"And you have been told why you have been brought here?"
"To testify at the trial of Henry Mayhew for the murder of Thomas Locke," she replied.
"So then you understand the import of all this, and that you must, above all, tell the truth?"
She nodded. "Aye, I do."
Shakespeare looked up and saw that Smythe had returned, together with the man he had left with, as well as several others. He nodded.
"Very well, then. What is your relationship with Portia Mayhew?"
"She is my friend."
"A close friend?"
"Well, she is more Elizabeth Darcie's friend than mine. 'Tis through Elizabeth that we had met."
"Did you know her father?"
"Nay, I did not."
"So then would it be correct co say that you have not known Portia Mayhew for very long?"
"Aye, 'twould be correct."
"And did you know Thomas Locke?"
"Nay, I did not. I knew of him, for Portia had spoken of him often, but we had never met. And now, I fear, we never will."
"Indeed," said Shakespeare, nodding sympathetically. "Where were you when you first learned that Portia's father had withdrawn his consent for her marriage?"
"I was with Elizabeth Darcie at her home."
"And Portia was there with you?"
"She arrived afterwards."
"After you did?"
"Aye, that is so."
"She was upset when she arrived?"
"Very much so," said Antonia. "She was in tears and most distraught."
"Because her father had withdrawn his consent for her to marry Thomas?"
Anconia nodded. "Aye, that is so."
"And did she say why?"
Antonia nodded again. "Because Thomas's mother was a Jewess."
Mayhew shifted uncomfortably in his seat.
"Why did she come to Elizabeth Darcie's house?"
"Because Elizabeth was her friend, and she was distressed and in great need of a friend."