Queen in Waiting - Plaidy Jean (электронную книгу бесплатно без регистрации TXT) 📗

This was by no means as grand as Hampton Court, but George had been irritated by the stories he had heard, of the rival court and he so hated his son and daughter-in-law that he determined to spoil their pleasure whenever he could.

He sent for the Earl of Grantham, who owned the Lodge, and told him that if he either lent or sold it to the Prince and Princess of Wales he would have to forfeit it.

Grantham was stunned and went at once to the Princess to tell her of the King's order.

When she heard it Caroline almost lost her control.

"Is it not enough," she cried, "that he takes my children from me? Does he have to stop us living vere ve vill?"

Grantham declared that he was as grieved as the Princess but he dared not disobey the King's wishes. Indeed, of what use would it be, for as soon as he attempted to hand over the Lodge it would not be in his power to do so.

"That man is an insensitive monster," declared Caroline.

There was nothing to do but look for a new country residence, but Caroline's heart had been set on Richmond. More-

over, would the King prevent them going anywhere else they decided on?

Caroline was feeling the strains of pregnancy and this made her more resentful than usual; but when Sir Robert Walpole came to Leicester House she was excited and delighted to be able to have a few words with him, because she recognized in him one of the ablest statesmen of the day. He was very cautious; and she knew that she could not at this stage rely on his loyalty to her, but she did imagine that he was feeling his way with her as she was with him.

Friendship between Walpole and the Prince and Princess of Wales would disturb the King and his friends more than anything else; and for that reason alone she would welcome it. But Walpole made it clear that he was not concerned politically at the moment. He had resigned from the government when his brother-in-law was dismissed and had retired to his country house at Houghton in Norfolk where he had grand plans for rebuilding it. He now talked to Caroline of Houghton and how he intended to enlarge it and fill it with works of art which he loved.

Caroline was very interested and they discussed painting of which she discovered Walpole to be a connoisseur.

**I envy you," said Caroline. "You have doubtless heard that the Prince and I planned to spend the summer at Richmond Lodge and this has been denied us."

"Most churlishly, Madam."

"And so it seems as though ve are doomed to spend the hot weather in this place."

"Surely not, Madam."

"Vere then should ve spend it?"

"Why not at Richmond Lodge?"

"But the King has this forbidden. He has threatened to confiscate it if Grantham sells it to us ... or even lends it."

"Has Your Highness considered whether it is in His Majesty's power to do this?"

"I do not you comprendre ..." said Caroline.

"This is a constitutional monarchy. Madam. I doubt very much whether the King has the power to forbid a man to sell or lend what is his."

M*

"You mean he may not?"

"I mean. Madam, that if I were so treated I should find out what my position was with regard to the law."

"And you. Sir Robert..."

He smiled at her wryly. "Oh, I am a man in retirement, Your Highness. I merely offer advice."

"Thank you. Sir Robert," said Caroline.

I was right, she thought, to cultivate this man. He is for us and against the King, but he is too shrewd, too wily at this time when we are in decline and all the power is the King's, to say so.

Not a loyal friend? But he had never said he was a friend. He was a shrewd politician seeking his own advantage. Well, that was how Caroline would prefer him to be. He was the kind of man she would have about them when the time came.

The King at Hampton was angry. In spite of his wishes the Prince and Princess were installed in Richmond Lodge. His objections had been overruled. He had no power to prevent Grantham letting them have the house. In a constitutional monarchy such as this the law must prevail against the King's pleasure.

Caroline was delighted. Not only was this a victory over the dour old King but they had this lovely house. The town of Richmond enchanted her; on either side of the river were meadows and here and there a charming country house. On one side of the house were the gardens which ran down to the river and on the other an avenue of trees which led to the little town, about half a mile distance.

It was near enough to London to make travel to and fro convenient and yet was in the country. It was true the roads were unsafe, but then so were all roads; and travellers should always endeavour to go back and forth by daylight.

Those first weeks at Richmond were delightful. So was everyone, including the country people who had heard the story and were amused because the Prince and Princess had outwitted the King and secured the house which he had tried to deny them.

There were cheers whenever any members of the Prince and

Princess's court sailed along the river. This river had now become gay with all the fashionable people who came to Richmond Lodge; and everyone who possessed a boat took it on to the river to hear the music from the Lodge which sounded very sweet and tuneful.

The Prince and the Princess were so much more gay than the King; and the people were on their side.

If I could have the children with me, now, thought Caroline, I would ask nothing more.

The day had been sultry and Caroline had felt so listless that she was in no mood for her usual walk.

This, she thought, is how one feels when one's time is not far off—particularly after two recent miscarriages.

Yesterday had been a trying day. During the evening Bridget Carteret had ridden in in a state of hysteria. The whole of the Lodge, including herself and the Prince had heard the girl screaming. Her coach had been stopped by highwaymen and all her jewels had been taken from her.

Bridget had had to be put to bed and comforted. The other girls had gathered in her room while she went over and over her adventure, remembering more and more terrifying moments and unnerving even the most practical of them.

They were now declaring that never never would they take the dangerous road between Richmond and London after dusk.

Caroline called to Henrietta. What a comfort that creature was!

Henrietta was cool, efficient, pleasant-looking but not disturbingly beautiful. Between us, thought Caroline, we know exactly how to manage George Augustus. If he will stop pestering my silly girls we can conduct our lives in a dignified manner.

"This Bridget Carteret affair, Henrietta," she said. "I suppose I must compensate her for her loss."

"There is no reason why Your Highness should, although, of course the girl would be delighted."

Yes, thought Caroline, poor Bridget would. And it gave her great pleasure to look after her women.

*'There is a necklace ... the one with the single diamond stone on a gold chain."

*'I know the one. Madam."

"Bring it to me ... and the gold watch you vill find there."

Henrietta brought them and put them into Caroline's hands.

"They would be very handsome compensation," said Henrietta.

"Veil, poor child she was very frightened."

"We shall have all of them seeking adventures with highwaymen."

"Oh I don't think so. They vouldn't risk their lives for the sake of a few trinkets which after all might not adequately replace vat they had lost."