Текст книги "Queen in Waiting "
Автор книги: Jean Plaidy
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At the same time she was fond enough of George to be
pleased to see him happy. So with her usual placidity she prepared to accompany her lord to Hanover.
There was one other at St. James's who rejoiced as wholeheartedly as George—and that was Caroline, for she saw clearly that the pattern of life had changed. She was no longer going to pretend she was trying to please the King. She had had to come out into the open.
Very well, they were rivals. And while he was away she was going to lay the foundations of that Court of which she would one day be Queen.
They understood each other, and George could not help admire Caroline.
He found himself saying now and then: If she were not my own son's wife ...
She was a damned fine woman. Large enough to please him physically; and it occurred to him that he might even enjoy pitting his wits against hers. It was tlie first time he had ever thought of a woman having wits—except his mother, of course; and there was his sister Sophia Charlotte who had been a clever woman.
Then he would yawn and think of Ermengarda on whom he had come to depend. She would never have been the comfort she had been if she'd had wits.
Uncomfortable things wits in women. It was a good thing Caroline was his son's wife. A good thing, too, that he was never a man to put himself out to pursue a woman. He'd always thought that a waste of good time. There were women enough about for his needs.
To Caroline's astonishment the King announced that he would spend his last evening in her apartments.
She expressed her pleasure and arranged that a brilliant gathering should be there that he might honour them with his company.
He came—almost excited. No one had ever known him so pleasant.
It was not a very good impression to make, thought Caroline gleefully. He is happier than he has ever been since his coming
to England—and the reason? Tomorrow he is leaving it. Oh, his English subjects will love him for this!
All to the good. They could turn their affection to his son.
George Augustus was there. She could hear him talking.
"How happy I am that I do not leave with His Majesty. That is a thing I could not endure. It is because I find the English the best pipple in the vorld "
The King is a fool, thought Caroline, to go away and leave the field to us.
And what had brought the King to their apartments that night? Was it a woman?
Caroline looked about the apartment with interest. Who? There were the black and red wigs of Kielmansegge and Schulemburg—nothing extraordinary about that. They accompanied the King everywhere and whatever woman he wanted, he would always keep those two.
Now I wonder, thought Caroline, and shrugged the matter aside.
The King had come to talk to her. A matter of policy, she thought; he wants to show the company that we are not enemies and there are no quarrels within the family.
"I envy your seeing Frederick," she said. "I want you to tell him that I think of him often. Will you tell him that his sisters are growing big now. They are always talking of him and even baby Caroline who never knew him speaks of him as though he is familiar to her."
**I shall have much work to do in Hanover."
She flushed angrily. **And no time to give a few messages to your grandson?"
How ugly he was, with his heavy jaw and his protuberant eyes. She was thankful she had a husband like George Augustus. How tragic to be married to a man like this! He was coarse, crude and without feeling.
She had raised her voice a little and he was anxious to show that there was no real discord in the family.
*'I will tell him what you say."
"And you will tell Gottfried Leibniz that I hope he will soon visit me in England."
The King was silent. He was not going to be pressed too far.
Sullen old boor! thought Caroline; still he did look happy tonight and he was more genial than he had ever been before; he was even smiling at her.
And soon he would be gone and she would have her opportunity.
Momentary irritations could not spoil her pleasure in this night—nor the King's.
The next morning the King was in good spirits while Mahomet and Mustapha dressed him. He had awakened at dawn, which came early for it was July and, eager to waste no time, arose.
By ten o'clock he was at the Tower where he would take boat for Gravesend. The Prince of Wales accompanied him and George even addressed a few pleasant remarks to his son during the trip from the Tower to Gravesend where his yacht was awaiting him.
"We want everyone to know that we are good friends," he told his son.
George Augustus put on his most affable manner, never forgetting to return a greeting from the few on the bank who stood watching the King pass along the river. Very few of them, the Prince noted with pleasure. They were not interested in seeing their Sovereign start on his journey. Let him go back to his sausages and sauerkraut, would be the comment of most of them.
This was indeed a great opportunity.
To Gravesend and aboard the yacht.
