A month after the Queen married Bothwell, matters between her and the lords came to a head. They met at Carberry Hill, fifteen miles east of Edinburgh, and it was not a good day for the Queen. She and her troops were heavily defeated, and she was taken back to Edinburgh in disgrace. It was heartbreaking to hear the crowds hurling abuse at her; such a difference from the welcome she had received when she arrived.

She arrived at Holyrood as her brother’s prisoner. I met her in the courtyard, and was shocked to see her dishevelled state. She was dirty, her dress was torn, and her hair was loose and matted. “Oh, Mary, what has become of you?” I whispered.

She saw me coming towards her, and the look on her face was one of shame. “Seton, you are still here!” she exclaimed. &ld...

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