As the Dauphine stepped out of her carriage on to the ceremonial carpet that had been laid down, it was the Duc de Choiseul who was given the privilege of the first salute. Presented with the Duc by Prince Starhemberg, Marie Antoinette exclaimed: 'I shall never forget that you are responsible for my happiness!

Mary Queen of Scots was my first love, and that is always something special.

I can't read historical fiction because I find the real thing so much more interesting.

Normally I make myself swim, do exercises. For zest I like going to the cinema.

I'm glad I was never an heiress.

I am re-reading Henry James as a change from history. I began with Daisy Miller, and I've just finished Washington Square. What a brilliant, painful book.

People in my books tend to get their just deserts, even if not at the hands of the police.