A question about Geoffrey Rush's character...

I've always wondered about the boy in the room. It seemed odd he would be there, especially in a state of undress, unless they were having a go of it. But it was never addressed again, or his sexuality when he comes to court, so I couldn't tell you.

With Elyot, however, I think the reason he keeps looking at him at the party was to signify his ability to spot weakness and opportunity in others. He saw someone he could employ as a spy/agent in Norfolk's camp. That's why he was killed later, as obviously the priest found out about it somehow.

Definitely got that vibe. I assumed the young man he was with had been hired to assassinate Walsingham and had made the attempt during/post-seduction.

It's never stated explicitly, but I think it's heavily implied enough to be true. I also think this is the reason Walsingham manages to rise above a lot of the court BS - he isn't mooning over the new queen, he isn't distracted by courtly lovers because he has to get his jollies on the sly...