As Cromwell and the court continue their journey through England, he notes the adverse weather conditions, which will lead to poor harvests, hunger, and discontent among the people. Cromwell has a confrontation with one of his rivals Stephen Gardiner, a bishop who once held a high position at court. Anne is still treating Cromwell coldly; she blames him for failing to successfully negotiate a marriage agreement between her infant daughter, Elizabeth, and a French prince. Cromwell is also concerned about Anne’s relatives, including her father and brother, who now occupy positions of power at court.

When Henry and his retinue change their itinerary, Cromwell contrives to stop at Edward Seymour’s estate and sends a messenger to Wolf Hall, ordering Jane to come to her brother’s home as quickly as possible. Cromwell hopes to solidify his power by encouraging a relationship between Henry and Jane. Although Jane is too young to know what is happening, her brothers are eager to encourage Henry’s interest in their sister since the relationship could advance their own status.

During their stay at the estate, Henry summons Cromwell in the middle of the night: He is concerned that Anne may have been betrothed to another man before their marriage and was not a virgin when their relationship began.