Summary

Part IV, Chapter 1 – It is 1531. The changes made under Thomas Cromwell and the privy council have been fast and ruthless, and their plans are well-known. The clergy of the Church have been charged with being complicit in the crime of usurping the power of King Henry in his own realm, and are required to pay 100,000 pounds in a benevolence. As such, the plan is for the king to be named head of the Church in England. Katherine is also to be separated from her daughter. At Austin Friars, Johane is stunned that Cromwell would be a party to such things. As a result, Johane and her daughter, Jo, leave the household, though this is done in a friendly manner.

At New Year’s, Thomas Cromwell gives Anna a present of silver forks, and delivers a gift wrapped in blue silk for the daughter...