Hero: William Cavendish and George Talbot

Heroine: Bess Hardwick

Setting: London, England 1533 - 1567

Summary

This story is quite different from many of the others that I have read. A Woman of Passion is actually based on the true story of Bess Hardwick, who married four different men in her lifetime. She started off life as a commoner and was given an opportunity to serve in a noble family and a chance to marry someone noble. She fell in love with the king's financial adviser, William Cavendish, but at that time he was already married to someone else. William was strongly attracted to Bess, but knew that a relationship was wrong. So Bess was told to marry Robert Barlow, a young man Bess worked with during her childhood. Shortly after their marriage, Robert became deathly ill, passed away and left Bess widowed. At the same time, Cavendish's wife passed away, and this gave an opening for Bess and Cavendish to marry. During her happy years married to Cavendish, Bess was introduced to Queen Elizabeth, and a strong friendship was developed. After a few fun, solid years of marriage between Bess and Cavendish, stress as a financial adviser for the king led Cavendish to his death. Bess feeling very alone, continued to mourn for her deceased second husband, whom she loved a great deal. Queen Elizabeth could not stand seeing her friend in such a state, bade her to marry Sir William St. Loe. Eventually when St. Loe passed away, deep in her heart, Bess still mourned for Cavendish. It was the help of a long time 'friend', George Talbot- the Earl of Shrewsbury, that brought happiness back into Bess' life.  

A Woman of Passion is a story that shows the life of a young woman, who grew up with poverty and ended up as a woman respected by many. 

Excerpt from Ms. Henley's A Woman of Passion

William opened his saddlebags and took out food and a wineskin. He closed the distance between them and unwrapped the linen cloth that held roast capon, sharp cheese, and crisp apples. Bess smiled her delight, and he knew he had himself under control. There was nowhere on earth he would rather be at this moment, and they were going to enjoy their time alone together. He would temper his wooing with soft words and gentle hands that would not take them beyond the point of no return.

William enjoyed watching her eat. She bit into a capon leg with gusto, and when the tart juice from a green apple ran down her chin, she licked it off with relish.

"Sweetheart, I have to go to Dover to do an inventory of the monastery of St. Radegund. It will take some time because I have to assess their lands and rents."

"When must you leave?"

"Tomorrow. Will you miss me?"

"Perhaps... a little." she teased.

"Tell the truth! You'll miss me fiercely!"

With mock solemnity she placed her hand upon her breast. "You take my heart with you, William."

           Read A Woman of Passion to find out what happens... (excerpt pg. 51-2)

Quotes:
 

" 'What are you doing?' she asked softly. 'Abducting you.' 'You said I'd be safe with you.' 'You knew I was lying, Bess.' "