The relationship between Frances “Franny” Apsley and Mary Stuart, the future queen Mary II, as portrayed in The King’s Intelligencer, adds layers of depth and complexity to the novel and our understanding of relationships between royalty and favourite. Drawn on the cache of letters written primarily by Mary to Franny which are within the British Library, their deeply personal friendship was forged in a court full of political intrigue and constraint, where personal desires were often subjugated to the needs of the throne. Their connection is intimate, sincere, and supportive—a rare strength for women navigating the treacherous waters of the Stuart court.
Rich with affection, loyalty, and a profound sense of mutual trust, the letters illustrate a powerful friendship that was not uncommon among noblewomen of their era. While today we might interpret some of the expressive language as romantic, in their time, it signified deep kinship and shared solidarity. Through these exchanges, The King’s Intelligencer captures how women in the Restoration court found connection, trust, and emotional refuge in one another. This connection was crucial, as their agency was often restricted by the rigid social and political structures around them. Using the language and tonality of Mary’s letters, I was able to construct both her character and dialogue to bring her to life.
Mary Stuart knew that at some point in her near future she would be strategically married, underscoring England’s need to solidify alliances. Marrying Mary to a suitable European prince was central to securing political bonds that could help stabilize the kingdom. Foremost as a candidate was her cousin, William of Orange, and it was to him that was eventually married. Her marriage negotiations, conducted with no consideration for her personal desires, demonstrate the intense pressure placed on noblewomen to prioritize political strategy over happiness. Throughout these discussions, Mary turned to Frances for comfort, drawing strength from her friend’s unwavering loyalty and counsel. Role playing as “husband” and “wife” and with nicknames of “Aurelia” and “Mary Clorine” the letters provide solace and resilience, offering Mary an opportunity to express and receive romantic love amid the overwhelming demands and constant uncertainty of court life.
Reading these letters gave me invaluable insight into the emotional resilience and complex alliances women had to cultivate to survive within the high-stakes world of court life. This understanding enriched the portrayal of the challenges faced in arranged marriages, which were often seen as diplomatic tools rather than personal unions. Women like Mary had to navigate these arrangements with grace, even as they sought spaces where they could express their genuine emotions. Frances and Mary’s friendship highlights the sacrifices noblewomen were forced to make and the essential support they relied on to navigate these sacrifices. Particularly poignant is the fact that these letters began when Mary was little more than twelve years old, highlighting the pain and tumultuous emotions of a young woman entering adolescence.
The friendship between Frances and Mary thus becomes more than a narrative element; it’s a lens into the broader, often-overlooked experiences of women in the Restoration court. Mary’s letters provide a rare glimpse into the strength of women’s friendships in a world of constant political manoeuvring. The steadfast loyalty and support they offered each other reveal the importance of these bonds in helping them endure the demands and intrigues of the court. These relationships, forged out of necessity and trust, allowed them to weather the personal and political storms that shaped their lives, ultimately enriching The King’s Intelligencer with a heartfelt portrayal of female friendship amidst the unyielding machinations of royal society.
“Terrific scene-setting. Intriguing characters.” Editor’s Choice, Historical Novel Society
“Compelling, engrossing, entertaining, beautifully written food for thought. Probably the best novel of history and mystery that I have ever read. Ms St.John must rank as one of our top independent writers.”
Helen Hollick, author of The Forever Queen and the Sea Witch Series
Coffee Pot Book Club 2024 Book of the Year
Available on Amazon and Kindle Unlimited
London, 1674: When children’s bones are unexpectedly unearthed in the Tower of London, England’s most haunting mystery—the fate of the missing princes—is reignited.
Franny Apsley, confidante to Lady Mary Stuart, heir to King Charles’s throne, becomes embroiled in the royal court’s excitement over the discovery of children’s bones. Could they be the missing princes? As a devastating family secret emerges, Franny is recruited by her cousin Nan Wilmot to determine the truth behind the bones. Her investigation, complicated by an attraction to the secretive court artist Nicholas Jameson and the influence of an enigmatic royal spy, reveals a startling plot threatening the throne and England’s stability.
In a glittering and debauched society where love is treacherous and loyalty masked, Franny must navigate a world where a woman’s voice is often silenced and confront the ultimate question: What is she willing to risk for the sake of her country, her happiness, and her family’s safety?
A captivating historical novel of conspiracy, passion, and courage, The King’s Intelligencer is one woman’s quest for a truth that could change the fate of a nation. A companion to the critically acclaimed best-selling novels The Godmother’s Secret and The Lydiard Chronicles, The King’s Intelligencer weaves beloved characters and actual events together to bring a suspenseful mystery to life.
