Chapters 9-12

Chapter 9-Sunday August 18, 1527, Anne returned to her chambers to find her father, Duke of Suffolk and Norfolk (Anne’s uncle), Charles Brandon and another leading man waiting. Charles Brandon was one of King Henry’s childhood friends now nobleman and coutiers of the King’s court. He was married to the King’s sister and spoke with a smooth and velvety voice that could lose yourself in (pg128).  The Duke had a chameleon like ability about him, appeared aged. He was later included in a plot against Anne. Charles spoke to Anne telling her of the Cardinal Wolsey lining his pockets with the King’s money and they needed her to convince the King to get rid of him (pg 130)…now Anne has been officially been drug into the center or politics and scandals (pg132)! Mid August came and it was time to pack up and leave Palace Beaulieu and go to Richmond Palace. King Henry decided to stop for the night at Havering. This would be the first time Anne didn’t go to him at his request for dinner. She said she wasn’t feeling well but she was just wanting to be alone, having torn feelings about the 21^st century.  The next morning Anne was summoned to the King, he was very concerned about her falling ill. She told him she was feeling much better and the next thing you know it was very heated with Henry gripping her thighs while kissing uncontrollably in between her legs. Anne made him stop although concerned of how he would react to someone telling him no...too her surprise he was respectful agreeing they wait until they were married (pg135).  On the second day they continued to travel to London to the barges that would take them up river. Anne traveled with Katherine’s Royal barge. For the first time as they were going down the river enjoying everything in view, Anne saw the remains of traitor’s heads that had been chopped off being pecked at by the circling ravens above, it made her nauseous. Thankfully no one noticed because of all the laughter and chatter going on around her. Finally coming up to one more of Henry’s great palaces, Anne thought of it as fairytale. The King’s apartments were on the first floor and the Queens on the second. Life was getting back to normal. Fall fell upon them and September 30, 1527 came, Anne was to meet the man would later destroy.

 

Chapter 10-On a day off from tending to the queen, wearing a black gown with velvet (another gift from the King) Anne made her way to visit the King. She was seen by Cardinal Wolsey. Wolsey was there to help seek out the annulment of the marriage to Katherine. Wolsey was surprised to see Anne there and questioned why she was in the King’s privacy chambers.  He even told her that she should be smart enough not to make the same mistakes of her sister. Anne responded as politely as she could with the anger she was feeling, saying she wouldn’t be there if it wasn’t for his interference of her becoming the Countess of Northumberland (pg142).  Anne informed Henry that she ran into Wolsey and that he had implied that she was his whore. Next George Cavendish (one o Wolsey’s men) came to let the King know the Cardinal wished to speak to him. Anne let him know to come to the King. In a way of defending Anne’s honor the king instructed Wolsey he could speak in front of her (pg146). The Cardinal let King Henry know that Francis could not support the annulment of Henry and Katherine. But bringing gift from his French cousin, first being the confirmation that the French King would sign the treaty of friendship and solidarity. Four week later, in early October, once again King Henry and his court will be moving to the Palace of Placentia at Greenwich. This was not only one of King Henry’s favorite residences but the place where  some of Anne’s most memorable occasions in her life were to take place (pg148).

 

