In the name of the Virgin, what does he expect you to do?” “Prayer,” I said. “Sir Walter Hungerford needs me to say the Dominican blessing. As I did for Baron Montagu. That is why I am here.” “You can pray from back here,” said Geoffrey. “You should not be any closer to the scaffold.” I glanced at Surrey’s pleading eyes and said, “I’m sorry, but I must do this.” “Mistress Joanna, no,” pleaded Master Hans Holbein. I turned away from them and took a step toward the scaffold. I realized I was too far back for Sir Walter Hungerford to hear me, that is why he begged me to get closer. But I was so terrified of the scaffold that I couldn’t move. It was as if an invisible barrier pushed me back. Every spectator on this side of the platform stared at me; Sir Walter Hungerford stood atop it, his arms quivering at his sides.
