The Third George

THE THIRD GEORGE BY JEAN PLAIDY FROM THE COVER: Jean Plaidy's r !
"s# $is# ri%al n &els' ($i%$ ran)e *r + #$e in#ri)"es * *i*#een#$,%en#"ry R +e #$r ")$ #"r!"len# T"d r and -#"ar# En)land # #$e #err rs * #$e Fren%$ Re& l"#i n and #$e $eady .assi ns * #$e Ge r)ian era' $a&e en#$ralled readers * r &er #(en#y years/ T$e T$ird Ge r)e Ge r)e III (as %er#ain #$a# #$e s$ad (y %$ar+ * Hanna$' #$e &i#al !ea"#y * -ara$' ( "ld %ease # # r+en# $i+ n%e $e (as +arried # C$arl ##e/ B"# C$arl ##e (as "ne0%i#in)' and $e % "ld n # $el. $is $ear# !ea#in) *as#er e&ery #i+e $e sa( a !ea"#i*"l ( +an/ -"rr "nded !y #$e )rea# and #$e n # ri "s' #$e 1in) (as !ese# !y . li#i%al an0ie#ies' $"+ilia#ed !y #$e l ss * #$e A+eri%an % l nies' and dis#ressed a# #$e s%andals in #$e r yal *a+ily/ T$e 1in)'s sis#er (as #ried * r #reas n and ad"l#ery' !"# #$e )rea#es# s%andal * all (as %rea#ed !y $is eldes# s n ,#$e $ands +e' (il*"l' .leas"re,see2in) Prin%e * 3ales/// D"e # illness' Jean Plaidy (as "na!le # ) # s%$ l re)"larly and s #a")$# $ersel* # read/ Very early n' s$e de&el .ed a .assi n * r #$e '.as#'/ A*#er d in) a s$ r#$and and #y.in) % "rse' s$e s.en# a % ".le * years d in) &ari "s 4 !s' in%l"din) s r#in) )e+s in Ha## n Garden and #ransla#in) * r * rei)ners in a Ci#y %a*e/ -$e !e)an (ri#in) in earnes# * ll (in) +arria)e and n ( $as a lar)e n"+!er * $is# ri%al n &els # $er na+e/ Ins.ira#i n * r $er ! 2s is dra(n *r + dd s "r%es a .i%#"re )allery' a line *r + a ! 2' -$a2es.eare's in% nsis#en%ies/ -$e li&es in L nd n and l &es +"si%' se% nd$and ! 2 s$ .s and an%ien# !"ildin)s/ Jean Plaidy als (ri#es "nder #$e .se"d ny+ * Vi%# ria H l#/ IAls !y Jean Plaidy in Pan B 2s THE FERDINAND AND I-ABELLA TRILOGY Cas#ile * r Isa!ella -.ain * r #$e - &erei)ns Da")$#ers * -.ain
THE L5CRE6IA BORGIA -ERIEMad nna * #$e -e&en Hills Li)$# n L"%re7ia THE MEDICI TRILOGY Mada+e -er.en# T$e I#alian 3 +an 8"een Je7e!el THE T5DOR -ERIEM"rder M s# R yal -#/ T$ +as's E&e T$e -i0#$ 3i*e T$e -.anis$ Bride)r + T$e T$is#le and #$e R se Gay L rd R !er# THE MARY 85EEN OF -COT- -ERIER yal R ad # F #$erin)ay T$e Ca.#i&e 8"een * -% #s THE -T5ART -AGA T$e M"rder in #$e T (er T$e T$ree Cr (ns T$e Ha"n#ed -is#ers T$e 8"een's Fa& "ri#es THE CHARLE- II TRILOGY T$e 3anderin) Prin%e A Heal#$ 5n# His Ma4es#y Here Lies "r - &erei)n L rd THE FRENCH REVOL5TION -ERIEL "is #$e 3ell,Bel &ed T$e R ad # C +.ie)ne Fla"n#in)' E0#ra&a)an# 8"een THE GEORGIAN -AGA Prin%ess * Celle 8"een in 3ai#in) Car line' #$e 8"een T$e Prin%e and #$e 8"a2eress als Da")$#er * -a#an T$e G lds+i#$'s 3i*e E&er)reen Gallan# Bey nd #$e Bl"e M "n#ains Jean Plaidy T$e *i*#$ ! 2 in #$e Ge r)ian -a)a T$e T$ird Ge r)e Pan B 2s L nd n and -ydney Firs# ."!lis$ed 9:;: !y R !er# Hale < C +.any T$is edi#i n ."!lis$ed 9:=; !y Pan B 2s L#d' Ca&aye Pla%e' L nd n -3i) )PG Jean Plaidy 9:;: Te0# de% ra#i ns !y B/ -/ Bir I-BN >>? @A=:@ I Prin#ed and ! "nd in Grea# Bri#ain !y Ha7ell 3a#s n < Valney L#d' Ayles!"ry' B"%2s T$is ! 2 is s ld s"!4e%# # #$e % ndi#i n #$a# i#
s$all n #' !y (ay * #rade r #$er(ise' !e len#' re,s ld' $ired "# r #$er(ise %ir%"la#ed (i#$ "# #$e ."!lis$er's .ri r % nsen# in any * r+ * !indin) r % &er #$er #$an #$a# in ($i%$ i# is ."!lis$ed and (i#$ "# a si+ilar % ndi#i n in%l"din) #$is % ndi#i n !ein) i+. sed n #$e s"!seB"en# ."r%$aserBi!li )ra.$y Me+ irs and P r#rai#s H ra%e 3al. le Me+ irs * #$e Rei)n * Ge r)e III H ra%e 3al. le Ge r)e III: M nar%$ and -#a#es+an Be%2les 3ills n Ge r)e III: a re% rd * a 1in)'s Rei)n D/ Gri**i#$s Da&ies Far+er Ge r)e' @ & ls Le(is Mel&ille Ge r)e III C/ C/ L n) Ge r)e III and #$e His# rians Her!er# B"##er*ield Ge r)e 999' His C "r# and Fa+ily Henry C l!"rn Ge r)e III and #$e C ns#i#"#i n A/ Da&ies T$e F "r Ge r)es 3/ M/ T$a%2eray In #$e Days * #$e Ge r)es 3illia+ B/ B "l# n T$e Li*e and Le##ers * Lady -ara$ Lenn 0 Edi#ed !y #$e C "n#ess * Il%$es#er and L rd -#a& rdale A -$ r# P li#i%al His# ry * #$e Years 9=;?,9=;> Henry F 0' L rd H lland T$e G d 8"een C$arl ##e Per%y Fi#7)erald T$e L &ely 8"a2er J $n Lindsay T$e Fair 8"a2er Mary Pendered Hanna$ Li)$# * # 3/ C/ T$ rns T$e F "r Ge r)es -ir C$arles Pe#rie His# ry * #$e Rei)n * Ge r)e III 3/ Massey T$e H "se * Han &er Al&in Red+an Fanny B"rney C$ris# .$er Ll yd T$e -# ry * Fanny B"rney M"riel Mase*ield T$e Diary and Le##ers * Mada+e d'Ar!lay Bri#is$ His# ry J $n 3ade T$e Di%#i nary * Na#i nal Bi )ra.$y Edi#ed !y -ir Leslie -#e.$en and -ir -idney Lee Ei)$#een#$ Cen#"ry L nd n Li*e R sa+ nd Bayne,P (ell Na#i nal and D +es#i% His# ry * En)land 3illia+ Hi%2+an -+i#$ A"!rey Prin%ess C$arl ##e T$e *a#e*"l le##er One day in #$e year 9=;?' ($en s$e (as si0#een years ld' #$e Prin%ess C$arl ##e - .$ia * Me%2len!"r),-#reli#7 (r #e a le##er ($i%$ +any !elie&ed se# in + #i n #$ se e&en#s ($i%$ li*#ed $er *r + a li##le Ger+an .rin%i.ali#y' ($ere s$e ( "ld d "!#less $a&e s.en# $er days in !s%"ri#y' # #$e #$r ne * En)land/ C$arl ##e $ad !een "# dri&in) in #$e % +.any * $er elder sis#er' #$e Prin%ess C$ris#ina/ On%e a (ee2 n -"ndays #$ey # 2 #$eir .la%es in #$e % a%$ dra(n !y si0 $ rses and dr &e #$r ")$ #$e % "n#ryside (i#$ as +"%$ s#a#e as #$ey (ere e&er all (ed' ($i%$ +erely +ean# #$a# #$ey (ere es% r#ed !y )"ards/ T$ey (ere dressed in #$eir !es# ) (ns' ($i%$ #$ey (ere nly .er+i##ed # (ear n -"ndays' and #$ey $ad !een (arned % ns#an#ly !y #$eir + #$er' #$e D (a)er Grand D"%$ess' as (ell as #$eir ) &erness' #$e ad+ira!le Mada+e de Gra! (' #$a# #$ey +"s# !e %are*"l n # # s il #$e+ as #$ere (as n + ney a&aila!le # !"y + re/ B #$ Prin%esses (ere +ade a(are * #$eir . &er#y' !ein) !li)ed # +end #$eir (n )ar+en#s and darn #$eir s# %2in)s * r as l n) as #$ere (as any . ssi!ili#y * % n#in"in) # (ear #$e+D and as #$e Grand D"%$ess and Mada+e de Gra! ( ,!elie&ed in dis%i.line and #$a# i# (as al(ays ne%essary # $a&e a .ie%e * ( r2 in #$e $ands' #$ey +"s# .er* r+
#$ese #as2s #$e+sel&es/ T$eir . &er#y $ad in%reased sin%e #$e (ar' ($i%$ $ad !een ) in) n n ( * r * "r years' and i# (as #$e e**e%#s * #$is (ar * ($i%$ s$e (as +ade dee.ly a(are n #$a# .ar#i%"lar -"nday a*#ern n' ($i%$ +ade C$arl ##e a%# in s"%$ an "n.re%eden#ed +anner/ T$e % a%$ ."lled ". s"ddenly # a& id a ( +an ($ $ad s#e..ed ri)$# in i#s .a#$ and C$arl ##e sa( $er B"i#e dis#in%#ly as s$e s$ 2 $er *is# a# #$e % a%$+an/ EY "'d r"n "s d (n'E %ried #$e ( +an/ E3e're * n a%% "n#/ Y " #a2e "r +en * r #$e (ars and "r + ney * r #$e #a0es /// s ($a# +a##er i* y " r"n "s d (nFE C$arl ##e n #i%ed #$a# $er eyes see+ed as #$ ")$ #$ey (ere s"n2 dee. in $er $ead and #$a# $er *les$ s$ (ed #$r ")$ $er # rn dress/ -$e $ad seen #$e Prin%esses in #$eir -"nday ) (ns and s$e %a+e # #$e (ind ( * #$e % a%$ and (en# n: ET$a# (as "r *ar+/E -$e . in#ed &a)"ely/ E3$ 's ) in) # #ill #$e land n (' e$G T$ey'&e #a2en +y +an/ T$ey'&e #a2en +y s ns/ And #$e Pr"ssians % +e +ar%$in) #$r ")$/E T$e )"ards (ere a! "# # arres# $er' !"# C$arl ##e %ried: EN / Dri&e nF Dri&e n/E And s$e and $er sis#er (ere #$r (n !a%2 a)ains# #$e ".$ ls#ery * #$e % a%$ as i# 4er2ed in# a%#i n/ C$arl ##e (as l 2in) "# * #$e (ind ( (a#%$in) #$e ( +an/ EI# (as/// #erri!le'E s$e said/ EDid y " see $er *a%e' C$ris#inaGE C$ris#ina s$ 2 $er $ead/
EI# (as s /// #ra)i%'E !"rs# "# C$arl ##e/ EY " $eard ($a# s$e said/ T$is (ar // / #$is *ear*"l (arF 3$a# ) d is i# d in) #$e / % "n#ryG 3e're all . r !e%a"se * i#/ N # #$a# #$a# is i+. r#an#/ T$ey'd #a2en #$a# ( +an's $"s!and and s n/ Y " $eard ($a# s$e said/E EY " are # &e$e+en#' C$arl ##e/E
E3$a# else %an ne !e /// ($en #$a# is $a..enin)GE C$arl ##e s#ared )l +ily "# * #$e (ind ( ($ile C$ris#ina B"i%2ly dis+issed #$e in%iden# and % n#in"ed # s+ile a# $er (n #$ ")$#s/ I# (as n "se #ryin) # in#eres# C$ris#ina in any#$in) sin%e #$e D"2e * R 0!"r)$ $ad % +e # Me%2len!"r)/ - C$arl ##e )a&e ". #$e a##e+.#/ Per$a.s i* s$e $ad #al2ed # $er s$e ( "ld n # $a&e *el# % +.elled # )i&e &en# # $er indi)na#i n n .a.er/ -$e % "ld $a&e e0.ressed i# # C$ris#ina' % "ld $a&e dis%"ssed (i#$ $er ($a# #$ey % "ld d a! "# i#/ B"# C$ris#ina (as # a!s r!ed in $er (n deli%i "s #$ ")$#s/ T$e e**e%#s * #$is #erri!le (ar are e&ery($ere' #$ ")$# C$arl ##e/ Ye# ne&er $ad #$ey see+ed s !&i "s as #$ey did n #$is a*#ern n/ 3$en s$e $ad l 2ed in# #$a# ( +an's *a%e s$e $ad seen s +e#$in) ($i%$ s$e ( "ld ne&er * r)e# a re.r a%$' an a..eal/ -$e +"s# d s +e#$in)/ I# (as n # easy ($en ne (as si0#een/ Her + #$er ( "ld #ell $er #$a# #$e (ar (as n a**air * $ersD and Mada+e de Gra! ( ( "ld a)ree (i#$ $er + #$er/ As * r $er !r #$er' #$e r"ler * -#reli#7' $e ne&er $ad #i+e * r $er' s s$e ( "ld s n !e sen# !a%2 # #$e s%$ lr + i* s$e a##e+.#ed # #al2 # $i+/ Her *riend and % +.ani n Ida & n Bill ( (as # *ri& l "s/ -$e ( "ld a)ree s$e al(ays a)reed !"# s$e ( "ld si)$ and say EYes' Prin%ess' !"# ($a# %an (e d a! "# i#GE ET$ere +"s# !e s +e#$in) I %an d 'E s$e said al "d/ E3$a#GE as2ed C$ris#ina idly/ C$arl ##e did n # ans(er' and C$ris#ina did n # n #i%e #$a# s$e $ad n #/ - C$arl ##e )a&e $ersel* ". # s#"dyin) #$e % "n#ryside and (as a..alled a*res$ !y #$e e**e%#s #$e (ar $ad $ad n i#/ -$e sa( #$e .e .le inadeB"a#ely %lad' inadeB"a#ely *edD s$e sa( &illa)es #$r ")$ ($i%$ #$e s ldiers $ad .assed' and .l"ndered as #$ey (en#/ T$ey $ad e&en dese%ra#ed #$e %$"r%$es and in d in) s r !!ed #$e+ * s +e * #$e sa%red rna+en#s/ And #$ese (ere #$e Ger+ans' #$eir (n .e .le #$e Pr"ssians' #$e + s# !rillian# +a2ers * (ar in #$e ( rld/ 3$en #$e % a%$ arri&ed !a%2 a# #$e %as#le C$arl ##e (as in a +ili#an# + d/
T$e %as#le' li2e #$e &illa)es #$r ")$ ($i%$ #$ey $ad .as#ed' (as in a s#a#e * %r"+!lin) de%ay/ T$ere (as a ra+.ar#' !"# #$e # (er (as al+ s# in r"ins and #$e ld )renadier ($ (as s".. sed # )"ard #$e dra(!rid)e $ad laid $is +"s2e# d (n !eside $i+ s #$a# $e % "ld )e# n (i#$ 2ni##in) a s# %2in)/ He l 2ed ". and n dded a )ree#in) as #$e % a%$ raided &er #$e !rid)e and in# #$e % "r#yard/ C$arl ##e' # ($ + #$e s%$l ss $ad !een $ +e e&er sin%e $er !r #$er $ad in$eri#ed #$e d"%al %r (n ei)$# years a) ' n #i%ed * r #$e *irs# #i+e $ ( s$a!!y i# (as/ Only #$e )lass la+.s &er #$e )a#e(ay and #$e #( %ranes se# #$ere li2e )"ards re+inded ne #$a# #$is (as #$e d"%al residen%e/ 3e are all . r' #$ ")$# C$arl ##e' and i# is all d"e # #$is ' #erri!le (ar/ Ne&er !e* re #$is a*#ern n $ad #$e (ar see+ed s #erri!le/ -$e $ad * ll (ed i#s .r )ress n #$e +a.s $er ) &erness Mada+e de Gra! ( $ad +ade * r Mada+e de Gra! ( (as an e0.er# +a.,+a2er and $ad a .assi n * r )e )ra.$y ($i%$ s$e $ad i+.ar#ed # C$arl ##e/ -$e 2ne( #$a# #$e (ar (as d"e # #$e desires * Frederi%2 * Pr"ssia # d +ina#e E"r .e and * Maria T$eresa * A"s#ria # #a2e !a%2 *r + Frederi%2 #$e .r &in%e * -ilesia/ On Maria T$eresa's side (ere Fran%e' R"ssia and P land' ($ile #$e En)lis$ $ad .r +ised assis#an%e # Frederi%2/ T$ere (ere s#r n) *a+ily #ies !e#(een #$e En)lis$ and #$e Ger+ans and Mada+e de Gra! ( (as % ns#an#ly re*errin) # #$e island ** #$e % as# * E"r .e ($i%$ (as !e% +in) in%reasin)ly . (er*"l and (as e&en a# #$is #i+e a# (ar (i#$ #$e Fren%$ &er #$eir % l nies/ And #$ese a+!i#i "s r"lers' #$ ")$# C$arl ##e' (ere see2in) #$eir &i%# ries a# #$e e0.ense * #$e .e .le * s"%$ . r li##le d"2ed +s as Me%2len!"r),-#reli#7/ -$e )lan%ed a# C$ris#ina/ One +"s# n # !e $ard n C$ris#ina ($ a*#er all (as #(en#y,si0 years ld and in l &e/ One % "ld n # +i0 l &e and (ar and C$arl ##e s".. sed #$e *irs# (as a + re in&i#in) s"!4e%# * r #$ ")$# #$an #$e se% nd/ C$arl ##e $ad n reas n # #$in2 * l &e' s s$e )a&e $ersel* ". # #$e % n#e+.la#i n * (ar and % n#in"ed # as2 $ersel* ($a# s$e % "ld d a! "# i#/ T$ere (as ne +an ($ % "ld s# . #$is (i%2ed (as#e' #$is .illa)eD ($
% "ld !y #$e s#r 2e * .en and ne ( rd * % ++and .re&en# $is s ldiers *r + layin) (as#e &illa)es' r !!in) %$"r%$es and .l"nderin) #$e $ "ses ($i%$ s# d n #$eir r "#es/ T$is (as Frederi%2 * Pr"ssia' ($ + #$ey %alled Frederi%2 #$e Grea#/ B"# $e ( "ld ne&er lis#en # a si0#een,year, ld )irl/ I* s$e (r #e # $i+ $er le##er ( "ld ne&er rea%$ $i+/ He ( "ld say s$e (as a silly y "n) %rea#"re/ 3$a# i* $e % +.lained # $er !r #$erG T$en #$ere ( "ld !e #r "!le/ Ye#' #$ ")$# C$arl ##e' i* I did n #$in) I s$ "ld ne&er !e a!le # * r)e# #$a# ( +an's *a%e/ Per$a.s s$e (as ."# in +y .a#$ # day * r a ."r. se/ N ' %er#ainly s$e ( "ld ne&er * r)i&e $ersel* i* s$e did n # #a2e s +e a%#i n/ B"# ($a#G -$e * "nd $er a##endan#' Ida & n Bill (' and $er ) &erness' Mada+e de Gra! (' in $er a.ar#+en#s/ Ida (as a *ri& l "s )irl' !"# #$e ) &erness (as a &ery dis#in)"is$ed lady indeedD s$e (as n ( a (id ( and $er *a#$er $ad !een Me%2len!"r)'s a+!assad r a# #$e C "r# * Vienna/ -$e (as s learned #$a# s$e (as 2n (n #$r ")$ "# Me%2len!"r) as #$e Ger+an -a..$ D an ideal ) &erness * r #$e Prin%esses' a..r &ed * !y ! #$ #$eir + #$er' #$e Grand D"%$ess' and #$eir !r #$er' #$e D"2e/ Mada+e de Gra! ( said: ENe(s $as rea%$ed "s * 1in) Frederi%2's la#es# &i%# ry/ I (ill s$ ( y " n #$e +a./E T$e +a. (as s.read "# n #$e s%$ lr + #a!le' !"# C$arl ##e ($ l &ed +a.s al+ s# as +"%$ as Mada+e de Gra! ( % "ld *ind n .leas"re in i# # day/ -$e sa( #$ se deli%a#ely #in#ed areas as s#ri%2en &illa)es' %%".ied !y $ .eless ld +en' ( +en and %$ildren !e%a"se #$e y "n) nes (ere a(ay *r + $ +e *i)$#in) n #$e !a##le*ieldsD s$e sa( #$e dese%ra#ed %$"r%$es' #$e des la#e $ +es#eads/ -$e did n # s.ea2 * $er e+ #i ns # Mada+e de Gra! (' * r s$e (as s"re #$a# lady ( "ld $ear#ily disa..r &e * ($a# s$e in#ended # d ' !"# as s n as s$e (as in $er !ed%$a+!er s$e %alled # Ida # !rin) $er .en and in2 and ($en i# (as !r ")$# s$e se##led d (n # (ri#e/ May i# .lease y "r Ma4es#y' I a+ a# a l ss ($e#$er I s$ "ld % n)ra#"la#e r % nd le (i#$ y " n y "r la#e &i%# ry' sin%e #$e sa+e s"%%ess ($i%$ $as % &ered y " (i#$ la"rels $as &ers.read #$e % "n#ry * Me%2len!"r) (i#$ des la#i n/ I 2n (' -ire' #$a# i# see+s "n!e% +in) in +y se0' in #$is a)e * &i%i "s re*ine+en#' # *eel * r ne's % "n#ry' # la+en# #$e $ rr rs * (ar' r (is$ * r #$e re#"rn * .ea%e/
I 2n ( y " +ay #$in2 i# + re .r .erly +y .r &in%e # s#"dy #$e ar#s * .leasin)' r # ins.e%# s"!4e%#s * a + re d +es#i% na#"reD !"# $ (e&er "n!e% +in) i# +ay!e in +e' I %ann # resis# #$e desire * in#er%edin) * r #$is "n$a..y .e .le/ I# (as !"# a *e( years a) #$a# #$is % "n#ry ( re #$e + s# .leasin) as.e%#/ T$e land (as %"l#i&a#ed' #$e .easan#s (ere %$eer*"l and #$e # (ns ri%$ and )ay/ H ( #$ey $a&e %$an)edF I a+ n # an e0.er# a# des%ri.#i n' n r %an +y *an%y add any $ rr rs # #$e .i%#"reD !"# s"rely e&en % nB"er rs #$e+sel&es ( "ld (ee. a# #$e $ide "s %$an)e/ T$e ($ le % "n#ry' +y dear % "n#ry' is ne *ri)$#*"l (as#eland' .resen#in) nly !4e%#s # e0%i#e #err r' .i#y and des.air/ T$ere is n l n)er ( r2 * r *ar+ers and s$e.$erds * r #$ey $a&e !e% +e s ldiers and $el. # ra&a)e #$e s il #$ey n%e %"l#i&a#ed/ T$e # (ns are in$a!i#ed nly !y ld +en' ( +en and %$ildrenD ($ile .er$a.s $ere and #$ere a (arri r' !y ( "nds r l ss * li+!s rendered "n*i# * r ser&i%e' is le*# a# $is d r' ($ere li##le %$ildren $an) ar "nd $i+' # as2 #$e $is# ry * e&ery ( "nd' and )r ( #$e+sel&es s ldiers !e* re #$ey *ind s#ren)#$ * r #$e *ield/ B"# #$is (ere n #$in)' did (e n # *eel #$e al#erna#e ins len%e * ei#$er ar+y as i# $a..ens # ad&an%e r re#rea#' in ."rs"in) i#s %a+.ai)ns/ I# is i+. ssi!le indeed # e0.ress #$e % n*"si n ($i%$ #$ey ($ %all #$e+sel&es "r *riends %rea#e' * r e&en #$ se *r + ($ + (e e0.e%# relie* nly ..ress "s (i#$ ne( %ala+i#ies/ Fr + y "r 4"s#i%e i# is' #$ere* re' -ir' #$a# (e $ .e redressD # y " e&en %$ildren and ( +en +ay % +.lain' ($ se $"+ani#y s# .s # #$e +eanes# .e#i#i n and ($ se . (er is %a.a!le * redressin) #$e )rea#es# (r n)/ Y "r Ma4es#y's $"+!le ser&an# C$arl ##e - .$ia Me%2len!"r)-#reli#7 C$arl ##e's "s"ally .ale %$ee2s (ere #in)ed (i#$ .in2/ Dare s$e send s"%$ a le##erG I* $er + #$er 2ne(' i* $er !r #$er dis% &ered' ($a# ( "ld #$ey sayG T$ey ( "ld !e $ rri*ied/ H ( dared s$e' a )irl * si0#een' a )irl * n a%% "n#' (ri#e s"%$ a le##er * re.r a%$ # 1in) Frederi%2 * Pr"ssia/ -$e (as + re r less #ellin) $i+ ($a# $e s$ "ld d / EI (ill send i#'E C$arl ##e # ld $ersel* *ier%ely/ EF r I s$all des.ise +ysel* * r e&er + re i* I d n #/E -$e sealed #$e le##er and 2e.# i# in $er se%re# . %2e#D and ($en #$e +essen)er ne0# le*# (i#$ le##ers * r Pr"ssia s$e )a&e i# in# $is $ands # !e ."# in n #$ers #$an #$ se * 1in) Frederi%2/ T$en !e)an #$e +is)i&in)sD #$en #$e reali7a#i n * ($a# s$e $ad d ne/
-$e (ai#ed * r #$e ine&i#a!le re&er!era#i ns/ C$arl ##e * lded #$e .e##i% a# s$e $ad !een +endin) and laid i# %are*"lly n #$e #a!le and' )ri+a%in)' .i%2ed ". a ) (n *r + #$e .ile * %l #$in) ($i%$ lay !e#(een $er and Ida & n Bill ( Ida (as a(are * #$e Prin%ess's + d and #$ ")$# s$e 2ne( #$e reas n * r i#/ -$e (as a*#er all si0#een and +"s# ( nder *#en ($e#$er s$e ( "ld e&er es%a.e *r + #$e + n # ny * li*e $ere in #$e s%$l ss/ I# (as %er#ainly d"ll' Ida % n%eded' and s"rely C$arl ##e +"s# !e ( nderin) ($e#$er +arria)e ( "ld e&er res%"e $er *r + i#/ B"# ($a# %$an%e ( "ld s$e e&er $a&eG T$e d"2ed + * ($i%$ $er !r #$er $ad !e% +e rei)nin) s &erei)n ei)$# years a) (as an insi)ni*i%an# ne a! "# ne $"ndred and #(en#y +iles in len)#$ and #$ir#y in !read#$ and sin%e #$e (ar i# $ad !e% +e + re i+. &eris$ed #$an e&er/ N ' C$arl ##e's %$an%es (ere s+all/ -$e (as n # e&en $ands +e' !"# ra#$er ($a# 2indly .e .le %alled '$ +ely'/ T$ ")$ $er e0.ressi n (as .leasan#' and a li&ely in#elli)en%e li)$#ened $er *a%e s$e (as s .ale as # !e % l "rlessD s+all and #$in' s$e en#irely la%2ed #$a# *les$y r #"ndi#y s ne%essary # Te"# ni% !ea"#yD $er n se (as # *la# and $er + "#$ s lar)e #$a# $ad s$e . ssessed #$e + s# .er*e%# *ea#"res #$er(ise' i# ( "ld $a&e .re&en#ed any %lai+ # !ea"#y/ C$arl ##e $eld ". #$e ) (n/ ET$ere is n # +"%$ li*e le*# in i#'E s$e de%lared/ EI +ay .a#%$ #$e s2ir# !"# I s$all !e "# a# #$e el! (s #$e ne0# #i+e I (ear i#/E EA (as#e * #i+e' Prin%ess'E a)reed Ida/ EB"#'E (en# n C$arl ##e' s+ilin) a li##le (i%2edly and i+i#a#in) Mada+e de Gra! ('s & i%e # #$e li*e' 'a# leas# I a+ %%".ied/ Idle $ands are #$e "#(ard +ani*es#a#i n * an idle +ind/E Ida la")$ed !"# C$arl ##e (en# n 4"di%i "sly: EMada+e de Gra! ( is ri)$#/ I a+ indeed * r#"na#e #$a# s$e s$ "ld !e +y ) &erness/E H EVery * r#"na#e/E EI +"s# al(ays re+e+!er i#/ O$ dear' I d n'# #$in2 I %an d any + re (i#$ #$is ) (n/ I* nly ///E EY " (ill n # )e# a ne( ne "n#il #$e (ar is &er/E T$e (ar/ -$e daren'# #$in2 * i#/ 3$a# ( "ld $e say ($en $e re%ei&ed
