Roses Have Thorns

February 15, 2013
The story of a Swedish noblewoman in Queen Elizabeth I's court. Prolific novelist Byrd's latest historical draws on Lady Helena von Snakenborg's actual experiences as lady-in-waiting and close companion to the Virgin Queen. Helena--or Elin as she was named in Sweden--was scarcely 17 when chosen to accompany Swedish Princess Cecelia on a visit to the English court in 1564. Immediately upon arrival, Elin catches the eye of Lord Northampton and stays on when Cecelia leaves, becoming a maid of honor to the queen. But Northampton is not free to marry her, and when eventually he is, the marriage only lasts five months before he dies, leaving Elin--now Helena--a marchioness and the highest-ranking lady in the land after Elizabeth. The two women's friendship intensifies, although later the closeness is jeopardized by Helena's second marriage to Thomas Gorges, not a nobleman. But Helena's romantic history is in essence a background to and insider's perspective on the real and familiar story of Elizabeth's reign--the plotting; the Catholic enemies; the question of marriage; the execution of Mary Queen of Scots. Byrd ends with Helena as Elizabeth's chief mourner. A capable, empathetic historical recap with an unusual heroine, but it fails to set the Thames on fire.

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