"It was so strange to watch Thomas Boleyn playing with little Anne and George, knowing that he was not only going to be able to walk away from his daughter without even acknowledging her but that he was able to rejoice that he was to retain his earldom, when his son had been killed and his daughter's *hours* were numbered, never mind her *days*. Anne seemed to remember him fondly and he seemed affectionate with her when she was a child. What happened to turn him into the cold-hearted sod we know and loathe? "
This was strictly done for effect to dramatize Anne's total betrayal. I don't think she ever had any happy memories of her Father Thomas for several reasons. First, he was a very hard working diplomat who was often away for many months or years at a time. Second, I don't think Fathers or Mothers for that matter, played any role in raising their children, especially girls in that sense. They managed their education possibly, but even their infancy was handled by wet nurses, and governesses. Thomas Boleyn was too ambitious to be playing in the gardens at Hever. However, he was instrumental in Mary and Anne's education as he sent them to the great court of Margaret of Austria, and then to the the French court with Henry's sister Mary when she married the King of France. She was fluent in French, and was important in her role there. This was like being sent to the best prep school, say Andover or Eton, for girls in training to be courtiers. It was an absorbing and painstaking skill. They needed to have instruction in music, language, dancing, sewing and embroidery, drawing, and of course deportment. Anne distinguished herself in music French, and dance, developing a very distinct style and polish which was noticed immediately by Henry when she returned to England. Her Father strategically placed her there hoping for a reward, from the fruits of "his " labor.
Anne's sistyer Mary was the one who innocently loved her Father until she finally saw his disapproval when she married William Stafford. He never spoke to her again. I believe without a doubt that one of her children was Henry's, but they glossed that over as Anne became the favorite.
I am surprised they show so little of Anne's mother Elizabeth, who had a high born family. However, I'm sure her husband shut her up for fear of her life.