$er le##erG 3$ene&er #$e d r .ened s$e s#ar#ed' e0.e%#in) # see a .a)e #$ere s"++ nin) $er # $er + #$er /// r ( rse s#ill # $er !r #$er/ Ida +"s# !e re)ardin) $er %"ri "sly s s$e #$re( aside #$e ) (n and .i%2ed ". a .ie%e * e+!r idery/ ET$a#'s !e##er/ I#'s a .re##y .a##ern/ D n'# y " a)ree' IdaG B"# * % "rse y " al(ays a)ree/ Ida' $ ( dee.ly d y " #$in2 +y sis#er is in l &eGE Ida )a&e a s."r# * +erri+en#/ E-$e % "ldn'# !e in dee.er/E ED y " #$in2 s$e (ill !e all (ed # +arry #$e )en#le+anGE Ida #$ ")$# i# li2ely/ C$ris#ina (as #en years lder #$an C$arl ##e/ I* s$e did n # *ind a $"s!and n ( s$e ne&er ( "ldD and an En)lis$ d"2e ( "ld n # !e an i+. ssi!le +a#%$/ T$e da")$#er * a +in r Ger+an d"2e % "ld n # $ .e * r E"r .ean r yal#y/ Yes' Ida #$ ")$# an En)lis$ d"2e +i)$# d &ery ni%ely/ EI d $ .e s ' Ida'E said C$arl ##e *er&en#ly/ EAl#$ ")$ I s$ "ld +iss $er/ -$e ( "ld ) # En)land/E EAnd #$ey are "r allies in #$e (ar ///E C$arl ##e (an#ed # ."# $er *in)ers in# $er ears/ P$rases *r + #$a# + s# i+.er#inen# le##er 2e.# rin)in) in $er $ead/ - +e#i+es s$e ( "ld a(a2e in #$e ni)$# and $ear #$e+/ Did I really (ri#e #$a#G Did IG And did I really send i# # #$e 1in) * Pr"ssiaG EI $eard i# (as &ery )rand a# #$e En)lis$ C "r#'E s$e said B"i%2ly/ EAnd C$ris#ina ( "ld * % "rse ) # C "r#/ Ida' .er$a.s i# is a ) d #$in) #$a# (e are a . r li##le d"2ed + !e%a"se #$a# +eans #$a# n )rea# 2in) ( "ld e&er as2 * r "r $ands /// and #$ere* re C$ris#ina +ay !e all (ed # +arry $er d"2e/ Be %are*"l/ Here s$e % +es/E T$e Prin%ess C$ris#ina %a+e in# #$e a.ar#+en#/ T$ere (as a rese+!lan%e !e#(een #$e+' !"# s$e (as + re $ands +e #$an C$arl ##e and !ein) in l &e $ad #rans* r+ed $er/ E3$a# ne(sGE %ried C$arl ##e/ ENe(s * ($a#GE de+anded C$ris#ina/
ET$e (ar ///E EN ' n ' n F O* y "/// and y "r d"2e/E E3$a# ne(s s$ "ld #$ere !eGE ET$a# Ma++a and "r !r #$er $a&e )i&en #$eir % nsen# # y "r +arria)e/E EN # ye#' !"#///E ET$ey (ill'E said C$arl ##e/ ET$ey +"s#/ C$ris#ina' ($en y " are an En)lis$ d"%$ess (ill y " in&i#e +e # &isi# y " in En)landGE EY " +ay !e s"re I s$all/E EI ( nder ($a# i#'s li2e #$ere/ I ( nder i* all #$e s# ries (e $ear * i# are #r"e/E E- +e are/E C$ris#ina (as 2n (led)ea!le #$r ")$ % n&ersa#i ns (i#$ $er l &er/ ET$e ne( 1in) is &ery y "n) nly #(en#y r s / And #$e .e .le' $a&e l n) !een (ai#in) * r #$e ld ne # die/ T$ey !elie&e e&ery#$in) (ill !e di**eren# n ( $e is ) ne/ I# (ill !e a %$an)e * r #$e !e##er * r #$e 1in) is a &ery ) d y "n) +an/// + des# and &ir#" "s/ 5n"s"al B"ali#ies * r a 2in)/E C$arl ##e s$"ddered' #$in2in) * #$a# #$er 2in) ($ + s$e % "ld n # )e# "# * $er +ind/ EI $a&e $eard +anners are *ree and easy a# #$e En)lis$ C "r#'E said Ida/ EO$' #$e En)lis$FE la")$ed C$ris#ina/ ET$ey are n # s /// dis%i.lined as (e are/ I* #$ey disa..r &e * #$e r yal *a+ily #$ey d n'# $esi#a#e # say s /E ET$a# is ) d'E said C$arl ##e (i#$ &e$e+en%e/
EC$arl ##e I' EI/// I !elie&e #$a# .e .le s$ "ld s.ea2 #$eir +inds/E EB"# # 2in)sFE
EYes' # 2in)s/E C$ris#ina (en# n : EO$' yes' #$ere are la+. ns and s n)s al(ays !ein) %ir%"la#ed/ T$e .e .le )e# # )e#$er in #$e % **ee and %$ % la#e $ "ses/ T$ey are all &er #$e # (n' #$ese $ "ses /// and .e .le ) #$ere # drin2 % **ee and %$ % la#e and s#r n)er #$in)s and #al2 /// and #al2///E Mada+e de Gra! ( %a+e in# #$e r +/
-$e said: EI $a&e 4"s# % +e *r + #$e Grand D"%$ess/ I $a&e rders # .re.are "s # lea&e * r Pyr+ n# # #a2e #$e (a#ers/E C$ris#ina l 2ed a li##le d (n%as#' )"essin) #$is ( "ld +ean a #e+. rary se.ara#i n *r + $er d"2e/// C$arl ##e' (a#%$in) $er' #$ ")$# (is#*"lly : I ( nder i* I s$all e&er $a&e a l &er/ I ( nder i* I s$all e&er +arry/ EC +e'E said #$e e**i%ien# Mada+e de Gra! (' '#$ere is +"%$ # d / T$e Grand D"%$ess is an0i "s # lea&e (i#$ "# delay/E I# (as .leasan# a# Pyr+ n#/ T$e Grand D"%$ess # 2 $er da")$#ers # #$e ."+. r +s and i# (as %er#ain #$a# #$ey !ene*i#ed !y #$e %$an)e/ T$ey li&ed si+.ly' s#ayin) a# a near!y % "n#ry $ "se and .ar#a2in) in #$e li*e * #$e .la%e li2e any n !le *a+ily n $ liday/ C$ris#ina (as a li##le sad' re)re##in) #$e .ar#in) *r + $er l &er ($ $ad s#ayed in Me%2len!"r)' * r $e $ad n e0%"se * r * ll (in) #$e+ #$ereD !"# s$e % n*ided # C$arl ##e #$a# s$e (as &ery $ .e*"l #$a# s n a*#er #$eir re#"rn #$e !e#r #$al ( "ld !e ann "n%ed/ In #$e r +s ($ere #$ey +in)led (i#$ #$er &isi# rs a*#er #a2in) #$e (a#ers a C l nel Grae+e (as .resen#ed # #$e+/ He (as a %$ar+in) -% #s+an ($ (as' #$e Grand D"%$ess (as in* r+ed' a )rea# *riend * L rd B"#e ($ in $is #"rn (as a %l se *riend * #$e 1in) and #$e Prin%ess D (a)er * En)land/ C l nel Grae+e (as &ery % "r#e "s and +ade a . in# * s.ea2in) # C$arl ##e/ In *a%# $e see+ed &ery in#eres#ed in C$arl ##e ($ (as s"r.rised #$a# $er + #$er all (ed $i+ # s.end s +"%$ #i+e (i#$,$er/ EI# %an s%ar%ely !e #$a# $e $as *allen in l &e (i#$ y "'E %ried C$ris#ina/
T$a# +ade C$arl ##e la")$/ EY " #$in2 * n #$in) !"# l &e/ N / He is 4"s# a ni%e ld )en#le+an ($ li2es # #al2/E And $ ( $e #al2edF I# (as all a! "# En)land/ He see+ed de#er+ined # +a2e $er see -#/ Ja+es's and 1ensin)# n' Ha+.# n and 1e(D !"# %$ie*ly $e #al2ed * #$e y "n) 1in)/ EHe is n # nly e0#re+ely $ands +e'E $e # ld C$arl ##e' '!"# ) d/ I %an #ell y " #$a# #$ere (as )rea# re4 i%in) ($en $e %a+e # #$e #$r ne/ 3e l 2ed * r(ard # a #i+e * .r s.eri#y' * r #$e 1in) %ares' as *e( $a&e !e* re $i+' * r #$e ) d * $is .e .le/E EHe s "nds a &ery ( r#$y 2in)'E C$arl ##e a)reed/ EIs $e /// (arli2eGE C l nel Grae+e l 2ed a# $er ddly and s$e *l"s$ed/ -$e said B"i%2ly: EI $a#e (ar/ Y " (ill see ($a# i# $as d ne # "r % "n#ry/ B"# 2in)s see+ # #a2e # i# +i)$#ily/ I (as ( nderin) ($e#$er #$e 1in) * En)land en4 ys ) in) # (ar/E EIndeed $e d es n #'E re.lied C l nel Grae+e/ ET$e 1in) * En)land is .. sed # (ar/ He $a#es s"**erin) * any s r#/ He (an#s # see $is s"!4e%#s $a..ily a# .ea%e/ 3$en $is *a#$er' #$e Prin%e * 3ales' died' $e (as dee.ly a**e%#ed/ He s%ar%ely # "%$ed * d * r days and (e *eared * r $is $eal#$/ He l &ed $is *a#$erD !"# ($en #( )ardeners *ell ** a ladder in #$e )ardens a# 1e( $e (as ".se# * r days/E EHe s "nds a &ery &ir#" "s 2in)/E EI !elie&e Y "r Hi)$ness ( "ld #$in2 $i+ #$e !es# 2in) in #$e ( rld/E EI* $e l &es .ea%e' I s$ "ld/ B"# His Ma4es#y * En)land (ill %are li##le * r +y .ini n/E EI !elie&e His Ma4es#y ( "ld !e dee.ly )ra#i*ied !y Y "r Hi)$ness's ) d .ini n/E C l nel Grae+e (as indeed a % "r#ier' #$ ")$# C$arl ##e/ -$e (as n # s rry * r C$ris#ina's sa2e ($en #$ey re#"rned # Me%2len!"r)/
I# (as .leasan# # !e !a%2' * r #$e s"++er (as n ( (i#$ #$e+ and #$ey % "ld s.end a )rea# deal * #i+e in #$e )ardens/ T$ey +"s# n # #$in2 #$e s"n (as an e0%"se * r idleness' said Mada+e de Gra! (D #$ey +"s# n # si# a! "#' #$eir $ands in #$eir la.s' +erely !e%a"se #$e s"n (as s$inin)/ -"%$ a sy!ari#e e0is#en%e (as # !e de.l red/ T$ey % "ld read in #$e s"ns$ine' s#"dy #$eir La#in &er!s' ans(er Mada+e de Gra! ('s B"es#i ns n $is# ry r )e )ra.$yD #$ey % "ld se# ". a #a!le and +a2e +a.s * #$e ( rldD and #$ere (as al(ays #$e needle/ 3$en #$eir )ar+en#s (ere all re.aired #$ey % "ld #a2e ". #$eir e+!r idery r la%eD !"# n # !e* re/ C$ris#ina (as a li##le an0i "s/ EI %ann # "nders#and ($y #$ere +"s# !e all #$is delay/E ED es #$e D"2e 2n ( ($yGE as2ed C$arl ##e/ EHe is as ."77led as I/ 3$y' !e* re (e (en# # Pyr+ n# i# (as as ) as se##led/ N ( i# is: E3ai#/// Y " +"s# !e .a#ien#/E 3e $a&e !een .a#ien# l n) en ")$/E d
P r C$ris#ina I -$e $ad l s# #$e l 2 ($i%$ l &e $ad ."# ". n $er' * r #$e an0ie#y # 2 #$e s.ar2le *r + $er eyes/ I# %an'# ) (r n)' #$ ")$# C$arl ##e/ I# +"s# n # ) (r n)/ And ($y s$ "ld i#G Mada+e de Gra! ( $ad rdered #$e+ # se# ". #$e #a!le and #$eir se(in) (as laid n i# in li##le !"ndles/ N # +"%$ # day' C$arl ##e (as #$in2in)/ -$e ( "ld s n !e ( r2in) n $er e+!r idery/ I# (as &ery .leasan# s#i#%$in) in #$e s"ns$ineD s$e $ad al+ s# * r) ##en #$a# le##er s$e $ad (ri##en # #$e 1in) * Pr"ssia' and' ($en s$e did #$in2 * i# s$e ass"red $ersel* #$a# i# $ad ne&er rea%$ed $i+/ Had s$e n # !een a li##le nai&e # i+a)ine i# ( "ldG -$e .i%#"red #$e s%eneD #$e +essen)er arri&in) and #$e le##ers !ein) #a2en *r + $i+ !y ne * #$e 1in)'s se%re#ary/ And ($a# (as #$is neG A le##er *r + #$e Prin%ess C$arl ##e - .$ia * Me%2len!"r),-#reli#7F 3$ (as s$eG A )irl * si0#een -$e .i%#"red #$e se%re#ary .enin) #$e le##er' %as#in) $iseye &er i# and' la")$in)' #earin) i# ". and #$r (in) i# in #$e (as#e,.a.er !as2e# r $ ldin) i# in #$e *la+e * a %andle/ -$e $ad !een * lis$ # ( rry/
EY "'re #$ ")$#*"l'E ($is.ered Ida/ EI %an )"ess ($a# y "'re #$in2in)/ Y "'re ( nderin) ($en #$ere (ill !e a s"i# r * r y "/E ' C$arl ##e did n # ans(er * r a + +en#D s$e %are*"lly #$readed a .ale !l"e s#rand * sil2D s$e l &ed ( r2in) (i#$ !ea"#i*"l % l "rs/ EO$ % +e' Ida'E s$e said' ($en $er needle (as #$readed and s$e (as .lyin) i# a)ain' 'd y " really #$in2 a $"s!and (ill e&er !e * "nd * r +eG EHe +ay *ind y "/E EY " are # r +an#i%/ I !elie&e y " read r +an%es/E
E3ell' #$ey're + re in#eres#in) #$an y "r Gree2 and La#in/E EH ( %an y " #ell sin%e y " d n'# 2n ( Gree2 and La#in/ A# leas# #$ey #ea%$ +e/ # !e realis#i%' ($ereas y "r r +an%es #ea%$ y " # drea+ i+. ssi!le drea+s/E E3$y i+. ssi!leG 3$y s$ "ldn'# y " $a&e a $"s!andG Many .e .le d /// .ar#i%"larly .rin%esses/E C$arl ##e l 2ed a%r ss #$e #a!le ($ere C$ris#ina's $ead (as !en# &er $er se(in)/ -$e des.era#ely $ .ed #$a# e&ery#$in) ( "ld ( r2 "# (ell * r C$ris#ina/ EN ( ($ 'E said C$arl ##e al+ s# #es#ily' '( "ld (an# # +arry a . r li##le .rin%ess li2e +eF Be realis#i%' Ida' * r n%e/ My + "#$ is # lar)e and +y .ers n # s+all' I $a&e nei#$er a##ra%#i ns n r * r#"ne/ N +an ($ + +y !r #$er and +y + #$er ( "ld % nsider ( r#$y ( "ld % nsider +e ( r#$y' s #$ere's an end * #$e +a##er/E J"s# as s$e *inis$ed s.ea2in) #$e s "nd * #$e . s#+an's $ rn (as $eard in #$e dis#an%e/ ELe##ers *r + a*ar'E said C$ris#ina' li*#in) $er $ead/ Ida's eyes s.ar2led/ EPer$a.s #$is is a s(ee#$ear# % +e # %lai+ y "' Prin%ess'E s$e ($is.ered # C$arl ##e/ C$arl ##e la")$ed a# $erD and #$ey (ere all silen#/ A)ain #$e
. s#+an's $ rn (as $eard #$is #i+e nearer/ T$ey lis#ened # i# "n#il i# (as ri)$# a# #$e d r * #$e s%$l ss/
A .a)e (as % +in) a%r ss #$e )ardens' s#rai)$# # #$e #a!le ($ere #$e )irls sa# a# #$eir se(in)/ C$ris#ina (as (a#%$in) ea)erly/ P r C$ris#ina/ -$e (as al(ays !elie&in) #$a# s$e ( "ld !e s"++ ned # $er !r #$er's .resen%e and #$ere # ld #$a# s$e $ad $is % nsen# # $er +arria)e/ EHis Hi)$ness % ++ands #$e .resen%e * #$e Prin%ess C$arl ##e (i#$ "# delay/E C$arl ##e's 2nees (ere #re+!lin) as s$e r se/ T$is (as $ ( s$e $ad i+a)ined i# a $"ndred #i+es/ T$e le##ers arri&in) *r + Pr"ssia/ T$e 1in)'s *"ryD $is an)ry le##ers # #$e D"2e ($ all (ed $is sis#er # !e s disres.e%#*"l # #$e 1in) * ($ + e&ery li##le Ger+an d"2e +"s# s#and in a(e/ C$ris#ina and Ida l 2ed alar+edD e&en Mada+e de Gra! ( (as ill a# ease/ T$e le##ers $ad 4"s# arri&ed/ I# see+ed s#ran)e #$a# C$arl ##e s$ "ld $a&e !een s"++ ned s s n/ T$is % "ld n # $a&e $a..ened "nless i# (as a +a##er * #$e "#+ s# i+. r#an%e/ -$e * ll (ed #$e .a)e in# #$e %as#le/ I# (as s $ # "# * d rs' s % l !e$ind #$ se #$i%2 (allsD !"# i# (as n # #$e %$an)e * #e+.era#"re ($i%$ +ade $er s$i&erD i# (as a..re$ensi n/ -$e (as sayin) # $ersel*: I d n'# %are/ I# (as ri)$# # d i#/ I 2n ( i# (as ri)$#/ T$e d r (as *l"n) .en/ T$ere #$ey s# dD $er !r #$er and $er + #$er' side !y side/ O$' #$is (as a &ery i+. r#an# %%asi n/ EC$arl ##e I' I# (as $er + #$er ($ s. 2e/ -$e a..r a%$ed' s#ill re$earsin) $er e0%"ses/ EC$arl ##e' +y dear %$ild/E Her + #$er e+!ra%ed $er/ EI $a&e ( nder*"l ne(s * r y "/ T$is is ne * #$e $a..ies# days * +y li*e/E C$arl ##e l 2ed *r + $er + #$er # $er !r #$er/ He' # ' (as s+ilin)/
T$e D"2e said al+ s# #easin)ly : E- y " #$ ")$# *i# # (ri#e a le##er # #$e 1in) * Pr"ssiaGE EYes'E ans(ered C$arl ##e' #ryin) # !e ! ld !"# $earin) $er & i%e end n a sB"ea2 ($i%$ !e#rayed $er *ear/ ETellin) His Ma4es#y $ ( # % nd"%# $is ar+ies/E EN ' #$a# (as n # s / I +erely # ld $i+ * ($a# #$e (ar $ad d ne # "s $ere/ I !e))ed $i+ # s# . $is s ldiers .illa)in) #$e land ($i%$ (as d in) n ) d # any * "s/E EI# (as an i+.er#inen# le##er'E said #$e D"2e// / EB"#'E added #$e D (a)er D"%$ess (i#$ a s+ile' 'i# a+"sed His Ma4es#y/E EI#/// i# (as n # +ean# # a+"se/E EI# # "%$ed $i+ # / He $as )i&en rders #$a# $is ar+ies s$all n # .l"nder #$e &illa)es #$r ")$ ($i%$ #$ey .ass/E C$arl ##e %las.ed $er $ands and s+iled/ -$e did n # %are n (/ -$e $ad a%$ie&ed $er ."r. se/ T$ey % "ld ."nis$ $er i* #$ey (is$ed/ -$e ( "ld se( a $"ndred * #$e % arses# s$ir#s # !e dis#ri!"#ed a+ n) #$e . rD s$e ( "ld n # %areD s$e ( "ld re4 i%e as s$e .ri%2ed $er *in)ers as ne al(ays did (i#$ #$a# % arse s#"**/ And s$e ( "ld #$in2 all #$e #i+e * #$e 1in) * Pr"ssia' readin) $er le##er and de%idin) #$a# s$e (as ri)$#/ ET$e 1in) #$ ")$# i# a re+ar2a!le le##er * r a si0#een,year, ld )irl # (ri#e/ T$ ")$ y " are se&en#een n (' C$arl ##e/E EYes' Ma++a/E ET$a# is ) d # / I# is a .leasan# a)e/ N ( * r +y ne(s/ T$e 1in) * Pr"ssia $ad % .ies * y "r le##er +ade and s$ (ed #$e+ # $is *riends//He e&en sen# ne # #$e D (a)er Prin%ess * En)land #$e + #$er * #$e 1in)/E ET En)landF - *arFE EI# (as #$e !i))es# s#r 2e * ) d * r#"ne #$a# $as % +e # * r a l n) #i+e'E said #$e D"2e/ EY "r Hi)$ness +eans +y le##er ///E "r H "se
EY "r le##er'E said $er + #$er/ -$e s+iled a# $er s n/ ET$e Prin%ess D (a)er #$ ")$# i# a re+ar2a!le le##erD s did $er s n/E E ET$e 1in)F T$e 1in) * En)landGE EHe read i#' #$ey #ell +e' and #ears *illed $is eyes/ He said: E3$a# a re+ar2a!le )irl #$e Prin%ess C$arl ##e +"s# !e/E And s $e sen# C l nel Grae+e # see y " and # re. r# # $i+ ($a# $e #$ ")$# * y "/ I# see+s #$a# C l nel Grae+e #$ ")$# &ery $i)$ly * y "/E EMa++a /// ($a# are y " #ellin) +eGE ET$a# y " are * r#"na#e !ey nd "r (ildes# $ .es and drea+s/ T$e 1in) * En)land is as2in) * r y "r $and in +arria)e/E E3$a# did I sayGE de+anded Ida/ EDid I n # say i# (as a s(ee#$ear#G I ne&er #$ ")$# i# ( "ld !e #$e 1in) * En)land' #$ ")$/E EB"# Ida/// $e $as n # seen +eFE EC l nel Grae+e $as seen y "/ And $e e&iden#ly li2ed ($a# $e sa(/E E3$a# a s#ran)e (ay in ($i%$ # %$ %$ sen in #$a# (ay/E se a !ride I' EAll r yal !rides are
EC l nel Grae+e +"s# $a&e *la##ered +e/ I $ .e i# ( n'# !e a s$ %2 * r #$e 1in) ($en $e sees +e/E EPer$a.s $e's n # as $ands +e as $e's !een +ade "# # !e'E % +* r#ed Ida/ C$ris#ina %a+e in/ -$e said : E- y "'ll !e #$e *irs# # !e +arried a*#er all/E T$ere (as #al2 * n #$in) else !"# C$arl ##e's % +in) +arria)e/ T$ere (as # !e n delay/ T$e En)lis$ (ere sendin) L rd Har% "r# # -#reli#7 i++edia#ely and as s n as $e arri&ed #$e .r 0y %ere+ ny (as # #a2e .la%e' and i++edia#ely i# (as &er s$e (as # sail * r En)land/ EI# see+s #$ere is an "nd"e $as#e'E ($is.ered C$arl ##e # Ida/ ED y " #$in2 #$ey are a*raid #$e 1in) (ill $ear #$e #r"#$ and n # (an# +e a*#er allGE
E3$a# #r"#$ G He's $eard #$e #r"#$/E EI #$in2 #$ey'&e # ld $i+ I'+ a !ea"#y/E EN # #$ey/ He read y "r le##er and $e 2n (s y "'re a (isea%re/ He's + re in#eres#ed in #$a# #$an a .re##y *a%e/E A# leas# Ida (as $ nes#/ C$arl ##e s#"died $er *a%e in $er +irr r and $er +is)i&in)s (ere )rea#/ H +ely is #$e 2indes# (ay # des%ri!e +e' s$e #$ ")$#D .lain ( "ld !e + re #r"#$*"l/ -$e $ .ed #$a# #$e 1in) did n # li2e .re##y ( +en/ 3$y s$ "ld #$e 1in) * En)land sele%# $er /// a $"+!le .rin%ess * a #iny s#a#e (i#$ "# !ea"#y and ri%$esG Ida $ad #$e ans(er/ EBe%a"se y "'re Ger+an and Pr #es#an#/ T$ere are #$er .rin%esses in E"r .e' !"# d n'# * r)e# #$ey're all Ca#$ li%s /// and #$ey're n # Ger+an/ En)lis$ 1in)s e&er sin%e Ge r)e #$e Firs# al(ays +arry Ger+ans/E EAnd I %an'# s.ea2 $is lan)"a)e/E ENe&er +ind' $e'll s.ea2 y "rs/ Re+e+!er' $e's Ger+an # /E ET$a#'s a % +* r#/ B"# I e0.e%# I s$all $a&e # learn # s.ea2 En)lis$/ O$' Ida' i#'s a #erri!le #$ ")$#/ I s$all lea&e $ +e/ I s$all li&e in a s#ran)e % "n#ry * r #$e res# * +y li*e/ -$e l 2ed a# Ida/ -$e ( "ld d "!#less lea&e $er # ' * r i# (as $ardly li2ely #$a# s$e ( "ld !e all (ed # #a2e Ida (i#$ $er/ EI#'s !e##er #$an li&in) $ere' Prin%ess/// d in) #$e sa+e #$in) e&ery day/ 3$y' y "'&e ne&er dined ."!li%ly ye#/ Y " $a&en'# !een li&in) r yally a# all/E EI 2n (' !"# n ( I *eel I (an# # ) n as I $a&e !een * r a li##le l n)er a# leas#/ I ( nder i* C$ris#ina (ill % +e # En)land (i#$ +e/E Her *a%e li)$#ened/ EO* % "rse s$e (ill/ -$e (ill +arry and (e'll ) # )e#$er /// .er$a.s (e'll !e +arried # )e#$er/ T$a# (ill !e a % +* r#/ I s$an'# !e al ne a*#er all/E -$e (as seri "s s"ddenly/ EI %an'# $el. #$in2in) #$ ")$' Ida' #$a# #$ere is s +e#$in) e0#ra rdinary a! "# all #$is/ I a+ s $"+!le and $e is #$e 1in) *
En)land/// and i# is all s s"dden/E And al#$ ")$ Ida did $er !es# # % +* r# $er' C$arl ##e % "ld n # rid $ersel* * #$e idea #$a# #$ere (as s +e#$in) s#ran)e a! "# #$is ) d * r#"ne ($i%$ $ad !een #$r"s# ". n $er s "ne0.e%#edly and #$e s.eedy +anner in ($i%$ a**airs (ere !ein) $"rried # #$eir %li+a0/ C$ris#ina (as $ear#!r 2enD #$ere (as n % +* r#in) $er/ -$e (al2ed ". and d (n C$arl ##e's !edr +isery/ ET$ere's n #$in) # !e d ne'E s$e said/ EN ' C$arl ##e /// I 2n ( y " ( "ld d any#$in)' !"# #$ere is n #$in) # !e d ne/E EO$' C$ris#ina' #$a# i# s$ "ld !e d"e # +eFE EI#'s n # y "r *a"l#/ I# $as # !e/ I'&e $ad a *eelin) la#ely #$a# (e (ere d +ed/E EI#'s s * lis$/ Be%a"se I a+ # +arry #$e 1in) * En)land y " +ay n # +arry an En)lis$+anF 3$yG 3$yGE EI#'s in #$e % n#ra%#/ N #$er +e+!er * #$e *a+ily +"s# +arry in# En)land/ T$ey $a&e #$eir reas ns/E ET$ere see+s n sense in #$eir reas ns/E EC$arl ##e' y " d n'# reali7e ($a# #$is +eans/ Y " (ill !e #$e 8"een * En)land/E E3$y s$ "ld +y sis#er n # !e D"%$ess * R 0!"r)$GE EI# is in #$e % n#ra%#/ O"r !r #$er $as si)ned i# /// ea)erly/ Y " %an )"ess ($y/ His sis#er (ill !e 8"een * En)land/ T$in2 * #$a#/ He ( "ld sa%ri*i%e a )rea# deal # !rin) a! "# #$a# s#a#e * a**airs' and all $e $as # sa%ri*i%e is +e/E EO$' C$ris#ina' I (is$ #$is $ad n # $a..ened/E E3is$ed #$is .ie%e * l"%2 $ad .assed y " !yG D n'# le# any ne $ear y " say #$a#F T$ey (ill say y " are +ad/ T$e 1in) * En)land +i)$# $ear * i# and de%ide n # # +arry y " a*#er all/ D y " (an# # !rea2 "r !r #$er's $ear#// / and "r + #$er'sG O$' n ' C$arl ##e' !e +' $er eyes (ide (i#$
