Chapter 25 Summary

Amy, now the Countess of Leicester, was somewhat spoiled as a child. She is used to being indulged and pampered, her every whim answered. She is charming but has little self-control or perseverance, and she does not know how to think for herself. Amy spends a sleepless night at the village inn and looks horrible the following day. Wayland is concerned, and he asks what her plans are. Amy does not know anything definite. Wayland advises her to go to Tressilian, but she resists. Wayland must merely get her to Kenilworth Castle, she says, and she will take things from there.

Crowds are lining the roads waiting for the arrival of the Queen. Everything is busy and confusing but cheerful and rather rowdy. Amy, however, is melancholy as she and Wayland ride toward the castle. She overhears a conversation about the Queen's generosity toward the Earl of Leicester and turns pale. Wayland worries that she will be unable to make the journey without collapsing.

Kenilworth Castle is an ancient, grand structure that Leicester has dramatically enhanced. Its grounds spread widely and include a chase and a lake. Wayland, however, cannot enjoy the sights as he and Amy approach the castle. He is too worried about getting inside.

A great crowd of people has gathered, all pleading to enter. Then a voice calls out to Wayland, ordering him and Amy inside. Amy looks around at the castle's splendor, knowing she has the right to share in it as Leicester's wife. She trusts that her husband will forgive her now that she is there. Dickie is the one who has secured entrance for Wayland and Amy, and the boy joins them now.

Chapter 26 Summary

Wayland has yet another obstacle to overcome: a gigantic porter who seems determined not to let him pass. Dickie comes to the rescue again, mysteriously saying something that pleases the porter greatly. The man, in turn, lets Wayland and Amy in while Dickie stays behind with his new friend.

Wayland asks Amy what she would like to do next. She unwisely stops someone and asks to speak to the Earl of Leicester. She is ridiculed in return. Wayland, however, asks another person for assistance, and the man guides them to a spacious apartment in Mervyn's Tower. Wayland still worries about Amy's health and mental state, and he does not know what to do for her. He wants to alert Tressilian, but Amy writes a letter to Leicester and orders Wayland to deliver it. Wayland decides to find Tressilian and put the whole matter into his hands. At this point, he would like nothing better than to get out of Kenilworth Castle.

Chapter 27 Summary

Wayland goes to look for Tressilian but finds Dickie again. They banter, and Dickie explains that he has been helping the porter with a speech he must give for the Queen. Dickie is still incredibly curious about Wayland's "sister" and does not believe she is who the smith says she is. Wayland tells the boy that he can say nothing yet. Dickie goes off in a huff.

Tressilian has come into Kenilworth from another direction. Wanting to escape the crowds, he spends some time in the garden. Then, almost overwhelmed by his melancholy thoughts, he returns to his room in Mervyn's Tower. He is surprised to find the door locked, and when he enters, there is Amy. They are both shocked and become angry with each other. Tressilian wants to go directly to Sussex about Amy's situation, but she begs him not to. She begs him to wait twenty-four hours...