Текст книги "The Prince and the Quakeress "

Автор книги: Jean Plaidy

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Текущая страница: 17 (всего у книги 18 страниц)

‘”The King is considering marrying you,”’ chanted Sarah. ‘Now, listen, Susan. I am the one who is doing the considering and I am not so sure that it is so wonderful being a Queen after all. There are tiresome duties and levees; there are ministers to receive and horrible visiting royalty. I’ve been thinking that it might be more fun to be a little distant from the throne than actually sitting on it. And it is a matter of whether I prefer gay and amusing John Newbattle to shy George. I think I know, Susan, and tonight I am going to find out.’

• • •

Lord Bute, returned from country, went at once to Kensington to see the King. A very interesting little matter had arisen during his absence. He had always made sure that he had people situated in the right positions to bring him information; and Mr. Fox’s house was a terrain he had not neglected. The news which had been brought to him did not concern that famous politician this time, but it did concern someone who was—temporarily he hoped—of more interest still: Lady Sarah Lennox.

A very interesting piece of news. Lady Sarah was inclined to be haughty and was by no means certain that she intended to accept the King’s proposal. She had another string to her bow—that bold and flirtatious young man, son of the Earl of Ancram and grandson of the Marquis of Lothian—John William Newbattle. It seemed that Madam Sarah was inclined to favour that young man in spite of his reputation for fickleness rather than steady King George.

Interesting, and what was more than interesting was the fact that the young lady had agreed to meet John Newbattle in the grounds of Holland House after dark—surely something no young lady should do, particularly one who had a chance of being Queen.

The letter from John Newbattle had actually been delivered into his hands. He carried it in his pocket now as he rode to Kensington to see the King.

George was delighted to receive his dear friend.

‘It seems you have been long away. I know it is only a few days, but your absences always seem long.’

‘Your Majesty is so gracious to me. I am unable to express the pleasure your kindness gives me. I can only say that you, Sire, cannot be so pleased to see me if I am to see you.’

These expressions of affection over, Bute immediately mentioned the matter which was uppermost in His mind.

‘Sire, I have given great thought to your problem.’

‘Ah, I knew you would. I have been thinking of her since I spoke to Lady Susan...in fact, thinking of nothing else.’

Since he spoke to Lady Susan! Bute knew to what he was referring. Everyone knew what he had said to Lady Susan. The news was fast spreading through the Court and London.

‘Has Your Majesty considered what a marriage of this nature would mean?’

‘I have considered everything.’

‘Of course, the Lady Sarah is a charming girl.’

‘I knew you would think so.’

‘Young...very young. She is not yet seventeen, I believe.’

‘There is no harm in being young, surely.’

‘No harm at all. Of course, it has been the custom for the Kings to marry royal persons.’

‘Sarah is royal. Her great-grandfather was Charles II!’

‘Yes, but through a not very creditable union, shall we say. I mean the people look to their Kings to marry Princesses, usually from abroad.’

‘Germans!’ said George. ‘I do not think the people are really very fond of the Germans.’

‘Still...a Princess.’

‘I see, my dearest friend, you have no real objections to offer. Then I do not see why I should not be formally betrothed to Lady Sarah. If I wish it and she wishes it...’

‘Indeed not,’ said Bute quickly, noting the King’s firmness. He put his hand into his pocket and touched Newbattle’s note. He had been wondering whether to show it to the King and would have preferred not to. It would have been so much better to have been able to persuade him of the folly of this obsession. But he could see that the King was set on marrying the girl, and the King could be a very stubborn young man.

There was no help for it, then.

‘Sire, I have to pass on to you something which may cause you some displeasure. I have been debating within myself whether to withhold it, but I realize that I could not be your true friend if I did so.’

‘What is this?’ asked George, and as always on such occasions his thoughts turned to Hannah. Something had come to light. This thought was always at the back of his mind ready to spring forward at the least alarm.

‘I feel, Sire, that you should be absolutely sure that this lady is worthy of you.’

George was relieved. ‘I am absolutely sure. In fact it is really a question of whether I am worthy of her.’

‘The King of England worthy of a little...’ Bute stopped himself in time. ‘If you can prove she is worthy, then I do not see why we should not fight all the opposition—and it will be considerable—to your union with her.’

‘I knew you would be on my side.’

‘Have I not always been?’

‘Always,’ declared George fervently. ‘But what was making you anxious.’

‘Lady Sarah is in love with someone else.’