% n#en# (i#$ +ine/E 3$a# % "ld s$e say # C$ris#inaG I* s$e % "ld $a&e +ade #$e sa%ri*i%e s$e ( "ld + s# (illin)ly/ -$e (as a*raid ($en s$e #$ ")$# * ) in) # En)land/ T$e + n # n "s r "#ine * $er days $ad !e% +e .re%i "sD s$e did n # (an# # lea&e i#/// * r #$e "n2n (n/ B"# ! #$ s$e and C$ris#ina 2ne( #$a# i# (as n # * r $er # +a2e + +en# "s de%isi ns/ 3$en s$e **ered # )i&e ". $er +arria)e #$a# C$ris#ina +i)$# $a&e $ers C$ris#ina nly la")$ed (i#$ #$e ne( !i##erness ($i%$ $ad %re.# in# $er & i%e/ ED y " (an# #$e+ # +arry y " !y * r%eGE s$e as2ed/ EMa2e n +is#a2e' C$arl ##e/ I# is n # ($a# y " (an# r I (an#/ T$is is a !rillian# +arria)e Me%2len!"r) (ill !e allied (i#$ En)land/ 3e are * n i+. r#an%e/ D n'# * r)e# i#/E N ' #$ere (as n % +* r#in) C$ris#ina/ L rd Har% "r# $ad arri&ed a# #$e s%$l ss/ He (as a $ands +e +an in $is la#e * r#ies' e0#re+ely % "r#e "s' and $e !e$a&ed # (ards C$arl ##e as #$ ")$ s$e (ere already #$e 8"een * En)land/ Be* re $is arri&al #$e a%#i&i#y in #$e s%$l ss $ad rea%$ed a *e&eris$ .i#%$D #$e D (a)er D"%$ess $ad ) ne #$r ")$ $er #r"n2s and .r d"%ed dresses ($i%$ s$e $ad !een sa&in) * r &ery s.e%ial %%asi ns/ T$ere % "ld n # !e a + re ( r#$y %%asi n #$an #$is/ T$e ) (ns (ere al#ered # *i# li##le C$arl ##e and s$e s# d .a#ien#ly ($ile &el&e#s s"%$ as s$e $ad ne&er ( rn !e* re (ere *i##ed/ E&ery 4e(el in #$e s%$l ss +"s# !e .r d"%ed # ad rn $er * r #$e %ere+ nies ($i%$ +"s# #a2e .la%eD !"# $er + #$er $ad said #$a# as i# (as $er si+.li%i#y ($i%$ $ad %$ar+ed C l nel Grae+e s$e +"s# !e as s$e (as and n # .re#end s$e li&ed less si+.ly #$an (as a%#"ally #$e *a%#/ T$ere* re ($en L rd Har% "r# arri&ed s$e (as sea#ed in #$e s%$ darnin) a s# %2in) and $is l rds$i. (as % nd"%#ed # $er #$ere/ lr +
L rd Har% "r# ! (ed l ( &er $er $and and # ld $er #$a# $e %a+e n $is 2in)'s + s# $a..y !"siness and #$a# $is +a2er (as i+.a#ien# * r #$a# !"siness # !e % n%l"ded and # see $is !ride in En)land/
-$e (an#ed # as2 ($y $is +as#er (as s i+.a#ien#/ He (as a*#er all nly #(en#y,#( years * a)e/ 3$y #$e need * r s"%$ $as#eG B"# s$e did n s"%$ #$in) and + des#ly l (erin) $er eyes re+ar2ed #$a# i# )a&e $er )rea# .leas"re # (el% +e L rd Har% "r#/ EI $a&e a )i*# *r + His Ma4es#y (i#$ #$e ins#r"%#i ns #$a# I a+ # ."# i# in# n $ands !"# y "rs/E -$e re%ei&ed i# (i#$ e0%la+a#i ns * .leas"re/ I# (as a +inia#"re a .i%#"re * a $ands +e y "n) +an (i#$ *la0en $air and %andid !l"e eyes se# (i#$ dia+ nds/ EI# is !ea"#i*"l'E s$e said/ EI !e) * y " % n&ey +y #$an2s # His Ma4es#y/E EI# is s +e#$in) Y "r -erene Hi)$ness (ill !e a!le # d y "rsel*'E L rd Har% "r# # ld $erD #$en s$e "nders# d #$a# $er days a# -#reli#7 (ere indeed al+ s# &er/ T$e .r 0y %ere+ ny ( "ld #a2e .la%e and s$e ( "ld lea&e (i#$ "# delay (i#$ L rd Har% "r#/ ET$e /// dia+ nds are s !rillian#'E s$e s#a++ered/ EAnd #$e .i%#"re * His Ma4es#y I see deli)$#s y "/E EHe is &ery $ands +e'E s$e saidD and $er & i%e #re+!led n a n #e * enB"iry' !"# L rd Har% "r# did n # "nders#and #$a# s$e (as ( nderin) $ ( s"%$ a $ands +e y "n) 2in) % "ld !e s ea)er # +a2e a $ +ely and insi)ni*i%an# )irl $is B"een/ C$ris#ina (al2ed a! "# #$e s%$l ss li2e a )rey )$ s#/ T$ere (as n #$in) # !e d ne a! "# C$ris#ina/ T$e D"2e * R 0!"r)$ s#ayed n in Me%2len!"r)' $ .in)' al(ays $ .in) #$a# s +e#$in) ( "ld $a..en # +a2e $is +arria)e (i#$ C$ris#ina . ssi!le/ B"# C$arl ##e's !r #$er (as ea)er * r $er (eddin) # #a2e .la%e/ He s"++ ned $er and # ld $er #$a# #$e .r 0y +arria)e ( "ld !e .er* r+ed in a *e( (ee2s' #i+e and #$en #$ere ( "ld !e n reas n ($y $er de.ar#"re s$ "ld !e delayed/ Her de.ar#"re # a s#ran)e landF C$arl ##e #$ ")$# a! "# i# (i#$ +in)lin) dis+ay and e0%i#e+en#/ I# ( "ld !e li2e !ein) ! rn a)ain/ An en#irely ne( li*e in a s#ran)e % "n#ry (i#$ a $"s!and ($ + s$e $ad ne&er seen/
-$e ( "ld $a&e li2ed # % n*ide in C$ris#ina' !"# $ ( % "ld s$e #al2 * +arria)e # $er . r $ear#!r 2en sis#er/ I* nly s +e#$in) ( "ld $a..en # all ( C$ris#ina # +arry/ B"# $ ( % "ld #$a# !e "nless s +e#$in) $a..ened # s# . C$arl ##e's +arria)eG C$arl ##e 2ne( #$a# e&ery day C$ris#ina (as $ .in) * r #$e +ira%le/ And #$en s +e#$in) did $a..en/ T$e Grand D"%$ess's a##endan#s (en# # $er r + # r "se' $er ne + rnin) and * "nd $er "n(ell/ Be* re #$e day (as "# s$e (as dead/ T$is (as !e(ilderin)/ E&en#s (ere $a..enin) # *as#/ C$ris#ina $ad !een .l"n)ed *r + #$e $ei)$#s * deli)$# # #$e l (es# des.airD C$arl ##e (as # lea&e $ +e and ) # a s#ran)e $"s!andD and #$is $ad all #a2en .la%e in a *e( (ee2s a*#er years * + n # n "s e0is#en%e/ And n ( %$an)e $ad % +e *r + an "ne0.e%#ed B"ar#er/ T$e + #$er ($ $ad ) &erned #$eir li&es (as dead' and #$ere % "ld !e n #al2 * (eddin)s * r a ($ile/ C$arl ##e' s#andin) !y $er + #$er's % **in' l 2in) d (n in# #$a# a"# %ra#i% *a%e n ( s ($i#e and s#ill and ddly en ")$ y "n)er #$an C$arl ##e $ad e&er 2n (n $er' (as s"ddenly &er% +e !y a *ear * #$e *"#"re/ Li*e (as ir ni%' + %2in) al+ s#/ Here y " are *"ssin) a! "# (eddin)s' s I (ill )i&e y " a *"neral/ H ( %an (e 2n ( *r + ne + +en# # an #$er' #$ ")$# C$arl ##e' ($a# (ill !e% +e * any * "sG One +"s# !e s#r n)D ne +"s# !e .re.ared/ T$r ")$ "# #$e s%$l ss #$ey (ere sayin): ET$is (ill delay #$e (eddin)/ T$e Prin%ess C$arl ##e %ann # #$in2 * +arria)e s s n a*#er $er + #$er's dea#$/E Ne( $ .e (as s.rin)in) ". in C$ris#ina's eyes/ Delay +ean# $ .e/ O*#en #$a# ($i%$ (as . s#. ned ne&er # 2 .la%e a# all/ Ge r)e,III T$e r yal *a+ily T$e 1in) * En)land (as .er.le0ed/ I# (as less #$an a year a) ($en $is )rand*a#$er' Ge r)e II' $ad arisen as "s"al' #a2en $is dis$ * %$ % la#e' as2ed' as $e did e&ery + rnin)' ($i%$ (ay #$e (ind (as !l (in)' ann "n%ed $is in#en#i n * #a2in) a (al2 in 1ensin)# n Gardens' ) ne in# $is %l se# in $is dressin) r + and *allen dead/ T$e ld 2in) $ad !een in $is se&en#y,se&en#$ year s $is dea#$ (as n # "ne0.e%#edD all #$e sa+e Ge r)e' $is )rands n' $ad * "nd #$e +an#le * 2in)s$i. ..ressi&e/
T$e s$ %2 $ad n # !een s )rea# as #$a# $e $ad s"**ered nine years !e* re a# #$e dea#$ * $is *a#$er/ T$a# $ad !een "ne0.e%#ed/ Frederi%2 Prin%e * 3ales $ad see+ed a n r+al $eal#$y +an "n#il a !l ( *r + a #ennis !all $ad #ri))ered ** a series * illnesses and a# #$e a)e * * r#y,*i&e $e $ad died lea&in) $is (id (' #$e Prin%ess A")"s#a' .re)nan# and already #$e + #$er * a lar)e *a+ily # s".. r# $er %lai+s # i+. r#an%e in #$e % "n#ry and # +a2e $er a * r+ida!le *i)"re in #$e eyes * $er *a#$er,in,la(' 1in) Ge r)e II/ -$e (as #$e + #$er * #$is Ge r)e ($ $ad !e% +e Prin%e * 3ales n $is *a#$er's dea#$ $er dear Ge r)e' $er +ee2 and +allea!le Ge r)e #$r ")$ ($ + s$e in#ended # ) &ern En)land' al#$ ")$ a# #$is #i+e n ne (as a(are * #$e *a%#/ T$en #$ere (ere Ed(ard D"2e * Y r2' 3illia+ D"2e * Gl "%es#er' Henry D"2e * C"+!erland and y "n) Frederi%2 3illia+/ -$e als $ad da")$#ers A")"s#a ($ (as #$e eldes# * #$e *a+ily and a year Ge r)e's seni r' and Eli7a!e#$' . r de* r+ed %le&er Eli7a!e#$' ($ $ad died ($en Ge r)e (as Prin%e * 3alesD and las#ly #$ere (as Car line Ma#ilda' Frederi%2's . s#$"+ "s %$ild ($ (as ! rn * "r + n#$s a*#er $is dea#$/ B"# i# (as $er eldes#' Ge r)e' ($ % ++anded $er a##en#i n' * r $e (as #$e 1in) and n $i+ res#ed $er . (er/ B"# all #$e in#ri%a%ies * s#a#e a**airs $ad !een &ers$ad (ed in Ge r)e's +ind !y #$ ")$#s * +arria)eD * r $e (as !e#r #$ed # #$e Prin%ess C$arl ##e - .$ia * Me%2len!"r),-#reli#7 and $e (as in l &e (i#$ #$e Lady -ara$ Lenn 0/ As $e % n*ided # L rd B"#e' #$a# +an ($ + $e re)arded as $is %l ses# *riend and ($ (as + re #$an a *riend # $is + #$er' Ge r)e '! iled * r -ara$ Lenn 0'/ All day $e #$ ")$# * -ara$D and -ara$ (as an)ry (i#$ $i+' ($i%$ $e ( "ld !e #$e *irs# # ad+i# (as reas na!le/ Had $e n # .enly s$ (n $is *eelin)s * r $erD $e $ad e&en .r . sed !liB"ely i# (as #r"e #$r ")$ inn"end es # $er % "sin and *riend #$e Lady -"san F 0,-#ran)e(ays/ And e&ery ne $ad !elie&ed #$a# $e in#ended # ."# ". a *i)$# a# leas#/ T$ere +i)$# n # $a&e !een )rea# .. si#i n/ He ( "ld $a&e $ad Henry F 0' -ara$'s !r #$er,in,la(' n $is side and' a.ar# *r + 3illia+ Pi##' F 0 (as .er$a.s #$e )rea#es# . li#i%ian * #$e day/ B"# #$a# ( "ld n # !e * r l n)' Ge r)e 2ne(/ His *riend L rd B"#e (as already +a2in) .lans # re+ &e all #$ se ($ s# d in $is (ay in%l"din) Mr/ Pi## * r #$e reas n #$a# Mr/ Pi## (as n *riend # L rd B"#e and $ad E+ade i# B"i#e %lear #$a# $e ( "ld n # )i&e $i+ a $i)$ .la%e in #$e G &ern+en#/ Ge r)e $ad de%ided #$a# $e +"s# d $is d"#y ($i%$ $is + #$er and L rd B"#e $ad +ade %lear # $i+/ 1in)s' * #$e H "se * Han &er al(ays +arried Ger+an .rin%essesD $e % "ld n # +arry #$is y "n) En)lis$ )irl' al#$ ")$ s$e $ad r yal !l d in $er &eins I#$e (r n) side * #$e
!lan2e#' #$e D (a)er Prin%ess * 3ales . in#ed "#' * r #$e )irl's )rea#,)rand+ #$er (as L "ise de 1er "alle' D"%$ess * P r#s+ "#$' and $er )rea# )rand*a#$er C$arles IIJ/ As -ara$ (as #$e sis#er,in,la( * Henry F 0 #$is ( "ld +ean #$a# #$a# &ery a+!i#i "s . li#i%ian ( "ld $a&e *ar # +"%$ in*l"en%e (i#$ #$e 1in)D + re &er' #$e )irl (as *ri& l "s and ! #$ L rd B"#e and #$e Prin%ess D (a)er a)reed #$a# i* #$ey (ere ) in) # +ain#ain #$eir $ ld n #$e 1in) $e +"s# +arry a d %ile Ger+an .rin%ess .re*era!ly ne ($ s. 2e n En)lis$/ T$is ( "ld lea&e #$e+ en#irely in % n#r l * Ge r)e as #$ey $ad !een sin%e $is *a#$er's dea#$/ - # )e#$er #$ey $ad +ana)ed # .ers"ade Ge r)e * $is d"#y' ($i%$ $ad !een +ade easier !y #$a# earlier disas#r "s a**air * Hanna$ Li)$# * #' #$e !ea"#i*"l y "n) 8"a2eress (i#$ ($ + Ge r)e $ad *an%ied $i+sel* in l &e &er se&eral years and (as s !es ##ed #$a# $e $ad se# $er ". in a $ "se in Islin)# n' $ad $ad %$ildren !y $er and e&en % ++i##ed #$e )rea#es# indis%re#i n * all !y ) in) #$r ")$ a * r+ * +arria)e (i#$ $er/ I# (as #$e +e+ ry * Hanna$ ($i%$ $ad +ade Ge r)e reali7e #$e * lly $e (as %a.a!le * ($en $e a%#ed (i#$ "# #$e ad&i%e * $is *riend L rd B"#e and $is + #$er/ And s ' ($ile $e yearned * r -ara$ Lenn 0' $e a)reed # #$is +arria)e ($i%$ /#$ey $ad arran)ed * r $i+/ And n ( $e (as des.era#ely #ryin) # ."# all #$ ")$# * -ara$ *r + $is +ind and *all in l &e (i#$ #$e Prin%ess C$arl ##e' * r $e (as de#er+ined # !e a *ai#$*"l $"s!and and a ) d 2in)/ He (as ea)er #$a# #$e C "r# "nder '$is dire%#i n s$ "ld !e a + ral C "r#/ His )rand*a#$er and $is )rea#,)rand*a#$er $ad .enly *la"n#ed #$eir +is#resses/ T$a# (as s$ %2in)' Ge r)e de%lared' and $ad de#er+ined #$a# a ne( s#andard * + rals (as ) in) # !e se# in #$e rei)n * Ge r)e IIID i* $e $ad # +a2e sa%ri*i%es' $e (as'ready # d s / Ne&er in $is li*e' $e ass"red $i+sel*' ( "ld $e !e as2ed # +a2e a !i))er ne #$an #$is/ T$ere* re $e se# a! "# +a2in) .lans * r $is (eddin)' #$r (in) $i+sel* in# #$e arran)e+en#s $ear# and s "l' in #$is (ay $ .in) # dri&e -ara$ *r + $is #$ ")$#s/ ET$ere s$all !e n &"l)ar %ere+ ny in #$e !ed%$a+!er'E $e ann "n%ed/ EI $a&e l n) #$ ")$# i# #i+e (e dis.ensed (i#$ #$a# %ere+ ny ($i%$ a*#er all % +es # "s *r + #$e Fren%$/E His + #$er and L rd B"#e lis#ened deli)$#edly/
ELe# $i+ d ($a# $e (ill as l n) as $e a)rees # #$e +arria)e'E said L rd B"#e/ EI s$all n # (is$ $er # !rin) + re #$an ne r #( a##endan#s (i#$ $er'E (en# n Ge r)e/ ET$ese .e .le are a.# # +eddle/E His + #$er and L rd B"#e a)reed sy+.a#$e#i%ally #$a# #$is (as #r"e/ EY "r Ma4es#y d es (ell # #a2e a *ir+ s#and'E B"#e # ld $i+/ T$e Prin%ess A")"s#a s$ # a (arnin) l 2 a# L rd B"#e/ Per$a.s #$ey s$ "ld n # re+ind Ge r)e #$a# $e (as #$e 1in) and % "ld d as $e .leased/ 3$a# i* $e de%ided # "se #$e r yal .rer )a#i&e and insis# n +arria)e (i#$ -ara$ Lenn 0G B"# L rd B"#e 2ne( ($a# $e (as d in)/ T$e Prin%ess s+iled * ndly a# #$e +an ($ (as $er se%re# l &er #$ ")$ .er$a.s n # s se%re#' * r #$e ($ le C "r# (as a(are * #$eir liais n and #$ese #i#!i#s * ) ssi. ne&er re+ained inside #$e C "r# !"# al(ays *il#ered #$r ")$ # #$e .e .le/ L rd B"#e )a&e $er #$eir in#i+a#e s+ile ($i%$ see+ed # say : EY " %an #r"s# +e/E And s$e !elie&ed s$e % "ld/ EH ( l n)' I ( nder'E said Ge r)e' '!e* re #$e Prin%ess arri&es/ E3e s$all .ress * r(ard (i#$ all arran)e+en#s as s B"#e ass"red $i+/ n as . ssi!le'E
EHar% "r# (ill see #$a# #$ere is n delay/ Y "r Ma4es#y is i+.a#ien# * r y "r !ride/E Ge r)e $esi#a#ed/ Per$a.s' $e #$ ")$#' ($en s$e % +es i# (ill !e easier/ On%e I a+ +arried # $er I s$all #$in2 nly * $er/ I# ( "ld !e ( nder*"l # ."# an end # #$is % n#in"al a%$e * r -ara$/ EI a+ &ery i+.a#ien# * r #$a# + +en# # % +e ($i%$ (ill 4 in +e # $er' I $ .e * r +y li*e/E T$e Prin%ess and B"#e e0%$an)ed )lan%es/ Ge r)e (as s relia!le e0%e.# * % "rse ($en $e #ried # a%# (i#$ "# #$eir )"idan%e/ T$ey ! #$ s#ill s$i&ered n ( ($en #$ey % n#e+.la#ed #$e Li)$# * # a**air/ T$e -ara$ Lenn 0 +a##er $ad !een *ar + re +ana)ea!le/
B"# n%e Ge r)e (as +arried all ( "ld !e (ell/ T$e +arria)e +"s# #a2e .la%e a# #$e earlies# . ssi!le + +en#/ T$ere* re i# (as % +* r#in) # $ear *r + Ge r)e's (n li.s #$a# $e (as i+.a#ien# * r i#/ 3$en #$ey (ere al ne L rd B"#e and #$e D (a)er Prin%ess * 3ales !e)an dis%"ssin) e&en#s + re %andidly #$an #$ey (ere a!le # in #$e 1in)'s .resen%e/ EI %ann # (ai# * r C$arl ##e's arri&al'E de%lared #$e Prin%ess/ EI s$all n # *eel sa*e "n#il #$ey are +arried/E ET$is (ill s"rely !e ne * #$e + s# $as#y r yal +arria)es #$a# e&er # 2 .la%e'E s+iled B"#e/ EI 2ee. *eelin) #$a# s +e#$in) (ill ) (r n)/E B"#e # 2 $er $and and 2issed i# #enderlyD $is eyes re)arded $er a**e%#i na#ely/ He $ad ) d reas n # *eel a**e%#i n * r $er/ His * r#"nes $ad !een ) in) ". e&er sin%e #$a# day * "r#een years a) ($en a# E)$a+ ra%es a s$ (er * rain $ad dri&en #$e la#e Prin%e * 3ales in# a #en# and $e' B"#e' $ad !een in&i#ed # 4 in #$e r yal .ar#y * r a )a+e * ($is#/ He $ad i++edia#ely !e% +e a *a& "ri#e * #$e Prin%e and an e&en )rea#er ne * #$e Prin%ess/ In #$ se days Frederi%2 $ad (el% +ed B"#e's de& #i n # $is (i*eD i# $ad le*# Frederi%2 # dally (i#$ $is +is#ress * #$e + +en# ($ile B"#e # 2 %are * #$e Prin%ess/ T$ey $ad !een a $a..y * "rs +e and n #$in) % "ld $a&e !een + re a+i%a!le/ B"# sin%e Frederi%2's dea#$' B"#e's * r#"nes $ad risen *as#/ N # nly $ad $e +ade $i+sel* indis.ensa!le # #$e Prin%ess !"# # $er s nD and Ge r)e l 2ed ". n $i+ as a *a#$er' * r $e $ad al(ays .layed #$e .ar# # .er*e%#i nD and n ( #$a# Ge r)e (as 2in)' B"#e's eyes (ere n #$e )rea#es# . (er a&aila!le/ He (an#ed #$e . si#i n ($i%$ (as n ( $eld !y 3illia+ Pi## #$e +an ($ (as 2n (n #$r ")$ "# #$e % "n#ry as #$e Grea# C ++ ner' ($ $ad drea+ed * an E+.ire * r En)land and $ad se# a! "# !#ainin) ne * r $er/ H ( $e $ad s"%%eeded (as nly # a..aren#/ H ra%e 3al. le' #$a# ld ) ssi.' $ad re+ar2ed #$a# ea%$ + rnin) $e +"s# as2 ($a# *res$ En)lis$ &i%# ry #$ere $ad !een * r *ear * +issin) ne/ Pi## $ad de%lared #$a# $e % "ld sa&e En)land and $e (as #$e nly ne ($ % "ld/ He $ad #a2en &er #$e +inis#ry in all !"# na+e ($en En)land (as en)a)ed in a (ar #$a# see+ed disas#r "s' * r $er nly ally (as Frederi%2 #$e Grea#' and $e and En)land s# d # )e#$er a)ains# #$e % +!ined * r%es * Fran%e' A"s#ria' R"ssia and -.ain/ Pi## (as *i)$#in) "# #$e % n*li%# in A+eri%a and India and d in) ($a# $e $ad said $e ( "ld d #"rn a 2in)d + in# an E+.ire/
Re% )ni7in) #$e +an's )eni"s' B"#e ( "ld $a&e !een % n#en#ed # ( r2 (i#$ Pi##/ I# (as Pi## ($ $ad s$ (n s %learly #$a# $e ( "ld n # ( r2 (i#$ B"#e/ Pi## $ad s# d *ir+ a)ains# #$e * lly * ne. #is+/ T$e ri)$# +an * r #$e 4 !' (as $is %ry/ And $e (as .r &in) $ ( ri)$# $e (as/ Ye# i* e&er a +an $ .ed # %li+! #$r ")$ *a& "ri#is+ #$a# +an (as B"#e/ He $ad relied * r years n #$e l &e * #$e Prin%ess D (a)erD n ( $e relied n #$a# * #$e 1in)/ B"#e (an#ed # r"le En)landD and Pi## $ad already de%lared #$a# i* #$e "n* r#"na#e day arri&ed ($en B"#e + &ed in' $e' Pi##' ( "ld + &e "#/ E&er sin%e #$a# day B"#e $ad +ade ". $is +ind #$a# Pi## s$ "ld ) and $e (as (ai#in) * r #$e #i+e # % +e ($en $e ( "ld $a&e an .. r#"ni#y * dis. sin) * $is ene+y/ As $e s+iled a# #$e Prin%ess $e (as #$in2in) $ ( sa*e $e (as (i#$ $er/ -$e ad red $i+ and $e (as &ery * nd * $er/ T$ey ( r2ed # )e#$er' sa( eye # eyeD A")"s#a (as n # a .r +is%" "s ( +anD s$e $ad !een #$e .er*e%# (i*e ($en Frederi%2 $ad !een ali&eD s$e $ad s# d *ir+ly !eside $i+' a%%e.#in) $is . li%ies' $a#in) #$ se ($ + $e $a#ed' *a& "rin) #$ se ($ + $e *a& "redD and s$e $ad n # !een "n*ai#$*"l' al#$ ")$ B"#e 2ne( #$a# *#en s$e (is$ed # !e /// (i#$ $i+/ And as s n as Frederi%2 died #$ere (as n #$in) # .re&en# #$eir "ni nD nei#$er * #$e+ as2ed * r #$e i+. ssi!le' ($i%$ +arria)e ( "ld $a&e !een/ T$ey (ere (ise en ")$ # d (i#$ "# #$a# +i0ed !lessin)/ T$ey (ere as ne in +ind and ! dyD and #$ey as2ed n #$in) + re/ Lady B"#e %a+e # C "r#/ T$an2 G d,' $e $ad !een (ise en ")$ # %$ se a sensi!le (i*e/ -$e 2ne( * #$e rela#i ns$i. !e#(een $er $"s!and and #$e Prin%ess/ He $ad )i&en $er a lar)e *a+ily : EF "r#een %$ildren'E #$e Prin%ess A")"s#a $ad re+ar2ed ad+irin)ly' 'in as li##le #i+e as i# #a2es # )e# #$e+/E -$e $ad s.e%ial .ri&ile)es as #$e (i*e * ne * #$e + s# .r +inen# +en a# C "r#' and s did $er %$ildrenD B"##e $i+sel* $ad !e% +e a +e+!er * #$e Pri&y C "n%il' Gr + * #$e -# le and Firs# Gen#le+an * #$e Bed%$a+!erD #$e 1in) % ns"l#ed $i+ a# e&ery #"rn and $e (as *as# !e% +in)' # all in#en#s and ."r. ses' #$e Pri+e Minis#er/ Lady B"#e $ad !een %rea#ed Bar ness M "n# -#"ar# * 3 r#leyD and #$is' $er $"s!and $ad ass"red $er' n ne * #$e rare %%asi ns ($en $e % "ld a!sen# $i+sel* *r + #$e side * $is +is#ress # s.end a li##le #i+e (i#$ $er' (as a !e)innin)/ Yes' Lady B"#e (as a sensi!le ( +an' de#er+ined # ."# n !s#a%le in #$e (ay * $er $"s!and's ad&an%e+en#/ - (i#$ $is ( +en $e (as sin)"larly !lessed/ EN #$in) (ill ) (r n) (i#$ #$is' +y l &e'E $e said *ir+ly/
