I said nothing; it was too shrewd an assessment.

‘A younger sister who is prettier than her,’ Elizabeth reminded me. ‘A younger sister who looks like a pure Tudor and not like a half-caste Spaniard.’

I turned my head. ‘Have a care, Princess.’

Elizabeth laughed, a wild little laugh. ‘She sent you here to see into my heart. Didn’t she? She has great faith in God working his purpose in her life. Telling her what is to be. But her God is very slow in bringing her joy, I think. That long long wait for the throne and then a rebellious kingdom at the end of it. And now a wedding but a bridegroom who is in no hurry to come, but instead stays at home with his mistress. What do you see for her, fool?’

I shook my head. ‘Nothing, Your Grace. I cannot see to command. And in any case, I am afraid to look.’

‘Mr Dee believes that you could be a great seer, one who might help him unveil the mysteries of the heavens.’

I turned my head, afraid that my face might show the sudden vivid image I had in my mind’s eye, the dark mirror, and the words spilling out of my mouth, telling of the two queens who would rule England. A child, but no child, a king but no king, a virgin queen all-forgotten, a queen but no virgin. I did not know who these might be. ‘I have not spoken with Mr Dee for many months,’ I said cautiously. ‘I hardly know him.’

‘You once spoke to me without my invitation, you mentioned his name, and others,’ she said, her voice very low.

I did not falter for a second. ‘I did not, your ladyship. If you remember, the heel of your shoe broke and I helped you to your room.’

She half-closed her eyes and smiled. ‘Not a fool at all then, Hannah.’

‘I can tell a hawk from a handsaw,’ I said shortly.

There was a silence between us, then she sat up and put her feet to the ground. ‘Help me up,’ she said.

I took her arm and she leaned her weight against me. She staggered slightly as she got to her feet, this was no pretence. She was a sick girl, and I felt her tremble and knew that she was sick with fear. She took a step towards the window and looked out over the cold garden, each leaf dripping a teardrop of ice.

‘I dare not go to London,’ she said to me in a soft moan. ‘Help me, Hannah. I dare not go. Have you heard from Lord Robert? Have you truly nothing for me from John Dee? From any of the others? Is there no-one there who will help me?’

‘Lady Elizabeth, I swear to you, it is over. There is no-one who can rescue you, there is no force that can come against your sister. I have not seen Mr Dee for months, and the last time I saw Lord Robert he was in the Tower awaiting execution. He did not expect to live long. He has released me from his service.’ I heard the tiny shake in my voice, and I drew a breath and steadied myself. ‘His last words to me were to tell me to ask for mercy for Lady Jane.’ I did not add that he had asked for mercy for Elizabeth too. She did not look as if she needed reminding that she was as close to the block as her cousin.