George grew pale. ‘I...I can’t believe it.’

This note has been brought to me by someone who wishes to serve you.’

‘Note...note? What note?’

‘Here. Read it. It is a love letter and you will see it is from Lord Newbattle to Lady Sarah.’

George’s face was scarlet, his blue eyes more prominent than usual, his jaw slacker as he read.

‘So...he asks her to meet him in Holland Park...tonight! What a scoundrel! What of her reputation?’

‘He would have had encouragement to write such a note.’

‘She...she will not go.’

‘Is your Majesty sure of that?’

‘Yes. I know she would not go.’

‘I am going to make a suggestion, Your Majesty. Perhaps it will be distasteful to you and if so, you must forgive me. You know full well that in the past every action of mine has been taken with your good in mind. That will always be so. That is why I come to you now with this letter and risk your displeasure.’

‘I could never never be displeased with such a true friend. But you are wrong about Lady Sarah.’

‘I am sure I am wrong.’

‘I am happy again, then.’

‘But I am concerned for Your Majesty’s welfare. There was that unfortunate affair of...’

‘Yes,’ said George sobered, and even forgetting the perfections of Sarah temporarily.

‘I would not wish to see Your Majesty similarly involved.’

‘Similarly. It is quite different.’

‘Quite different, Your Majesty, that is true. But if this young girl were not all you think her to be a marriage could be disastrous.’

‘But I know her to be...’

‘Then you will bear with my suspicions and know that they are only the fears of one who loves you better than his own life. Your Majesty, if I were convinced that this girl truly loved you and was worthy to be your Queen I should be beside you. And you do not doubt, do you, that together we could not overcome all opposition.’

‘Of course we could.’

‘But I must be convinced myself. I am going to ask Your Majesty’s permission to do something of which you might not approve.’

‘What is that?’

‘I am going to witness this meeting. I am going to see what happens for myself. And if I am convinced...’

‘Yes?’

‘That she is just an impulsive girl. If she goes to this rendezvous with a friend and tells this young man that she wants no more to do with him—then I shall be with Your Majesty. I would say that although the Lady Sarah was a little indiscreet to make such an assignation she is after all an innocent girl and since Your Majesty has such regard for her I would be ready to say that Your Majesty should go ahead with your plans.’

‘I am sure it will happen just as you say.’

‘But I shall be there to witness it I must myself. I had thought that perhaps Your Majesty…

George was silent, staring at Bute.

‘…perhaps Your Majesty would wish to accompany me?’

• • •

Lord Bute was delighted. He called at once on the Dowager Princess to give her the good news.

‘I think all will be well,’ he informed her, and proceeded to tell her of his great good fortune in securing the note which Newbattle had written to Lady Sarah, giving details of the rendezvous in Holland Park.

‘But you are a...genius!’

‘I would not say that, my dear. But my entire life is given to you and the King, as you know. It is only natural that such devotion should bring results. And this was better than I hoped. I did not ask the King outright to accompany me but I guessed he would be unable to resist coming. And I was right.’

‘And you saw this meeting?’

‘Yes. The lady was, however, accompanied by Lord George Lennox who, you may remember, is married to Newbattle’s sister. I was a little dashed when I saw this, for I believe that flighty young woman capable of real indiscretion. But...there was no doubt that she is on very affectionate terms with Newbattle and was certainly not repulsing his advances. I do believe that as far as I can see they were making some arrangements and what could those possibly be with Lord George present? Only this: Newbattle is going to ask his father’s consent to his marriage with Sarah Lennox. Well, the sooner we see that mischievous young woman safely settled into matrimony with master Newbattle, the happier I shall be.’

‘And George—how was he affected by all this?’

‘Very deeply. He is in a state of great melancholy and while I am pleased that he has seen the girl for what she is I am disturbed because it shows how deeply his affection for her goes.’

‘He is a very affectionate young man, I fear. He was really quite cut up over...’

Lord Bute placed his hands playfully over the Princess’s lips. ‘Don’t let us even mention her name.’

‘I often think...’

Lord Bute kissed the lips his finger had touched.

‘Then you must not, my dearest. And our problem at this moment is the Lady Sarah Lennox. Tell me this: What news from abroad?’

‘Colonel Graeme left as you suggested and is now at Mecklenburg-Strelitz. I have not yet had his report on the Princess Charlotte but I am sure when it comes we shall be pleased with it.’

