Jane writes at her desk 'This was the happiest time'

Scene 1: Jane recalls happier times

Jane is scribbling furiously. The memory so upsets her, that she breaks the tip of her quill, blotting the page with ink. She discards the broken quill and composing herself, picks up a new one to begin writing again. She smiles as she recalls happier times.

"So began the happiest time of our lives. With our newfound wealth John purchased a Parsonage set in five acres of land. Just three miles from the City, in Hackney"

John discusses building plans with Robert Holder

Scene 2: At home in Hackney

Jane watches delightedly as John discusses building plans with Robert Holder

John arranged for the house to be rebuilt to meet our needs.

Jane directed the servants in the placing of her new goods.

She specifically refers to certain items:

The best rooms were panelled in oak. We bought new furniture and fine cloths and linens. Venetian glasses - a beautiful Turkey Rug. John spent three hundred pounds on silverware alone.

Scene 3: Jane and John enjoy their wealth

Jane directs servants

John dressed in clothes to befit a gentleman

Jane was able to dress in clothes fit for a lady

John had new clothes made to befit a gentleman of the court and I too could at last dress as a Lady.

London and its intrigues seemed very far away

Essex is arrested and lead away by guards

Scene 4: News of Lord Essex

I heard of Lord Essex's failed uprising against the Queen and worried for my old friend - though I know she no longer cared for me

The trial took many days and we were glad that we no longer had association with the Earl.

Attorney General Edward Coke.

Scene 6: Lord Essex on trial

Lord Essex is cross-examined at the hands of the Attorney General Edward Coke. Coke is as heated and hectoring as Essex is stoic and composed.

Coke is summarizing the events:

"And whilst under guard at Yorke House you locked members of the Queen's own Privy Council into a chamber and set off through the streets of the city calling for men to rise up against the realm."

During the trial Coke goes through his papers and seems to randomly pick out..

"What of this - John Daniell - of Daresbury Hall?"

"John Daniell? He's not fit to bear my standard. Nothing but an errant thief who stole a casket of my wife's."

"What company you keep, your honour."

Lord Essex is executed

Scene 7: Lord Essex beheaded

Lord Essex is found guilty and beheaded at the Tower of London

It takes three blows to sever the head.

Scene 8: John arrested

We were sad to hear of Lord Essex's death, but our life in our new home was full - and at last - in the heat of summer - all our troubles seemed forgotten.

It seemed though that the Countess had not forgotten us.

John plays a game of blind man's buff with his children.

Life in the new home was full and troubles seemed forgotten.

A warrant for John's arrest is issued

John, blindfolded, plays a game of blind man's buff in the garden with his children.

Two guards approach the happy scene. The children withdraw as the guards approach their father.

"John Daniell? We have a warrant from the crown for your arrest."

John stands in Court as Edward Coke reads out a list of charges.

Scene 9: John in court

With her husband gone, Lady Essex had been persuaded by her friends at court to charge John with forgery - and blackmail

John stands in Court as Edward Coke reads out a list of charges. John attempts to speak up for himself but Coke cuts him short.

"Therefore you will pay her Ladyship the total of two thousand pounds in compensation - with a further one thousand to be paid to the crown!"

John is shocked at the size of the fine.

Shackled, John is led roughly by a guard into a small room at Fleet Prison.

Scene 10: The Countess gets her revenge

The Countess spread the lie that John had played a great part in the downfall of Lord Essex; and we were made to seem as odious as if John had been responsible for his very death.