Chapter 11- First I want to say that this was a LONG chapter!Excitement was all around because of the festivities for Ordre de Saint Michel. I had to look this up because I had no idea what it meant. From what I can gather it is something to confirm loyality of knights to the king. Cardinal Wolsey had planned the celebration with a joust, dancing and a grand banquet (pg149). During this time Wolsey started at least respecting Anne but still didn’t want her to have the relationship with the king. But Anne needed him because he was very important for the role of the annulment to Katherine. By now the Anne was frustrated by always being the other woman and the friends and of the Queen, King and Boleyn’s were starting to divide for loyality. Some were for taking sides for both but even the Princess Mary started to think of Anne as a whore (pg151). Anne was frustrated with jealous watching the King with the Queen by his side and decided to sneak away with her friend Nan for fresh air. Nan was described as a woman of young, vibrant and full of joie de vivre (cheerful enjoyment of life, I had to look this up to). George Zouche had become interested in Nan. While out enjoying the crisp, cool air for November, the girl talk was underway by Anne and Nan. Finding out that Nan had fallen in love with George but also more importantly, finding out that Nan overheard a conversation of the Queen with one of her ladies, the Queen believes that the King intends on making Anne his Queen (pg156). Nan was telling Anne this to find out for herself, for the first time this is when Anne admitted it to her friend in confidence.  George Zouche came upon the ladies so Anne left Nan to be alone for them to speak. Anne was going through the rose area and found her brother out looking for her because the King was asking for her but didn’t see her. She explained her frustration as to why she left and they talked for a bit reminissing back to when they were children carefree, escaping and playing together (pg159). Riding away to a tower the King used as a wine cellar for fine wine and a place to take his mistresses (including Mary).  Anne started reflecting about the Palace of Greenwhich and the things that would happen there. Such as giving birth 6 yrs later to Queen Elizabeth I, this was a disaster to the King because it wasn’t a male heir. Also 3 yrs later signing a death warrant against her for treason, incest and adultery (pg162). Brother George brought back to the 16^th century asking about her thoughts, Anne never answered but asked about his marriage. After the moments together they went back to a furious father. Later that evening was the grand feast at the Banquet House including a Masque dance including 6 men and ladies. Anne took advantage of this opportunity to annoy the Queen by dance very provocatively in front of her knowing the King would be watching (pg165). Next they were to dance together not caring what Katherine would think and shaming her by the way they danced together intimately. Late that evening Anne was requested to meet the King in his Privy Chambers, she had never been there this late in the evening before. The King told her she was no longer going to be waiting on Katherine but she would have 3 ladies of her own (pg172). Anne was so thrilled!

 

Chapter 12- Anne left the castle to go back home to Hever with her mother. The rumors were spreading like wildfire that she was the reason for the annulment. This was to help prevent anything getting to the Pope. Before Ann left she asked Nan, Mary and Joan to be her first 3 ladies and to leave the Queen when the time was right (pg176). This journey back was terrible cold on Anne and her mother, so cold that on the day they arrived the snow started falling and didn’t stop for at least the next week, ending up with 2ft. Life was getting back to normal for them, Anne back in the library reading the novel Roman de la Rose. But returning to her Book of Hours. Elizabeth soon gave Anne an original copy of the banned New Testament (pg179). Her mother tells her that she believes that Anne was chosen by God to show the King the corruption of the church and that she was disappointed by the Mary wasn’t intelligent enough for this. Anne was defensive for Mary, but Elizabeth made it clear how her acts with the King of France were shameful that the French King would say that he rode her so much her said she was an English Mare. When they returned to England she then fell right into the King’s bed. Still in the library Anne opened the book that had the Last Judgement picture inside. Anne started having feelings of frustration for the 16^th century Anne. 21st century Anne at that moment wrote Le Temps Viendra, Je Anne Boleyn underneath the picture (pg182). This was one of the few examples of Anne’s writing.

Here we go Chapter's 5-8

Chapter 5-Anne, Mary and Elizabeth went to Allington Castle on June 2, 1957 to visit Sir Henry and Lady Wyatt. During the ride over Anne drifted in and out of consciousness but did hear a lot of the family gossip (pg74). There was mostly talk of Anne’s brother George saying that he was easily distracted from his marriage.  Arriving at Allington Castle to Anne’s amazement it was much larger than the Hever Castle. Sir Henry was delighted to see the lady’s and sent Mary and Anne out with Thomas and friends to the garden (pg 77). Racing through to get to the garden was Mary and Anne. Until Anne came up on Thomas stretched out leaning against a tree trunk. She took the parchment paper out of his hands. It was a verse that he had written about Anne (pg79). During this she realized that he was madly in love with her and when she was younger about 10 or 11 she had asked him to marry her. Anne was clumsy and not filled out yet, Thomas had not seemed interested at the time. After returning from working 8 yrs later she had grown into a beautiful woman. Because Thomas has loved her for so long his wife hated him because he made their bed cold, even though his wife didn’t know who it was for (pg81). They joined the group of friends in dancing and game playing. The dance was known as the Volta (pg84). During the game it was now Anne’s turn, Mary put a silk handkerchief around her eyes. Finally catching someone, Thomas, he took a gold locket for a prize as a token of remembrance of Anne. Anne didn’t see the locket until weeks later when she and Henry had their first heated argument (pg85).