‘That is good. Trust a Scotsman to get on with the job. Let us hope that his report will be good, for we have to act very promptly.’

‘But what he saw in the Park...’

‘Our King is in love. I am sure if my lady Sarah gave him a good account of what she was doing there he would be ready to believe all she told him. We must be prepared.’

Augusta nodded.

‘Colonel Graeme is well aware of the urgency of the situation.’

• • •

Sarah could not believe her eyes. She read the letter several times. It was impossible. The Earl and Countess of Ancram could not give their consent to their son’s marriage with the Lady Sarah Lennox.

It was an insult. And worse still, her lover’s attitude to the affair was despicable.

‘In view of my parents’ views we must perforce end this matter. It is with the deepest regret...’

‘Regret!’ cried Sarah. ‘What a coward he is! Why did I ever think I loved such a man?’

She threw herself on to her bed and wept bitterly. She was weeping—on and off—all through the morning and her sister,

Lady Caroline, came to her room to see what was wrong with her.

‘Good Heavens,’ cried Caroline. ‘What a sight you look! And you have to attend the Kings levee this afternoon.

‘I shall not go.’

‘Don’t be a fool,’ retorted Caroline. Of course you will go. The King expects you.’

‘I don’t want to see the King. I don’t want to see anyone.’

Lady Caroline summoned the maids and told them that the Lady Sarah was suffering from a cold. She must attend a levee this afternoon and Lady Caroline suggested that her face should be bathed and pads of witch hazel put over her eyes. She was to lie flat on her back for an hour in this state, by the end of which time she should look more like herself. Lady Caroline would choose what gown she was to wear.

‘And you will stop being foolish this instant,’ she hissed.

Lady Sarah lay on her bed and thought about Newbattle’s letter and his so-called love for her which had been forgotten at the first sign of opposition. George was different, she told herself. But she did not want George.

I don’t want either of them! she murmured. And if I don’t want them, I won’t have them.

She was sullen when it was time to dress for the levee; but Lady Caroline declared that she was passable. She was, in fact, so pretty that nothing seemed to hide that prettiness. So the party set out.

George was watching for her eagerly when she arrived and he was debating with himself whether or not he would speak to her. He told himself that Lady Susan had probably forgotten to say anything to Sarah and that was why she had gone to meet Newbattle. She surely would not have gone if she knew what he had said.

Yes, he told himself, that is it. She was waiting for some declaration and despairing of ever getting it she went to meet Newbattle in the Park. After all, her brother was with her. There was nothing wrong...just a little immodest perhaps. But then Sarah was so young she would not realize that.

Once he had heard that she did not know what he had said to Susan he would say it to her himself, and what joy it would be to watch her pleasure!

He went to her.

‘Have you seen your friend Lady Susan lately?’ he asked.

‘Yes.’

That bewildered him. But then she had seen the girl, who had not told her. That was it.

‘Has she told you what I said to her?’

‘Yes.’

He was astonished. Then why was she looking so miserable? This was something he had not considered.

‘Did she tell you all?’

‘Yes, all.’

‘And...do you approve?’

Sarah turned her head away. How could she say to the King: I don’t want you. I’m in love with Lord Newbattle who has decided to forget all about me because his parents tell him to.

George was astounded and mortified. There was nothing he could do but walk away.

• • •

Her family were furious. What had she done? She had ruined her chances.

‘I don’t care. I don’t care. I am tired of them...both.’

‘Oh, so this is pique on account of Newbattle, is it?’

‘What if it is?’

‘Oh, Sarah, you fool, you fool. You have thrown away the greatest chance that ever came to a woman.’

‘And a good thing, too.’

‘Everyone could see that the King was most hurt. I doubt he will ever want to speak to you again.’

‘Then I’m glad.’

‘You silly creature.’

‘If I don’t want to stay here to see...Lord Newbattle. I want to go away for a while.’

‘It’s a pity you didn’t leave with Susan and stay in Ilchester for a while.’

‘Yes, a great pity. I wish I had.’

‘Well, I think it would be a good idea if you left town for a while. Go to Goodwood and stay there until you are in a better mood. Don’t stay too long, for if you do the King may have forgotten you.’

The next day Lady Sarah left for Goodwood.

• • •

On the road to Goodwood, Sarah’s carriage was overtaken by another and when she saw who was in it she cried out in delight, for it was Lord Newbattle.

He left his carriage and came into ben

‘So you are off to Goodwood,’ he said.