EB"# I a)ree (i#$ y " #$a# #$e s ner "r Prin%ess arri&es and is * r+ally +arried # His Ma4es#y' #$e $a..ier (e s$all all *eel/E ET$e )irl s$ "ld !e )ra#e*"l'E said #$e Prin%ess/ EA*#er all' ($a# is #$is .la%e' Me%2len!"r),-#reli#7G Can y " i+a)ine #$eir *eelin)s ($en C l nel Grae+e +ade "r in#en#i ns %lear # #$e+GE / ET$ey +"s# $a&e !een &er($el+ed (i#$ 4 y/E EI s$ "ld #$in2 s F And C$arl ##e s$ "ld !e )ra#e*"l/ I $ .e s$e (ill !e/ 3e d n # (an# any in#er*eren%e *r + $er/E EY " (ill 2n ( $ ( # +ana)e $er' +y deares#/ I a+ s"re * #$a#/E EO$' yes/E T$e Prin%ess (as &ery % n*iden#/ EI s$all le# #$e %$ild see #$a# s$e +"s# d as I say/ -$e is &ery y "n) and (ill need )"idan%e/E ELe# "s $ .e #$a# s$e (ill !e (ise en ")$ # #a2e i#/E EMy dear' I s$all insis# n #$a# (isd +/E B"#e la")$ed/ EI a+ s"re * i#/ B"# His Ma4es#y ///E E3$a# * Ge r)eGE EI* $e s$ "ld !e% +e ena+ "red * $er and s$e .lead (i#$ $i+ * r $er (n (ay ///E T$e Prin%ess n dded/ EGe r)e d es !e% +e ena+ "red in #$e + s# sin)le,+inded *as$i n/ T$a# -ara$ Lenn 0 ///E EI# (as n # ins".era!ly di**i%"l# # .ar# $i+ *r + $er/ I# is n # -ara$ Lenn 0 ($ alar+s +e s +"%$ as /// #$e #$er/E ET$a# (as ($en $e (as y "n) and I !elie&e $e (as led in# #$a# * lly/ He ( "ld ne&er !e s * lis$ a)ain s"rely/ I# is +erely a +a##er * +ana)in) C$arl ##e/ And I a+ s"re I s$all !e a!le # d #$a#/ -ara$ Lenn 0 is a +in0 // / and Hanna$ Li)$# * # +"s# $a&e !een a/ s#r n),+inded ( +an/ Ger+an ( +en are !r ")$# ". +"%$ + re sensi!ly/
T$ey 2n ( #$eir .la%es/ - i# (ill !e (i#$ "r li##le C$arl ##e/ And I s$all !e $ .in) #$a# s$e !e% +es .re)nan# as s n as . ssi!le/E ET$en y "r +ind is a# easeGE EAs +"%$ as i# %an !e "n#il Ge r)e is a%#"ally +arried # a sa*e li##le Ger+an .rin%ess/E 3$ile #$ey (ere #al2in) #$e 1in) !"rs# in ". n #$e+/ I# (as %lear #$a# s +e#$in) $ad $a..ened # alar+ $i+/ His *a%e (as .in2er #$an "s"al a s"re si)n #$a# $e (as dis#ra")$#/ His + "#$ (i#$ i#s #$i%2 Han &erian li.s (as #re+!lin) a li##le/ EGe r)e /// +y deares# s n' ($a# is (r n)GE ENe(s'E $e said' '*r + Me%2len!"r)/E EPray #ell +e B"i%2ly/E I# (as B"#e ($ # 2 #$e le##er *r + #$e 1in)'s #re+!lin) $and and read #$a# #$e Grand D"%$ess * Me%2len!"r),-#reli#7 $ad died and #$a# in #$e %ir%"+s#an%es #$e (eddin) ( "ld $a&e # !e . s#. ned/ T$e Prin%ess A")"s#a sa# d (n $ea&ily/ I# (as ($a# s$e *eared s +e i+.edi+en#' s +e#$in) #$a# ( "ld s#and in #$e (ay * )e##in) Ge r)e +arried .r +.#ly/ 3as s$e i+a)inin) i# r did s$e see a l 2 * relie* in #$e 1in)'s eyesG 3as $e sayin) # $i+sel*: I# % "ld $a..en #$a# #$e +arria)e d es n # #a2e .la%e a*#er all/ And #$ere is -ara$ /// B"#e # 2 %$ar)e * #$e si#"a#i n as $e $ad n s +any %%asi ns' .r +.#ly' #a%#*"lly and res "r%e*"lly' #$ ")$# #$e Prin%ess * ndly/ T$is is sad ne(s'E $e said' '!"# I d n # see ($y #$e dea#$ * "r li##le 8"een's + #$er need delay #$e (eddin)/ P r li##le lady' s$e (ill !e s des la#e and in need * % +* r# // / #$e % +* r# $er $"s!and %an )i&e $er/ I #$in2 Y "r Ma4es#y s$ "ld (ri#e i++edia#ely and insis# #$a# #$e .lans are n # $eld !a%2 in any (ay ($a#s e&er/E EI# is &ery sad /// * r C$arl ##e'E said Ge r)e/ EI 2ne('E said B"#e (ar+ly' '#$a# y " ( "ld (an# # % +* r# $er/ Le# "s (ri#e * y "r *eelin)s (i#$ "# delay/ And (e (ill say #$a# n n a%% "n# s$ "ld #$e Prin%ess C$arl ##e // / "r li##le B"een /// delay $er 4 "rney # $er 2in)d + and $er 1in)/E Ge r)e all (ed L rd B"#e # lead $i+ # $is + #$er's (ri#in) #a!le
($ile #$e Prin%ess (a#%$ed $er * r%e*"l l &er/ 3$a# an allyF H ( s$e ad red $i+ I M re # day' #$an in #$ se (ee2s ($i%$ $ad * ll (ed #$eir *irs# +ee#in) in #$e #en# ($en #$e ne( e0%i#e+en# $ad % +e in# $er li*e/E M re #$an e&er' s$e #$ ")$# * ndly' a*#er all #$ese years/ Lady -ara$ Lenn 0 %a+e d (n # !rea2*as# a# H lland H "se l 2in) *res$ and l &ely' as #$ ")$ s$e $ad n # a %are in #$e ( rld/ Her sis#er Lady Car line F 0 re)arded $er (i#$ s +e i+.a#ien%e ($ile $er !r #$er,in,la( l 2ed ". *r + $is .la#e sard ni%ally as s$e *ell in# $er %$air/ Lady Car line * "nd i# di**i%"l# # * r)i&e $er * r l sin)' as s$e said' #$e )rea#es# %$an%e #$a# ( "ld e&er % +e $er (ay' * r Lady Car line (as s"re #$a# $ad $er * lis$ y "n) sis#er .layed $er %ards as any (ise )irl ( "ld $a&e d ne' s$e ( "ld n ( !e !e#r #$ed # #$e 1in) and n # 2n (n #$r ")$ "# #$e C "r# as #$e )irl $e $ad 4il#ed/ 3$a# (as s irri#a#in) (as -ara$'s indi**eren%e/ In *a%# -ara$'s indi**eren%e (as a# #$e ($ le r # * #$e #r "!le/ I* -ara$ $ad s$ (n s +e en#$"sias+ * r #$e 1in)'s % "r#s$i. in #$e *irs# .la%e' Car line (as s"re Ge r)e ( "ld $a&e !een s de#er+ined # +arry $er #$a# n #$in) ( "ld $a&e s# ..ed $i+/ -ara$ (as $ ldin) s +e#$in) in $er la. and $er !r #$er,in,la( as2ed ($a# i# (as s$e (as re)ardin) s #enderly/ Lady Car line )a&e a li##le s$rie2 as -ara$ $eld ". #$e $ed)e$ )/ EN # a# #$e !rea2*as# #a!le/E s$e %ried/ B"# -ara$ !e)an # la")$ and se# #$e %rea#"re n #$e #a!le/ EIs $e n # a li##le darlin)GE de+anded -ara$/ EI re*"se # $a&e $i+ n #$e !rea2*as# #a!le'E de%lared Lady Car line/ B"# -ara$ (as l 2in) a..ealin)ly a# $er !r #$er,in,la(/ Henry F 0 #$ ")$# $er a li##le idi #' !"# s$e a+"sed $i+ and (as s .re##y s $e said: ED n'# !e $ard n . r -ara$' Car line/ -$e $as s"**ered #$ree !erea&e+en#s s re%en#ly #$e dea#$ * $er li##le sB"irrel' #$a# * Bea" $er $ rse // /E -ara$'s eyes *illed (i#$ #ears a# #$e re% lle%#i n/ EN # # +en#i n'E (en# n Mr/ F 0 as #$ ")$ $e (ere addressin) #$e H "se * C ++ ns' '#$e 1in) * En)land/E
EO$' dear Mr/ F 0'E si)$ed -ara$ .lain#i&ely' 'd n # !rin) ". #$a# s#ale +a##er a)ain/ I a+ s si%2 * #$e 1in) and $is (eddin)/E E-ara$' * r G d's sa2e #ry # !e sensi!le'E .leaded Car line/ EI 2n ( i# is di**i%"l# * r y " ///E EVery'E si)$ed -ara$ +is%$ie& "sly/ ED n'# y " l &e #$e (ay $e r lls in# a !all/ L 2 a# #$ se s.i2es/E Car line si)$ed and l 2ed a# $er $"s!and ($ s$r"))ed $is s$ "lders and #"rned $is a##en#i n # $is * d/ EPe .le are ) in) # !e s rry * r y "' -ara$'E (en# n Car line/ E3$yGE EO$' d n'# !e a!s"rd/ Y " are #$e + s# ."!li%ly 4il#ed ( +an in En)land/E EI s$all !e &ery % l # $i+ ($en (e +ee# and s$ ( I d n'# %are in #$e leas#/E ETry # !e sensi!le/ T$is is #$e 1in)/E -ara$ (as silen#' ea#in) s# lidly/ T$e (eddin) (ill !e delayed' I d "!# n #'E Mr/ F 0 (as sayin)' ' n a%% "n# * #$e dea#$ * #$e !ride's + #$er/E EPer$a.s'E ."# in Lady Car line $ .e*"lly' 'i# (ill n # #a2e .la%e a# all/E ELi##le *ear r $ .e * #$a#/ I $a&e n d "!# #$a# #$e D"2e * -#reli#7 is n # ) in) # +iss s"%$ an .. r#"ni#y'E EHe $as + re sense #$an s +e * lis$ .e .le/E -ara$ )r aned/ EH ( (e d re#"rn # #$e sa+e . in# in #$is $ "se'E s$e said/ EI# is n # e&ery $ "se ($i%$ $as a +e+!er * #$e *a+ily s * lis$ as
# #$r ( a(ay a %r (n/E EGe r)e is a * l'E %ried -ara$/
EI* $e $ad n # !een $e ( "ldn'# $a&e le# #$e+ .ers"ade $i+ and $e ( "ld $a&e as2ed +e $i+sel* // / n # #$r ")$ -"san/ I* y " as2 +e I'+ (ell rid * $i+/E E3ell rid * a %r (n' #$e . (er # d y "r *a+ily ) 2in)GE said Car line/ -ara$ l 2ed a# $er sis#er $el.lessly/ ET$ere are #$er #$in)s (e +i)$# #al2 */ 3$a# * "r sis#er E+ily's % n*ine+en#G Is #$a# n # + re i+. r#an# #$an +y !ein) 4il#edGE EN #$in) #$a# $as e&er $a..ened # #$is *a+ily is + re i+. r#an# #$an y "r !ein) 4il#ed !y #$e 1in)/E -ara$ .i%2ed ". $er $ed)e$ ) and *l "n%ed "# * #$e r +/ d' # !ear a
EI'+ si%2 * all #$is #al2' -"2ey'E s$e said # #$e $ed)e$ )' and s$e la")$ed * r s$e $ad na+ed $i+ a*#er $er *riend -"san F 0,-#ran)e(ays # ($ + s$e $ad )i&en #$e ni%2na+es * -"2ey and P"ssy/ EB"# -"2ey (as + re s"i#a!le' * r y "' -"2ey'E s$e said/ EY " % "ld $ardly !e P"ssy % "ld y "G I $a&e an idea #$a# +i)$# $a&e **ended y "r di)ni#y/E Rea%$in) $er r + s$e did ($a# s$e en4 yed d in) ($en s$e (is$ed # s #$e $ersel* : (r #e # -"san/ EDeares# -"san // /E -$e .a"sed and #$ ")$# ($a# *"n i# ( "ld !e i* -"san (ere $ere/ E&ery#$in) see+ed a 4 2e #$en' al#$ ")$ -"san (as *ar + re seri "s #$an s$e (as/ I* Ge r)e $ad $ad any sense $e ( "ld $a&e *allen in l &e (i#$ -"san ra#$er #$an $er/ -$e (as s"re -"san ( "ld $a&e 2n (n $ ( # deal (i#$ #$e +a##er/ T$ereF s$e (as as !ad as $er sis#er and !r #$er,in,la(D #$e #$in) (as % ns#an#ly in $er +ind/ I# %%"rred # $er #$a# -"san +i)$# n # ye# $a&e $eard #$e ne(s * #$e 1in)'s .r . sed +arria)e/ C "ld i# !e #$a# i# $ad n # ye# rea%$ed - +erse#G -$e (r #e ra.idly:
T !e)in # as# nis$ y " as +"%$ as I (as' I +"s# #ell y " #$a# $e/ ,is ) in) # !e +arried # a Prin%ess * Me%2len!"r) // / D es n # y "r %$ ler rise a# #$is // / B"# y " (ill #$in2' I daresay' #$a# I $a&e !een d in) s +e #erri!le #$in) # deser&e i#' * r y " ( n'# !e easily !r ")$# # %$an)e y "r .ini n * any .ers nD !"# I ass"re y " I $a&e n #/ I $a&e !een in $is % +.any &ery *#en sin%e I las# (r #e # y "' !"# #$ ")$ n #$in) (as said $e al(ays # 2 .ains # s$ ( +e s +e .re*eren%e !y #al2in) #(i%e and #$ey (ere +i)$#y 2ind s.ee%$es and l 2s/ E&en las# T$"rsday #$e day a*#er #$e ne(s %a+e "#' #$e $y. %ri#e $ad #$e *a%e # % +e ". and s.ea2 # +e (i#$ all #$e ) d $"+ "r in #$e ( rld and see+ed # (an# # s.ea2 # +e !"# (as a*raid /// -ara$ laid d (n $er .en and #$ ")$#: I a+ an)ry (i#$ $i+ a*#er all/ He $as !e$a&ed !adly' and ($en I ne0# see $i+ I s$all s$ ( $i+ ($a# I #$in2 * $i+/ -$e (r #e ra.idly and (en# n # say: In s$ r# $is !e$a&i "r is #$a# * a +an ($ $as nei#$er sense' ) d na#"re n r $ nes#y/ I s$all $a&e # see $i+ n T$"rsday ni)$#' and I s$all #a2e %are # s$ ( #$a# I a+ n # + r#i*ied # any! dy' !"# i* i# is #r"e #$a# ne %an &e0 any ne (i#$ a reser&ed % ld +anner' $e s$all $a&e i#' I .r +ise $i+/ N ( as # ($a# I #$in2 a! "# i# +ysel*' e0%e.#in) #$is li##le re&en)e' I $a&e al+ s# * r)i&en $i+/ L"%2ily * r +e I did n # l &e $i+ and nly li2ed $i+' n r did #$e #i#le (ei)$ any#$in) (i#$ +eD s li##le a# leas#' #$a# +y disa.. in#+en# did n # a**e%# +y s.iri#s a! &e ne $ "r r #( I !elie&e/ I did n # %ry' I ass"re y "' ($i%$ I !elie&e y " (ill' as I 2n ( y " (ere + re se# ". n i# #$an I (as/ T$e #$in) I a+ + s# an)ry a# is l 2in) s li2e a * l /// !"# I d n'# +"%$ %are/ I* $e (ere # %$an)e $is +ind a)ain I($i%$ %an'# !e #$ ")$J and n # )i&e +e a &ery ) d reas n * r $is % nd"%# I ( "ld n # $a&e $i+' * r i* $e is s (ea2 as # !e ) &erned !y e&ery! dy I s$ "ld $a&e a !ad #i+e * i#/// -$e .a"sed' s+ilin)/ H ( easy i# (as # "nders#and ne's #r"e *eelin)s ($en ne se# #$e+ n .a.er # *riends (i#$ ($ + ne % "ld !e en#irely %andid as (i#$ dear -"2ey/ -$e (as .iB"ed/ -$e did %are a li##le/ B"# n # +"%$ // / n # s +"%$ as s$e $ad %ared a! "# #$e dea#$ * $er sB"irrel r $er darlin) Bea"/ -$e # 2 ". $er .en and (r #e : I %$ar)e y " n # # +en#i n #$is # any ne !"# y "r .aren#s and desire #$e+ n # # s.ea2 * i#' * r i# (ill !e said (e' in&en# s# ries and $e (ill $a#e "s any(ay' * r ne )enerally $a#es .e .le #$a# ne is in #$e (r n) (i#$ and #$a# 2n (s ne $as a%#ed (r n)ly // / I# (as #r"e' s$e #$ ")$#/ B"# Ge r)e (as .er$a.s # (ea2 # $a#e any ne/ He (as a# $ear# 2ind' s$e (as s"re' s .er$a.s i# ( "ld n #
$a&e !een s !ad # +arry $i+/ -$e si)$ed and $as#ily *inis$ed ** $er le##er/ His !ride's + #$er $ad died/ T$e (eddin) ( "ld !e . s#. ned/ 3as i# . ssi!le /// G 3$en all (as said and d ne #$ere (as s +e sa#is*a%#i n in !ein) a B"een/ T$ere (as % ns#erna#i n a# H lland H "se/ Lady Car line (as *"ri "sD s$e .a%ed ". and d (n #$e dra(in) r + "na!le # % n#r l $er an)er/ E EI ne&er $eard #$e li2e/ H ( dare $eF I#'s an added ins"l#/E Mr/ F 0 #ried # %al+ $er/ EI# $ad J !e' -ara$'s . si#i n de+ands #$a# s$e s$ "ld !e in&i#ed/ In *a%# i# ( "ld $a&e !een a !i))er sli)$# n # # in&i#e $er #$an # d s /E E-$e +"s# re*"se'E insis#ed Lady Car line/ Lady 1ildare' re%en#ly deli&ered * a %$ild' said #$a# s$e (as "ns"re ($a# s$ "ld !e d ne a! "# #$e +a##er' !"# $er $"s!and said: E-ara$ s$ "ld ) / 3$a# is ) in) # !e said i* s$e re*"ses/E EI# is #$e + s# $"+ilia#in) !"siness I e&er $eard'E de%lared Lady Car line/ ELe#'s see ($a# -ara$ $ersel* #$in2s'E s"))es#ed Mr/ F 0/ E-ara$FE s.a# "# Car line/ E-ara$ $as n .ini ns a! "# any#$in) !"# $ rses and $ed)e$ )s // / and .er$a.s sB"irrels/ -ara$ is a * l as (e $a&e learned in #$e !i##eres# +anner . ssi!le/E EP r -ara$/E +"r+"red Mr/ F 0/
EA# leas# s$e s$ "ld !e all (ed # )i&e an .ini n/E Mr/ F 0 s"++ ned a ser&an# and as2ed #$a# #$e Lady -ara$ % +e # #$e dra(in) r +/ As s n as -ara$ en#ered i# (as %lear # #$e )a#$ered *a+ily #$a# s$e 2ne( ($a# +a##er (as "nder dis%"ssi n/
EI'&e de%ided # ) 'E s$e ann "n%ed/ E3$a#FE %ried Car line/ -ara$ s$r"))ed $er s$ "lders/ EI* I re*"se $e (ill #$in2 I a+ s"l2in)/E E3$i%$ y " $a&e e&ery reas n # d /E EHe +i)$# e&en #$in2 #$a# I %are/ I a+ ) in) # s$ ( $i+ #$a# I d n #/ I s$all l 2 a# $i+ // / ins len#ly // / ($ile $e is +arryin) #$a# ( +an and I s$all +a2e $i+ *eel s "n% +* r#a!le #$a# $e'll (is$ $e $ad ne&er seen +e /// r $er/ B"# I s$all ) / I $a&e de%ided/E EI d n'# #$in2 y " $a&e )i&en #$e +a##er seri "s #$ ")$#'E said Car line/ EI $a&e +ade ". +y +ind'E re# r#ed -ara$/ EAnd a*#er all' #$e in&i#a#i n is sen# # +e/ I a+ in&i#ed # !e #$e !rides+aid' re+e+!er' and i# is * r +e # de%ide/ All I'+ #ellin) y " is #$a# I $a&e de%ided/E EI#'s +adness'E %ried Car line/ EI'+ n # s s"re'E ."# in L rd 1ildare/ T$ey (ere all (ai#in) * r Mr/ F 0 # e0.ress an .ini nD a*#er all $e (as #$e + s# i+. r#an# +e+!er * #$e *a+ily/ He li*#ed $is s$ "lders/ ET ) r # s#ay a(ay // / ei#$er is n # &ery % +* r#a!le/ 3$i%$ e&er is d ne (ill raise % ++en#/E EA# leas# -ara$ s$ "ld s$ ( s$e $as s +e .ride'E insis#ed Car line/ EB"# I d n'# #$in2 I $a&e' sis#er /// n # +"%$ in any %ase/ E&ery ne 2n (s Ge r)e is s#ill dan)lin) n $is + #$er's a.r n s#rin)s' #$ey 2n ( #$a# s$e and L rd B"#e arran)ed * r $i+ # +arry #$is C$arl ##e .ers n and $e (asn'# +an en ")$ # re*"se/ P r C$arl ##eF I .i#y $er/E EI s$ "ld $a&e #$ ")$# y " ( "ld !e en&yin) $er'E sna..ed Car line/
EY " ( "ld i* y " $ad any sense/E EB"# y " al(ays said I $ad n ne * #$a# "se*"l % ++ di#y'E s+iled -ara$/ EAnd /// I $a&e de%ided/ I a+ ) in) # !e a !rides+aid a# #$e 1in)'s (eddin)/E Mr/ F 0 s+iled a# $er' $al* a+"sed' $al* e0as.era#ed/ He de.l red $is sis#er,in,la('s *ail"re # a%$ie&e #$e r yal +arria)e as +"%$ as any ne' !"# $e % "ldn'# $el. !ein) * nd * $er/ 3e s$all $a&e *"r#$er #r "!le (i#$ -ara$/ $e .r .$esied # $i+sel*/ -ara$ *l "n%ed "# * #$e r + !a%2 # -"2ey #$e $ed)e$ ) and i++edia#ely sa# d (n # (ri#e # -"san/ Dear P"ssy' I $a&e nly #i+e # #ell y " #$a# I $a&e !een as2ed # !e !rides+aid and I $a&e a%%e.#ed i#/ I'+ s rry # say i#'s a)ains# +y sis#er Car line's .ini n a li##le/ I !e) y " # #ell +e ($a# y "r .ini n is/ I #$in2 i# is n # # !e l 2ed ". n as a *a& "r' !"# as a #$in) d"e # +y ran2/ 3$y re*"se i# and +a2e )rea# #al2' !e a!"sed !y #$ se ($ d n'# 2n ( and .er$a.s !y #$ se #$a# d ' * r #$ey are al(ays in #$e ri)$#' y " 2n ( // / T$ se #$a# #$in2 a! "# i# (ill say .er$a.s #$a# I (an# s.iri# and .ride' ($i%$ is #r"e en ")$' * r I d n'# disli2e i# in #$e leas#' and I d n'# li2e # a**e%# ($a# I d n'# *eel #$ ")$ e&er s ri)$# /// -ara$ ."# d (n $er .en and la")$ed/ Yes' #$ere (as n d "!# (ri#in) # -"san $el.ed $er # "nders#and $er (n *eelin)s/ And e&en ($en -"san re.lied #$a# s$e #$ ")$# -ara$ (as (r n) # !e ne * #$e 1in)'s !rides+aids -ara$ %l"n) # $er .ini ns/ -$e (as de#er+ined # ) / 3$en Ge r)e $eard #$a# -ara$ $ad a%%e.#ed #$e in&i#a#i n $e did n # 2n ( ($e#$er # !e relie&ed r alar+ed/ 3$ile $e (as !ein) +arried # #$is s#ran)e y "n) ( +an' -ara$ ( "ld !e s#andin) %l se !yF He (as s"re $e ( "ld n # !e a!le # #$in2 * any#$in) !"# -ara$/ I* -ara$ nly 2ne( $ ( +"%$ $e $ad (an#ed # +arry $erF B"# .er$a.s s$e did/ Had $e n # +ade i# .lainG -%ar%ely .er$a.s' sin%e $e $ad s B"i%2ly !een .ers"aded/ B"# #$ere (ere se%re#s .e .le did n # 2n (/ T$ere $ad !een Hanna$/ He #$ ")$# * $er' $is !ea"#i*"l 8"a2er' and $ ( $e $ad l &ed $er and !elie&ed $e al(ays ( "ld' "n#il $e +e# -ara$/ I* $e % "ld $a&e +arried Hanna$' +ade $er *irs# Prin%ess * 3ales and #$en 8"een * En)land .er$a.s $e ( "ld ne&er $a&e n #i%ed $ ( !ea"#i*"l -ara$ (as/
He #ried n # # #$in2 * Hanna$' !"# $e % "ld n # * r)e# $er/ I# (as na#"ral #$a# $e s$ "ld #$in2 * $er (i#$ $is (eddin) day s %l se/ H ( di**eren# #$is ( "ld !e *r + #$a# #$er (eddin) day ($en $e and Hanna$ $ad s# d !e* re Dr/ 3il+ # and e0%$an)ed #$eir +arria)e & (s/ He s$i&ered/ H ( % "ld $e $a&e !een s"%$ a * lF B"# i# $ad !een n #r"e +arria)e !e%a"se Hanna$ $ad !een +arried !e* re # Isaa% A0* rd' #$e 8"a2er )r %er' ne * $er (n se%#/ I# (as #r"e #$a# #$e +arria)e $ad #a2en .la%e in Dr/ 1ei#$'s Marria)e Mill ($i%$ (as n ( de%lared ille)al// / !"# i# (as a #r"e +arria)e all #$e sa+eD and #$a# +ade i# i+. ssi!le * r #$e %ere+ ny #$r ")$ ($i%$ $e $ad ) ne (i#$ Hanna$ # !e any#$in) !"# in&alid/ Besides' Hanna$ (as dead/ Or (as s$eG I* $e % "ld !e s"re/// B"# $e (as s".. sed # !e .inin) * r #$e l ss * -ara$' n # #$in2in) * Hanna$/ N ' n ' $e (as n # s".. sed # !e d in) ei#$er/ He (as s".. sed # !e #$in2in) * (el% +in) $is !ride #$e Prin%ess C$arl ##e/ Ge r)e * r%ed $i+sel* # #$in2 * C$arl ##e/ He ( "ld !e a ) d $"s!and # $erD #$ey ( "ld $a&e %$ildren' and ($en $e (as a *a#$er $e ( "ld %ease # !e ! #$ered !y r +an#i% * llies/ B"# $e % "ld n # dis+iss -ara$ *r + $is +indD and ($ile $e +ade al+ s# *e&eris$ .re.ara#i ns # re%ei&e $is !ride' i+a)es * -ara$ % n#in"ed # # r+en# $i+/ In #$e n"rsery Car line Ma#ilda' #$e y "n)es# * #$e *a+ily' (as %$a##erin) a! "# #$e (eddin)/ -$e (as #en years ld and $ad al(ays *el# $ersel* # !e a.ar# *r + #$e *a+ily !e%a"se s$e $ad !een ! rn * "r + n#$s a*#er $er *a#$er's dea#$/ - s$e $ad ne&er 2n (n $i+/ Nei#$er $ad $er !r #$er Frederi%2 3illia+ really' al#$ ")$ i# (as #r"e $e $ad !een ! rn a year !e* re s$e $ad' ($en #$eir *a#$er (as ali&e !"# $e % "ld re+e+!er n #$in) * $i+' s $e (as as +"%$ in #$e dar2 as, Car line Ma#ilda/ Henry (as si0#een and s(a))ered a! "# #$e n"rsery' i+.a#ien# !e%a"se $e (as nei#$er a ! y n r a +an' !"# &ery +"%$ des.isin) $is y "n)er sis#er and !r #$er/ T$en #$ere (as 3illia+ ($ (as ei)$#een' &ery +"%$ #$e +an (i#$ n #i+e # s.are * r i)n ran# li##le sis#ers/ Eli7a!e#$' #$e sain#ly ne' $ad died ($a# see+ed li2e a l n) #i+e a) # Car line Ma#ilda' !"# (as in *a%# nly s +e #$ree years !a%2D #$en #$ere (as Ed(ard' D"2e * Y r2' ($ (as #(en#y,#( D and A")"s#a' $a")$#y' eldes# * #$e+ all' ($ (as #(en#y,* "r years ldD !"# s$e (as n # #$e + s# i+. r#an# +e+!er * #$e *a+ily/ H ( % "ld s$e !e ($en #$ere (as Ge r)e and al#$ ")$ ne year y "n)er #$an A")"s#a' $e (as #$e 1in)/
