Chapter 15, A Miracle Will Come to Pass Summary and Analysis

In April 1555 the King and Queen go to Hampton Court to await the birth of their child. According to tradition, six weeks before the birth of the child the Queen goes into confinement with her ladies, and the only man allowed to see her is her husband. The political atmosphere in England is tumultuous, and Mary and her doctors are afraid for her: childbirth in the time period is already difficult, and she is considered well past middle age to be giving birth. Though Elizabeth is summoned to court for safekeeping, rumors abound that Philip means to marry her if Mary dies. Mary refuses to see Elizabeth unless she confesses her involvement in Wyatt's rebellion, which Elizabeth does not. She is again under house arrest, but now she is...