We had given up with poison and were considering a different approach when Weston informed me of Overbury’s death. Frankie and I were as surprised as we were shocked. Weston had been out first thing in the morning buying beer for Overbury when the end came and he was unforthcoming when I asked about the circumstances. I did not wish to question him further; he looked as distressed as were we. And now I saw Overbury across courtyards and through windows, and it was even less pleasant an experience than when he was alive.

Murder and marriage is not a happy mix, and I wished for Frankie and her husband’s sake that Overbury’s death would not forever stain their union. “Try to appear enraptured, it will help him believe he made the right choice,” was all I said.

Frankie had sought a modest wedding at Audley End, something to heal wounds and cause no strain. Her parents had readily agreed, not wanting more odium heaped upon her head for marrying so soon after the annulment of her previous union, but Queen Anna had chosen to demonstrate her disapproval by deciding at the eleventh hour to attend the wedding and insisting it be held at Whitehall, where festivities could only be lavish. It had become the centerpiece of the Christmas celebrations and would continue for days.

“I need a drink,” said Frankie.

“The Archbishop of Canterbury is leaving the room without wishing you well,” I informed her. The Archbishop had led the Nullity Commission and spoken out strongly against it. Frankie nudged her husband and nodded toward the door.

“My Lord Archbishop,” Carr called out, sitting up higher. The Archbishop halted as if there were a crossbow at his back. He turned and bowed slowly, looking only at Robin, whom he could not afford to snub. Robin frowned, whether at the Archbishop’s ignoring of Frankie or at her nudging, I could not tell.

Around the Archbishop were his allies, including the Earls of Hertford, Bedford, Montgomery and Southampton, the Herberts, the Russells and the Earl of Pembroke, who had expected to be made Lord Chancellor on the death of Salisbury, though the King gave the post to Robin. Lord Northampton called them “the vicious crew” and they had pointedly refused the couple’s invitation to join the ceremonial tilt to mark their wedding. For them to shun the wedding breakfast as well was impossible due to the King’s presence. Frankie’s first husband was under house arrest for seeking a duel with her brother Harry. The two of them had got as far as France but the Ambassador had found them there and escorted them home.

The Archbishop said nothing and made no move forward to congratulate the newlyweds.

“Show him your displeasure,” Frankie whispered, but Robin only nodded, at which the Archbishop bowed briefly and walked out.

“He has insulted us,” Frankie said.

“He has insulted you,” Robin replied.