Touch me or see me dee.’

ANNABELLA gathers up the sleeping baby and carries him off. PHEMY exits with ANNABELLA.

MARGARET enters, she is a wee bit dishevelled and is very happy. She’s surprised to see JOHN.

MARGARET. Lord John… Did the King ask to see you?

JOHN. I need a word.

MARGARET. I don’t think he’s expecting you.

JOHN says nothing.

Well, he’ll be here shortly. Drink?

JOHN. I’m no thirsty.

MARGARET. That’s alright. It’s very good wine.

JOHN. I’m fine.

MARGARET is getting herself a drink.

MARGARET. It sounds as if you had a rather turbulent session in parliament this morning.

JOHN. That’s one way of putting it.

MARGARET. Word of advice?

Don’t patronise him. I know he’s annoying sometimes but it’s because he cares. He gets passionate about his ideas, he’s a remarkable man. Just… give him that respect. Before you open your mouth and start scolding him.

JOHN. He was behaving like an arse.

A beat.

MARGARET. Well. That was blunt.

You’re quite right then, we shouldn’t waste any of the King’s wine on you.

SANDY enters under this, MARGARET turns to him, delighted with the distraction.

Sandy!

He kisses her on the cheek.

SANDY. Look at you, you look fantastic!

MARGARET. I don’t, I was running so late today. James is on his way.

She pulls a face, indicating JOHN, drops her voice.

(Quiet.) Do you know what he wants?

SANDY (quiet). I can think of a few things.

MARGARET. He’s rude!

SANDY. Aye, he’s definitely that.

JAMES enters with COCHRANE. RAMSAY trailing behind. COCHRANE is carrying a bottle.

COCHRANE. It’s the real thing, I’m telling you, from Graves. Here…

COCHRANE pours for him.

MARGARET. James? Your Majesty? Your Privy Counsellor is waiting.

JAMES tastes the wine.

JAMES. Man, that’s good.

COCHRANE. Listen, I can get you any amount. Whatever you want.

JOHN moves closer to them.

JOHN. Your Majesty…

JAMES. Yes, yes, John, in a minute…

COCHRANE (placating). Just give us a minute.

(To JAMES.) I think that’s better than the 1474.

JAMES. I think this might be a great wine. Do you think? You know what I mean by a great wine? One that evokes memory…

COCHRANE. That’s it! That’s it! You close your eyes and you can see the weather on the day the grape was picked. You can smell the sun on the wet earth and feel the breeze.

JOHN. Your Majesty, we need to discuss the afternoon session of parliament…

JAMES. Mother of Christ, I’ll be with you in a moment! Just make a start will you!

JOHN. So how do you want me to do that?

JAMES. Do what?

JOHN. Make a start on parliament business without the King’s attention?

MARGARET. Does this look like a Privy Council chamber? What were you thinking of anyway, bringing your business here?