‘How did you know, and it is no affair of yours.’

‘I learn everything about you and it is my affair. I always make it my business to find out where you are.’

‘Have you Papa’s permission to do so?’

‘You didn’t think that letter was important, did you?’

‘What else should I think of it?’

‘I wrote it because they stood over me and expected me to. I didn’t mean it, of course.’

‘You didn’t mean it!’

‘Of course not. What a simpleton you are, Sarah. Of course I didn’t. We’ll be married, and when the deed is done we’ll tell them and they’ll have to accept it. That’s the way it’s done. You ask your sister and Mr. Fox.’

Sarah was laughing.

‘Still,’ she pouted. ‘You should not have written such a letter. I cried over it, and then I was very sullen with the King.’

‘Serves him right,’ said Newbattle. ‘That’s what I like to hear. I shall be a constant visitor to Goodwood.’

He left her, and the carriages, one behind the other, rattled on to Goodwood—which was only two days’ ride from London.

Sarah was looking forward to a very pleasant time. She had made up her mind. Lord Newbattle was the man she really loved. It must be so because he only had to appear to make her happy; besides it was because she was so angry with Lord Newbattle that she had snubbed the King.

• • •

When the Foxes and Richmonds heard that Newbattle was visiting Sarah at Goodwood they were incensed and they decided that she should not stay there. Lord Ilchester suggested that she should go to his estate at Bruton in Somerset and as his daughter Susan was already there, Sarah agreed.

When she told him she was going, Newbattle was annoyed.

‘That is too far for me to come and see you. You must refuse to go.’

‘Too far. So I am not worth such a journey?’

Newbattle yawned. Lady Sarah was certainly capricious and it had been quite enough to ride out to Goodwood. He was certainly not going all the way to Somerset to see her. There were many other young ladies who found him fascinating; and although Sarah was the prettiest of them—and admired by the King—he was inclined to think she took him for granted. In fact, although Sarah was attractive he wished her to realize that he was equally so, and he was certainly not going to Somerset to see her.

Sarah retorted: ‘Very well, stay away.’ But in her heart she did not believe he would, for had he not written that letter cancelling their betrothal and then told her he had not meant it. No, with such an attractive young man as Newbattle, who was so very much aware of his charms, it was necessary to show him that he could not hope to hold her affections unless he made an effort to do so.

She was determined to go to Somerset.

• • •

Lady Susan was there and that was fun. Each day Sarah waited for Lord Newbattle to arrive, but he did not come; and she began to think that he had meant what he said.

Then one day when she and Susan were riding, Sarah fell from her horse and broke her leg. She had to be carried back to Bruton and there the leg was set and news sent to London of what had happened.

When the King heard he was stricken with grief.

‘I must go and see her,’ he declared; but Lord Bute pointed out to him that he could not possibly travel so far. He must remember that he was a King and Kings could not travel without an entourage. It would take a long time to get ready and everyone would know where he was going and why. It was simply impossible. He must realize that.

George, growing more and more sensible of his position, did realize the truth of this.

‘But,’ he said, ‘I shall write to her. She must know that I am thinking of her at such a time.’

Bute was disturbed.

‘He does not appear to have recovered from this infatuation,’ he told the Princess Augusta. ‘She so rudely snubbed him and yet he is deeply concerned because the tiresome creature has broken a leg.’

‘Perhaps we shall soon be having some good news from Colonel Graeme.’

‘I fervently hope so.’

Mr. Fox and Lady Caroline travelled down to Sum accompanied by their son. Charles James, and the Duke and Duchess of Richmond.

Sarah was very amused to see them. She had, in fact, been a good patient and as long as Susan was there to talk to her did not appear to mind being incapacitated.

‘You see,’ she said to Susan, ‘what an important person I have become.’

Every day she waited in vain for a visit from Newbattle, and Lady Caroline told her rather maliciously that Lord Newbattle had been informed of the accident.

‘And what did he say? What did he do?’

‘He took it very calmly,’ replied Lady Caroline, ‘In fact his remark is being whispered round the Court."

‘Oh?’ Sarah dimpled. What was it?’

‘Simply that it would do no great harm, for your legs were ugly enough before.’

‘I don’t believe it.’

‘Now don’t excite yourself. It’s time you learned what sort of man he is. He cares nothing for you. He is amusing himself. He thinks it extremely amusing that you could be such a little fool as to throw away the chance of a lifetime...for nothing.’

