It was an appalling insult. But Sir Thomas was in a position to make it, and I did not reply. His brother, though, looked at Sir Thomas fiercely as he now turned to Lord Parr and said mockingly, ‘Beware of Master Shardlake, my Lord, he is too clever for his own good. He will be after your job.’

‘I hardly think so, Sir Thomas.’ Lord Parr glared at him.

Hertford snapped, ‘You are ever ready with your nips and quips, Thomas. You will nip yourself into trouble one day.’

Sir Thomas’s face darkened. Lord Parr gave him a sardonic smile, then turned to his brother.’

‘Is there much foreign business now on the Privy Council, my Lord? My nephew William says the French and Spanish treaties are settled.’

Hertford nodded seriously. ‘Indeed, though it has been a mighty labour these last months.’ He looked across at the Holbein Gate. ‘Well, I am due to attend the King in his study. I must not be late.’ He gave me an awkward nod, bowed to us both, and walked on with his brother. Lord Parr watched them go.

‘Thomas Seymour is a fool and a bully,’ he said. ‘But Lord Hertford is our ally. His return, and Lord Lisle’s, have shifted the balance of the council towards the reformers. And Cranmer is seen more these days.’

‘And Sir Thomas?’ I added. ‘What role does he play?’

He gave me a considering look. ‘I know from my niece that you and he worked together once, and dislike each other. I am not surprised, Thomas Seymour is as full of bluster and empty display as that peacock over there. He did not distinguish himself in the positions he held in the war. Sitting on a committee to organize this ceremonial will test the limits of his ability.’ He gave a bitter laugh. ‘When he returned in the spring he made great play of how he’d escaped some pirates in the Channel. Made himself a laughing stock by telling the story over endlessly.’ He smiled sardonically. ‘He wants the power his older brother has on the Privy Council. He feels that, as he is also Jane Seymour’s brother and Prince Edward’s uncle, he should have equal authority. But he lacks judgement and intelligence, with him all is empty show and bluster. The King knows it. He only ever chooses men of ability for the council. Thomas is a drag on his brother.’

‘What is Sir Thomas’s position on reform?’

Lord Parr shrugged. ‘I do not think he has any religion. Some even say he is an atheist. It is extraordinary that the Queen loved him once, they are such opposites in nature.’

‘Extraordinary indeed.’

He shook his head. ‘I would never have thought Kate was one to be taken in by such a creature; but we have seen how – emotional – she can be. It is the way of women,’ he concluded with a sigh.