July, 1539 Pgs 1-13 Summary

Jane Boleyn, widow of the late George Boleyn, is bored with the flat fields and marshes and stench of plague. She had been in the court of Anne Boleyn and went everywhere with the vivacious Anne and Anne's brother, George, when they were alive. Jane is now living a frugal new life in a village far from London but she is hoping her luck will change, and that the Duke of Norfolk will summon her back to court soon.

Anne, Duchess of Cleves, is posing for a portrait in borrowed jewels. She is hoping the king will choose her over her sister for his queen. Cleves is a well-placed keyhole that is sought by the French, Spanish, Austrians, the Pope and King Henry of England. Anne's father favored her, and her mother and brother think she is foolish, but...