Sarah’s lips began to quiver. How could he be so cruel, first not to bother to visit her, then not to care that she had broken her leg? And most heartless of all, to say such cruel things about her!

‘Don’t be so silly,’ said Lady Caroline. ‘You are coming back to London as soon as your leg is well enough for you to travel. Then perhaps you will show the King how honoured you are by his attentions.’

Talking it over with Susan, Sarah admitted that her sister was right.

George was the better man—and he was a King. It was characteristic of Sarah that now the decision had been made for her she should turn all her enthusiasm towards it and behave as though what she wanted more than anything on Earth was to marry George.

During her convalescence she and Susan discussed at length the excitement of being a Queen.

And as soon as she was well enough to travel she returned to London.

• • •

It was May when she arrived. As soon as George knew she was back he became excited, and Bute, mournfully told the Princess that he was as infatuated as ever.

Hearing that Lady Sarah was going to the play—her first engagement on returning to her brother-in-law’s house—George announced his intentions of going too and everyone noticed that he spent the time looking at Lady Sarah rather than at the performance on the stage. All attention was focused on them. It seemed certain that George had decided to marry her.

The following Sunday when she attended his Drawing Room as soon as he saw her he was at her side and he talked to her during the whole of the session. She was very different from the coquettish girl who had flouted him before she had gone to the country; she smiled and showed quite clearly how his attention delighted her. In such a mood Sarah was more charming than ever and people remarked that they made a very handsome couple. Soon, thought the Princess uneasily. The people in the streets would hear of this; they would cheer them when they went out, for nothing would please them more than for the King to marry a commoner—and an Englishwoman that. They would much prefer such a match to a German one.

The Princess Dowager was frantic.

She sent for her eldest daughter Augusta and told her that she must try to prevent the King’s reaching Sarah Lennox at any function. Augusta, who was a rather short young woman, by no means handsome but possessing the family’s clear complexion, fair hair and blue eyes, was envious of the undoubted beauty of Sarah Lennox. She had no love for her mother, who had shown little interest in her—or indeed any of the family, all her attentions being concentrated on George—but Augusta liked to meddle in Court affairs and this gave her an excellent opportunity, so she decided to do what she could to foil the match George was trying to make with Sarah Lennox. Lady Bute, who had been coming to Court recently, for both her husband and the Princess agreed that she could not be shut out indefinitely, appeared to accept her husband’s relationship with the Princess with no pangs of jealousy. She was wise enough to realize what great advantages came to her and her children through his close relationship with the royal family, for it was not only the Princess who adored him but the King as well. Bute had in March become Secretary of State at the King’s express wish, and Lady Bute understood even more fully that she would be foolish to protest about anything that touched on her husband’s advancement at Court. Therefore she was a staunch ally of the Princess and her husband, and would certainly play her part in spoiling the Lennox girl’s hopes.

Lady Susan Stewart, the Princess’s bedchamber woman was told she must help too, and the three of them could make a circle about Lady Sarah and fend off the King that way, for George was too polite to ignore them if they stood in the way of his reaching the young lady.

This was small comfort, the Princess agreed; but at least it was something and the situation was so desperate that they could not afford to ignore any help.

News would soon arrive from Germany and then she trusted the King could be persuaded to do his duty.

• • •

On the 4th of June there was a ball to celebrate the King’s birthday and Sarah attended this. Her leg, however, not being completely well, prevented her from dancing, so she was obliged to sit out while the others danced. This gave the King some opportunity to speak to her and made it very difficult for the bodyguard to prevent his doing so.

Sarah was clearly enjoying the situation—sitting there looking more beautiful than anyone at the ball, conscious all the time of the King’s adoring glances which she returned, partly because she had made up her mind that she would be Queen of England, partly to foil the bodyguard whose purpose she knew too well.

When she thought of the casual treatment of Lord New-battle she felt furious; and that alone, she told herself, would make her love George, who was so different. She sat dreaming of being the Queen and governing him as she was sure she could. He would be a good and faithful husband, always ready to please his wife. Very different from Lord Newbattle!

The King’s sister, Princess Augusta, had come to speak to her accompanied by Lady Bute and Lady Susan Stewart.

How maddening! They surrounded her and shut out the sight of the King.

