I am allowed books to read and paper to write on, which is more than my poor mother had when they brought her here to die. It is more than Sir Thomas More had when he suffered the same fate and, in truth, I do not know whether or not I will leave this beastly place alive. Courtenay, the Earl of Devon, is anxious to speak with me and has been granted permission. Well, so be it, I will speak with him but will not encourage him in any way. My time with that young man as a suitor has long since expired. I shall have my diary and will use it openly enough and, if he should protest, well, then the interview may end and he can go upon his way, I shall not be indisposed. He is only in the cell below so will not have far to travel.
The gates open with a loud metallic clang and Courtenay enters. He
