The barge moors along the bank at Westminster late in the afternoon. I step out and look around. I had not intended to return to London so soon; just two days in the country and I was feeling almost refreshed and invigorated. Now I am summoned back before I am ready to face the present circumstances. I turn away from the busy river with its constant stream of shipping and barges and walk through Westminster. Before going to Whitehall, I intend to find out why I was recalled so suddenly and, as the messenger came from Lord Paget, I walk to his house.
The servant shows me into Paget’s privy chamber and brings wine and sweetmeats. Paget sweeps in looking hot and bothered and removes his doublet. It is an extremely hot but muggy day without sunshine or any relief from the blanket of mist and