Father and son embraced—something they never remembered doing before. But each made the other aware that there was no affection in the gesture; it was merely to show the spectators that there was no family quarrel.
The Prince came ashore.
Back to St. James's to start his reign as Guardian of the Realm while the King sailed away to his beloved Hanover.
The Days of Glory
Oh, the joy of being rid of the King!
On her bed in the Wren wing of Hampton Court Caroline lay dreamily looking up at the ceiling. It was a magnificent apartment with the windows looking out on the Great Fountain garden and the park beyond.
She was pregnant and pregnancies were uncomfortable but it was a good state for a Princess to be in and she was hoping this time for a boy—a boy whom she would keep with her. She loved the children; and they were always happy to be with her. One of the pleasantest hours of the day was when they were brought to her—Anne in charge. She was seven and thought herself the head of the family, keeping five year old Amelia and three year old Caroline in order. Oh, it was cruel of the King to keep Fritzchen from his parents and his sisters! But what could one expect from a man who allowed his own wife to remain a prisoner for twenty years.
But she must not think of Fritzchen. Nothing must spoil the perfection of these days. She had never really been so happy; in fact if she could have her son in England and her father-
in-law in Hanover she would ask nothing more of life.
She loved England; and the most beautiful place in England in her eyes was Hampton. The lovely peaceful river; the palace; the grounds. Never would she want to be in any other place. She continued to gaze at the high ceiling. The apartment was a lofty thirty feet in height and on the ceiling only a year ago Sir James Thornhill had painted Aurora in her golden chariot rising from the sea; her attendant fat little cupids reminded her of baby Caroline. She would not look at the portraits on the wall; to contemplate either of the subjects made her unhappy for one was the King, morose and forbidding, to remind her that this was only a temporary release; the other was Fritzchen to remind her of their separation.
No, she would luxuriate in her bed, for it was the custom which they had brought from Hanover to eat a heavy meal and then retire to rest in the afternoon—one of the few pleasant customs they liad brought; but tlie English said it made them fat.
There were many sly comments made behind their backs, she was certain. Ihc Kiighsh did not like the (iernians. Well, we must try to be as English as possible, she thouu^hl; tor we are English now.
She was wishing that she had learned to speak the language without this atrocious German accent of hers which must remind people whence she came as soon as she spoke. She remembered the old Electress Sophia who had been so anxious for her to learn English and how she had been pleased when George Augustus had become Henrietta Howard's lover because he would improve his English.
How did George Augustus feel nowadays towards Henrietta? She had become a habit; he was like his father in many ways. Still, she would not complain for she had nothing to fear from Henrietta, who had no wish to come into conflict with her, nor to show her power. A wise woman, Henrietta.
Such luxury to lie here in the quietness of the Palace. May the King stay long in Hanover, prayed Caroline. We can do so much w^hile he is away. Make our position strong. Lay the foundation for the future.
Down in the gardens her maids of honour would be walking
with their admirers, frolicking and flirting, taking advantage of the after dinner drowsiness of the Prince and Princess. It was as though since the departure of the King a pall had been lifted and everywhere there was gaiety. Even the weather was exceptionally good.
In his apartments George Augustus would be sleeping deeply, perhaps snoring gently, a smile on his face, for he had become a very happy man since the departure of his father.
Yes, this was indeed a foretaste of glories to come.
Even in a few weeks they had begun to create a new way of life—gracious and luxurious, splendid and royal. That was something the King could never do.
Caroline thought of those few trips she and the Prince had taken down the river in their barge which was decorated with crimson velvet, a royal barge; the Prince in his wig, his blue velvet coat ornamented with silver, his tall wig, his beaming smile; herself magnificently dressed, glittering with jewels– looking as a Prince and Princess should look. How different from dour George—and the people showed by their interest, their comments and their cheers that they preferred their royalty this way.
That was important. Never must they lose sight of the need to placate the people. But that was not all. To Hampton Court came men and women who were dissatisfied with their present positions. They had seen that it might be possible to build another court in which they would be appreciated.
These were not the people Caroline wished to gather about her. She did not want the malcontents; but they would do for a start. She had her eyes on men like Walpole and Townsend. But it was necessary to show that she and the Prince were interested in state matters; and all the time every man and woman at court must be aware that the King was an ageing man.
