Queen's Summons (1)

The Queen's decree was issued.

As Lord Walter Raleigh suggested, gatherings of five or more people were banned in London.

However, only "within London."

Fortunately, the upper classes who had places to escape to on the outskirts of London could enjoy conversations over banquets and refreshments in other nearby cities.

And even there, the topic of conversation was "that."

"Lord John Hawkins has died."

"No, how did that happen?"

"These days, there's no other reason for people dying. They say it's the plague."

"...Wasn't it the Earl of Pembroke last time?"

"That's right. We're hearing obituaries every other day."

"..."

"..."

"..."

"Didn't everyone... escape to the outskirts of London at the appropriate time?"

"They did indeed. How this happened, I just can't understand."

"This gathering may not be safe either."

"What do you mean, not safe?"