MC:
Well, that death scene was homage to Ian McEwan's balloon in [[Enduring Love by Iain Ian McEwan|Enduring Love]]. And great fun to write. Anna of Cleves had always been a heroine of mine, she was just so good at wriggling her way through dark and dangerous waters without losing anyone's respect. And she was a woman who enjoyed a party. In the end she was totally vindicated as everyone who turned their back on her, faced her again, and loved her. Even the toad Henry. What a satisfying experience.
Flora was her contemporary counterpart, but not in too heavy a way (I hope). Flora grew on me as the book progressed. A total invention, she was, and a totally invented scenario. But I had so many letters from widows expressing similar (though not quite so harsh) feelings.