Devices and Desires

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The narrative explores the remarkable rise of Bess of Hardwick, who, through strategic marriages and business acumen, transformed her life from humble origins to that of a powerful countess in Elizabethan England. As an entrepreneur, she amassed wealth and commissioned splendid estates, notably constructing her most impressive home in her 70s. Her influence extended to the royal court, where she played a significant role in the custody of Mary, Queen of Scots, showcasing her political savvy and formidable presence in a male-dominated society.