Dudley is given Kenilworth Castle, near Coventry,…

Dudley is given Kenilworth Castle, near Coventry, in 1563.

Elizabeth suggests Dudley as a consort to the widowed Mary, Queen of Scots, the idea being to achieve firm amity between England and Scotland and diminish the influence of foreign powers.

Her preferred solution is that they should all live together at the English court, so that she would not have to forgo her favorite's company.

The proposal is also to be a compensation for not marrying Dudley herself, "whom, if it might lie in our power, we would make owner or heir of our own kingdom."

Mary of Scotland at first inquires if Elizabeth is serious, wanting above all to know her chances of inheriting the English crown.

Elizabeth lets it be known, repeatedly, that she is only prepared to declare Mary her acknowledged heir on condition that she marry Robert Dudley, "and ... none else".