Chapter 3, A Royal Scandal Summary and Analysis

The Admiral Seymour decides to blackmail the vice-treasurer of the Bristol mint, Sir William Sharington, by threatening to make public that Sir William defrauded the King of lots of money. Sharington gives the Admiral money to pay his mercenaries, totaling 10,000 pounds. Even Seymour's allies warn him against attempting a coup. Though Seymour and Elizabeth's indiscretions have been mostly shielded from the public, Kat Ashley informs Thomas Parry of the problem, who will later reveal all he knows to the treason inquisition. The evidence against Seymour is such that the Lord Protector his brother cannot ignore it, and thus presents it to the Council. On the night of January 16, the Admiral and a small retinue of armed men enter the King's chamber with a forged key. The King's spaniel leaps at Seymour, who shoots the dog...