Queen in Waiting - Plaidy Jean - Страница 67

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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.

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