16-18

Chapter 16 begins with Anne arranging a dinner for her and Master Heneage. Her plan was to gain Wolsey's support with Sir Thomas Cheney's wardship by entertaining the Cardinal's men. The King, as always, agreed with Anne and he sent the food and entertainment for the event. Master Heneage promised to pass her concerns on to the Cardinal.

Three weeks later, Wolsey accepted Anne's request and supported the wardship. Anne said, "Methinks His Grace keeps his friends close and his enemies closer" after receiving numerous gifts and letters from the Cardinal (page 239). The King invited Anne to go with him on a picnic at Windsor Manor. They saw the ancient Ankerwycke Yew tree, which at the time was believed to be almost 2000 years old. I learned that Henry had an ulcer in his left thigh that couldn't be healed. It makes sense for that to be a part of why he became so blind with anger and pain later in his life. I also learned that Anne is afraid of monkeys because the King's fool normally performed with one. When the party arrived at the picnic there was a feast and entertainment waiting for them. Anne, Mary, and Nan danced for the King and his friends.
Chapter 18 begins with Anne pacing her room and ranting about how she hates that Henry is attending the May Day celebration with Katherine. Nan walks in and finds the open copy of "Obedience of a Christian Man". Anne began to say that it was nothing but she quickly realized the significance of that moment. She insisted that Nan borrow the book, knowing that it would be stolen by Cardinal's men.