I do find Hampton Court one of the most peaceful parts of the countryside, reasonably close to the king"s London residences. He too likes to stay in the palace although his favourite, as he tells me often, is Greenwich. This morning I am happy to wander through the grounds and down to the water"s edge to watch the fish jumping in the sunlight. I need to rest between study periods and the long and hopelessly boring rituals of meeting the people the unpleasant Earl of Warwick arranges for me.
With the birds singing and the sun shining I could cheerfully spend hours here, wandering slowly, sitting down to observe birds and other creatures more closely and generally being at peace. When I reach a stone seat and sit down, close my eyes and feel the warmth of the sun on my face, I am momentaril