T$e #$ ")$# #$a# Ge r)e (as 1in)' * En)land +ade Car line Ma#ilda (an# # )i))le' * r Ge r)e (as less li2e a 2in) #$an any * $er !r #$ers/ He (as al(ays 2ind and e&en #rea#ed #$e y "n)es# * #$e+ all as #$ ")$ s$e (ere ( r#$y * s +e % nsidera#i n/ N ( $e (as al(ays )i&in) a"dien%es and re%ei&in) +inis#ers' and e&en $is *a+ily $ad # re+e+!er # s$ ( d"e res.e%# # $i+' al#$ ")$ $e ne&er as2ed * r i#/ Be* re $e $ad !e% +e 2in) $e $ad $ad #i+e # #al2 # Car line Ma#ilda a! "# #$eir *a#$er/ -$e (as % ns#an#ly as2in) B"es#i ns a! "# Pa.a/ I# see+ed # $er s dd # $a&e a *a#$er ($ $ad died !e* re s$e (as ! rn/ -$e did n # s$are Ge r)e's deli)$# in L rd B"#e' * r $e s%ar%ely n #i%ed $er/ All $is a##en#i n (as * r Ge r)e/ And Ma++a * % "rse did n # n #i%e $er +"%$ ei#$er nly # lay d (n a l # * r"les as # $ ( #$e n"rsery (as # !e r"n' -$e li2ed # lis#en # $er !r #$ers' Henry and Frederi%2' #al2in) # )e#$er r ra#$er Henry #al2ed and Frederi%2 lis#ened/ I# (asn'# nly #$e )a. in #$eir a)es ($i%$ +ade' Henry s".re+e/ Henry (as nly si0#een !"# $eal#$y' ($ereas Frederi%2 al(ays $ad % lds and (as *#en "# * !rea#$/ P r Frederi%2D $e lis#ened .a#ien#ly' nly # )ra#e*"l #$a# $is !r #$er #al2ed # $i+/ Car line Ma#ilda 2ne( !e##er #$an '# a##e+.# # 4 in in/ Henry ( "ld s n $a&e ."# $er in $er .la%e i* s$e $ad/ He (asn'# li2e dear Ge r)e dear 1in) Ge r)e' s$e #$ ")$# (i#$ a li##le %$"%2le and #$e reas n (as #$a# e&ery ne 2ne( Ge r)e (as 2in) s $e didn'# al(ays $a&e # !e re+indin) .e .le $ ( i+. r#an# $e (as/ Henry (as sayin): EI#'ll !e di**eren# n ( Ge r)e is 2in)/ T$ey %an'# 2ee. "s % .ed ". * re&er/E Frederi%2 #i+idly as2ed ($a# ( "ld $a..en ($en #$ey (ere n l n)er % .ed "./ E3e s$all ) # !alls and !anB"e#s/ 3e s$an'# 4"s# !e #$e %$ildren in #$e n"rsery/ Y " see/ O* % "rse y " and Car (ill !e %$ildren * r years ye#///E EFrederi%2 (ill !e as ld as y " are in *i&e years' #i+e'E Car line % "ldn'# $el. ."##in) in/ Henry l 2ed a# $er % ldly/ EAs * r y "' y " are nly a !a!y s#ill/E EI'+ #en years ld ($i%$ is nly si0 years y "n)er #$an y "/E
EAnd y "'re a )irl/E ET$ey +arry !e* re ! ys'E Car line re+inded $i+ %$ee2ily ($ile Frederi%2 l 2ed a# $er (i#$ a+a7e+en# a# $er #e+eri#y/ EA*#er all'E s$e (en# n' '#$e Prin%ess C$arl ##e is nly se&en#een and #$a#'s a year lder #$an y " are n (/E ET$a# is n # #$e . in# * #$e ar)"+en#/ T$e #r "!le (i#$ y "' Car ' is #$a# y " d n'# #$in2/E EI'+ #$in2in) all #$e #i+e/E E3$a# a! "#GE %$allen)ed Henry/ E3$a# I'+ ) in) # d ($en I )r ( "./E E3$a#'s #$a#GE ER"n (ild'E s$e # ld #$e+/ Henry la")$ed/ -$e $ad & i%ed $is (n sen#i+en#s/ - e&en li##le Car line Ma#ilda (as l n)in) * r *reed +D i# all %a+e * ($a# $e %alled !ein) % .ed "./ EI# is Ma++a ($ 2ee.s "s as (e are'E said Henry/ E-$e's a*raid (e'll *ee % n#a+ina#ed !y (i%2ed .e .le i* (e aren'# 2e.# s$"# a(ay li2e #$is/E EGe r)e (ill !e a ) d 2in)'E Car line said' 's #$en #$ere ( n'# !e anyE (i%2edness' and ($en #$ere's n dan)er (e ( n'# $a&e # !e s$"# a(ay/E EP r Ge r)e I' said Henry 2n (led)ea!ly/
EHe's n # l 2in) * r(ard # $is (eddin)/E EO$' !"# $e l &es #$e Prin%ess C$arl ##e/E EH ( d y " 2n (GE E3ell' $e +"s# !e%a"se s$e is ) in) # !e $is (i*e/E EY " d n'# 2n ( any#$in)'E Henry # ld $er' 'and y " ( "ld #$ere* re !e
(ise # 2ee. y "r + "#$ s$"#/ O"r !r #$er (an#ed -ara$ Lenn 0 n # #$is C$arl ##e' and I re.ea# $e is n # ) in) # !e .leased (i#$ #$is (eddin)/E EB"# // /E !e)an Car line and (as (arned !y a B"i%2 l 2 *r + Frederi%2/ T$e d r .ened s"ddenly and A")"s#a #$eir eldes# sis#er l 2ed in/ T$ey (ere i++edia#ely silen#/ One al(ays (as ($en A")"s#a arri&ed/ I# (as (ell 2n (n #$a# s$e deli)$#ed in %arryin) #ales # #$eir + #$er ($e#$er # #ry # di&er# s +e * #$a# a**e%#i n ($i%$ (as la&is$ed n Ge r)e # (ards $ersel* r !e%a"se s$e li2ed #ellin) #ales and +a2in) #r "!le' n ne (as B"i#e s"re/ B"# in any %ase $er arri&al (as #$e si)nal # )"ard #$eir # n)"es/ E3$a# are y " %$ildren %$a##erin) a! "#GE s$e (an#ed # 2n (/ Henry *l"s$ed a# #$e #er+' ($i%$ a+"sed A")"s#aD s$e al(ays 2ne( ($a# ( "ld $"r# .e .le + s# and % n#ri&ed # d i#/ EI'll s(ear i#'s #$e (eddin)'E s$e (en# n/ EAnd Henry is #ellin) y " all a! "# i#/ Y " s$ "ld re+e+!er #$ ")$ #$a# Henry 2n (s &ery li##le/ And si# ". s#rai)$#' Frederi%2/ All $"+.ed ". li2e #$a#F N ( nder y "'re al(ays #ired/ And y " s".. sed # !e ( r2in) a# y "r e+!r idery' Car line GE Car line said : EI $ad nly 4"s# laid i# d (n * r a + +en#/E ET$en .i%2 i# ". and +a2e ". * r #$a# + +en# * idleness/ I s$all !e * r%ed # #ell Ma++a $ ( I * "nd y " all (as#in) #i+e and #ellin) ea%$ #$er s# ries a! "# #$e (eddin)/E EO$' !"# (e (eren'#FE %ried Car line/ And A")"s#a l 2ed a# $er in #$a# (ay ($i%$ i+.lied s$e (as lyin) !e%a"se s$e' A")"s#a' $ad s# d "#side #$e d r * r *"lly *i&e +in"#es !e* re % +in) in/ E&en ($en y " (ere n # )"il#y' #$ ")$# Car line' A")"s#a +ade y " *eel y " (ere/ A")"s#a la")$ed "n.leasan#ly and said: E3ell' i* y " (an# # 2n (' #$a# silly li##le -ara$ Lenn 0 is *"ri "s !e%a"se s$e (ill n # !e 8"een * En)land/ I s. 2e # $er yes#erday a# #$e dra(in) r +/ I s$ (ed I "nders# d $ ( s$e +"s# !e *eelin)/
EP r Lady -ara$'E I saidD and s$e # ssed $er silly $ead and .re#ended n # # %are/ And s +e#$in) else I'll #ell y "/ -$e is # !e ne * #$e !rides+aids/ T$a# (ill !e *"n' I .r +ise y "/E Car line Ma#ilda % n#e+.la#ed ($a# e0%i#e+en# e0is#ed in #$e "#side ( rldD and e&en ($ile s$e lis#ened a&idly # ($a# A")"s#a $ad # #ell a! "# #$e 1in)'s desire # +arry Lady -ara$ ,($i%$ $ad !een ri)$#ly #$(ar#ed i# see+ed' a%% rdin) # $er sis#er's a%% "n#' as +"%$ !y $er' A")"s#a' as any ne s$e (as #$in2in) * #$e s# ry * A")"s#a's !ir#$ ($en #$eir *a#$er and + #$er' #$en Prin%e and Prin%ess * 3ales' $ad *led *r + Ha+.# n C "r# #$a# #$eir *irs# %$ild +i)$# !e ! rn a# -#/ Ja+es'sD and $ ( #$e 1in) and 8"een Car line Ma#ilda's )rand*a#$er and )rand+ #$er $ad !een s an)ryD and #$ere $ad !een n s$ee#s a# -#/ Ja+es's and n #$in) ready' s #$a# #$e !a!y A")"s#a $ad T$e r yal *a+ily # !e (ra..ed in a #a!le%l #$/ 3$a# dra+a s"rr "nded #$eir li&es/ All e0%e.# +ine' #$ ")$# Car line Ma#ilda/ I $a&e # s#ay in #$e n"rsery' '% .ed ".'' ($ile all #$e e0%i#e+en# ) es n in #$e ( rld "#side/ And $ ( $er )rand.aren#s $ad B"arrelled (i#$ $er .aren#sF T$ey (ere al(ays B"arrellin)' Henry # ld #$e+/ T$ey (ere a B"arrellin) *a+ily/ 3ell' s$e ( "ld $a&e s +e *"n ne day/ -$e ( "ld !e *ree # r"n (ild/ ' In #$e +ean#i+e s$e lis#ened # A")"s#a's a%% "n# * #$e sn"!!in) * silly -ara$ Lenn 0 ($ $ad !elie&ed +is#a2enly #$a# s$e % "ld !e 8"een * En)land/ And ($ile #$e (eddin) (as !ein) dis%"ssed in #$e s%$ Prin%ess and L rd B"#e (ere als #al2in) * i#/ lr +' #$e
T$ere (as # !e n delay/ In s.i#e * #$e dea#$ * #$e Grand D"%$ess' #$e .lans ( "ld ) n as .re&i "sly arran)ed/ E-$e (ill !e $ere s n'E said #$e Prin%ess D (a)er * 3ales' EI % n*ess I s$all n # *eel sa*e "n#il s$e is/E ENe&er *ear'E s #$ed L rd B"#e/
EAll (ill !e (ell/E He *er&en#ly $ .ed s / He (as a! "# # %li+! # #$e # . * #$e .inna%le # (ards ($i%$ $e $ad .a#ien#ly s#ri&en e&er sin%e $e $ad seen #$e (ay # *a& "r #$r ")$ Ge r)e ($ (as n ( #$e 1in)/
Pri+e Minis#er' $e #$ ")$#/ I s$all r"le #$is land/ T$ere is n end # #$e . (er ($i%$ (ill !e +ine/ Pi## (ill $a&e # d as $e is # ld /// r ) / And Pi## ( "ld ne&er !e a!le # le# ) D $e (as # a+!i#i "s/ I'll "se Pi##' #$ ")$# B"#e/ He's # ) $a&e # reali7e ($ is $is +as#er/ d a +an # l se/ B"# $e'll
He s+iled * ndly a# #$e Prin%ess/ T$ey (ere in a)ree+en#/ T$e s ner Ge r)e (as sa*ely +arried #$e !e##er/ And #$e Prin%ess C$arl ##e (as ideal/ Plain' s #$a# s$e ( "ld n # ensla&e Ge r)eD da")$#er * a &ery +in r d"2ed +' s #$a# s$e s$ "ld !e * re&er )ra#e*"lD and n # s.ea2in) a ( rd * En)lis$ s #$a# s$e % "ld n # ($eedle (i#$ $er # n)"e a# any ra#e/ All ( "ld !e (ell and n%e #$e (eddin) (as &er #$ey ( "ld *eel sa*e/ Ge r)e # (as #$in2in) * #$e (eddin)/
-ara$ Hanna$' C$arl ##e/ He sa( #$e+ all in #"rn/ T$e #( *irs# s &i&idly #$e s$ad (y %$ar+ * Hanna$' #$e &i#al !ea"#y * -ara$D and $e #"rned a(ay *r + #$ se #( and sa( a Prin%ess ($ + $e end (ed (i#$ #$eir )ra%e and !ea"#y/ C$arl ##e/ He 2e.# sayin) $er na+e &er and &er a)ain/ And $e l n)ed * r $er % +in) !e%a"se i# ( "ld end #$e "n%er#ain#y' and $e (as s"re #$a# n%e $e sa( $er' n%e $e $ad #a2en $is & (s nei#$er -ara$ n r Hanna$ ( "ld # r+en# $i+/ T$ey ( "ld !e !anis$ed *r + $is #$ ")$#s * r e&er' * r n *ai#$*"l $"s!and )a&e a #$ ")$# # #$er ( +en/ EAnd I (ill !e *ai#$*"l'E $e ass"red $i+sel*/ EI a+ i+.a#ien# * r $er arri&al and * r #$e + +en# ($en s$e s$all !e 4 ined # +e /// * re&er' I $ .e/ And I .ray G d #$a# He (ill +a2e $er *r"i#*"l/E And all #$r ")$ #$e $ # A")"s# days #$e ($ le C "r# #al2ed * #$e (eddin)/ T$e C "r# * Me%2len!"r) +i)$# !e in + "rnin) !"# #$ere (as # !e n delay in #$e +arria)e %ere+ ny/ T$is (as #$e rder * #$e D"2e/ He sen# * r C$arl ##e !e(ildered C$arl ##e ($ $ad s re%en#ly l s# $er + #$er' !"# (as # )ain a $"s!and/ P r C$ris#ina $ad n #$in) # )ain' #$ ")$# C$arl ##e' !"# a# leas# s$e re+ains a# a C "r# *a+iliar # $er/
T$e D"2e re)arded $is sis#er (i#$ #$e in%reased a**e%#i n ($i%$ $e $ad *el# * r $er sin%e #$e 1in) * En)land desired $er * r $is !ride/ EMy dear sis#er'E $e said' e+!ra%in) $er s +e($a# %"r#ly' as a d"#y' #$ ")$# C$arl ##e' and as an a%2n (led)e+en# * $er ne( i+. r#an%e' EI "nders#and y "r )rie* * r y "r + #$er/ I# is a )rie* I s$are/ I $a&e !een #$in2in) * #$e . s#. ne+en# * y "r +arria)e and I %an see n ) d #$a# %an % +e *r + i#/E EA (eddin) s s n a*#er a *"neral///E !e)an C$arl ##e/
B"# $er !r #$er silen%ed $er/ He $ad n # s"++ ned $er #$a# $e +i)$# $ear $er &ie(s' !"# in rder #$a# s$e +i)$# $ear $is/ EI# is #$e !es# (ay # * r)e# y "r )rie*'E $e # ld $er/ EI $a&e as2ed #$a# #$ere s$all !e n delay/E EB"# EI a+ #$in2in) * y "' sis#er/ T$is is ($a# "r + #$er ( "ld $a&e (is$ed/ -$e 2n (s y " + "rn in y "r $ear#/ Y "r $"s!and (ill % +* r# y "/E EAnd C$ris#ina // / GE Her !r #$er raised $is eye!r (s/ C$ris#ina $ad !een * lis$D s$e $ad *allen in l &e (i#$ an En)lis$ d"2e/ T$a# ( "ld n # $a&e !een an i+. ssi!le "ni n !"# * r #$e %la"se in C$arl ##e's +arria)e % n#ra%#D as i# (as #$e a**air $ad %eased # e0is# as *ar as #$e D"2e (as % n%erned' and C$arl ##e (as e0#re+ely indis%ree# # $a&e +en#i ned i#/ B"# C$arl ##e % "ld !e indis%ree#/ T$ere (as #$a# le##er s$e $ad (ri##en # Frederi%2 * Pr"ssia/ 3$a# #re+end "s i+.er#inen%eF B"# !y )rea# ) d l"%2 i# $ad ( r2ed # $er ad&an#a)e' and $e (as deli)$#ed #$a# s$e $ad (ri##en #$e le##er/ B"# in $is se%re# #$ ")$#s $e % nsidered i# (as + s# indis%ree#/ 3$a# a +er%y #$a# C$arl ##e ( "ld s n !e lea&in) '* r En)land/ N ( $e silen%ed $er (i#$ a l 2/ He said: T$e .r 0y +arria)e (ill #a2e .la%e al+ s# i++edia#elyD and a*#er #$a# #$ere (ill !e li##le delay in y "r de.ar#"re/ T$e % r na#i n is # !e #$e #(en#y,se% nd * -e.#e+!erD and y " +"s# $a&e !een +arried # $i+ !e* re #$a#/ - y " see #$ere is &ery li##le #i+e/E
E- s
n ///E )as.ed C$arl ##e/
Her !r #$er s+iled a# $er/ EY "r !ride)r +an/E + is' ($ere $is (eddin) is % n%erned' a &ery i+.a#ien#
T$e D"2e %a+e in# C$arl ##e's !edr +/ -$e (as (ra..ed in a r !e + re s.lendid #$an any s$e $ad $ad !e* reD !enea#$ i# s$e (as s$i&erin)' #$ ")$ n # (i#$ % ld/ EAre y " .re.ared GE as2ed $er !r #$er s#ernly/ EYes'E s$e ans(ered/ He # 2 $er $and/ EAll is ready in #$e sal n'E $e # ld $er/ Fl"n2eys #$re( .en #$e d rs #$a# #$ey +i)$# .ass #$r ")$ # #$a# sal n ($i%$ (as li)$#ed !y a #$ "sand %andles/ T$e % s# +"s# $a&e !een )rea#' #$ ")$# C$arl ##e/ B"# #$e .e##y D"2ed + * Me%2len!"r),-#reli#7 (as allyin) i#sel* (i#$ #$e #$r ne * En)land' s i# (as n # #$e #i+e # % "n# #$e % s# * a *e( %andles/ And #$is is all n a%% "n# * +e I #$ ")$# C$arl ##e' + re #$an e&er !e* re !y #$e a(es +eness * #$e %%asi n and all #$a# i# +ean#/ -$e sa( #$e %ere+ nial &el&e# s *a n ($i%$ s$e (as # lie and !eside i# Mr/ Dr"++ nd' #$e re.resen#a#i&e * #$e 1in) * En)land' ($ (as # s#and .r 0y * r $i+ in #$is .reli+inary %ere+ ny/ T$e si)$# * #$e s *a *illed $er (i#$ dread !e%a"se i# !r ")$# (i#$ i# a *res$ reali7a#i n * $er res. nsi!ili#ies/ T$is (as n # nly lea&in) $ +e' !rea2in) ". C$ris#ina's r +an%e' i# (as li&in) in#i+a#ely (i#$ a s#ran)er' !earin) $is %$ildren' (i#$ #$e eyes * #$e ( rld n $er !e%a"se s$e ( "ld !e #$e + #$er * #$e ne0# 1in) * En)land/ T$e s *a re.resen#ed a s#a#e !ed' #$eir r yal !ed ($i%$ s$e ( "ld $a&e # s$are (i#$ a s#ran)e y "n) +an and #$erein .er* r+ ri#es * ($i%$ s$e (as i)n ran#/ -$e (as #re+!lin)D $er le)s $ad !e% +e s#"!! rn and (ere re*"sin) # %arry $er # (ards #$a# sy+! li% % "%$/ I# (as n # # la#e e&en n (/ -".. se s$e re*"sed # % n#in"e (i#$ #$is/ -".. se s$e %ried "# #$a# #$ey +"s# le# C$ris#ina +arry $er En)lis$+an * r s$e $ad de%ided n # # +arry $ers/ C$ris#ina l n)ed * r +arria)eD s$e /(as !rea2in) $er $ear#
!e%a"se i# (as !ein) denied $erD ($ereas s$e' C$arl ##e' (as reali7in) in #$is s le+n + +en# #$a# s$e did n # (is$ # +arry/ -$e did n # (an# # lea&e $er $ +eD s$e (an#ed # s#ay $ere /// re+ain a %$ild * r a li##le l n)er' d in) $er less ns La#in' $is# ry' )e )ra.$y +a2in) +a.s (i#$ Mada+e de Gra! (' +endin)' se(in)/ 3$y s$ "ld s$e n # .r #es# #$a# #$is (as # s"ddenG T$ere (as s +e#$in) s$e s"s.e%#ed a! "# #$is $"rried (eddin)/ 3$y s +"%$ $as#eG 3as $er !ride)r + !ein) $"rried as s$e (asG 3as $e in En)land %ryin) "# a)ains# #$e +arria)e as s$e (as $ereG 3$y s$ "ld s$e' ($ $ad n%e (ri##en a le##er # Frederi%2 #$e Grea#' $esi#a#e n (/ B"# i# (as !e%a"se * #$a# le##er /// T$is (e! (as * $er (n +a2in)/ B"# a# leas# i# s$ (ed #$a# ne $ad #$e . (er # dire%# ne's (n li*e/ EI# is n # # la#e/E I# (as a +essa)e #a..in) "# in $er !rain/
Her !r #$er # 2 $er $and and .ressed i# i+.a#ien#ly/ EC +e' % +e/ 3e are (ai#in) * r y "/E EN ///E s$e ($is.ered/ ED n'# !e a !a!y'E $issed $er !r #$er an)rily/ EY " are ) in) # !e 8"een * En)land/E D n'# !e a !a!y/ -$e (as se&en#een years ld // / ld en ")$ # lea&e $er $ +e' # +arry' # !ear %$ildren/ I# (as #$e *a#e * all Prin%esses/ All #$r ")$ $is# ry #$ey $ad * "nd #$e+sel&es in . si#i ns li2e #$is/ T$ey (ere n # e0.e%#ed # $a&e any *ree (ill/ T$ey !eyed rders/ T$ey +arried * r #$e ) d * #$eir % "n#ries' ($ere #$eir *a#$ers r !r #$ers de%ided #$ey s$ "ld/ And #$ey $ad de%ided #$a# s$e s$ "ld !e a B"een as readily and as r"#$lessly as #$ey $ad de%ided C$ris#ina s$ "ld l se $er $ .es * $a..iness/ -$e lay n #$e s *a and #$e % &erle# (as .la%ed &er $er/ Benea#$ #$e % &erle# s$e +"s# e0. se $er ri)$# le)D i# (as all .ar# * #$e .r 0y %ere+ ny/ Mr/ Dr"++ nd' #$e En)lis$+an' re+ &ed $is ! # and #$r"s# $is le)' !are # #$e 2nee "nder #$e % &ers/ 3$en $is *les$ # "%$ed $ers s$e #ried # s# . $er #ee#$ *r + %$a##erin)/ N ( #$e sy+! l $ad !een e0.ressed' Mr/ Dr"++ nd re+ &ed $is le) and re.la%ed $is ! #' ($ile !enea#$ #$e % &erle# s$e arran)ed $er r !e #
% &er $er (n !are le) and r se *r + #$e % "%$/ T$e %ere+ ny (as &er/ Her !r #$er' all #enderness and a**e%#i n' e+!ra%ed $er/ -$e (as a &ery i+. r#an# .ers n n (/ He %alled $er Y "r Ma4es#y/ EPre.ara#i ns * r #$e 4 "rney +"s# n # !e delayed/E T$e D"2e (as )i&in) $is rders #$r ")$ "# #$e s%$l ss/ E3e +"s# #$in2 * Her Ma4es#y's % r na#i n/ T$ere is &ery li##le #i+e/E T$ere (ere nly #( days le*# # $er 'in Me%2len!"r) and #$ese (ere # !e s.en# in %ere+ nies/ N l n)er did s$e ea# $er +eals in #$e s%$ lr + "nder #$e s%r"#iny * Mada+e de Gra! (/ N ( s$e dined in ."!li%/ I# (as $er &ery *irs# e0.erien%e * s"%$ %ere+ ny/ -$e +"s# si# a# a se.ara#e #a!le a# #$e !anB"e# ($i%$ * ll (ed #$e .r 0y %ere+ ny and !eside $er sa# C$ris#ina' .ale and s +!re' l 2in) as #$ ")$ s$e ( "ld ne&er s+ile a)ain' ($ile sin%e $er + #$er % "ld n # !e #$ere $er .la%e (as #a2en !y #$e )irls' )rea# a"n#' #$e Prin%ess -%$(ar#7en!"r)/ All #$e #i+e #$e Prin%ess #al2ed * #$e )rea# $ n "r ($i%$ $ad % +e # %$arl ##e and $ ( .r "d #$ey (ere' and $ ( s$e +"s# d $er d"#y and !e a d %ile (i*e and !ear $er $"s!and +any %$ildren/ C$ris#ina said li##leD s$e a#e s%ar%ely any#$in)/ P C$ris#inaF r sad
C$arl ##e !e)an # *eel #$a# s$e ( "ld n # !e s rry # lea&e $ +e/// in #$e %ir%"+s#an%es/ In #$e )rea# sal n $er !r #$er (as sea#ed (i#$ #$e En)lis$ en& y L rd Har% "r#' Mr/ Dr"++ nd' and +e+!ers * #$e En)lis$ e+!assyD #$ere (ere ne $"ndred and *i*#y )"es#s in all' and #$r ")$ #$e (ind (s C$arl ##e % "ld see #$e )ardens li)$#ed !y * r#y #$ "sand la+.s/ All in $ n "r * +y +arria)e' s$e #$ ")$#/ I $a&e !e% +e &ery i+. r#an# $ere/ B"# s n s$e ( "ld !e n $er (ay # $er ne( % "n#ry/ 3$en s$e rea%$ed $er !edr + s$e * "nd $er ne( dressers' Mada+e Ha))erd rn and Made+ iselle & n -%$(ellen!"r)' (ai#in) * r $erD E&ery#$in) (as ) in) # !e s +"%$ + re %ere+ ni "s *r +,n ( n/
T$ ")$ #$ese #( ladies $ad !een %$ sen # a%% +.any $er # En)land' #$ere $ad !een s +e % n#r &ersy a! "# #$eir % +in)' * r i# Dee+ed #$a# #$e 1in) ( "ld $a&e (is$ed $er # % +e (i#$ "# a##endan#s and n $er arri&al %$ se En)lis$ nes r $a&e #$e+ %$ sen * r $er/ B"# s$e $ad .leaded #$a# s$e !e all (ed a# leas# #( * $er (n % "n#ry( +en/ EF r I d n # s.ea2 #$e Elan)"a)e'E s$e $ad e0.lained/ -$e s. 2e Fren%$ # lera!ly (ell' $er !r #$er # ld $er' and Ger+an ( "ld !e "nders# dD s s$e need $a&e n *earsD !"# #$e En)lis$ en& y $ad a)reed #$a# #( *e+ale a##endan#s' .r &ided #$ey (ere (ell %$ sen' +i)$# a%% +.any $er/ -$e (as als all (ed # !rin) Al!er#' $er $airdresser/ As #$e ne( dressers and i# (as %lear #$a# Mada+e Ha))erd rn (as in a(e * Made+ iselle & n -%$(ellen!"r) ri)$# *r + #$e s#ar# $el.ed $er # .re.are * r !ed' C$arl ##e #$ ")$# n s#al)i%ally * Ida and #$e la%2 * %ere+ ny * #$e ld days/ Made+ iselle & n -%$(ellen!"r)' ."##in) $ersel* in %$ar)e' +ade i# %lear #$a# s$e in#ended # e0#ra%# #$e "#+ s# %ere+ ny *r + #$e %%asi n/ -$e si)ned * r Mada+e Ha))erd rn # $and #$e ni)$#) (n and s$e $ersel* sli..ed i# &er C$arl ##e's $ead/ EI #r"s# #$ere is n #$in) Y "r Ma4es#y needs/E EN #$an2 y "'E ans(ered C$arl ##e/ ET$en (e !e) Y "r Ma4es#y's lea (e # re#ire/E Yes' #$ ")$# C$arl ##e' re#ire and lea&e +e al ne/ - #$ey le*# $er and s$e lay in $er !ed "na!le # #$in2' s%enes *r + #$is e&en#*"l day dar#in) in and "# * $er +ind/ -$e sa( $ersel* en#erin) #$e !ri)$#ly li)$#ed sal nD s$e $eard a)ain $er !r #$er's i+.a#ien# & i%eD s$e (as lyin) n #$e % "%$D s$e % "ld *eel #$e % ld # "%$ * #$e En)lis$+an's *les$ a)ains# $er (n/ And #$r ")$ i# all s$e sa( #$e !r din) "n$a..y eyes * C$ris#ina/
I !elie&e' s$e #$ ")$#' *ri)$#ened as I a+ * ($a# #$e *"#"re +ay $ ld' I s$all n # !e s rry # ) / T$ere (as ne + re day * %ere+ ny and #$en s$e le*# -#reli#7/ F r e&er' s$e #$ ")$#' and s$e 2ne( in $er $ear# #$a# i# ( "ld !e s / Fare(ell' !r #$er' s$e #$ ")$#' y " ($ are s )lad # see +e ) /
Fare(ell C$ris#ina' +y .