 

Chapter 6-Things started slowing at Hever Castle everyone leaving. Including Mary, husband William Carey and 2 children (we didn’t know earlier that she was married with children). Maybe some concern of Henry being the father of the young ones. Anne was enjoying being able to watch as things fell back to ordinary life, she enjoyed watching the true Tudor life (pg86). Even herself starting to feel more comfortable in the 16^th century. Her mother was occasionally asking when she would go back to join the court, but Anne knew deep down that would be the last of her youth. Anne woke late the next morning due to a nasty storm to a man standing over her. George (kindred spirit), the brother arrived bringing her a letter from the King. He was reassuring Anne that he had already spoke to Katherine, he pledge his heart and faithfulness to her and begged her to join him until mid -August. George was picking on her about the letter next telling her about the argument the King and Queen had. St Katherine a whore…scandal of Christendom. I have no idea what this means???? I guess I better google…but no matter what in the text of the reading it can’t be good (pg91). Anne is going to court……now we should start getting to some of the really good stuff.

 

Chapter 7- next morning, July 22, 1957, they leave on a journey to take 5 full days. Before doing so, Anne takes one last walk to the library…a long trip like that would need a book. Anne picked up a book of hours that belong to her mother. Her mother told her that book was given to her by Anne’s father shortly after being married. Elizabeth told Anne to take it…telling her that wherever she goes may in constantly remind her of God’s love, but also her mother’s love , which knows no bounds (pg94). 2 days into the journey Anne got to see London in the Tudors days. It was a refreshing change compared to noise London life Anne knew. They spent the night Norfolk House, brother to Elizabeth, Duke of Norfolk. On the way out the next morning, Anne collided with cousin Katherine who was just a young girl at the time, later to be the 5^th wife of Henry, Queen of England at the age of 16(pg98).  As they rode past the Tower of London, Anne saw thought of how unsettling it was when she would visit thinking of Anne and the men that were prisoned there in May 1536. She also saw the Tower Green, where the traitors were beheaded. Finally arriving Palace Beaulieu, the King had bought it from Anne’s father. As they are coming up Anne had a flashback of the fountain that was carved out of marble, with sculpted figurine cherubs that were dancing around the feet of a Grecian woman. She saw children laughing and playing in the fountains water. Now don’t we all wish we could afford a Palace to have one of those!?!?!? The King was excited that Anne had finally arrived and wished to see her. From this point on Anne would always have someone with her while in presence of the King. Next Anne finds out she will still have to serve the Queen, she was not really happy about that (pg101). Would any of us be??? Her father got very firm with her and what her duties are. She was then to get dressed and go the see Henry. Next a message comes from the King with a gift of a necklace with roses with 2 hearts that were entangled like lovers studded with Ruby’s, Now that sounds like a beautiful piece.  When Anne entered her room to get dressed 3 gowns waiting for her as well. Anne met Henry in his private chapel, the same on she had attended as a child. They chatted and even discussed Anne still serving the Queen….she agreed on to do it until the end of the year, giving the King an ultimatum. She later then joined her family with her Uncle for dinner. Anne didn’t have the best relationship with the Duke of Norfolk. Later in history he seemed to take a pleasure when Anne was arrested at Greenwich Palace. Dinner conversation had turned bad, when Thomas boldly asked Anne if she has slept with the King…Anne’s father intruded telling him no but Anne became bold basically putting the Duke in his place then excused herself. Anne found herself at her best being witty ,intelligent, passionate and charismatic but at her worst she was cutting, volatile and basically a bitch (pg113)…….here we go now…..

