Chapter 13, The Spanish Marriage Summary and Analysis

England is preparing for Philip of Spain's arrival, though he is belated in contacting Mary personally. Philip is greeted with great fanfare, but has brought his entire household with him, not realizing that an entire English household has already been arranged for him. Philip is a young man considered very attractive, and weds Mary for entirely political reasons. He knows his role is to reconcile England with Rome and produce a Catholic heir for both their countries. He intends to stay in England only a week because his father, Charles V, needs help in his war with the French. Mary and Philip's first conversation lasts half an hour although Philip does not speak English. Though he behaves impeccably toward his bride, he feels misled by the portraits painted of her and feels no physical attraction...