r !r 2en,$ear#ed sis#er/
Her !r #$er e+!ra%ed $er (i#$ a s$ ( * #$a# ne( a**e%#i n/ A**e%#i n * r a %r (n ra#$er #$an a sis#er' s$e #$ ")$# %yni%ally/ EY " are ) in) # a ne( % "n#ry' sis#er/ Y " are ) in) # !e a B"een' !"# ne&er * r)e# y " are a Ger+anD ne&er * r)e# y "r $ +eland/E -$e 2ne( ($a# #$a# +ean#/ I* e&er s$e $ad an .. r#"ni#y # !rin) ) # Me%2len!"r),-#reli#7 s$e +"s# ne&er ne)le%# # d s / EY " are #$e + s# ill"s#ri "s +e+!er * #$e *a+ily n ('E $e # ld $er (i#$ a s+ile/ And ) d!ye C$ris#ina/ F r)i&e +e * r ($a# I $a&e d ne # y " /// * r i* I $ad n # (ri##en #$a# le##er i# ( "ld $a&e !een y "r +arria)e (e s$ "ld $a&e !een %ele!ra#in)/ O* % "rse #$ere ( "ld n # $a&e !een #$ se #$ "sands * %andlesD #$ere ( "ld n # $a&e !een #$e %ere+ niesD !"# y " ( "ld $a&e ) ne # y "r !ride)r + s (illin)ly and (i#$ s"%$ 4 y' ($ereas I ) # +ine // / B"# s$e $ad .r +ised $ersel* #$a# s$e ( "ld n # #$in2 * ($a# a(ai#ed $er in #$a# re+ #e land/ Made+ iselle & n -%$(ellen!"r)'s i+. r#an%e (as )r (in) $ "rly/ T$e 8"een +"s# $a&e #$is // / +"s# d #$a#/ -$e see+ed # .r %lai+ % ns#an#ly: I a+ ser&in) #$e 8"een/ N ne in #$e 8"een's re#in"e is as i+. r#an# as $er dresser -%$(ellen!"r)D and ! #$ . r Ha))erd rn and Al!er# see+ed # a)ree (i#$ $er/ E&ery ne (as #al2in) an0i "sly * #$e (ea#$er n ne + re s #$an #$e D"2e' ($ li&ed in #err r #$a# s +e#$in) ( "ld $a..en # delay $is sis#er's de.ar#"re * r En)land/ T$e day (as &er%as# and in%lined # !e s# r+y ($en #$e %a&al%ade' % nsis#in) * #$ir#y % a%$es' se# "#' and as #$ey r de #$r ")$ #$e % "n#ryside #$e .e .le *r + #$e &illa)es %a+e "# # see #$e+ .ass and )a.e in ( nder' * r i# (as a ne( e0.erien%e # see a (eddin) .r %essi n and *ar + re (el% +e #$an #$e s ldiers # ($ + #$ey (ere a%%"s# +ed/ C$arl ##e # 2 $er las# l 2 a# #$e s%$l ss' #ryin) # * r)e# ($a# s$e (as lea&in) !e$ind and # %$ 2e !a%2 #$e l"+. in $er #$r a#/ -$e +"s# s+ile all #$e ($ile and s.ea2 )aily ($en any ne addressed $er/ T$ se (ere $er !r #$er's rders/ -$e +"s# n # **end #$e En)lis$ !y le##in) #$e+ #$in2 #$a# $er )rea# ) d * r#"ne in +arryin) #$eir 2ind did n # +a2e ". * r all #$e !erea&e+en#s s$e $ad s"**ered/ d
-$e ( "ld *eel !e##er' s$e # ld $ersel*' ($en s$e rea%$ed -#ade' * r #$ere s$e ( "ld +ee# #$e En)lis$ .ar#y ($ $ad %r ssed #$e seas * r #$e ."r. se * es% r#in) $er # $er ne( % "n#ryD n%e s$e (as n #$e ! a# s$e ( "ld really *eel #$a# s$e $ad le*# #$e .as# !e$ind/ As #$e .ar#y r de in# -#ade #$e (ind (as !l (in) *ier%ely !"# #$e !ells (ere rin)in) and #$e %ann ns (ere *irin) in $er $ n "r/ C$arl ##e l 2ed ". a# #$e l (erin) s2y and said # -%$(ellen!"r)' E3e s$all ne&er e+!ar2 in (ea#$er li2e #$is/E EI# ( "ld !e /+ s# "n.leasan#' Y "r Ma4es#y' and "nsa*e/E E- (e $a&e a li##le l n)er in Ger+any/E C$arl ##e si)$ed' "n%er#ain ($e#$er # !e .leased r s rry/ A# ne + +en# s$e l n)ed # )e# n' # % +e *a%e # *a%e (i#$ $er !ride)r !"# #$e ne0# s$e (as $ .in) # !e a!le # . s#. ne #$e en% "n#er/ +D
T$ey $ad % +e # res# a# a s+all s%$l ss ($ere #$ey ( "ld s.end #$e ni)$#D and as L rd Har% "r# %a+e # $el. $er *r + $er %arria)e $e # ld $er #$a# #$e .ar#y *r + En)land $ad arri&ed and (ere (ai#in) # )ree# $er/ As s$e s#e..ed inside #$e s%$l ss s$e sa( #$e+ (ai#in) * r $er and $ ( +a)ni*i%en# #$ey see+ed in #$eir !r %ades and &el&e#s' as #$ey %a+e * r(ard # 2neel and .ay $ +a)e # #$eir B"eenF T$eir B"eenF -$e % "ld s%ar%ely !elie&e #$a# #$e dd and ra#$er ridi%"l "s %ere+ ny +ade $er s / EAnd Y "r Ma4es#y' y "r ne( ladies in (ai#in)' #$e Mar%$i ness * L +e and #$e D"%$ess * An%as#er' -$e s#ared a# #$e+/ -$e $ad ne&er seen s"%$ ( +en !e* re/ T$ey (ere li2e ) ddesses/ I# (as #$eir ri%$ )ar+en#s/ N ' i# (as n #/ T$a# s+ #$ s2in ($i%$ #$ey ! #$ . ssessedD #$ se +a)ni*i%en# eyesD #$e a!"ndan# $air % iled a! "# s$a.ely $eadsD #$e )ra%eD #$e %$ar+/ -$e $ad al(ays 2n (n #$a# s$e (as .lainD n ( s$e !elie&ed #$a# s$e (as ")ly/ EA# Y "r Ma4es#y's ser&i%e/E -$e $eard $ersel* say in%red"l "sly in Fren%$' !e%a"se s *ar + s# * #$ese En)lis$ see+ed # .re*er i# # Ger+an' EAre all En)lis$ ( +en as !ea"#i*"l as y "GE T$e ladies la")$ed and said : EY "r Ma4es#y is )ra%i "s/E
I# did n # ans(er #$e B"es#i n and as #$ers (ere .resen#ed # $er s$e s%ar%ely n #i%ed #$e+ * r s$e (as #$in2in) * ($a# #$e 1in) ( "ld d ($en $e sa( $er/ I* $e (ere a%%"s# +ed # ( +en ($ l 2ed li2e #$ese #( and s$e $ad # *a%e #$e *a%# #$a# s$e $ad ne&er seen any s l &ely and #$ere (ere #( * #$e+ ,($a# ( "ld $e #$in2 * $is ne( !rideG -$e (as *ri)$#ened n (/ EY "r Ma4es#y is #ired/E I# (as 2ind L rd Har% "r# a# $er el! (/ -$e ad+i##ed #$a# s$e (as and $e s"))es#ed #$a# s$e ann "n%e $er in#en#i n # re#ire # #$e a.ar#+en#s ($i%$ $ad !een .re.ared * r $er/ T$ere s$e s#"died $ersel* in #$e +irr r/ H ( ")ly $er + "#$ (as /// s (ide and #$inF -$e #$ ")$# * #$e !ea"#i*"lly + "lded li.s * #$e En)lis$ ( +en .in2 #in#edD s$e 2e.# $earin) /#$e la")$#er in #$eir & i%es ($en s$e $ad as2ed i* all #$eir % "n#ry( +en (ere as !ea"#i*"l/ And #$ey $ad n # ans(ered/ -%$(ellen!"r) %a+e in and !e%a"se C$arl ##e (as %a")$# l 2in) in #$e +irr r s$e said: ET$e En)lis$ ( +en are s !ea"#i*"l/ I *ear #$e 1in) (ill !e disa.. in#ed ($en $e sees +e/E EHe %$ se Y "r Ma4es#y'E (as #$e ans(er/ E3i#$ "# seein) +e/E EB #$ #$ se ( +en see+ &ery *li)$#y # +e/E EI s".. se ($en ne is as !ea"#i*"l as #$ey are ne %an !e * r)i&en all else/E EN nsense' !e))in) Y "r Ma4es#y's .ard n/E EO$' -%$(ellen!"r)' I'+ a..re$ensi&e/E E3$a#' Y "r Ma4es#yF And y " a 8"eenFE EO* &ery s$ r# d"ra#i n/ 3$a# i* $e s$ "ld de%ide #$a# I'+ # +arry and sends +e !a%2/E ")ly #
EHe % "ld $ardly d #$a#/ Y "r Ma4es#y * r)e#s #$a# $e's +arried # y " already !y .r 0y/E C$arl ##e si)$ed/ I# (as n # #$e ans(er s$e (is$edD s$e (an#ed
reass"ran%eD s$e l n)ed # !e # ld #$a# s$e (as n # s ")ly as s$e *eared/ B"# -%$(ellen!"r) ( "ld n # *la##erD s$e ans(ered (i#$ #$e l )i%al #r"#$/ C$arl ##e (as .lainD i# (as li2ely #$a# i* #$e 1in) (ere e0.e%#in) a !ea"#y $e ( "ld !e disa.. in#edD !"# all #$e sa+e #$e .r 0y %ere+ ny $ad #a2en .la%e / and ($a#e&er $e #$ ")$# $e ( "ld $a&e # #a2e $er n (/ EI#'s all s $"rried'E s$e % +.lained/ E-%$(ellen!"r)' d es i# n # see+ # y " a #ri*le +ys#eri "sGE B"# # -%$(ellen!"r) i# did n # see+ in #$e leas# +ys#eri "s/ T$e +arria)e $ad !een +ade as +any r yal +arria)es (ere/ I* C$arl ##e % "ld .r &ide $er $"s!and (i#$ %$ildren' in -%$(ellen!"r)'s .ini n n ne % "ld % +.lain/ L rd Har% "r# (as as2in) * r an a"dien%e/ -$e )ree#ed $i+ (i#$ .leas"re' !"# $e (as l 2in) )ra&e/ EI $a&e +essa)es *r + His Ma4es#y #$e 1in)'E $e # ld $er/ EHe % ++ands #$a# (e .r %eed # C"0$a&en (i#$ "# delay and #$ere e+!ar2 * r En)land/E EA# n%e GE s$e as2ed/ E3e s$all $a&e a ni)$#'s s#ay $ere and lea&e in #$e + rnin)' I (as .lannin) # (ai# "n#il #$e (ea#$er %$an)ed/E EPer$a.s i# +ay !y #$e + rnin)/E EI s$all $ .e #$a# i# d es' Y "r Ma4es#y' !"# ($a#e&er i# is li2e +y rders are #$a# (e s$ "ld sail/E -$e n ddedD s$e $ad n )rea# *ear * #$e sea/ , A .eal * !ells (as $eard * ll (ed !y #$e sal"#e * )"ns/ ET$e .e .le * -#ade are de#er+ined # )i&e Y "r Ma4es#y a ) (el% +e'E said Har% "r#/ -$e *r (ned a li##le/ EA+ I ( r#$y * all #$ese $ n "rsGE s$e as2ed/ L rd Har% "r# ! (ed and +"r+"red: EY "r Ma4es#y is #$e 8"een * En)land/E A# C"0$a&en' ($en #$e r yal .ar#y arri&ed' #$e (ind (as $ (lin) and #$e d
rain (as .el#in) d (n/ L rd Har% "r# (as an0i "sD s ' C$arl ##e n #i%ed' (ere #$e !ea"#i*"l ( +en ($ n ( r de !eside $er and (ere #$rea#enin) # ."# -%$(ellen!"r)'s n se "# * 4 in#/ T$ey (ere a li##le +is%$ie& "s' C$arl ##e *el#' des.isin) -%$(ellen!"r) and Ha))erd rn * r #( *r"+.sD C$arl ##e ( "ld !e #$e *irs# # ad+i# #$a# #$ey (ere d (dy and n !ea"#iesD !"# a# leas# s$e *el# + re a# $ +e (i#$ #$e+ in s.i#e * -%$(ellen!"r)'s d +ineerin) (ays/ T$ere (as n $el. * r i#' #$ey +"s# ) a! ard/ T$e s$i. (as r %2in) "n% +* r#a!ly and e&ery ne e0%e.# C$arl ##e (as "n$a..ily a(are * #$is/ C$arl ##e $ad ne&er !een # seaD #$ere* re s$e $ad n n #i n ($a# seasi%2ness (as/ -$e $ad % +e # a de%isi nD i* #$e 1in) did n # li2e $er #$en $e +"s# needs +a2e #$e !es# * $er/ -$e $ad n # as2ed * r #$is +arria)e al#$ ")$ $er !r #$er $ad !een + re #$an ea)er * r i#/ -$e ( "ld d $er d"#y and i* #$e 1in) (as n # .re.ared # d $is' s$e ( "ld #ry # s$r") $er s$ "lders and n # %are/ A*#er all' #$ese #( En)lis$( +en +i)$# !e !ea"#i*"l' !"# #$ey (ere n # Prin%esses' s ($a# s$e la%2ed in !ea"#y s$e +ade ". * r in ran2 // / e&en #$ ")$ in #$a# s$e (as n # * s"%$ a $i)$ s#andard/ Lady L +e %a+e # s#and !eside $er a# #$e Vail as s$e s# d (a#%$in)' #$a# s$e +i)$# see #$e las# * $er na#i&e land/ EY "r Ma4es#y see+s "na**e%#ed !y #$e r %2in) * #$e s$i./E E-$ "ld I !e a**e%#ed !y i#GE EM s# * "s are/E ' EAnd y "GE EN # ye#/ B"# (i#$ Y "r Ma4es#y's .er+issi n i* i# !e% +es + re "n% +* r#a!le I s$all re#ire # +y sa!in/E EPray d s / B"# y " did n # ans(er +y EB"es#i n a! "# #$e ( +en * En)land/ Are #$ey all as !ea"#i*"l as y " and #$e D"%$ess * An%as#erGE EI #r"s# Y "r Ma4es#y (ill n # % nsider +e "nd"ly % n%ei#ed ($en I #ell y " #$a# (e are ! #$ 2n (n as #( * #$e "#s#andin) !ea"#ies * #$e C "r#/E C$arl ##e's relie* (as !&i "s/ EI $ad i+a)ined a C "r# * ) ddesses'E s$e said/ EY "r Ma4es#y is # )ra%i "s/E
EI d n'# +ean # !e /// nly #r"#$*"l/ Y " are (i#$ "# d "!# &ery $ands +e' ! #$ * y "/ Tell +e a! "# y "r li*e a# C "r#/E T$e Mar%$i ness re.lied #$a# s$e $ad *irs# % +e # C "r# as Eli7a!e#$ G"nnin) s +e #en years !e* re *r + Ireland s$e and $er sis#er and $er + #$er/ E3e %a+e # see2 "r * r#"nes/E EAnd y " * "nd #$e+GE T$e Mar%$i ness (as silen# * r a *e( + +en#s/ EI s".. se s +e ( "ld say (e $ad/ A year a*#er (e arri&ed I (as +arried # #$e D"2e * Ha+il# n/E EAnd y " (ere $a..yGE -$e s+iled sadly EI# (as a r"na(ay +arria)e * a s r#' Y "r Ma4es#y/ 3e (ere +arried in a May*air %$a.el a# $al* .as# #(el&e a# ni)$#D and as #$e D"2e $ad n # #$ ")$# # .r &ide a (eddin) rin) (e "sed a %"r#ain rin)/E EI# s "nds // / r +an#i%'E said C$arl ##e (is#*"lly/ EHe +"s# $a&e !een &ery +"%$ in l &e (i#$ y "/E ET$a# (as #r"e'EY "r Ma4es#y/ T$en I (as .resen#ed # #$e 1in) and #$a# (as a )rea# %%asi n/E ET$a# ( "ld !e/// +y $"s!and's )rand*a#$er/E EYes' Mada+D He (as + s# 2ind # +e /// !"# $e (as n # % nsidered as 2ind )enerally as $is .resen# Ma4es#y/E E- y " *inds #$e 1in)/// 2ind GE ET$e 1in) ( "ld ne&er' I !elie&e' !e "n2ind # any/ He is &ery di**eren# *r + $is )rand*a#$er' ($ (as in%lined # !e iras%i!le' % ns#an#ly *lyin) in# ra)es/ F r)i&e +e' Y "r Ma4es#y' +y # n)"e r"ns a(ay (i#$ +e/E EI $a&e as2ed y " # !e *ran2/ And s #$e 1in) is di**eren# *r + $is )rand*a#$er' #$enGE
EVery di**eren#/ T$e 1in) is #all and $ands +e and #$ere is a %$ar+ a! "# $i+/// a )en#leness///E C$arl ##e (as !e)innin) # *eel !e##er/ I# (as .leasan# # %$a# (i#$ a ( +an li2e #$is and s )e# an idea * ($a# (as (ai#in) * r $er/ EI $ear *r + L rd Har% "r# #$a# $e is i+.a#ien# * r #$e (eddin)/E EI# is #r"e/ He $as *i0ed #$e da#e * #$e % r na#i n and I $a&e $eard #$a# $e (an#s $is B"een # s$are i# (i#$ $i+/E C$arl ##e n dded' !e)innin) # *eel al+ s# $a..y/ -$e (as %"ri "s a! "# #$is !ea"#i*"l ( +an and (an#ed # 2n ( ($y s$e (as #$e Mar%$i ness * L +e ($en s$e $ad +arried #$e D"2e * Ha+il# n/ ET$e D"2e died si0 years a*#er "r +arria)e/E EAnd y " $a&e +arried a)ainGE EYes' Y "r Ma4es#y' # #$e MarB"is * L +e/E E- y " !e%a+e a +ar%$i ness ins#ead * a d"%$ess/E EMy $"s!and' Y "r Ma4es#y' is #$e $eir * #$e D"2e * Ar)yll/E C$arl ##e s+iled/ E- i# is nly a #e+. rary l ss * ran2/ Ha&e y " any %$ildrenGE EYes' !y +y *irs# $"s!and I $a&e a da")$#er and #( s nsD I $a&e a li##le ! y !y +y se% nd +arria)e/E EY " are a &ery * r#"na#e ( +an/ 3as y "r sis#er as l"%2yGE EMy sis#er died a year a) * % ns"+.#i n/ T$ey said i# (as d"e # #$e ($i#e lead s$e "sed * r $er % +.le0i n/E EO$ /// $ ( #erri!le/E EI +ysel* (as &ery ill less #$an a year a) and I #$ ")$# I (as dyin) * #$e sa+e diseaseD !"# +y $"s!and # 2 +e a!r ad and I $a&e % +.le#ely re% &ered/E C$arl ##e n dded/ E3$i#e lead/E s$e +"r+"red/
EYes' Y "r Ma4es#y' i# .r d"%es a .er*e%# ($i#eness ($i%$ I $a&e $eard is + s# a..ealin)/E C$arl ##e la")$ed + re +errily #$an s$e $ad sin%e #$e (eddin) %ere+ ny/ EPer$a.s i# is as (ell n # # $a&e s"%$ !ea"#y #$a# $as # !e .reser&ed !y s"%$ le#$al +eans/E T$e Mar%$i ness s+iled and ($is.ered #$a# i* Her Ma4es#y ( "ld )ran# $er .er+issi n s$e ( "ld re#ire # $er %a!in' * r s$e (as !e)innin) # *eel a li##le B"easy/ C$arl ##e s# d a# #$e rail a*#er #$e Mar%$i ness $ad ) ne/ -$e li2ed #$e *eel * #$e (ind n $er *a%e/ -$e did n # *eel in #$e leas# ill/ -$e !elie&ed #$a# s$e $ad really !e)"n # l 2 * r(ard # #$e ne( li*e/ T$e s$i. (as !a##lin) a)ains# #$e ele+en#s and all C$arl ##e's a##endan#s lay )r anin) in #$eir %a!ins r n #$eir !"n2s,.rayin) * r #$e 4 "rney # !e &er/// r * r dea#$/ B"# C$arl ##e (as n # in #$e leas# a**e%#ed/E A $ar.si%$ rd $ad !een .la%ed n ! ard * r $er en#er#ain+en# and s$e s.en# a )rea# deal * #i+e .layin) #$is' #$ ")$ $er ladies did n # $ear $er' sin%e e&ery ne * #$e+' e&en #$e red "!#a!le -%$(ellen!"r)' (as .r s#ra#ed/ L rd Har% "r# # ld $er #$a# #$ey (ere days *r + #$e % as# * En)land and #$a# $e $ad 4"s# learned #$a# #$e s# r+s $ad dri&en #$e+ al+ s# n # #$a# * N r(ay/ EI# is a .i#y * r +y ladies #$a# (e did n # (ai# * r + re .r .i#i "s (ea#$er'E % ++en#ed C$arl ##e/ EY "r Ma4es#y' #$e 1in)'s rders (ere #$a# (e e+!ar2 (i#$ "# delay/E E3$y' L rd Har% "r#' is $e s &ery ea)er * r "r arri&alGE L rd Har% "r#' s+ilin)' ! (ed/ ET$a#' I a+ s"re' His Ma4es#y (ill +a2e %lear # y " n y "r arri&al/E T$e s"))es#i n (as #$a# #$e 1in) (as s ea)er * r $er arri&al/ B"# $ ( % "ld $e !e s ea)er * r s +e ne $e $ad ne&er seen G 3$y $ad i# !een
de%ided #$a# $e +"s# +arry (i#$ "# delayG T$ere (as s +e +ys#ery' C$arl ##e (as s"re/ 3ell' .er$a.s s$e ( "ld s n dis% &er/ EY "r Ma4es#y $as n ne in a##endan%e'E said L rd Har% "r#/
EP r ladies' #$ey are .r s#ra#e' all * #$e+/ T$e sea d es n # #a2e # #$e+ a# 2indly as i# d es # +e/E EY "r Ma4es#y is * r#"na#e /// in + re (ays #$an ne/E A+ IG ( ndered C$arl ##e/ 3$a# (ill li*e !e li2e (i#$ +y ne( $"s!ands in En)land/ EI s$all .lay #$e $ar.si%$ rd # #$e+'E s$e ann "n%ed/ EPer$a.s i# (ill % +* r# #$e+/ I* I lea&e #$e d r * +y sal n .en #$ey (ill !e a!le # $ear i# as #$ey lie n #$eir !"n2s/E C$arl ##e .layed and * "nd .leas"re in .layin)D !"# #$e . (ere "na(are * any#$in) !"# #$eir (n +isery/ r ladies
T$e (ind dr ..ed s"ddenly and #$e s# r+ (as &erD s"n da. .led #$e )rey (a#ers #"rnin) #$e+ # )reen and .alesB"e/ One !y ne #$e ladies r se *r + #$eir !"n2s/ T$e %$an)e in #$e+ (as +ira%"l "s/ -%$(ellen!"r) !e%a+e $er ld d +ineerin) sel*' Ha))erd rn $er *ai#$*"l se% ndD and #$e #( En)lis$ ladies ."# n #$eir . ised ele)an%e as #$ ")$ i# (ere a ) (n and (ere s n as !ea"#i*"l as e&er/ As #$ese #( dressed #$e+sel&es and #$e $ rr r * #$e las# days *aded and as #$e D"%$ess * An%as#er said s$e *el# li2e a $"+an !ein) a)ain' #$ey dis%"ssed # )e#$er #$e ad&isa!ili#y * (arnin) #$e 8"een * #$e 1in)'s a##a%$+en# # -ara$ Lenn 0/ T$e D"%$ess * An%as#er #$ ")$# i# "n(iseD #$e Mar%$i ness * L +e (as n # s s"re/ E-$e is s .lain /// T$a# + "#$ * $ers +a2es $er l 2 li2e a %r % dile/E EP r %rea#"re/ Ge r)e is ) in) # !e s disa.. in#ed/ I'll s(ear #$ey'&e # ld $i+ s$e's a !ea"#y/E E8"eens are al(ays %redi#ed (i#$ + re !ea"#y #$an #$ey a%#"ally . ssess/ Ge r)e s$ "ld 2n ( #$a# and dis% "n# $al* * ($a# $e $as $eard/E EGe r)e is s "n( rldly/ I# ( "ld ne&er %%"r # $i+ # d "!#/E EAnd ($a# * #$e li##le Lenn 0 GE
