The Mirror & the Light: Part 3, Chapter 2: Pages 391-409 Summary & Analysis

King Henry goes to the first sitting for the portrait that Hans is painting. Henry is dressed in so much finery that he has trouble walking. While Henry is sitting for the portrait, he discusses political matters with Cromwell. Representatives in Ireland have requested that Cromwell spend a few months with them there, but Henry says that Cromwell shouldn’t go because he’s afraid Cromwell might be murdered while he's there. They also discuss Lord Lisle and Lady Lisle and how long it might be before Lady Lisle gives birth. Eventually, Jane Seymour arrives and joins Henry in the portrait, though she is a much less enthusiastic subject than Henry.

All around Europe, people know that Queen Jane Seymour is expecting a child. While the Seymour family is basking in the good news, Cromwell approaches Edward Seymour and suggests that Gregory should marry Bess Oughtred, Edward Seymour’s sister. Edward Seymour is at first reluctant because he thinks Bess Oughtred could marry someone of higher rank, but Cromwell eventually convinces him by promising the Seymours a significant sum of money and a new house for Bess Oughtred. Cromwell then tells Gregory that he has found a wife for him but doesn’t say who it is. Afterward, Cromwell asks John Husee about Lady Lisle, who is past her due date. Husee says her doctors have advised her to be patient.

Later, Cromwell goes to see Mary. The Emperor has sent another ambassador to assist Chapuys with the goal of convincing Mary to marry the brother of the Portuguese King. The second ambassador is named Don Diego de Mendoza. Mendoza and Chapuys have brought gifts with them, gifts so large they’re carried by mule. Mendoza asks for a private meeting with Mary. While the two talk behind closed doors, Cromwell and Chapuys speak outside. Chapuys says that King Henry must be anxious about Jane Seymour’s pregnancy, considering the past issues he has faced. Cromwell says there’s been no reason to worry. He then says that Aske, the leader of the rebellion, implicated Chapuys in the rebellion. Cromwell says he has three letters that could be used as evidence. Chapuys says he protests what Cromwell is saying, but he doesn’t deny it outright.

Cromwell opens the door where Mendoza and Mary are talking and sees a large, green parrot, which Mendoza brought as a gift. Mary thanks Mendoza, and Mendoza leaves. Mary tells Cromwell that Mendoza asked her if she had been sincere when she publicly declared that her father was the rightful head of the church and that he and her mother, Katherine of Aragon, were never legally married. Mary says that she told Mendoza that she meant everything she said. Cromwell brings up Mary’s attempts to privately secure a pardon from the Pope, and Mary is surprised. She hadn’t known Cromwell knew about that. Cromwell then asks for the letter that Mendoza gave her. Mary hands him a letter, and Cromwell says he wants the other letter. Mary hesitates for a moment but then takes another letter, which she hasn’t yet had time to read, from between the pages of a book.

 During the second portraiture session, King Henry seems visibly ill when he walks in. He has difficulty walking, and his face seems puffy. Cromwell knows Henry wouldn’t want any information about him being sick to be public, so he doesn’t say anything. Henry tries to put on a brave face, but at one point, he loses his footing and almost faints. Cromwell helps hold Henry up and brings him to a chair. Henry has been struggling for months, and they’re just now seeing the toll become visible. Henry dismisses Hans. Someone says that they must keep news about the king’s illness private, but Cromwell knows that won’t be possible.