I hurry to Greenwich Palace in a small barge, one of the few it is possible to come by. It flies along, chopping up the glinting water of the Thames and sending up spray in a white cloud. My oarsmen are certainly taking my request to get there swiftly seriously.
Dudley and his son Guildford mentioned the concern over the king"s health in passing but I was alarmed immediately and asked why I had not been kept informed. Evasive answers, as I expected. I"m even getting splashes of spray on my brown gown and orange coloured kirtle as I crouch down as close to the centre of my seat as possible.
At Greenwich Palace I waste no time waiting for my entourage, coming up behind me in a slower craft but make my way into the building and request an audience with his majesty. A tall man in a black clo
