deliberately be trying to awaken the adolescent Elizabeth's sexuality. He sends her suggestive notes and visits her in slippers and his nightgown, which even Kat Ashley thinks inappropriate. Elizabeth becomes uncomfortable with his visits, and takes to waking up early and dressing so she is not still in bed when he comes to bid her good...