Part 3, How Many Wives Will He Have?: Chapter 14 Summary and Analysis

This chapter begins with a description of the early days of Henry's fifth marriage (to Katherine Howard), of the secrecy of their wedding, of his evident happiness, and of Katherine's cheerful, greedy, self-indulgent, and sometimes compassionate character. There is also a description of the life at that time of Anne of Cleves, who celebrated her freedom with rich food, beautiful clothes, and lavish entertainments at one of her country homes. The author describes a happy visit paid by Henry and Katherine to Anne's home, and also a visit paid by Anne to court in London one Christmas. The pleasure she and Henry took in each other's company led some to imagine that reconciliation was possible, but it was evident that Henry was completely infatuated with Katherine, and...