Bring Up The Bodies

As Christmas of 1535 draws closer, Cromwell is busy with court business; he is accumulating wealth and property but must stay constantly vigilant. In December, Anne and Cromwell meet again; she is frustrated because she thinks she is not taken seriously as a queen, and she has heard that the French think it is more advantageous for their prince to marry Princess Mary, rather than Princess Elizabeth (Anne’s daughter). Anne suggests that Cromwell arrange for Mary to engage in a flirtation with a man, so as “to have her make a fool of herself, and do it in public, so she loses her reputation” (109). Cromwell refuses, and Anne becomes angry. She lashes out and tells Cromwell that she knows he is trying to cultivate a relationship between Henry and Jane, but that Henry will quickly tire of her. Cromwell cautions Anne not to threaten him.

Shortly after Christmas, Cromwell meets with Chapuys; he has cultivated a friendship with the Spanish ambassador, even though he knows that Chapuys remains loyal to Katherine. Chapuys, who remains staunchly Catholic, has many questions about the changes Henry will make to religious practices and doctrines in England and asks for Cromwell’s help in interceding with the king.