Wolf Hall

The chapter opens at mass, with Thomas, Queen Katherine, and Princess Mary in attendance. Cromwell has risen in the world of political policy. Katherine sides with the church, but not with the late Cardinal Wolsey. Mary is suffering from menstrual pains. Katherine and Mary are to be sent to Hartfordshire, to a house that previously belonged to Wolsey. Thomas advises that they comply and let Henry go peacefully, or else Katherine and Mary may be separated. Outside, Thomas is surprised to learn from Wriothesly that the king and queen have already separated.

On New Year’s, Thomas gives Anne Boleyn silver cutlery as a gift. Thomas learns of scandal in John Seymour’s family. Her father, John Seymour, has been having an affair with his son’s wife. Consequently, Jane has fallen out of favor with the court.

Torture and burning at the stake have become protocol for enemies of the king. Henry fears poisoning. When guests of Bishop John Fisher collapse after a dinner party, Fisher’s cook is tortured. Thomas tells Anne the cook is to be boiled alive.

Meanwhile, Thomas More’s persecution of suspected protestants and readers of Tyndale’s Bible translations continues. Lucy Petyt, whose husband John has been taken by More under such suspicion, begs Thomas to intercede.