 

Chapter 8-As Anne woke she was regretting facing the Queen. While standing there one of Anne’s dear friends approached. Anne Gainsford (later know as Nan) would be there til the end with soon to be Queen (pg116). There was so much commotion in the Public Chambers that day. Anne learned from her friend it was because the rumors has already started spreading of the Anne being the King’s mistress (pg118). The Queen sees Anne.  Katherine send Anne back to the Privy Chamber with the rest of the Maids of Honour. The Queen treated Anne cordially in front of others but behind doors made innuendos of her integrity. Anne made good friends with a couple of other maids that would last til death, Nan Gainsford, Mary Norris and Joan Champernowe. The marriage had gotten to where Queen Katherine wouldn’t do thing with King Henry so Anne started joining in on the hunting, dining and laughter in the evenings. These were the best of Ann’s life (pg121). The weather was turning bad so the maids were all doing everyday things inside such as embroidery, poetry but Anne sang. She was and soprano that was sweet, calming and clear. Also she played the flute, virginals and clavichord. The last sentence is what keeps me wanting to read more…”Like most people in those early days, these great men profoundly underestimated the strength and character of the woman that was Anne Boleyn. Very bold!!!

 

Besides reading

While on Spring Break not only did I get the reading done. Iris, my motorcycle, got new back brakes, springs in her forks, neon lights, speakers and AMP. I can hardly wait to take her out riding. At some point this weather has got to give!

Chapter's 3&4 to be done for Spring Break!!

First I would like to say that so far I have really enjoyed reading this book. One thing I am thankful for is that we do not have to put all of those layers of clothes with hooks, puffy sleeves, buttons and full skirts. I do say I sure would to own LOVE all of the jewels!
Chapter 3- Really have to get all dressed up to go on a hunt. I know she won't be getting off the horse or anything but a kirtle with green velvet ribbon and a gown of English green satin is just to much to just be sitting on a horse. Anne rode by the King's side for the hunt (pg 42). as they came to a intersection the King asked Anne which path they should take because of how well she knew the forest. Anne took off in a gallop, playing with the King and he too followed (pg 44). Henry caught up and abruptly stopped her and motioned for the rest of the party to stop as well. They came up on a stag. With all of the commotion the stage was spooked, and the chase began (pg45). the chase went of for about 20 min before the animal slowed down and that is when the dogs caught up and brought down the creature. As the animal was still breathing the throat was cut. Next Anne's father asked her what did the King say to her back in the garden, it was clear he didn't know of Henry's intentions. After Anne told him, he was thrilled. First gift the King gave Anne was a buck he had killed. He then told her that the blood of this kill was an undying commitment of our love and life together(pg49). When getting back from the hunt everyone took a nap as Anne took a hot bath. As she was relaxing she starting thinking and questioning how she was going to get back from the 16th century and did she want to go back? Reflecting also on an affair with a man named Daniel who had a child.  Anne's mother, Elizabeth, entered to discuss with Anne about the King's intentions. Elizabeth is afraid for Anne saying the King is of fickle mood, and that he left is first wife of over 20 yrs to take his brother sister(pg53). Dinner time came, tables were lined up in a horseshoe shape in the center of the room. after the meal the Tudor dances had begun. when the dance was over Anne went over to her sister who was speaking to handsome Thomas Wyatt. Thomas was one of the greatest poets but also an admirer of Anne's. He wanted to be with Anne terrible having a discussion that with him she would have freedom but with the King he will only love you until you give birth (pg61). later that night  Anne couldn't sleep so she went up to the rooftop. She felt at peace there and the King came. Next she and Henry were heated in passion (pg 65).
Chapter 4-Henry left after breakfast but shortly she would come to London. After seeing the King off she took her father's arm and asked to send the king a gift, it was a gold ship with a diamond hanging down(pg 70). This was a symbol not only of her love but that she surrendered the commitment of her body and soul to him. She then went to the Library to write the first letter that she vowed to him her life(pg71).