E3$a# * $erGE EY " 2n ( #$e 1in) !i##erly re)re#s n # +arryin) $er/E EO$' #$a# is &er and Ge r)e is s"%$ a ) d y "n) +an/ T$ey say $e ( n'# )i&e -ara$ a #$ ")$# n%e $e is +arried # C$arl ##e/E ED y " !elie&e #$a#GE as2ed #$e D"%$ess s% rn*"lly/ EN 'E ans(ered #$e Mar%$i ness/ EB"# I !elie&e #$a# i# is !e##er * r C$arl ##e # dis% &er #$is * r $ersel*/ T$ ")$ (e % "ld a# leas# #ry # +a2e $er a li##le + re a##ra%#i&e/E EA di**i%"l# #as2'E re# r#ed #$e D"%$ess/ E-#ill /// a li##le i+.r &e+en# +i)$# !e . ssi!le/ I s$all #ry/E EGri+ -%$(ellen!"r) (ill !e + s# dis.leased/E ELe# $er/ -$e d esn'# 2n ( #$e % +.e#i#i n C$arl ##e (ill $a&e # *a%e in -ara$ Lenn 0/E E-ara$'s a .re##y li##le #$in)' !"# s$e's n # e0a%#ly a !ea"#y/E E-$e $as s +e#$in) + re #$an !ea"#y/ C$ar+/ And s$e's y "n)/E E- is C$arl ##e/E EM re's #$e .i#y/ -$e ( "ld $a&e a !e##er %$an%e * (innin) Ge r)e *r + -ara$ i* s$e (ere a li##le lder' a li##le + re e0.erien%ed/ I #$in2 $er a..earan%e % "ld !e i+.r &ed a li##le /// #$ ")$ #$a# + "#$ ( "ld s. il any#$in)/ B"# I #$in2 (e ")$# # #ry/E Al!er# (as dressin) C$arl ##e's $air/ T$e #( En)lis$ ( +en l 2ed n ra#$er sadly and #$e D"%$ess * An%as#er s"))es#ed #$a# Her Ma4es#y +i)$# li2e # #ry an En)lis$ s#yle/ C$arl ##e ans(ered .r +.#ly' EN ' I s$ "ld n #/E EA li##le # ".ee /// !ea"#i*"lly %"rled /// ( "ld +a2e a )rea# deal * di**eren%e # Y "r Ma4es#y's a..earan%e'E added #$e Mar%$i ness/ ' C$arl ##e s#"died #$e $air * #$e #( ladies and re+ar2ed % lly #$a#
s$e !elie&ed #$e s#yle in ($i%$ Al!er# dressed $er $air (as as !e% +in) as #$eirs/ T$e ladies (ere silen#/ Per$a.s s$e (as ri)$# in #$in2in) n $airs#yle % "ld add !ea"#y # s"%$ a .lain *a%e/ EI* #$e 1in) (is$es +e # (ear a .eri(i) I (ill d s 'E added C$arl ##e/ EB"# "n#il $e as2s i# I s$all re+ain as I a+/E ET$e 1in) li2es # see ladies dressed in a *e+inine En)lis$ s#yle/E EAs y " are dressedGE as2ed C$arl ##e/ ET$a# is s ' Y "r Ma4es#y/E C$arl ##e s#"died #$e+' $er $ead n ne side/ EI d n # #$in2 i# is #$e s#yle * dress, #$a# is !e% +in)/ I "nders#and y " are #( * #$e + s# !ea"#i*"l ( +en * #$e 1in)'s C "r#' !"# i# is n # y "r dress ($i%$ +a2es y " s / N ' I s$all dress as I $a&e al(ays dressed' and s$a*# n # #ry # a.e y "' +y ladies/E T$e #( ( +en e0%$an)ed )lan%es/ T$ey $ad d ne ($a# #$ey % "ld/ T$e 1in) (as ) in) # *ind $is !ride &as#ly di**eren# *r + l &ely -ara$ Lenn 0/ ET$e 1in)'E C$arl ##e (as sayin)' '+ay dress as $e li2es and I s$all dress as I .lease/E EY "r Ma4es#y (ill d "!#less +a2e y "r de%isi ns ($en y " $a&e seen C "r# *as$i ns/E ED "!#less' !"# I $a&e n in#en#i n * %$an)in) +y (ays "nless #$e 1in) e0.ressly (is$es i#/E -$e (as )ainin) % n*iden%e/ I# (as ( nder*"l ($a# #$e sea #ri. $ad d ne * r $er/ T $a&e seen #$ese ele)an# ( +en in #$e #$r es * seasi%2ness ($ile s$e $ersel* sa# .layin) #$e $ar.si%$ rd * r #$eir % +* r# $ad d ne a )rea# deal * r $er/ T$e )irl' ($ $ad dared # (ri#e # Frederi%2 #$e Grea# (as n # ) in) # !e .ers"aded in# (earin) *as$i ns ($i%$ s$e (as n # a# all s"re ( "ld s"i# $er/ M re &er' i* s$e (ere dressed as #$ey (ere #$e % +.aris n ( "ld !e e&en + re "n2indD and i* s$e % "ld n # !e a !ea"#y' a# leas# s$e ( "ld s#and "# !y #$e s#ran)eness * $er % s#"+e/
ETell +e ($a# y " 2n ( * #$e 1in)'E s$e said' # s$ ( #$e+ #$a# #$e s"!4e%# * dress (as n # # !e +en#i ned a)ain/ T$e 1in) $ad %$an)ed sin%e $is a%%essi n' #$ey # ld $er/ He $ad al(ays !een seri "s' !"# n ( $e (as + re s / He (as *#en %l se#ed * r $ "rs in #$e % +.any * L rd B"#e and $is + #$er ($ a%#ed as $is %$ie* ad&iser +"%$ # #$e dis)"s# * Mr/ Pi## and Mr/ F 0/ 3$a# (ere $is a+"se+en#sG He dan%ed a li##le/ He (as n # e0a%#ly a ) d dan%er' !"# $e (as a &ery s2il*"l neD $e .layed %ards a li##le' !"# n # * r $i)$ s#a2es/ He (as ) in) # re* r+ #$e C "r#' e&ery ne saidD !e%a"se in #$e days * $is )rand*a#$er #$is $ad !een a# #i+es s%andal "s/ EHis Ma4es#y rises early and #$ere* re li2es # re#ire early/E EO$'E %ried C$arl ##e' EI d n # relis$ ) in) # !ed (i#$ #$e %$i%2ens/ And I $a&e n in#en#i n * d in) s /E T$e ladies (ere *"r#$er s"r.rised/ I# see+ed #$a# C$arl ##e (as )r (in) + re and + re % n*iden# as #$ey %a+e %l ser # #$e s$ res * En)land/ L rd Ans n ($ (as in % ++and * #$e e0.edi#i n # ld L rd Har% "r# #$a# $e $ad de%ided # ."# in a# Har(i%$ ins#ead * ) in) # Green(i%$ as $ad !een .lanned/ T$e s# r+s $ad dri&en #$e+ s *ar ** % "rse #$a# i# ( "ld !e + re % n&enien# # ) # Har(i%$/ M re &er' $e *eared #$ey +i)$# r"n in# a Fren%$ +an, ',(ar i* #$ey #ra&elled *ar#$er s "#$ and L rd Har% "r# % "ld )"ess ($a# #$a# ( "ld +ean/ L rd Har% "r# e0.ressed $is +is)i&in)s #$a# #$ere ( "ld !e n (el% +e a(ai#in) #$e 8"een a# Har(i%$ as #$ere + s# %er#ainly ( "ld !e a# Green(i%$ ($ere s$e (as e0.e%#ed/ EBe##er an "n(el% +ed !ride #$an a .ris ner * #$e Fren%$'E (as Ans n's sa)e re.ly' and L rd Har% "r# a)reed (i#$ $i+/ T$"s C$arl ##e *irs# s#e..ed as$ re a# Har(i%$/ I# (as #$ree '%l %2 in #$e a*#ern n n = -e.#e+!er and a * r#ni)$# sin%e #$ey $ad sailed a(ay *r + C"0$a&en/ E&ery ne e0%e.# C$arl ##e (as relie&ed # se# * # / n dry land and as s n as i# (as reali7ed #$a# #$e 8"een (as in Har(i%$ #$e May r s"++ ned $is alder+en # )i&e $er a (el% +e/ I#/
T$is $ad # !e !rie*' * r L rd Har% "r# e0.lained # #$e May r #$a# #$ey +"s# lea&e Har(i%$ (i#$ "# delay as #$ey (ere e0.e%#ed in L nd n i++edia#ely/ - #( $ "rs la#er #$ey $ad rea%$ed C l%$es#er ($ere a# #$e $ "se * a %er#ain Mr/ Ene( #$ey s# ..ed # drin2 #ea' ($i%$ L rd Har% "r# re+inded #$e 8"een s$e ( "ld *ind re*res$in)/ -$e did' and s$e (as .ar#i%"larly deli)$#ed # re%ei&e a ! 0 * erin) r # ($i%$ (as ne * #$e .r d"%#s * #$e # (n/ Tas#in) #$is s$e * "nd i# # !e a deli%i "s s(ee#+ea# and L rd Har% "r# e0.lained # $er #$a# #$e s(ee#s (ere +ade *r + #$e r #s * #$e erin) ($i%$ (as a 2ind * sea $ lly' and i# (as #$e %"s# + * #$e in$a!i#an#s * C l%$es#er # )i&e ! 0es * #$is s(ee#+ea# # +e+!ers * #$e r yal *a+ily ($ $ n "red #$eir # (n !y &isi#in) i#/ T$ey le*# C l%$es#er * r 3i#$a+' ($ere #$ey (ere # s.end #$e ni)$# a# #$e +ansi n * L rd A!er% rnD !"# alas L rd A!er% rn (as a(ay in L nd n' !ein) "na(are #$a# $e (as # re%ei&e s"%$ an $ n "red )"es#/ H (e&er #$ se +e+!ers * $is *a+ily ($ (ere a# $ +e .r %eeded # s$ ( #$eir l yal#y # #$e Cr (n !y arran)in) as i+.ressi&e an %%asi n as #$ey % "ld +ana)e a# s"%$ s$ r# n #i%e and +e+!ers * #$e n !ili#y *r + #$e s"rr "ndin) % "n#ry $a&in) $eard * C$arl ##e's arri&al %a+e $"rryin) # !e .resen#ed # $er/ -$e (as !e)innin) # *eel #$a# #$e En)lis$ (ere really .leased # see $er/ Per$a.s #$is (as ($y ne0# + rnin) as s$e (as .re.ared # % n#in"e #$e 4 "rney and 2ne( #$a# #$a# day s$e ( "ld % +e *a%e # *a%e (i#$ $er $"s!and' s$e all (ed Eli7a!e#$ # .ers"ade $er # ad .# an En)lis$ + de * dress/ In *a%# s$e (as ra#$er .leased (i#$ #$e e**e%#' * r #$e En)lis$ *as$i n (as /+ re !e% +in) #$an #$e Ger+an' and ($en s$e did n # l 2 a# #$e da77lin) !ea"#y * $er #( En)lis$ ladies,in,(ai#in) s$e *el# s$e l 2ed # lera!ly (ell/ Her *ly %a. $ad la%ed la..e#s ($i%$ (ere &ery *ineD and #$e s# +a%$er (i#$ ($i%$ s$e $ad !een .resen#ed (as de% ra#ed (i#$ dia+ nds' $er ) (n (as a ($i#e !r %ade (i#$ ) ld e+!r idery/ I# (as B"i#e +a)ni*i%en# and + re ele)an# #$an any#$in) s$e $ad e&er . ssessed/ 3$en #$ey se# "# and s$e sa( $ ( +any .e .le $ad % +e # see $er s$e (as )lad s$e $ad ( rn a dress + re in 2ee.in) (i#$ ($a# #$ese .e .le $ad !een a%%"s# +ed # #$in2 * as $i)$ r yal *as$i n/ -$e sa# in $er % a%$ s+ilin) a# #$e+ as s$e .assed al n)/ A# R +* rd #$e 1in)'s ser&an#s +e# $erD #$ey s"rr "nded $er % a%$ and .re.ared # !rin) $er in# #$e %a.i#alD and al n) #$e r ad #$e %a&al%ade (as 4 ined !y + re s ldiers' all in da77lin) "ni* r+s' all % +e # es% r# $er n $er (ay/
And s s$e %a+e # L nd n/ -$e (as !e(ildered and *as%ina#ed s +"%$ s #$a# #e+. rarily s$e * r) # #$e rdeal !e* re $er/ As $er % a%$ ra##led &er #$e % !!les .as# #$e +a)ni*i%en# !"ildin)s s"%$ as s$e $ad,ne&er !e* re i+a)ined e0is#ed #$e +a)i% * #$e )rea# %i#y en&el .ed $er/ -$e sa( #$e .e .le 4 s#lin) * r a l 2 a# $erD *r + #$e (ind (s * #$e $ "ses #$ey %alled # $erD s$e % "ld n # "nders#and ($a# #$ey said' !"# s$e 2ne( i# * r a (el% +e and s$e ! (ed and s+iled and $er deli)$# in ($a# s$e sa( (as !&i "s' s L nd n # 2 $er # i#s $ear#/ -$e (as .lain #$ey sa(D !"# #$ey li2ed $er n less * r #$a#/ -$e (as a y "n) !ride * r #$eir y "n) 1in)D $er % +in) ( "ld +ean a (eddin) a day * $ liday and re&elry #$en a % r na#i n/ EL n) li&e #$e 8"een I' s$ "#ed #$e .e .le * L nd n/ -$e sa( #$e )aily % l "red si)ns $an)in) *r + #$e s$ .sD a..ren#i%es (i#$ #$eir +as#ers and #$eir +as#ers' (i&esD ladies in #$eir %$airs' ele)an#ly s%en#ed' . (dered and .a#%$ed/ T$ere (ere +en in !r %aded % a#s' #$eir B"i77in) )lasses $eld ". in #$e .r %essi n' deli%a#e la%e r"**les *allin) *r + #$eir (ris#sD and #$ere (ere !e))ars' ra))ed and'dir#y' and ( +en (i#$ %$ildren in #$eir ar+s and dra))in) a# #$eir s2ir#sD #$ere (ere #$e s#ree# #raders ($ yelled #$eir (ares' # +in)le (i#$ #$e s$ "#s * l yal )ree#in)s/ T$e !allad sellers' #$e .ie +en' #$e +il2 )irls (i#$ #$eir .anniers n #$eir s$ "lders' #$e .in ( +an' #$e a..le ( +an' #$e )in)er!read,seller // / #$ey (ere all #$ere # .lay #$eir .ar# and add # #$e n ise and sB"al r' #$e % l "r and e0%i#e+en# * #$e L nd n s#ree#s/ C$arl ##e s#ared in a+a7e+en# as #$e % a%$ r"+!led n/ T$e Mar%$i ness (as a+"sed !y #$e e**e%# #$e L nd n s%ene (as $a&in) n C$arl ##e/ -$e l 2ed a# #$e (a#%$ ($i%$ $"n) a# $er side and de%lared: EY "r Ma4es#y (ill s%ar%ely $a&e #i+e # dress * r y "r (eddin)' ($i%$ is # #a2e .la%e # ni)$#/E ET ni)$#F B"# s"rely I s$all $a&e a day r s # er /// )r ( a%%"s# +ed # #$e 1in) GE EI# $as !een arran)ed' Mada+' #$a# i# s$all #a2e .la%e # ni)$#/E T$e si)ni*i%an%e * #$is s"ddenly s#r"%2 C$arl ##e/ -$e (as al+ s# a# -#/ Ja+es's/ T$ere s$e ( "ld % +e *a%e # *a%e (i#$ #$e +an #$ey $ad %$ sen # !e $er $"s!andD s$e (as # !e $"rried #$r ")$ a %ere+ ny and #$en le*# (i#$ $i+ al ne/
I %ann # d i#' s$e #$ ")$#/ I# is # (as l 2in) a# $er ddly/
+"%$ # as2/ T$e Mar%$i ness
EY "r Ma4es#y is n # (ell'E s$e !e)an' #$en %ried "# in alar+ * r C$arl ##e $ad *allen side(ays' $er *a%e as$en/ E8"i%2'E %ried #$e Mar%$i ness # #$e D"%$ess' '#$e 8"een is a! "# # *ain#/ 3e s$all !e #$ere in a +in"#e/ -$e %an'# !e laid a# $er !ride)r +'s *ee#/// in a *ain#FE T$e D"%$ess # 2 a ! ##le * la&ender (a#er *r + $er . %2e# and .enin) i# #$re( #$e % n#en#s in# C$arl ##e's *a%e/ As #$e s(ee# s%en# *illed #$e %arria)e' C$arl ##e .ened $er eyes/ E-$e is re% &ered'E ($is.ered #$e Mar%$i ness/ EO$' #$an2 G dF Y "r Ma4es#y' (e $a&e arri&ed/E T$e % a%$ $ad s# ..ed !e* re a )arden )a#e and a y "n) +an (as % +in) # (ards i#/ ET$e D"2e * Y r2'E ($is.ered #$e Mar%$i ness # C$arl ##e/ 5sin) all $er (ill . (er C$arl ##e #$re( ** #$e *ain#ness ($i%$ $ad al+ s# &er($el+ed $er in #$e % a%$ and l 2ed a! "# $erD i# see+ed as #$ ")$ a %r (d * .e .le (ere .ressin) in n $er/ O$' G d' $el. +e' s$e #$ ")$#/ I a+ ) in) # *ain# a)ain/ A #all y "n) +an $ad s#e..ed # (ards $er/ -$e 2ne( a# n%e ($ $e (as' * r #$e +inia#"re (i#$ ($i%$ s$e $ad !een .resen#ed (as a *air li2eness *la##erin)' * % "rse' !"# #$ere (ere #$e .r +inen# !l"e eyes' #$e $ea&y 4a(' #$e + "#$ ($i%$ (as #ryin) $ard # s+ile !"# ($i%$ in re. se % "ld !e s"llen/ T$is (as $er $"s!and // / #$e +an ($ se %$ildren s$e (as # !ear // / ($ se !ed s$e ( "ld s$are #$is &ery ni)$# i* i# (ere #r"e #$a# #$ey (ere # !e +arried (i#$ "# delay/ Her 2nees *el# (ea2 and "na!le # s".. r# $er/ -$e (as a! "# # sin2 n # #$e+ ($en $e # 2 ! #$ $er $ands and 2issed #$e+/ He % "ld n # +ee# $er eyes and s$e n #i%ed #$is and s$e )"essed #$a# $e (as disa.. in#ed in $er/ -$e 2ne( $e +"s# !e/ D "!#less #$ey $ad # ld $i+ s$e (as i* n # !ea"#i*"l # lera!ly a##ra%#i&e/ And s$e *el# s ill' s *ain#/
B"# $e s. 2e # $er 2indly and $is & i%e (as #ender/ A# leas# $e (as de#er+ined # $ide $is disa.. in#+en# and s$e (as )ra#e*"l * r #$a#/ EMy + #$er is (ai#in) # )ree# y "'E #$e 1in) # ld $er/ EAll ( +e # % nd"%# y " # $er/E He # 2 $er $and and #$e res# * #$e % +.any *ell in !e$ind #$e+ as #$ey (en# in# #$e Pala%e/ Beside A")"s#a' D (a)er Prin%ess * 3ales' s# d a #all +an' +iddle a)ed' !"# s#ill "#s#andin)ly $ands +e/ C$arl ##e )"essed #$is (as L rd B"#e ($ se na+e s$e $ad $eard +en#i ned +any #i+es as a )rea# . (er in #$e land n a%% "n# * $is in*l"en%e (i#$ #$e 1in) and $is + #$er/ T$e 1in) .resen#ed $er # $is + #$er *irs# and C$arl ##e (as a(are * a .air * s$re(d eyes s#"dyin) $erD s$e (as n # s"re * #$e +eanin) !e$ind #$eir e0.ressi n !"# s$e *an%ied i# (as ne * a..r &al/ EMy sis#er' #$e Prin%ess A")"s#a'E $e said' '($ (is$es # (el% +e y " in# En)land and #$e *a+ily/E T$e Prin%ess A")"s#a' a year lder #$an #$e 1in)' l 2ed any#$in) !"# .leased' #$ ")$# C$arl ##eD s$e +ade a * r+al s.ee%$ in Fren%$ # ($i%$ C$arl ##e res. ndedD and a*#er #$a# Car line Ma#ilda (as .resen#ed a )irl n # +"%$ + re #$an #en years ld' C$arl ##e reali7edD and s$e # +ade $er s.ee%$ * (el% +e/ T$en i# (as #$e #"rn * L rd B"#e , '+y dear *riend'' #$e 1in) %alled $i+ and C$arl ##e's $and (as + s# % "r#e "sly 2issed and L rd B"#e # ld $er' (i#$ e+ #i n in $is & i%e' $ ( deli)$#ed $e (as # $a&e $er (i#$ #$e+/ T$e D (a)er Prin%ess $ad risen and said #$a# #$ere (as li##le #i+e # s.are' * r #$e (eddin) (as # #a2e .la%e a# nine '%l %2/ EY "r (eddin) )ar+en#s are all ready in #$e (ardr !e r # ld/ +'E s$e (as
EB"# i# +ay (ell !e #$a# s +e al#era#i ns (ill !e ne%essary/E T$e Prin%ess D (a)er l 2ed as #$ ")$ #$ey % "ld $ardly $a&e e0.e%#ed Ge r)e's 8"een # !e B"i#e s #$in and li##le/
E- (e (ill l se n #i+e'E said #$e D (a)er Prin%ess' and C$arl ##e (as (al2in) (i#$ $er in# an #$er a.ar#+en#/ T$e 1in) $ad re+ained !e$ind (i#$ L rd B"#e and a .ani% sei7ed C$arl ##e/ -$e $ad *el# sa*er (i#$ $er $"s!and #$an (i#$ #$e ( +en #$e % ld ( +an ($ (as $er + #$er,in,la(D #$e s".er%ili "s )irl ($ (as $er sis#er,in,la( and #$e y "n) Car line Ma#ilda ($ ' s$e *el#' (as se%re#ly a+"sed/ 3$yG Be%a"se s$e (as #$in and s+all and ")ly' and #$e %$ild *el# #$is # !e s +e s r# * 4 2eG EO$ I' %ried Car line Ma#ilda as #$ey en#ered #$e a.ar#+en# in ($i%$ #$e %l #$es (ere laid "#/ EDid y " e&er see s"%$ +a)ni*i%en# )ar+en#sFE C$arl ##e said in Fren%$ : EI d n # s.ea2 En)lis$/E ET$en'E re.lied Car line Ma#ilda' 'y " (ill $a&e # learn B"i%2ly' (ill y " n #GE T$e D"%$ess and #$e Mar%$i ness a..eared s"ddenly and #$e Prin%ess D (a)er % ++anded #$e+ # assis# #$e 8"een # dress in #$e )ar+en#s (i#$ "# delay/ T$en s$e si)ned # $er da")$#ers # re#ire (i#$ $er/ As s n as #$ey $ad le*#' #$e se(in) ( +en %a+e in' .ins $an)in) n s#ri.s * .a.er *r + #$eir !el#s' #$eir s+all eyes ($i%$ see+ed # $a&e s"n2 dee. in# #$eir $eads #$r ")$ s +"%$ %l se ( r2'!eady and aler#' as #$e +a)ni*i%en# ) (n (as sli..ed &er C$arl ##e's $ead/ EY "r Ma4es#y is #re+!lin)'E said #$e Mar%$i ness/ EI# is (ell * r y " # s+ile'E re# r#ed C$arl ##e/ EY " $a&e !een +arried #(i%e/ I ne&er $a&e !e* re/ - I *ind i# n 4 2e/E Indeed n #'Es$e #$ ")$# as #$e li##le se(in) ( +en sei7ed $er and li*#ed #$e ) (n ". n #$e s$ "lders and in a# #$e sea+s/ I# is li2e a !ad drea+ #$a# ) es n and n' s$e #$ ")$#/ A ni)$#+are/ A# las# #$e dress $ad !een +ade # *i# $er/ I# (as #r"ly +a)ni*i%en#' !ein) * ($i#e and sil&erD and $er ."r.le &el&e# +an#le (as *as#ened a# ne s$ "lder !y a %l"s#er * !ea"#i*"lly +a#%$in) .earls/ T$e 1in)'s .resen# # C$arl ##e (as a dia+ nd #iara' and #$is (i#$ $er s# +a%$er