First, she had thought, let us make a court. Let it be gay, a miniature Versailles; for under the cover of gaiety, intrigue could begin—an intrigue to make the court of the Prince and Princess not only more amusing and entertaining but more rewarding.
In surrounding herself with beautiful girls like Mary Bel-
lenden and Molly Lepel she had drawn men of all ages to Hampton; and once there they realized that there was something more to be had than flirtation. The King would be surprised if he came back now and saw the traffic on the river; barges, gaily decorated, containing exquisitely dressed men and women came sailing from London to Hampton; the sounds of music constantly broke the quiet of the afternoon.
George had only been a few weeks away and life was changing, becoming gay, colourful and amusing.
If she had a son and if she could have Fritzchen with her, she would be completely happy. At least she had insisted that he have an English tutor; she wanted him to speak the language fluently when he did come. Fritzchen must not have an accent like herself or George Augustus. The girls were speaking English beautifully, and she loved to listen to them.
Of course she thought, if our court becomes powerful, which it may well do, we can demand the return of Fritzchen.
There was a discreet scratching at the door and Henrietta Howard came in.
She moved gracefully to the Princess's bed. She was a charming looking woman—although not exactly beautiful. Her hair was lovely, abundant and fme and she wore it simply dressed with a curl over her shoulder—a fashion which Caroline favoured a good deal herself. What was it about Henrietta? A serenity, Caroline decided. Like herself, Henrietta made her way by gentleness, never making demands on the Prince^ always ready to bow to his wishes. Clever Henrietta!
"Is it time to rise then, Henrietta?"
"Yes, Highness. The children are waiting outside."
"Then bring them in."
They came in and Caroline held out her hand bidding them come to her bedside.
Anne, as the eldest came ahead of the others, almost pushing them aside in her eagerness to be there first. Not, thought Caroline, because she wishes to be with me; but because she must be first. She is too proud, too conscious of her dignity, this one, too much aware of being a Princess.
"Veil and vat have you been doing this day?" asked Caroline.
"What have we been doing today, Mamma?" A gentle correction, this. Caroline was glad she could make it but wondered whether the slight arrogance should be reproved or ignored. "We have been walking in the park and playing in the pond garden. Caroline fell into the pond. It was rather stupid of her. But she is stupid."
Little Caroline's lips began to tremble and her mother held out her hand. The child took it and Henrietta lifted her on to the bed.
"There," said the Princess, "is that better? I remember when I was von little girl 1 fell into a pond."
The child was happy nestling close. She is too thin, thought her mother. I must tell them to take special care of her. Does Anne bully her?
Amelia would not, of course. Contemplating her second daughter Caroline was proud of her charming looks. Amelia already showed signs of being the beauty of the family and, although two years younger, was as tall as Anne. Although, like Anne, she was fully aware of the dignity due to a Princess she was not spiteful and would stand by her little sister.
I wish I could see more of them, thought the Princess.
"Now you must me tell how you fall into the pond."
"She slipped," said Anne. "And Lord Hervey pulled her out.
"Mrs. Lepel was there and she said she must change her clothes; and Lord Hervey carried her into the palace."
Caroline was trying to remember Lord Hervey ... a young man new to the court, she supposed. She must ask Molly Lepel sometime.
"And Mrs. Bellenden helped, and they made such a fuss. They made her change her clothes."
Little Caroline was smiling, so evidently she had enjoyed the adventure.
"Let Caroline tell me herself," said her mother.
She loved to listen to the prattle of their voice—English voices. A pity that however much she tried she could not rid herself of her German accent. Oh dear, what was happening to Fritzchen? Would he arrive speaking English like his father and mother?
There were voices outside; Caroline recognized the booming tones of her husband. So he had had his sleep and was already dressed. She had not noticed how the time was flying.
"Ha, my dear! So this is how I find you. In bed, eh? It is goot ... for your condition."
He was beaming. The part of first gentleman suited him. His great desire, hke hers, would be that his father remained in Hanover and never returned.
"So ... our little ones are here too."
