“I have tried. He says we are too closely watched. The outcry about the annulment has shocked him and the King has refused him a London house and wants him close at all times.” I could picture it all: the King forever pawing at Carr, like an old woman strokes a cat, the old crone’s love answered by a purr, which gives her purpose. Carr had to wind himself around the King’s ankles, ever agreeable and wanting of favor. He who was called the most powerful man at Court was nothing but a pet. His whole life, since birth, had depended on the King for its shape and direction. Even then, although the King was agreeable to Frankie being rid of a bad marriage, Carr had not asked it of him, the Earl of Northampton had. It suited the King to agree, and so it must suit Carr too. Purr, purr, around the King’s bony, bent ankles. I had sympathy for him; sometimes I felt the same.

“If Overbury is released, he will run straight to Essex. They will bribe some servant for evidence of my love for Robin and use it to bring down my family. If that happens, Robin will have to fall with me or restore Overbury to his side. Simon Forman was right. Overbury is my greatest enemy because he still loves Robin.”

“Or hates him with the same passion. Can he be bribed?”

“No. He seeks only to destroy us.”

“Could the Lieutenant of the Tower threaten him?”

“The Lieutenant has used every form of intimidation, short of violence, to persuade Overbury to apologize to me; he says he has never met a more stubborn man.”

“What of the letter of denunciation Overbury says he smuggled out?”

“My great-uncle is sure he would have heard already of any such a letter. He thinks Overbury is bluffing to get Robin to act … it seems to have worked.”

A voice carried up the stairs, chastising the young apprentice for his sluggardly pace. “My lady mother,” said Frankie, stepping back into her pose as if the ground where she stood was red-hot. “Shall we continue?” she called to Larkin, who was equally enthusiastic to look busy.

The Countess of Suffolk marched into the room, her gaze upon everything. With admiration, I noted that Frankie’s face was already impassive. Only her hands were restless.