Scene 1: A visit from the Secretary

Jane bites her lip as she sits watching her husband in discussion with the Secretary.

The next day her Ladyship's Secretary called at our lodgings.

Secretary: "And you're sure that the servants know nothing?"

John: "They're innocent."

Secretary: "The missing items are of great value to her Ladyship"

John: "What do you think these letters could contain - that make them then so precious?"

Secretary: "The Countess is prepared to pay a handsome price for their safe return."

John: "How handsome?"

Secretary: "A thousand pounds."

John:"Tell her I'll do everything in my power."

Jane is struck with a realisation as she watches John show the Secretary to the door.

Scene 2: Jane questions John

"John - do you have the letters?"

John doesn't respond.

He begins scouring through a ledger at the table.

"Answer me!"

John continues to ignore her.

She makes to go after the Secretary, but John grabs her arm firmly and pulls her back.

"You must return them - please - for my sake. Call him back."

"Trust me Jane - at last I have a chance to make amends. What do we owe to Lady Essex? She's cheated me out of my property in Runcorn - she promised to pay your dowry and we've never seen a penny. A thousand pounds, Jane. A thousand pounds at the very least."

Westminster Lodgings 1606

Scene 3: Jane continues to write

I was torn. Though my heart was with the Countess, my first duty, as always, was to my husband. For six weeks I heard nothing.

 

Richmond Court 1599

Scene 4: John visits Court

John, in an alcove at Court, is in earnest discussion with another courtier. John pats a leather document that he is carrying on his person.

John was away at court where he hoped the contents of the letters would help him find a new position.

Scene 5: The Secretary calls

And I prayed each day to bring this painful matter to a close. When at last her Secretary came to see me I was willing to play any part I could to help her Ladyship.

"Her honour has a message she prays you will see fit to pass on to your husband --"

The Secretary hands her a letter.

"Of course, sir. Anything. She only need ask."

Jane turns away to read the note.

"I trust you'll be discreet."

Jane hastily reads the letter. She seems delighted with the contents.

Here was the bait that caught the fish.

Scene 6: The letter

The letter was a promise from my Lady and Lord Essex that they would be more kind and better to my husband than they ever were before.

John read the same letter with a look of approval. A small smile of victory shows on his face.