In time, Elizabeth would entrust Blanche with responsibilities that far exceeded her initial remit as lady-in-waiting, giving her sole charge of the royal jewellery, wardrobe, and books. Before long, Blanche was enjoying, for private pleasure, the lease of crown lands across Britain, while wielding profound political influence in state affairs. What earned Blanche such astonishing prerogatives? Was it her acumen or judgment? Her learning or intelligence? What Elizabeth valued above all was loyalty of service – the kind of quality you demonstrate not with your mind, but with your knees.