Part 2, The 'Great Matter': Chapter 12 Summary and Analysis

This chapter begins with a description by the author of Henry and Jane's activities on the day of Anne's execution. Henry went immediately to Jane to seek her hand, while "Jane spent the greater part of the day [of Anne's execution] preparing her wedding clothes, and perhaps reflecting upon the ease with which she had attained her ambition: Anne Boleyn had had to wait seven years for her crown; Jane had waited barely seven months". The author also describes Jane's appearance, saying she was not particularly beautiful but had grace of manner, charm, tact, and dignity—a welcome change, the author suggests, from the frequent hysteria of his previous wife.

As plans for the wedding proceeded, and even after the wedding, Jane worked to arrange reconciliation between Henry and Mary (his daughter...