I watched Frankie fight back a response. All eyes in the room flickered from her to the group of Essex supporters, who looked ready to follow the Archbishop’s example. Frankie dropped any pretense of smiling. Nearly every important position at Court was still held by a Howard, by blood or marriage, or else a Howard client. Her face invited her enemies to show themselves. The silence was becoming uncomfortable as the Earl of Northampton arrived by their bedside.

“My lords and ladies!” he cried, in a loud voice for an old man. He swiveled to address all gathered there, including the malcontents. “United by God and King, I offer to the couple before us my heartiest good wishes.” His herald stepped forward to present wedding gifts, distracting many from the Archbishop’s slight. The bed’s coverlet soon disappeared under largesse of a value greater than had been seen at any wedding before this.

“A sword and gold to the value of one thousand and five hundred pounds,” the herald announced as a page stumbled forward with an elaborate sword for Robin and a chest of gold coins for Frankie. Northampton’s generosity was met with nods and murmurs. I wondered what he would expect from Frankie in return.

“From Her Majesty Queen Anna, silver dishes curiously enameled.”

“They must be from Denmark,” whispered Frankie. Carr did not reply.

“… From Sir Ralph Winwood, a new town coach.” This provoked clapping, for it was a fine wedding present. Encouraged, Sir Ralph stepped forward and Robin indicated that he might speak.

“My most noble and honored Earl and Countess,” he bowed, obsequious as ever, “allow me to offer the use of my best horses to pull your coach to the Lord Mayor’s entertainments in honor of your marriage?” Robin inclined his head.

“We shall not give them back,” Frankie whispered to him with a giggle. She looked tipsy on the gold, jewels and envy heaped upon her. “He wants you to get the Secretary of State position for him. That’s worth a few ponies.” Again, Robin did not respond, and I could see that Frankie would poke him until he did.

“From Sir Edward Coke, a basin and cover of silver gilt.” Frankie did not acknowledge the present, for she did not care for the Lord Chief Justice. To his wife, whom we had spied with Simon Forman and whom he openly called the “the thorn in his side,” she gave a gracious welcome.

Frankie’s father approached and chatted amiably to Robin, whom he had come to like. They were united over several matters, including the grievances they bore against Lord Northampton who, Frankie said, was becoming cantankerous in his old age and overly fussy. They both displayed coldness to him, and I wondered at this division in their ranks when the malicious crew were hunting for any weakness.