Autumn 1525 Summary

Upon her return to court, Mary is treated very much like a queen who might be carrying the king's heir. The Boleyn family decides that Anne should be brought back to court, and perhaps married off. The king's bastard child, whose mother is a commoner, is his only son. Born to Bessie Blount, Little Henry Fitzroy is only six years old, but has already been named as a duke, an earl, and lord high admiral, just in case he ends up being the only son. The king is desperate for an heir.

The Boleyns decide that, although it is treasonous to talk about it, the queen will be discarded if Mary bears a son, and Mary will become queen. Mary, who has grown up considerably in her narrative by this chapter, refuses to accept their plan, saying that she loves Queen Katherine, and...