Anne and Amelia looked at him with awe; young Caroline drew a little closer to her mother.
He was smiling jovially enough, but somehow he had not the knack of winning their confidences. Perhaps it was because, with the intuition of children they sensed beneath his bonhomie a boredom with them.
Caroline was disappointed because he had disturbed her interview with her children—and she always looked forward to these meetings with the utmost pleasure—but this was something he must never know.
"So you grow up," he said. "Ha, you are von big girl now."
"Yes, Papa, I am a big girl."
"I am as tall, Papa, although I'm two years younger," Amelia pointed out.
"She is too tall," said Anne.
The animosity between the two sisters was visible, and that it should be over a matter of height was disturbing on account of the Prince's preoccupation with his own lack of inches.
"My tear," said the Prince, "it is time I should take you for your valk. I vill vant to speak vis you of the celebrations for the anniversary of our coming. It is just two years and it is expected."
"That shall be very interesting."
The Prince sat down on a stool and looked tenderly at his wife. A fine woman—and these their children. Fine children; and Caroline soon to have another. He had done well.
Henrietta came to the bed and lifted off young Caroline. She took the little girl by the hand and with the others went to the door.
The Prince followed them with his eyes. His wife, his chil-
!j82 Queen in Waiting
dren, his mistress ... here together ... happy together. His father far away; men and women everywhere seeking his favour.
He had never been so contented in his life.
Those were enchanting days at Hampton—not only for the Prince and Princess and those who flocked to their court but for simple country folk. George I had wanted to close St. James's Park and had been told that his three crowns would be in jeopardy if he did; in direct contrast George Augustus appeared to delight in the presence of his father's subjects, however lowly, in the grounds of Hampton Court. He and Caroline, taking their walk there often stopped to say a word or two to some countryman and his wife and left them gaping after them, loyal supporters for ever after.
Hampton Court was the gayest, merriest Court that had existed since the days of Charles H. Old men and women, such as the Duchess of Monmouth, recalled the court of that monarch and the excitement of long ago. They told tales of the witty King and his merry Court. Like the Prince and Princess of Wales he had spent a great deal of time in what he called sauntering. It was an excellent custom for it enabled his subjects to see him often and even talk with him now and then. But whereas Charles had strolled with a bevy of mistresses and his spaniels, the Prince of Wales strolled with his wife—and wonderfully tender he was to her on account of her condition; it was true his mistress was in attendance too; but a man might be allowed one mistress, and since his wife appeared to have no objection, why should anyone else?
The Prince and Princess of Wales were very quickly forming their own special entourage and at the same time winning the approval of the King's subjects.
No wonder they were satisfied!
There was one who was not.
Count Hans Caspar von Bothmer, never far from the Prince of Wales, watched in consternation. The King was enjoying his visit to Hanover. He had heard rumours that there was re-
joicing there at the return of the Elector, that his German subjects were delighted that he was back with them and appreciated him more than ever now that he brought English money and English support for Hanover.
He was at Herrenhausen reunited with the Countess von Platen though Schulemburg and Kielmansegge were in attendance. "The King gives every sign that he has forgotten the misfortune which happened to him and his family in August 1714," said one report.
"The King so clearly loves Hanover that he will never willingly leave it," said another.
And meanwhile in England his son was playing King.
In his apartments Bothmer wrote down everything he noticed at Hampton Court and sent it to the King. It was a warning, but the King had never wanted the crown of England; his heart was in Hanover and he could not bring himself to leave his old home.
Fanning herself, for the sun was warm, Caroline sat in one of the pavilions with her little girls, her ladies and some of the gentlemen of the court, while the Prince presented prizes to the winners of the races which he had organized.
Caroline loved the pavilions which had been built at each corner of the Green and had been luxuriously furnished. Like the Prince, she was fond of being out of doors and spent a great deal of time here, so that although her condition prevented her walking as much as she would like she could enjoy the fresh air. In the late afternoons she and her friends would drink a dish of tea and the country folk would see them chatting or playing cards. This was what the people wanted from their royalty. The less privacy the better.
