In Mary's Reign

'In Mary's Reign', now more commonly known as 'The Tangled Skein', is a historical drama novel written by Baroness Orczy. The main character in the novel is none other than Queen Mary of Scotland, who is characterized as a loving woman with a strong sense of justice. The tangled skein arises from Mary's love for the fictional character Robert d'Esclade, fifth Duke of Wessex, said in this book to be the people's choice as King Consort. Wessex is chivalrous and charming, but semi-betrothed to Lady Ursula Glynde, whom he has not seen since her infancy. Wessex is repelled by the idea of having his wife thrust upon him and purposely avoids Lady Ursula. Unknown to Wessex, the Queen jealously guards him against Ursula, who is extremely beautiful.