Part 6 Brother Felix, now on service in Rome, had written to More with good news. The Holy Father viewed the late Bishop of Geneva as a martyr to the war against heresy and he would be canonised with all due speed. Ere long Jimmy would become St James the Even Lesser. More anticipated even more good news arising from this audience, He introduced Tamina to the King's court. "Tamina Spalatin from the land of the Turks? That's an unusual name for one of your lady friends, Sir Thomas. Don't they usually have names like, um," King Henry scratched his beard, "I don't know, Sticky Date Pudding or something?" Tamina curtseyed, "If it pleases Your Majesty, while I am in England I have been giving thought to going under the name of Comely Wench." Henry laughed, "That's good! I like a girl with spunk." The King took a step forward but caught the glares from Queen Catherine and Mistress Anne and prudently took another step back. Changing the subject the King announced, "Sir Thomas, I feel it is time for England to have an Inquisition of her own, answerable to the Crown and not to Rome. A National Inquisition. And it is our wish that you be the National Enquirer." More bowed, "Your Majesty. Will this mean I still report to you through Cardinal Wolsey?" Henry considered, "I think so. Simpler for all, really." He paused, then added, "Sound man, Wolsey." More thought a note of doubt had entered the King's voice but then he was Bluff Hal once more, "Anyone for tennis? Mixed doubles. Sir Thomas, you and young Comely against me and..." Henry glanced towards Queen Catherine. The Queen kissed her husband on the nose. "I'm a little tired, dear," she said, "Why don't you play with Anne?"

It almost goes without saying that King Henry and his partner won their tennis match. Damn he's good.

There was a knock on the door. More pulled on his pants and purse then threw on a doublet before answering. There was a messenger bearing an envelope inscribed 'FTEO'. 'For Thine Eyes Only'. Obviously from Wolsey. More gave the courier a small coin and sent him on his way. Opening the packet More found a note. Wolsey had a new enquiry. Ignatius of Loyola's orthodoxy was suspect. The Vatican had been persuaded to ask the English National Inquisition, as an independent yet sound body, to assist with enquiries. If Ignatius were found heterodox this would be a black eye for Spain and hence Emperor Charles. But for the inquiry to be seen entirely fair, More would be working with his Spanish counterpart, Brother Felix. More tore the letter up into small pieces. He had another enquiry to complete. He resumed his conversation with Tamina. "We have discussed reason. Tell me again, Miss Spalatin," he asked, "of your understanding of the humanist position on love." She tittered, "Perhaps, Thomas, it is best if I show you." [The End]