He had only thought, and Wolsey had only thought, that the Emperor and Spain would be against it. Only the Emperor. He smiles in the dark, hands behind his head. He doesn't say which people, but waits for Liz to tell him. 'All women,' she says. 'All women everywhere in England. All women who have a daughter but not a son. All women who have lost a child. All women who have lost any hope of having a child. All women who are forty.
The excerpt reflects a moment of contemplation and strategy, revealing the character's awareness of complex political dynamics involving the Emperor and Spain. The protagonist seems to be at ease, considering the implications of their thoughts while allowing another character, Liz, to articulate the broader societal impact of their situation. This reveals a contrast between personal ambitions and the wider consequences for different groups of women in society.
The mention of "all women" speaks to shared experiences of loss and hope. These women represent a collective voice shaped by their struggles, particularly regarding motherhood and loss. By stating that it encompasses all women without a son or who have endured the heartache of losing a child, the dialogue emphasizes the pervasive nature of their plight, suggesting a deeper commentary on women's roles and their societal perceptions during that era.
