With trial preparations under way, Walsingham needed to know whether James VI would oppose harsh treatment of his mother. Patrick, Master of Gray, and Robert Douglas supplied reports on the Scottish king's views. The reports suggested that James condemned plots against Elizabeth yet did not want rigorous punishment inflicted on Mary. They also proposed confining her more securely, removing her servants, and replacing her entourage with people paid by Elizabeth. The reports measured diplomatic risk and helped design a stricter prison regime.
Chapter · 8:58-9:52
Testing James VI's response to Mary's prosecution
Walsingham uses Scottish contacts to learn how James VI might react to action against his mother.