Paul’s Cathedral dominates London’s skyline today with its massive dome, but in 1525 it looked very different (see image here: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Old_St_Paul’s_Cathedral_photographic_reconstruction.jpg). Its spire was one of the highest in Europe. Because much of the roof was made of wood, the cathedral burned down during the fire of London in 1666, after which plans were drawn up for the cathedral as we know it today. When I was researching In a Treacherous Court—the first book in my series featuring Susanna Horenbout and John Parker—I learned about the ceremony Henry VIII arranged after the death of Richard de la Pole and the capture of King Francis I of France in battle at Pavia. The story of In a Treacherous Court ends before the ceremony, and the action starts again in Keeper of the King’s Secrets afterward. So choosing the St. Paul’s celebration was perfect for a short story that bridges the two books. Geoffrey Pole seems to be a man who was very emotional, even unstable.
