Cromwell has become the most significant politician in the whole of England, his place as Henry's principal adviser secure. The duke of Norfolk, England's most senior nobleman by rank, is in disgrace, tainted by the treasonous behaviour of his niece, Anne Boleyn. So when Cromwell uncovers a clandestine affair between Norfolk's brother and the King's niece, an opportunity opens up to destroy his foremost enemy for good. Yet Cromwell stays his hand.
