“Margaret and I used to make biscuits in the shapes of beasts in the menageries: camelopards, a walrus, crocodiles of course, the white bear cubs, an ostrich,” she said, her mouth full. She led me behind a screen where a tub steamed beside the fire. She had dismissed the servants and herself helped me remove my graying clothes. It was the first time that I had been naked before her. My body was thin compared to her fullness, but I saw only love in her eyes.

“I have put lavender in it and there is orange oil for afterward.”

She lined the tub with a sheet and helped me in. After the months of standing washes in my cold and drafty chamber, to fully submerge myself in hot water was better than any meal, or wine, or even money. The smell of lavender filled my nose with summer as I sat there like a queen. Frankie perched on a stool beside me, nibbling biscuits. She looked at the ring on a thin black cord around my neck.

“Arthur has proposed?”

“It is his intention. Prince Henry insists on two years’ mourning, especially for Catholics, so we must wait another half year.” I did not tell her that George had specified the giving of this ring in his Will and left the money for it.

“Prince Prude! He has a box at his Court into which to put money if you swear. If we had that at this Court, we’d all be bankrupt and the King’s debt solved.” I saw that Frankie was pleased I could not yet marry and she could keep me to herself, which flattered and annoyed me equally. My heart had been mightily sore when Arthur had explained the need for another year of mourning.

Once the water cooled, she helped me out and wrapped me in a warm sheet. It was shadowy and sweet-smelling behind the screen. She stood close, unembarrassed by my nakedness, pressing the linen to my skin. My heart began a crazy thumping; I understood completely what drew men to her. To be loved by Frankie was like the gift of power; rich with possibility and danger. Her husband was afraid of it; Robert Carr was not and nor did he want to rule her. I believe the nature and intimacy of our friendship had shown Frankie what she wanted. Our devotion to each other grew from mutual esteem. And attraction.

As if she shared my exact thoughts, Frankie leaned in and put her lips to mine. The shock of it slowed me and brought my every sense to its sharpest point. I felt the difference between the pressure at the center of our lips and the tender exposure at the corners; across them blew the slightest breeze; where her body was closest to mine, the air was thicker. It was a sincere acknowledgment of our love.