The Diary of Lady Jane Grey

July 11, 1553

I know. I took FOREVER to get Pt. 2 out. So sorry! Read on...

Today Guilford and I were relocated to a large castle in the Cotswolds. I had much to do, but I mustn't grumble. I am the queen. Tomorrow I shall be coronated here in Sudeley castle. Gloucestershire is a nice place, though I would have prefered to be coronated somewhere much more regal, more urbane. But again, mustn't grumble.

Dear lord, I do feel I am complaining quite a bit.

HALTTTTTT

This, being a private journal, allows me. I may feel free to have the privilege of complaining in here. I have that privacy, haven't I? I have an excellent idea. I shall relieve myself of the burdens of this new "queen" business, and keep it dark out in royal court.

There is something I've to tell. I fear no one may know me. As I step out tomorrow, emerging as queen, none will recognize me as their rightful ruler, especially because Mary Tudor is supposed to hold the throne.

On the brighter side, the gardens are lovely. They contain enough vegetables to feed all the servants here, and several stores of cattle to feed myself.

As it turns out, I am not the only one to be residing here. I wandered the corridors to find a room with a weak, young woman in there. I was quite worried that it was perhaps Guilford having an affair, however, I looked at her pale, beautiful face, and realized that she was the former queen! Catherine Parr, looking stately as ever, the height of regality.

She seemed calm, tired even. She looked stunning draped in grand purple gown with huge puffed sleeves and completely embroidered with lavish gold designs. There were several layers to the skirts and elegantly embroidered knee length white socks with the all new platform shoes to keep her regal dress clean from the mucky streets.

I couldn't help but admire her. She would have been an amazing queen. I also felt a bit intimidated. I felt that I should walk past and leave her undisturbed. So that is, naturally, what I did.

Maybe I should get a feel for my country in preparation of ruling it to perhaps come up with a few ideas? Allow me to pose a few queries.

What is going on at this time? Is it an issue? What can be done about this issue?

Well, I suppose this great reformation is taking place at the moment, but I wouldn't go so far as to call it a problem, despite the violent opposition of the catholics. I can leave that alone. The country may or may not be in a state of sorrow? I am not sure because King Edward ruled for only 6 years, and I do not know if anyone liked him much.

Is there really much more going on here? How am I to know? I may not have mentioned this enough, but I am fifteen!

There may be a few brightsides to this job. I have just received my coronation dress. It is grand, long, and flowy. There are several layers to the skirt, so it puffs up when I spin. It is truly fit for a Queen.

This dress is grander than anything I've ever worn before! It feels strange to put it on, but as strange as it may feel, it was truly exhilarating.

I've been told by my servants that it is time to retire to bed. My coronation is first thing tomorrow morning! Oh, how overwhelmed I am by all this. I shall have to hope that all these emotions die down by tomorrow.