Katherine

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By God! And therefore go your way."

"Alas" quoth they, "And weylaway . . .

Tell us what your cause may be?"

"For me list it not," quoth she.

House of Fame,

by Geoffrey Chaucer

AUTHOR'S NOTE

In telling this story of Katherine Swynford and John of Gaunt, the great Duke of Lancaster, it has throughout been my anxious endeavour to use nothing but historical fact when these facts are known - and a great deal is known about the fourteenth century in England.

I have based my story on actual history and tried never to distort time, or place, or character to suit my convenience.

For those who are interested in sources, I append my main ones below; while for those who may wish to know something of the book's background and the writing of it, here are some brief notes.

My interest in Katherine began one day nearly four years ago when I read mention of her in Marchette Chute's charming biography, Geoffrey Chaucer of England. I subsequently came to know Miss Chute and am extremely grateful for her encouragement.

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