The Quality of Mercy

Rebecca Lopez, the beautiful, fiery daughter of Rodrigo Lopez, Queen Elizabeth's own physician, keeps many secrets. Not only are she and her family conversos, or secret Jews who must practice their religion in secret, but Rebecca craves adventure and walks about London in Male Dress. One day she actually crosses swords with a fledgling dramatist named Wil Shakespeare. And the two embark on an adventure of passion and danger that shakes the very foundation of the Court-and nearly alters the course of history.... Copyright 1989 by Faye Kellerman. Published by Avon Books.