Caroline, sensing this, readily accepted it; George Augustus was so anxious to be the centre of attraction that the sacrifice of his privacy was no hardship. They had grown accustomed to being watched at dinner and if at times they were a little weary of it, they reminded themselves that one of the main causes of the King's unpopularity was his refusal to show himself and be gracious to his subjects.
Mary Bellenden was talking quietly to Colonel John Campbell and Caroline reflected that Mary had become more serious lately; Sophie Howe was flirting w^ith several young men, throwing them provocative glances, whispering, and now and then suppressing her giggles; Sophie would never be serious; and Molly Lepel was talking to one of the young men from the Prince's household, Lord Hervey, a very amusing young man, she suspected, if she could judge from Molly's smiles.
Henrietta was close to her, solicitous as ever of her needs, and Lady Cowper and Mrs. Clayton were at hand ready to criticize everything Henrietta did because they did not approve of her relationship with the Prince.
One could not explain to them that it was better that he should have a mistress on whom she could keep an eye, and certainly one like Henrietta who never flaunted her position and performed her duties in the Princess's bedchamber as efficiently as she did those in the Prince's.
There was a burst of applause as one of the winners curtsied to the Prince. Caroline clapped her hands and bade the little girls do the same. George Augustus presented a quilted petticoat to the girl.
"It vill you most become," he told her to the delight of the crowd.
And for another a smock and another a sarcenet hood.
"You vill not forget this day ... not never, eh?"
Even the Prince's German accent sounded charming on that day.
"And I am sorry for all those who haf not von. Everyone cannot vin. Is it not? For all there shall be vine and cakes. Then ve are all happy."
The Prince came to the pavilion.
"And you are not in a vind, my tearest? Ve must of you take care."
Mrs. Howard sprang forward to place a scarf about the Princess's shoulders.
"No, it is not necessary. It hide the Princess's neck ... and that is von shame. The Princess haf the most beautiful neck in the vorld. The people should see."
"I am not cold," said Caroline.
The Prince sat beside her, beaming, contented.
"It is goot," he said, "to see our peoples so happy."
His eyes were misty as they rested on lovely Mary Bellenden. What a charming creature! Should not a Prince have more than one mistress? Would the people, who so often talked of Charles II with affection, particularly now that he George Augustus had shown them what a gay court he would let them share in, say "Ah, but he will never be as Charles. Charles had many mistresses; he would stroll in the Mall with three or four at a time."
He called to Henrietta to stand beside him.
"You haf enjoyed this day, my tear?" he asked.
She assured him that it had been amusing to watch the races and it gave her great pleasure to see everyone having such a pleasant day.
He pressed her hand.
"I shall visit you this evening," he said.
"Your Highness is gracious," replied Henrietta.
Henrietta was giving a little party. She was popular and these occasions were always well attended, for she was so good hearted that she could never take sides between Whigs or Tories but longed for a peaceful existence and this she seemed to achieve.
To her party came the Prince of Vales. Tlie Princess had retired early on account of her condition; and there was cards and music. The Prince treated Henrietta with almost luxurious tenderness; she had become such a habit with him. Although when Mary Bellenden was present he would turn a definitely lascivious gaze on her. As for Mary she was quite content to be in the Prince's company as long as there were others present. Perhaps, she thought, I could get him to do something for John, for John was so poor that difficulties would be made if they tried to marry just yet. But I'll have no other, Mary thought fiercely, and reminded herself she was foolish to think the Prince would grant honours to his successful rival. He was not that sort of man.
She noticed that Lord Townsend was present tonight which was a compliment to Henrietta Howard; and he was beside her showing her great attention, and it seemed as though he respected her.
Mary wanted to laugh. Did Townsend think that he could find favour with the Prince through Henrietta Howard! He was not very discerning if he did—and he a Prime Minister —for Henrietta had no influence at all with the Prince; in fact the only reason why she held her position was because she made no attempt to meddle. The Prince of Wales resembled the King in as much as he liked his women docile. Mary knew that any woman's favour with the Prince would depend upon her ability in getting her way without letting him know it.
Henrietta would be no good at that; so she was wise enough not to try.
Now the Princess . . . that was another matter. It was obvious to Mary that the Princess had her way far more often than the Prince realized.
