“You are server to the King? How do you find it?” asked Theo, stepping closer to Overbury and removing his mask; he was a head taller. It was widely known that the King did not like Overbury and Theo’s smile conveyed this perfectly.

“An honor,” said Overbury.

Harry moved to stand beside his brother and also removed his mask. He was shorter but broad-shouldered and together they made a formidable pair. They would have been trained since childhood in the use of arms while Overbury was at his books.

“Does the King like his meat cut thin or thick?” Harry asked. Overbury flushed with anger and did not reply.

“He likes it red and plentiful, like his wine!” said Carr, laughing. Theo and Harry kept their eyes fixed on Overbury. I could not imagine what had persuaded the man into this place, which held everything he most despised. Was it simply to keep Carr company? There were, of course, whisperings about the manner of the friendship between them. Overbury behaved toward Carr with the presumption of a man toward his wife, acting and speaking in his name. The King, although above earthly law, also loved Carr in public beyond what any other man would have dared. Such gossip greatly augmented the loathing directed at this pair.

Overbury attempted to move his friend away but Carr was eager to remain in our group, which promised him conversation with Frankie.

“We have excellent hunting at Audley,” said Theo, putting his arm over Carr’s shoulders and separating him from Overbury. “You must visit. Are you acquainted with my sister, the Countess of Essex?” Frankie’s eyes widened behind her mask but she had no choice but to acknowledge Carr. He bowed very low and she gave him her hand, which he kissed devoutly. Neither of them mentioned the previous occasion on which they had met.

At that moment music came from the stage. Without us noticing, the queanes had departed and smoke was now drifting across the dais. Men dressed as hags and witches had occupied it, playing instruments and dancing.

Overbury, a handkerchief to his nose, pushed his way back to Carr’s side. “You said we would leave before the performance…”

“No stomach for the ladies, Sir Thomas?” said Theo.

“Not this sort,” Overbury replied, his gaze raking Frankie and me. I felt my skin crackle with the fury this insult provoked. Frankie and her brothers moved as one against him, unseen by those around us who were mesmerized by the dancers on stage.

“Of course, you meant no disrespect,” Theo said, over the music and drunken catcalls, leaning in very close to Overbury.

“Women who venture here defame themselves without my help,” Overbury replied, openly sneering at him and his sister.