So often in council he has taken Katherine's part, as if he were one of her appointed lawyers. 'You make this argument, my lords,' he has said, 'but the dowager princess will allege…' And 'Katherine will refute you, thus.' Not because he favours her cause but because it saves time; as her opponent, he enters into her concerns, he judges her stratagems, he reaches every point before she does. It
In Hilary Mantel's "Bring Up the Bodies," the character frequently advocates for Katherine during council discussions, presenting her arguments as if defending her in a legal case. His rationale is not driven by personal loyalty to her, but rather by a desire to streamline the proceedings. By anticipating Katherine's responses and arguments, he serves both her interests and the larger objective of efficient discourse.
This approach reveals a complex dynamic; he engages with Katherine's strategies as if he were her attorney, dissecting her potential counterpoints. This not only illustrates his skill in navigating court politics but also highlights the strategic elements at play in their interactions, emphasizing his role in shaping the debate in her favor while remaining neutral.