Sophie Howe had come up to her.
"Look who's here," said Mary.
"My lord Townsend, the Prime Minister?"
"It's the first time he's been here."
"I don't find him attractive," said Sophie. "He doesn't interest me."
Mary laughed. "You seem to be obsessed by one idea."
"It's a very nice idea," retorted Sophie.
Mary was not the only one who had noticed the presence of the Prime Minister. Lady Cowper was watching him, and knew very well why he had come.
She did not approve of Henrietta Howard; in fact she liked to imply that had she been a woman of a less rigid moral character she might have borne the same relationship towards the King as Henrietta Howard did to the Prince of Wales.
She was fond of saying that she had quickly made the King aware that if he wanted an English mistress he should look
elsewhere, and had gladly taken up her post in the Princess's household.
She and Mrs. Clayton, both having serious natures, deplored the frivolous behaviour of some of the maids of honour, and in particular Sophie Howe. If Lady Cowper could have had her way that girl would have been dismissed long ago.
So now, she noticed Townsend and was very certain that there was a purpose behind his visit to Henrietta Howard's rooms. She was faintly disturbed too for she believed that if important politicians began paying attention to Henrietta Howard, very soon the woman could become important. That was something Lady Cowper would prevent if it were possible.
She made her way to Townsend's side.
**A pleasant party, my lord," she said.
*'Very pleasant." He looked at her without interest. The man is not subtle enough, thought Lady Cowper. Knowing my position with the Princess he should be careful. But of course he did not realize the importance of the Princess.
She decided to speak to Iiim frankly.
"If you seek the Prince's favour vou have come to the wrong place."
Townsend looked startled.
"Mrs. Howard has no influence with him whatsoever."
Townsend hesitated. Then he said: "I should like to hear the Prince's views."
"Knowing you are his father's Prime Minister he is scarcely likely to trust you."
"This is unfortunate ... this feud between the King and Prince."
"Oh, doubtless it will enable some men to make their fortunes."
"It is not good for the country."
"And you ... as the King's man would like to hear the Prince's case."
"Naturally."
"And therefore you seek the friendship of his nearest confidante?"
Townsend was silent.
"You are in the wrong apartment, my lord. I did not think
your manner particularly gracious to the Princess in the pavilion today. The Princess may have noticed it. She is not a figurehead, you know."
"It was the Prince's views in which I was interested."
"My lord, you are not aware of the truth. The woman who guides the Prince in all he does is the Princess. If you wish for the Prince's favour first seek that of the Princess."
Townsend was looking at Henrietta who, being a little deaf, was straining to hear what the Prince was saying to her.
"She is his mistress, yes," said Lady Cowper. "She is a habit with him, or it might be that he would have discarded her. She dare not attempt to advise him."
"And the Princess dares?"
"The Princess is the cleverest woman at this court, my lord. Until you have discovered that you will not get far with the Prince. She will be at cards in the pavilion tomorrow. If you wish it I will present you to her. She will be gracious and forgive you for past neglect. She will know of course how you blundered."
Townsend looked alarmed.
"I'm right you will find," laughed Lady Cowper. "In time you will realize that."
To his surprise Townsend discovered that Lady Cowper was right. The Princess of Wales while bearing the heirs to the realm had time to spare for dabbling in politics. In fact, once Townsend had gained her confidence she was ready to show that the subject was to her the most fascinating in the world and that when the time came for her to be Queen of England she would do everything in her power to play a big part in its government.
She was clever because she was controlled. Her gift of deceiving the Prince into thinking that she followed him in his ideas when the facts were the complete reverse, was masterly.
Here, thought Townsend, is a true statesman. And he wondered at his folly in not realizing this before.
Walpole was aware of it also, but he was more cautious; he was not going to be on with the new before the old was out. He
had warned Townsend that that old spy Bothmer was watching them and reporting everything to Hanover.
Those were days of excitement to Townsend and even more so to Caroline. Sitting in the pavilion sipping tea or coffee, listening to music, watching the card players, sometimes joining in herself, but preferring to sit apart with the Prince or such men as Townsend talking cautiously; it was almost as though she were already the Queen.
