If there hadn't been a Religious War then she probably wouldn't have married for another 5-10 years, however with the immediate issue of an unstable country that's still massively divided Mary would need to try and stabilise her position as Queen - Marriage and, inevitably, children are the best ways at doing this.Hmm, Bothwell, so early? Mary Stuart's reign might be even shorter. He was very jealous during their short marriage, he forbade Mary from taking part in things she loved, and got extremely angry when she even so much as looked at someone besides him. She bewailed the marriage given the circumstances: he was loyal to the crown, but Protestant. Their marriage was a Protestant ceremony and Mary was split between loving him and bewailing her situation.
He was Protestant? Oops... I'll have to change the marriage now (see comments below).
I think the Marian relationship would be much better than OTL Mary-Elizabeth, they're both Catholics and wish for their Kingdoms to be reverted to Catholicism. The main difference is that England is already mostly Catholic (again) and will continue along this path, Scotland will be a tough slog, if at all possible. I agree with you and in one of the next updates I'll go into detail over the new 'Marian Settlement' in which Mary, Queen of Scots moves back into the line of succession by Mary I of England's Will.Mary Stuart and Mary Tudor would have an OTL relationship like Elizabeth and Mary. Even though Mary had two heirs, they are mere children, which brings Mary only two steps away from the English succession. Mary herself would be more likely to accept her as an heiress if her children died. She even toyed IOTL to name Margaret Douglas her successor over Elizabeth, stating she'd be a much better choice. So I don't see why Mary Tudor would have an issue doing away with Henry VIII's will and giving succession rights to Mary Stuart should Mary Tudor and the heirs of her body go extinct. She's already had two children and is still healthy. She was thirty seven when she became Queen, had two children around 38. She could probably have at least one or two more children. Catherine Parr finally became pregnant at 33; when the Duke of Savoy married Margaret of Valois, the Duchess of Berry, she was 38 too. She bore her only son at 39. Mary could even possibly have a fourth child in her early fourties, before menopause sets in.
I see your point, I think I will change it to Norfolk. You raise valid points and also it would seem the best case for both Mary's. For (Scottish) Mary she creates immediate better relations with (English) Mary, while it gets rid of Norfolk from England. While he was a supporter of the Crown his tutor as a child was John Foxe - Bringing his religious beliefs into potential disrepute. Getting him to marry a devout Catholic in a country that has now got very set ideas on religion.I think Mary Stuart would take an English husband with Mary Tudor's blessing. Probably Norfolk, as that would be best. I suppose the Lennox Stuart's would work too, given their Tudor connections, but Darnley was... quite unstable. Mary would still be paramount to have position in the line of succession recognized, so I think she'd pick an English husband supported by Mary. After all, Mary and Courtenay wouldn't be callous as Elizabeth was when she suggested Darnley.
More on Elizabeth and marriage laterAlso vis-a-vis Elizabeth... Philip II in OTL wanted her to marry the Duke of Savoy. Of course Mary chose Courtenay, but she still seems quite close to the Spanish Habsburgs. Maybe the idea is heeded? After all, Mary has heirs, it'd get Elizabeth out of the country, and effectively cut off her succession rights. Elizabeth might try and refuse, but her position is too weak. I think she could be browbeat into it. OTL Commons would never consent to such a match given she was the heiress presumptive, but Mary is married to an Englishman and has two children.
Another funny idea might have her marry Philip II, especially if he's still widowed following the death of Mary Manuela. If he did remarried, perhaps she could die? It'd be quite... interesting to see Elizabeth as Queen of Spain. Miserable for her, of course, but would be interesting. Philip had a bad track record with his wives dying young or in childbirth... so it could be interesting. Taking Elizabeth out of the country also removes her as a focal point for rebellions. There will be Protestant discontent, but no Elizabeth to rally around. All that would be left is Frances, the Duchess of Suffolk, and her remaining surviving daughters... who were bumbling and not charismatic at all. The only other Protestant would be the Earl of Huntingdon, a dark horse candidate briefly considered to succeed Liz when she became ill in 1562.
Just some friendly suggestions. Thoroughly enjoying this TL.![]()