Charlie Fenton’s Reviews > The Confessor's Wife > Status Update

‘“Duke William made me swear an oath to support his claim to your majesty’s throne, or else live the remainder of my life as his prisoner.” Harold addressed these last words to Edward. “I was presented with two boxes and made to place one hand on each. After I made the oath, the contents of the boxes were revealed to me: holy relics. I had just sworn over holy relics!”’

‘seeing the moment of surprise on the Scot’s face at Edward’s move. Then he returned the king’s embrace. The queen saw the look of calm return to his face. Then something else: a glint in his eye that suggested he hadn’t given himself and his country over fully to the idea of peace. Malcolm caught her staring at him and smiled widely. Edith nodded back but his look had sent a cold stream through her.’

‘An heir to the throne was something she was supposed to produce. It was her sacred duty as a wife and queen. The fact that she couldn’t was her greatest regret. But now there was something else, a creeping relief she was too ashamed to acknowledge. The responsibility was gone, the expectation lifted. She felt lighter. Without warning the break from her grief was gone. She’d still failed’

‘Their relationship had become more and more chaste. While the words were never spoken aloud, Edith knew her husband had abandoned hope of their having a child together. She mourned the babe who would never share their love, knowing the lack of a son surely contributed to Edward’s depression.’

I like the different spin on events, traditionally Edward’s marriage to Edith has been seen as an unhappy one, mainly due to the Godwin family and them having no children, so it is good to see things in a different light. I especially like how the author explained her being sent away during her father’s exile.

‘She knew people spoke about her brother, and the pronouncement delivered by the king. To be declared nithing was the worst thing that could happen to a man. Stripped of his titles and property, he also lost his name, family, ancestral history, and honour. These things were held more sacred than gold, and it pained Edith to think a member of her family should be so shamed.’

“One of the things my mother told me about being a wife was the weight of expectations which accompany the position. The expectations of the court you’ll be a fair mistress, and keep things running smoothly. The expectations of a husband in the bed chamber... The expectation of the entire country that you’ll provide an heir.”