How was she? How sad that she could not dance! And had she enjoyed her stay in the country...apart from the time when she had been incapacitated? That must have been most annoying, and painful too. Oh, she was brave to come to the ball. Should she not have stayed in the country until she was quite...quite better. But perhaps she felt she must come. Life in the country was perhaps a little dull.

Oh, be silent, thought Lady Sarah, while she smiled at them and answered their silly questions. Do you think I don’t know what you are doing? You are trying to keep the King away from me and you won’t succeed.

Nor did they, for here was George unable to endure the separation any longer.

‘Augusta,’ he said to his sister, I should like to see you dance the Betty Blue.’

Augusta looked startled, but the King did not seem to notice; he was smiling at Sarah.

‘It is a dance that you are acquainted with. I am very fond of it because it was taught to me by a lady.’

‘Was it, Your Majesty?’ She was smiling up at him bewitchingly, more for the benefit of the watching ladies—whom she was sure were grinding their teeth with rage—than for him.

‘Do you not know what lady?’ he asked.

‘No, Sire.’

‘Well, I will tell you. It was taught me by a very pretty lady who came from Ireland, a year last November.’

Sarah put her head on one side pretending to consider, which delighted the King.

‘I am talking to her now,’ prompted George. ‘She taught it to me at the ball on Twelfth Night.’

Sarah laughed, watching the sick looks on the faces of the three women. ‘In truth, Your Majesty, I did not remember until you reminded me.’

‘Perhaps you did not. But I have a very good memory for what relates to that lady. I had a pretty new country dance of my own, which should have been danced at the late King’s birthday...if he had lived. What do you think I named it?"

‘I have no idea, Sire.’

‘The 25th of February. That is a very important date to me. Do you know why?’

She pretended to be confused and stammered: ‘I...I cannot think, Sire. I know it is my birthday.’

He laughed triumphantly. ‘That is why.’

The Princess Augusta groaned inwardly at this conversation which the King seemed to find sparkling with wit, and which showed, thought the Princess, how deeply in love he was if he could mistake such puerile utterings for conversation even.

She would report what had been said to her mother—and it seemed that others would be reporting it all over the place because there was no doubt that many had their ears cocked.

So the King stayed at the side of Lady Sarah during most of the evening, now and then being forced, reluctantly it was obvious, to do his duty and dance. But he lost no time in returning to her chair. In fact, so absorbed was he that he remained talking to her until one o’clock, quite forgetting that the dancers were waiting for him to end the ball.

No one was in any doubt after that birthday ball of the King’s feelings for Sarah Lennox.

There was jubilation at Holland House.

‘The King,’ said Lady Caroline, ‘is surely on the brink of a declaration.’

• • •

The Princess Augusta was sighing with relief. She sent at once for Lord Bute. Colonel Graeme had reported that a marriage of the King of England and his sister Charlotte Sophia would be very acceptable to the Duke of Mecklenburg-Strelitz and also to Charlotte Sophia’s mother the Dowager Grand Duchess. The Colonel described the Princess’s appearance as pleasant (which implied that she was no beauty) and added that in his opinion she appeared to be a bride in every way suitable for His Majesty.

‘There must now be no delay,’ said the Princess. ‘We must talk to George.’

Bute agreed and Augusta asked her son if he would call on her as she had something of great importance to say to him.

George arrived, having no notion of what was to be discussed, but Augusta did not leave him long in doubt.

‘My son,’ she said, ‘it is time you were man led.’

George smiled happily. ‘I myself have been thinking that.’

‘There has as yet been no coronation,’ went on the Princess.

‘No. I wished my Queen to share in it.’

‘That will be excellent and we have found a very suitable bride for you.’

George was silent, and the Princess glanced at Bute who said quietly: ‘Colonel Graeme reports from Mecklenburg-Strelitz that the Princess Charlotte Sophia will be an ideal bride for you and she and her family are eager for the marriage.’

‘This...is impossible.’

‘It is highly suitable,’ said his mother sharply.

‘You do not understand,’ said the King. ‘I have already decided.’

‘Then I trust you will think again, for this is of the utmost importance.’

‘I have pondered a great deal on this matter. I love the Lady Sarah Lennox and she loves me.’

‘Are you sure of that, Sire?’ asked Bute gently.

‘Sure of it! I am never more sure of anything.’

The Princess was about to speak but Bute looked at her and she nodded, implying that he must direct the way this painful interview should go.

‘Sire,’ said Bute in his kindest and most tender voice, ‘a little while ago that young lady was making it very clear that she preferred another gentleman to you.’