Chapter 2

In this chapter, starting on pg 31, read that Anne and Henry's relationship was at least a year in underway. Although the King has already offered her the position of Maitresse en Titre, Anne had rejected the King because she was saving herself for he future husband. Anne had another love at one time Lord Henry Percy but that future was never to come because of the Cardinal Wolsey, maybe by orders of the King. Anne knew she was worthy of marriage and being a mistress was not good enough for her. Henry finally arrived in the garden catching Anne talking to herself, this was found funny to the King(pg33).Upon first sight of the King Anne found him magnificent in all of his grandure. He was a large man but Anne knew from history he would be obese towards the end of his life. Henry talked of his current marriage to Katherine that he had taken his brothers wife. This was an unclean marriage and he couldn't stay in it (pg 34). During this conversation Henry professed his love of Anne and that he wanted  her to become his queen (pg 35). This was to remain a secret until his advisors could come up with the best plan for this to work. As they were on the way back to the castle they were greeted by the King's bodyguards Lady Elizabeth, Anne's mother. Henry advised Elizabeth that he would be taking Anne out for the hunt (pg 37-38). Finally learning at the bottom of pg 38 that Anne's mother could have died due to a broken heart due to the deaths of her children. Elizabeth had passed less than 2 yrs after them and was buried in the Howard family vault in St. Mary's Church. Howard was the maiden name of Elizabeth.

First Chapter Blog

I know we are suppose to have one blog a paragraphs 1-4 but I think for me it will be easier to do chapter by chapter. Although first I would like to say that I don't know anything about Anne Boleyn and her history with the King of England. I haven't seen any movies about it either. I am not much about this area however, I am looking forward this experience. Here we go Chapter 1-
I started with the Prologue-this made me look forward to what I was about to read for the rest of the semester. I didn't know she had her head cut off with a sword like is stated in the opening paragraph! If that isn't an attention getter I don't know what is. She also referred to herself as cruel and spiteful  to the previous queen.
Chapter 1 part 1 startedd out by giving the background about the young lady Anne (pg 1-3). First with her marrying in her early 's to an alcoholic. the marriage started to fade then a divorce process that lasted over 2 yrs.  For the entire life of the young women Anne she has always been drawn to Anne Boleyn and the history behind her but most importantly her love of Tudor history(pg 3 last paragraph). After booking a weekend  called "Anne Boleyn Connoisseur's Weekend" for the anniversary of her death (pg 3 last paragraph). Anne had been to the Hever Castle before on several other occasions, twice as a child, and a couple of time on her own (pg 4 middle). Thomas Bolen, Anne's father, had moved to Hever Castle after previously living in Norfolk (pg 4 bottom). Anne arrived to the Castle for the weekend. Describing the double moat, rose gardens and ivy walls.  The tour guides names were Miranda, Helen and Mick.  As Anne was on the tour, one thing on her mind was the painting of Anne Boleyn." What's your hold over me?" While looking at the painting she allowed Anne into her mind and body(pg 6). After feeling a sharp pain and nauseous, she was looking for  the restroom on her own. Started hearing voices calling "Anne, Anne, come quickly..."(pg 8 bottom). The smell of roses became so strong(pg 9 bottom), but for no reason to see. After feeling sick, seating and the room spinning, Anne found a window to sit next to for air to cool her (pg 10), she passed out(pg 11).
Chapter 1 part 2- Confused as she was waken by a young women, the paintings and the entire room completely different. Anne caught a glimpse of herself as she was being took to change for the King's visit, realizing how different she appeared and to what she was wearing (pg15-16). Reality came over Anne especially when she saw the gold chain with a double strand of pearls with the letter "B" hanging from it (pg 16). As the chapter goes on it talks about her getting dressed in a yellow, silk dress and decided to wear a broach of clusters of diamonds, studded with pearls and woven into a lovers knot the King had given to her (pg22). I also learned that Mary was Anne's sister and that she was one o the previous mistresses of the same King that was there to celebrate Anne's 26th birthday, May 31,1527 (pg 28). Anne was referred to by her sister Mary as "Anne the Lion! The tamer of Kings!" this was because Mary witnessed an argument between the King and Anne when the King asked her to be is mistress.(pg 23). Mary had a reputation of being a whore because of her tenderness her desire to love and be loved that was exploited by all of the powerful men (pg 24). Anne waited in the rose garden for the King of England trying to remember the things that went on to help her through this travel through time(pg 28-30).