Chapter 1: What challenges did Mary face upon arriving in England?
Audible subscribers can listen to all episodes of British Scandal ad-free right now. Join Audible today by downloading the Audible app. Matt, the studio door seems to be locked.
Ah, yes, I should have said, there's a new procedure now. You have to give a password. You only get three guesses, so you've got to get it right in those three. I think you will. If you get it wrong, you're not allowed in, and you do get casted away to prison.
Sorry, what? I don't know. I didn't receive any passwords. Why would I get put in prison? This is just ridiculous.
It's just management brought it in. It's all right. You'll get it. Look, it's something to do with the show. Just think about the things we joke about.
Okay, okay, okay. Ham sandwiches.
No.
It's literally the only in-joke we do. Oh, oh, Tonkin.
No.
So wait, is it like one of the characters we always do? It might be. Oh, yeah, yeah. Okay, okay, okay. Is it a Cockney paper boy? No. Matt, what?
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Chapter 2: How did Mary's imprisonment affect her plans for the throne?
Mary risks a glance at the guard. She's certain she sees doubt in his eyes. Suspicion. For the first time, she wonders if her secretary is right to be worried. She lowers her eyes and threads the needle through. She counts three stitches. Four. Don't be long. Mary exhales, then nods to her secretary. He takes the embroidery from the frame and lays it out flat on the desk.
Mary pulls the note from the drawer and slips it within the lining. Checking it's secure, she drives her needle through the fabric, ensuring every stitch is small, tight. Her swollen joints burn with every push, but Mary grits her teeth, keeps going. Minutes later, Mary hands the cloth to her secretary along with a bundle of letters.
She watches him take them with both hands as if they might detonate. I will pray for you, your majesty. His voice cracks on the last word. Mary studies him, then places her hand on his. And I for you. Mary watches the door close behind him, then crosses to the window. Her breath fogs the cold glass as she sees him cross the yard and hand the bundle to a waiting delivery boy.
The boy mounts his horse when... Wait! Wait!
Mary grips the windowsill as her eyes move to a guard approaching them She watches him take the bundle as her secretary stands very still Mary feels her shoulders relax as the guard takes the letters and rips them open She hoped they would provide such a diversion But then she sees him study the embroidered cloth hold it up to the light There's a long pause before he turns and looks directly up at the window at Mary
She can't move, can't breathe. Her knuckles whiten as her nails dig against the stone sill. Time seems to slow. Because stitched into the silk is Elizabeth's death warrant. And should the thread be pulled, it won't be her cousin's head that will find the block. It will be Mary's own.
Alison Matt here from British Scandal. Matt, some news for you. British Scandal is going to Broadway! What?! Sorry, not literally. I just mean we're taking it to the stage.
Is this your festival, Crossed Wires, where all the UK's biggest podcasts do live shows across iconic venues in Sheffield between the 2nd and 5th of July? That was a beautiful read.
Matt and I cordially invite you to our British Scandal live show on Sunday, July 5th.
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Chapter 3: What secret strategies did Mary employ to communicate?
So the plan is working. I'm safe. She allows the governor to help her to her feet and guide her up to the shingle, where she's lifted onto a horse. A guard settles in behind her, his arms either side of her weak body, holding the reins. Mary fights to stay awake as her horse canters along the coastal path. But her eyelids grow heavy. She slips in and out of consciousness as visions fill her mind.
Being led into the Hampton Court receiving room, Elizabeth rising to meet her. Mary wakes with a jolt. She sits up straight in the saddle as she takes in the thick walls that rise on every side. The gatehouse, the cobbled yard.
Where are we?
Carlisle Castle, your majesty. Mary's head snaps back as she hears the heavy gates closing behind her. She stares at the battlements, the guards.
I don't understand. My cousin, she... We are yet to receive word regarding Her Majesty's wishes.
Something cold settles in Mary's chest.
She would not wish for me to be treated like some prisoner. I came here for her protection. I need to see my son.
She sees the governor's face cloud.
I'm afraid the rebels claimed your crown in your absence.
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Chapter 4: What was the significance of Elizabeth's decision regarding Mary?
£4,000? A year?
Do not have your head turned, son. But actually, you know what I'm going to ask? What is it in today's money, Matt?
In today's money, Alice, that is £1.5 million a year.
Okay, do consider that. Because loads of people don't get on with their mums or see them and they're not getting anything. And you've never seen her anyway, so you don't even know if you get on.
Worth considering, worth considering. Would you betray your mother for £1.5 million a year?
I won't even let you finish. Where do I sign?
Cecil knows the boy could buy a fleet of ships, the finest properties in Scotland, But to his shock, James pushes the papers away. I cannot and will not be bought. You misunderstand, Your Majesty. This is not a bribe, merely a payment befitting your future status. If you read further... Cecil nods back at the document. Her Majesty wishes to name you formally as her successor.
Cecil watches James stare at the words disbelieving. He suppresses a smile as James slowly looks up. England? Scotland and England, united under one Protestant crown. Yours, in time.
wow, this is a huge offer. They are literally throwing everything at it. Two nations, load of money. Don't worry about it.
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Chapter 5: How did Mary respond to the betrayal she faced?
Executive producers for Audible were Theodora Leloudis and Estelle Doyle.