It had rained for three days. The River Eden was close to bursting its banks, and the roads were thick with mud. Given his age and the horrendous weather, Anne wondered whether Archbishop Warham would make the journey from Maidstone Palace.
‘I have a book I think you’ll like,’ Hugh Latimer said to Anne as he reached inside his robe and took out a small leather-bound book. ‘The Practices and Philosophy of Magic,’ he said, holding it up.
Anne hadn’t been expecting a gift and his action took her by surprise.
‘Don’t look so frightened,’ Latimer laughed. ‘Magic is a kinship with living things.’
‘I don’t know anything about magic.’
Latimer slid the book across the table. ‘Then it is time you learned, because magic, my dear, is in everything.’
Anne arched a brow.
‘You can give me that look young demoiselle, but people’s words and acts change events. It’s why we’re here, is it not?’ Latimer said, spreading his hands.
Anne took the book and smiled. It was indeed why she had invited him along with Cranmer and Cromwell to try to change the outcome of the King’s annulment.
‘I’ll be interested to hear your thoughts once you’ve read it,’ Latimer said and took a sip of wine.
