It was impossible for me to give her James’s letter,” Robert told Patrick as they walked along the Thames at Richmond. “The hideous old bitch kept me on my knees the entire time and forbade me to speak. She was consumed by insane jealousy the moment she spotted me with Liz last night. She has forbidden her the Court.” Patrick, who had experienced a sense of foreboding all day, nodded his understanding and allowed Robert to continue. “Elizabeth had a temper tantrum in chapel this morning when Bishop Bancroft touched on the subject of the succession. I knew I was sunk long before I had my audience with her.” “The bishop would not dare approach the subject unless he had been instructed to do so by the power behind the throne.” “You mean Robert Cecil, her Secretary of State?” “Precisely. We need an appointment with Cecil.” “My father should be able to arrange that, but he will expect me to tell him why I need to speak with the secretary.” “Cecil controls the Treasury.
