Winter 1526 Summary

Anne reluctantly leaves for Hever again, exchanging bitter words with her sister. Mary's pleasure in winning this contest exposes a mean side to her that is usually expressed in Anne.

Mary sends Christmas gifts to her babies with Anne and asks her to tell them of her love for them.

Queen Katherine is being ignored in court. Her nephew, the emperor of Spain, has sent an ambassador to England to make amends with the king, but Ambassador Mendoza is prohibited from seeing both the king and queen. When he finally does meet with Katherine in mid-January, it is under Cardinal Wolsey's watchful eye, and his visit is doomed to be ineffective.

King Henry refuses to joust, and later describes his despair to Mary. He is afraid that if he should die, the crown of England might go to anyone. He is sad that...