Oxford, Christmas 1501 Summary

Catalina and Arthur stop for several days at Oxford College. They are polite in public but have little to say to each other in private. One night, Arthur announces that he'll be coming to her bedroom that night. When he arrives, she and her ladies are in the room, some playing cards and none ready for bed. Catalina says she felt certain after his public announcement that he was bringing the entire court with him and that she was prepared to entertain. He goes to the bed and she undresses in an outer room before entering the bed chamber. He notes that it is Christmas and he's feeling kindly toward his wife. She says she must pray before she goes to bed. Arthur has had lots to drink and he falls asleep before she finishes praying. She is careful not to...