* dia+ nds als a )i*# *r + #$e 1in) (as &al"ed a# ;?'??? . "nds and ($en s$e ."# #$ese n #$ey s%in#illa#ed s !rillian#ly #$a# s$e (as s"re #$eir )li##er ( "ld #a2e .e .le's eyes *r + $er *a%e/ Ne&er $ad s$e seen s"%$ dia+ nds and s$e ( ndered *lee#in)ly ($a# Ida & n Bill ( ( "ld say i* s$e % "ld see $er n (/ -$e (is$ed #$a# s$e % "ld 2n ( ($a# #$e 1in)'s #$ ")$#s $ad !een ($en $e $ad *irs# seen $er/ In $is (n a.ar#+en#s' !ein) dressed * r #$e (eddin)' Ge r)e (as a##e+.#in) # de%ei&e $i+sel*/ He $ad !een s#ar#led !y $is !ride's a..earan%e * r' r +an#i%ally' ($en $e $ad #$ ")$# * $er $e $ad .i%#"red $er s di**eren#D $e $ad +ade a % +. si#e .i%#"re * -ara$ Lenn 0 and Hanna$ Li)$# * # and de%ei&ed $i+sel* in# #$in2in) C$arl ##e ( "ld !ear s +e rese+!lan%e # #$ se ( +en ($ + $e $ad l &ed s de& #edly a# ne #i+e * $is li*e/ And # see $er .ale' #$in' s+all' (i#$ #$a# (ide + "#$' $e $ad !een #e+. rarily s$ %2ed/ His in$eren# 2indness $ad * r%ed $i+ # s+ile' # #rea# $er (i#$ s.e%ial #enderness and #$e + s# i+. r#an# #$in) in #$ se *irs# + +en#s * +ee#in) $ad n # !een $is disa.. in#+en# !"# $is )rea# desire # $ide i#/ He $ad 2issed $er (ar+ly' $ad s. 2en # $er #enderly and #r"s#ed s$e $ad n # !een a(are * $is dis#as#e/ He de#er+ined # !e a ) d $"s!and # $er/ He +"s# ne&er #$in2 * an #$er ( +an/ Fa#e $ad !een ) d # $i+ ($ere Hanna$ (as % n%erned/ 3$en $e #$ ")$# * #$e di**i%"l#ies #$a# % "ld $a&e arisen "# * #$a# y "#$*"l indis%re#i n and ye# a# #$e #i+e ($a# a .assi na#e ne%essi#y i# $ad !een $e % "ld #ell $i+sel* #$a# $e $ad !een !li)ed # .ay * r #$a# * lly !y )i&in) ". -ara$/ In any %ase #$e a**air (i#$ -ara$ (as a# an end/ C$arl ##e (as n ( $is (i*e and i# (as $is d"#y as $er $"s!and # !e *ai#$*"l # $er and as a 1in) # se# an e0a+.le * + rali#y # $is .e .le/ - $e ( "ld s# . % +.arin) C$arl ##e (i#$ -ara$/ He ( "ld ne&er )i&e -ara$ an #$er #$ ")$#/ Hanna$ and -ara$ !el n)ed # #$e .as#/ C$arl ##e (as n ( and #$e *"#"re/ L rd B"#e %a+e in# #$e a.ar#+en# in #$e "n%ere+ ni "s (ay $e n ( and #$en ad .#ed # s#ress #$e in#i+a%y !e#(een #$e+/ EY "r Ma4es#y is s+ilin)'E $e said/ EI #r"s# y " are .leased (i#$ y "r !ride/E
EI already $a&e an a**e%#i n * r $er'E lied #$e 1in)' a# #$e sa+e #i+e #ryin) # !elie&e i#/ EI #$in2 s$e (ill +a2e a ) d (i*e and' I .ray' a *r"i#*"l ne/E
T$e 1in) ! (ed $is $ead in a)ree+en#/ His s.iri#s (ere raised a li##le/ I# ( "ld +a2e ". * r/ a ) d deal i* #ie $ad %$ildrenD and C$arl ##e's %$ildren ( "ld li&e "nder $is r *D $e % "ld !e a #r"e *a#$er # #$e+/ He (as sad a)ain' #$in2in) * Hanna$'s %$ildren and $is /// li&in) #$eir li&es in a -"rrey $ "se$ ld' n # 2n (in) ($ #$eir #r"e *a#$er (as/ 3$a# +ys#ery' 3$a# in#ri)"e I# (as a ) d #$in) #$a# $e (as s"i#a!ly +arried n (/ O&er #$e indis%re#i ns * #$e .as# $e ( "ld !"ild a s lid *a+ily li*e/ L rd B"#e (as s+ilin) a# $i+ B"i77i%ally/ He !elie&ed $is dear *riend read $is #$ ")$#s a%%"ra#ely/ In #$e C$a.el R yal #$e Ar%$!is$ . * Can#er!"ry (as (ai#in) # .er* r+ #$e %ere+ ny/ I# (as nine '%l %2 and in $er )li##erin) (eddin) )ar+en#s C$arl ##e *el# + re % +. sed' al#$ ")$ #$e +an#le * &el&e# and er+ine (as s $ea&y i# (as all #$e #i+e #$rea#enin) # *all ** $er #$in s$ "lders/ C$arl ##e (as 4 ined !y $er !rides+aidsD #$ere (ere #en * #$e+' all da")$#ers * d"2es r earls and %$ar+in) l 2in) %rea#"res #$ey (ere' s$e #$ ")$# s +e' s$e n #i%ed (i#$ %$a)rin' % +.arin) (i#$ $er #( ladies,in,(ai#in) * r !ea"#y' .ar#i%"larly #$e )irl a# #$e $ead * #$e+ ($ (as B"i#e l &ely in $er !rides+aid's ) (n * ($i#e and sil&er and #$e dia+ nd % r ne# n $er $ead/ -$e ($is.ered # #$e D"2e * C"+!erland #$e 1in)'s "n%le ($ se na+e s$e 2ne( as #$e &i%# r * C"ll den and ($ (as )i&in) $er Ea(ay #$a# #$e !rides+aids (ere %$ar+in) and ($ (as #$e leader * #$e+/ C"+!erland !en# $is $ead and )a&e $er a &ery #ender l 2 ($i%$ (as a li##le )r #esB"e n $is . r *a%e' s dis# r#ed !y #$e .alsy' al#$ ")$ $e (as n # an ld +an/ He said: EY "r Ma4es#y' s$e is Lady -ara$ Lenn 0' sis#er * #$e D"2e * Ri%$+ nd and sis#er,in,la( # Mr/ F 0' ne * #$e 1in)'s %$ie* +inis#ers/E E-$e is %$ar+in)'E +"r+"red C$arl ##e/
And s$e (as a(are * a sli)$# ri..le * a+"se+en# ($i%$ s$e did n # "nders#and/ Her !r #$ers,in,la( #$e D"2e * Y r2 and Prin%e 3illia+ (ere %l se a# $and' and Dr/ -ee2er #$e Ar%$!is$ . (as ready # !e)in #$e %ere+ ny/ EDearly !el &ed' (e are )a#$ered # )e#$er $ere in #$e si)$# * G d' and in #$e *a%e * #$is % n)re)a#i n ///E C$arl ##e )lan%ed side(ays a# $er y "n) !ride)r res l"#e' al+ s# )ri+ly de#er+ined/ +/ He see+ed
I %an !e $a..y (i#$ $i+' I !elie&e' s$e (as #$in2in)/ T$ere (as a 2indliness in $is *a%e ($i%$ (as % +* r#in) and led $er # !elie&e $e ( "ld !e #ender # (ards $er/ N ($ere $ad s$e $eard an "n2ind ( rd s. 2en * $i+/ He (as a y "n) +an de#er+ined # !e a ) d 2in) and a ) d $"s!and and i* s$e (ere eB"ally de#er+ined # !e a ) d (i*e and B"een ($a# % "ld ) (r n)G EL 2' O L rd' +er%i*"lly ". n #$e+ *r + $ea&en and !less #$e+ as T$ " did send T$y !lessin) ". n A!ra$a+ and -ara$// /E T$e 1in) s#ar#ed s"ddenly/ He (as l 2in) a# #$e %$ie* !rides+aid' s#arin) a# $er (i#$ l n)in) and al+ s# .leadin)ly as #$ ")$ $e (ere as2in) $er * r)i&eness/ C$arl ##e (as % ns%i "s * #$e l 2/ -$e sa( #$e !ea"#i*"l y "n) )irl #"rn $er $ead a(ay and s#are s# nily in an #$er dire%#i n/ T$ere (as s +e#$in) * ($i%$ s$e $ad ye# # learn' #$ ")$# C$arl ##eD !"# s$e % "ld )"ess/ 3$a# $ad $a..ened did n # need ( rds # e0.lain i#/ Lady -ara$ Lenn 0F A!ra$a+ and -ara$ T$ey ( "ld $a&e +e# n +any %%asi ns/ As #$e sis#er and da")$#er * a d"2e ,and ne * #$e leadin) d"2es #$a# )irl ( "ld $a&e $ad +any .. r#"ni#ies * +ee#in) #$e 1in)/ And s$e (as !ea"#i*"l/ -$e (as all #$a# C$arl ##e (as n #/ C$arl ##e 2e.# re+indin) $ersel* #$a# s$e $ad ne asse# #$ ")$ ($i%$ +ade $er + re desira!le: s$e (as a .rin%ess/ T$e %ere+ ny (as &er and #$e .r %essi n *r + #$e %$a.el $ad !e)"n/ C$arl ##e (as a(are * #$e $ea&iness * $er %l a2 and #$e $ands ($i%$ $eld $er #rain (ere #$ se * -ara$ Lenn 0/ T$e na+e 2e.# re.ea#in) i#sel* in $er $ead/ - i# (as -ara$ Lenn 0 $e $ad (an#ed #$a# )irl ($ (as e&en l &elier #$an #$e Mar%$i ness and #$e D"%$ess ($ $ad % +e # -#ade # +ee# $er' !e%a"se s$e (as y "n) and *res$ a )irl' ($ereas #$ey
(ere ( +en/ I# see+ed #$a# #$ se s+all $ands #"))ed &i%i "sly a# #$e %l a2 !"# #$a# (as n # s / I# (as # $ea&y * r $er # s".. r#/ -$e % "ld *eel i# !ein) ."lled $al*(ay d (n $er !a%2 and sa( se&eral a+"sed )lan%es/ -$e learned a*#er(ards #$a# H ra%e 3al. le' #$a# in&e#era#e ) ssi. and re% rder * e&en#s' $ad n #ed #$a# '#$e s.e%#a# rs 2ne( as +"%$ * #$e 8"een's "..er $al* as #$e 1in) $i+sel*/E And in *a%# s$e #$ ")$# #$ey ( "ld dra) #$e %l #$es % +.le#ely *r + $er !a%2 !e* re #$ey rea%$ed #$e !anB"e#in) $all/ A# las# #$ey arri&ed #$ere # *ind #$a# #$ere $ad !een a delay in .re.arin) #$e !anB"e#D and as i# $ad !een re. ##ed #$a# C$arl ##e $ad .layed #$e $ar.si%$ rd # $er seasi%2 ladies' i# (as n ( s"))es#ed #$a# s$e s$ "ld .lay * r #$e % +.any "n#il dinner (as ser&ed/ Ha&in) .layed and s"n) all $er li*e C$arl ##e $ad n / 's$yness n #$is s% re and .layed and san) s en%$an#in)ly #$a# e&ery ne a..la"ded en#$"sias#i%ally and de%lared #$a# +"si% $ad %$ar+s # s #$e e+.#y s# +a%$s as (ell as sa&a)e !reas#s/ In #i+e s"..er (as ser&ed/ T$e 1in) si##in) !eside $is !ride (as &ery a##en#i&e # $er' as #$ ")$' i# (as !ser&ed' $e ( "ld +a2e ". * r #$a# la.s in #$e %$a.el ($en $e $ad !een s &er% +e a# #$e +en#i n * #$e na+e -ara$ and $ad !een "na!le # .re&en# $i+sel* )a7in) a# #$e %$ie* !rides+aid/ C$arl ##e' *res$ *r + $er #ri"+.$ n #$e $ar.si%$ rd' *el# e0%i#ed and #$e 1in)'s a##en#i n (as/ *la##erin)/ T$e + re s$e 2ne( $i+ #$e + re s$e li2ed $i+' and $a# s$e # ld $ersel*' (as a &ery .r +isin) s#ar#/ -"..er &er' #$e 1in) # 2 $er $and and # ld $er #$a# #$ey +"s# +in)le (i#$ #$e )"es#s ($ ( "ld (is$ # !e .resen#ed # $erD #$is #$ey did and #$e 1in) see+ed in n $"rry # !rea2 ". #$e .ar#y/ N r (as C$arl ##e * r as s n as i# (as &er #$ey ( "ld re#ire # #$eir !ed%$a+!er and #$ere !e en#irely al ne/ I# (as as #$ ")$ e&ery ne (as a(are * #$is and "nders# d #$e *eelin)s * #$e y "n) +arried .air/ A# las# #$e D"2e * C"+!erland a..r a%$ed #$e 1in) and said : E3$en is Y "r Ma4es#y ) in) # !rea2 ". #$e % +.anyG I a+ e0$a"s#ed and +"s# needs lea&e (i#$ "# y "r .er+issi n i* y " ( n'# )i&e i#/E Ge r)e i++edia#ely )a&e #$e reB"ired .er+issi n/ I# (as al+ s# #$ree '%l %2 in #$e + rnin) and $ .e*"l eyes (ere #"rned # (ards #$e r yal % ".le/ N ( (as #$e #i+e * r #$e n".#ial %ele!ra#i n #$e ."##in) #
!ed * #$e !ride and )r +' #$e (i#nessin) * #$e y "n) % ".le in !ed # )e#$er' #$e sly % ++en#s' #$e ($is.ered s"))es#i ns/ Ge r)e $ad !een dreadin) #$is and !" yin) $i+sel* ". (i#$ #$e re+inder #$a# $e (as #$e 1in) and % "ld d as $e (is$ed' $e ann "n%ed $is in#en#i n * a! lis$in) #$e ld %"s# + ($i%$ $e * "nd in e0#re+ely !ad #as#e/ T$ere ( "ld !e n %ere+ ny ($a#s e&er/ T$e 1in) $i+sel* ( "ld % nd"%# $is !ride # #$eir !ed%$a+!er/ T$ere (as disa.. in#+en#' * r #$is %ere+ ny (as al(ays en4 yed !y all e0%e.# #$e .rin%i.al a%# rsD $ (e&er' #$e 1in)'s s$ ( * res l"#i n (as ad+ired and n ne % "ld )ainsay $is rders/ - ' #a2in) C$arl ##e !y #$e $and $e led $er a(ay # #$e n".#ial !ed%$a+!er/ T$e 1in) (as a. l )e#i%/ E3e +e# nly * r #$e *irs# #i+e # day'E $e said' 'and y " (ill !e *eelin) #$a# I a+ al+ s# a s#ran)er/E EIndeed n #'E s$e ans(ered/ EI $a&e $eard li##le +en#i ned #$a# did n # % n%ern y " sin%e #$e day #$e ne(s arri&ed #$a# y " $ad s. 2en * r +e/E ET$en /// I a+ )lad/E EI #r"s# I a+ n # as a s#ran)er # y "/E EN /// as y " $eard * +e' s I $eard * y "/E T$ey *a%ed ea%$ #$er ner& "sly/ T$e 1in) said : EI daresay y " (ill a)ree (i#$ +e #$a# *indin) "rsel&es in #$is . si#i n (e +"s# d "r d"#y/E EI# is ($a# I s$all al(ays (is$ # d /// +y d"#y/E And s ($ile #$e C "r# s.e%"la#ed n ($a# (as $a..enin) in #$e r yal !ed%$a+!er' Ge r)e and C$arl ##e (ere s le+nly d in) #$eir d"#y/T$e % +i% % r na#i n I# (as #$e day a*#er #$e (eddin)/ C$arl ##e sa# a# $er +irr r ($ile $er a##endan#s .re.ared $er * r #$e le&ee/ T$ey (ere (a#%$in) $er %"ri "sly and s$e 2ne( ($y/ T$ey ( "ld &ery +"%$ li2e # 2n ( ($a# s$e #$ ")$# * +arried li*e/ C$arl ##e (as !y n +eans
dis% n#en#ed (i#$ i#/ T$e 1in) % "ld s%ar%ely !e %alled a .assi na#e l &er !"# $e (as 2ind/ T$a# (as ($a# .leased $er s +"%$/ -$e $ad !een dreadin) #$eir *irs# en% "n#er and i# $ad .assed (i#$ "# "nd"e dis% +* r#D and s$e (as n ( ini#ia#ed in# +arried li*e and 2ne( ($a# (as e0.e%#ed * $er and #$a# i* s$e % "ld !ear %$ildren s$e ( "ld !e a s"%%ess*"l 8"een/ On (a2in) s$e $ad i++edia#ely #$ ")$# * #$e %$ie* !rides+aid' * r s$e (as s"re #$a# #$e 1in) $ad !een #$in2in) * $er # ' and n d "!# (is$in) $er in C$arl ##e's .la%e/ B"# s$e 2ne( en ")$ * #$e (ays * C "r# # !e a(are * #$e *a%# #$a# +any a 8"een $ad arri&ed in $er ne( land # *ind $er $"s!and's +is#ress in . ssessi n * $is a**e%#i ns/ -$e did n # !elie&e -ara$ Lenn 0 (as Ge r)e's +is#ressD and s$e *el# e0#ra rdinarily .#i+is#i% sin%e $er ne( in#i+a%y (i#$ #$e 1in)D s$e !elie&ed #$a# n ( $e (as a $"s!and $e ( "ld s n s# . $an2erin) a*#er #$a# )irl/ Her ( +en (ere ($is.erin) # )e#$er/ T$ere (as ne ($ + s$e $ad n # n #i%ed !e* reD *la+! yan# and !ea"#i*"l' #$ ")$ n l n)er y "n)/ T$e ( +an (as sayin): EAnd +y L rd Hard(i%2e +e# His Ma4es#y % +in) *r + #$e !ed%$a+!er and His Ma4es#y see+ed in ) d s.iri#s/ He said i# (as a &ery *ine dayD # ($i%$ +y l rd re.lied (i#$ a%% +.anyin) leer: EYes' -ire' and i# (as a &ery *ine ni)$#/E A# ($i%$ His Ma4es#y (as n # a+"sed/E T$e #i##er * la")$#er ($i%$ * ll (ed #$is )a&e C$arl ##e an indi%a#i n * #$e s r# * 4 2e #$ese ( +en (ere +a2in) al#$ ")$ #$ey s. 2e in En)lis$/ -$e $ad $ (e&er %a")$# #$e ( rds His Ma4es#y * r #$ se (ere #( (i#$ ($i%$ s$e $ad already !e% +e *a+iliar/ I +"s# learn En)lis$ B"i%2ly' s$e #$ ")$#/ T$ey +"s# n # !e all (ed # %$a##er s in +y .resen%e and I n # 2n ( ($a# #$ey say/ -$e as2ed #$e Mar%$i ness ($ #$e lady (as/ EI# is Eli7a!e#$ C$"dlei)$' Mada+' ($ + #$e Prin%ess D (a)er $as a.. in#ed # ser&e y "/E EPray .resen# $er # +e/E Eli7a!e#$ C$"dlei)$ s(e.# a dee. %"r#sey/ Her eyes see+ed # !e *illed (i#$ +is%$ie* !"# $ ( % "ld C$arl ##e % +.lain * #$a#/ Eli7a!e#$ C$"dlei)$ (as #$in2in): My G d' ($a# $a&e #$ey )i&en #$e . ! y n (F I'll (arran# $e's #$in2in) * .re##y -ara$ r .er$a.s $is r
!ea"#i*"l Hanna$/ 3$a# a #ale I % "ld #ell li##le Cr % dile,M "#$ i* I (is$ed/ Eli7a!e#$ (as s"re * $ersel*/ -$e $ad .layed $er .ar# in #$e Hanna$ Li)$# * # a**air' * r #$e 1in) Prin%e * 3ales #$en' * % "rse $ad % n*ided in $er and as2ed $er $el./ 3as i# n # Eli7a!e#$ ($ $ad * "nd #$e r +s in #$e Hay+ar2e# ($ere Ge r)e $ad $ad #$ se %landes#ine +ee#in)s (i#$ $is 8"a2eressG 3$a# a .ar# s$e $ad .layed in #$e el .e+en#/ And ($a# )rea# ) d i# $ad !r ")$# $er * r #$a# sly ld +a#r n' #$e Prin%ess D (a)er' ( "ld $a&e dis+issed $er *r + C "r# l n) 'ere #$is $ad Eli7a!e#$ n # !een in a . si#i n # ( r2 a li##le % "r#e "s !la%2+ail/ And L rd B"#e (as a*raid * $er # F 3ell' Eli7a!e#$ (as n ( dee. in $er (n a**airsD ( nderin) $ ( s$e (as ) in) # )e# #$e D"2e * 1in)s# n # +arry $er/ I# (as #$e day a*#er #$e (eddin)/ C$arl ##e sa# a# $er +irr r ($ile $er a##endan#s .re.ared $er * r #$e le&ee/ T$ey (ere (a#%$in) $er %"ri "sly and s$e 2ne( ($y/ T$ey ( "ld &ery +"%$ li2e # 2n ( ($a# s$e #$ ")$# * +arried li*e/ C$arl ##e (as !y n +eans dis% n#en#ed (i#$ i#/ T$e 1in) % "ld s%ar%ely !e %alled a .assi na#e l &er !"# $e (as 2ind/ T$a# (as ($a# .leased $er s +"%$/ -$e $ad !een dreadin) #$eir *irs# en% "n#er and i# $ad .assed (i#$ "# "nd"e dis% +* r#D and s$e (as n ( ini#ia#ed in# +arried li*e and 2ne( ($a# (as e0.e%#ed * $er and #$a# i* s$e % "ld !ear %$ildren s$e ( "ld !e a s"%%ess*"l 8"een/ On (a2in) s$e $ad i++edia#ely #$ ")$# * #$e %$ie* !rides+aid' * r s$e (as s"re #$a# #$e 1in) $ad !een #$in2in) * $er # ' and n d "!# (is$in) $er in C$arl ##e's .la%e/ B"# s$e 2ne( en ")$ * #$e (ays * C "r# # !e a(are * #$e *a%# #$a# +any a 8"een $ad arri&ed in $er ne( land # *ind $er $"s!and's +is#ress in . ssessi n * $is a**e%#i ns/-$e did n # !elie&e -ara$ Lenn 0 (as Ge r)e's +is#ressD and s$e *el# e0#ra rdinarily .#i+is#i% sin%e $er ne( in#i+a%y (i#$ #$e 1in)D s$e !elie&ed #$a# n ( $e (as a $"s!and $e ( "ld s n s# . $an2erin) a*#er #$a# )irl/ Her ( +en (ere ($is.erin) # )e#$er/ T$ere (as ne ($ + s$e $ad n # n #i%ed !e* reD *la+! yan# and !ea"#i*"l' #$ ")$ n l n)er y "n)/ T$e ( +an (as sayin): EAnd +y L rd Hard(i%2e +e# His Ma4es#y % +in) *r + #$e !ed%$a+!er and His Ma4es#y see+ed in ) d s.iri#s/ He said i# (as a &ery *ine dayD # ($i%$ +y l rd re.lied (i#$ a%% +.anyin) leer: EYes' -ire' and i# (as a &ery *ine ni)$#/E A# ($i%$ His Ma4es#y (as n # a+"sed/E T$e #i##er * la")$#er ($i%$ * ll (ed #$is )a&e C$arl ##e an indi%a#i n * #$e s r# * 4 2e #$ese ( +en (ere +a2in) al#$ ")$ #$ey s. 2e in En)lis$/ -$e $ad $ (e&er %a")$# #$e ( rds His Ma4es#y * r #$ se (ere
#( (i#$ ($i%$ s$e $ad already !e% +e *a+iliar/ I +"s# learn En)lis$ B"i%2ly' s$e #$ ")$#/ T$ey +"s# n # !e all (ed # %$a##er s in +y .resen%e and I n # 2n ( ($a# #$ey say/ -$e as2ed #$e Mar%$i ness ($ #$e lady (as/ EI# is Eli7a!e#$ C$"dlei)$' Mada+' ($ + #$e Prin%ess D (a)er $as a.. in#ed # ser&e y "/E EPray .resen# $er # +e/E Eli7a!e#$ C$"dlei)$ s(e.# a dee. %"r#sey/ Her eyes see+ed # !e *illed (i#$ +is%$ie* !"# $ ( % "ld C$arl ##e % +.lain * #$a#/ Eli7a!e#$ C$"dlei)$ (as #$in2in): My G d' ($a# $a&e #$ey )i&en #$e . r ! y n (/ I'll (arran# $e's #$in2in) * .re##y -ara$ r .er$a.s $is !ea"#i*"l Hanna$/ 3$a# a #ale I % "ld #ell li##le Cr % dile,M "#$ i* I (is$ed/ Eli7a!e#$ (as s"re * $ersel*/ -$e $ad .layed $er .ar# in #$e Hanna$ Li)$# * # a**air' * r #$e 1in) Prin%e * 3ales #$en' * % "rse $ad % n*ided in $er and as2ed $er $el./ 3as i# n # Eli7a!e#$ ($ $ad * "nd #$e r +s in #$e Hay+ar2e# ($ere Ge r)e $ad $ad #$ se %landes#ine +ee#in)s (i#$ $is 8"a2eressG 3$a# a .ar# s$e $ad .layed in #$e el .e+en# I And ($a# )rea# ) d i# $ad !r ")$# $er * r #$a# sly ld +a#r n' #$e Prin%ess D (a)er' ( "ld $a&e dis+issed $er *r + C "r# l n) 'ere #$is $ad Eli7a!e#$ n # !een in a . si#i n # ( r2 a li##le % "r#e "s !la%2+ail/ And L rd B"#e (as a*raid * $er # I 3ell' Eli7a!e#$ (as n ( dee. in $er (n a**airsD ( nderin) $ ( s$e (as ) in) # )e# #$e D"2e * 1in)s# n # +arry $er/ He (as $er d #in) l &er and s$e #$e +is#ress (i#$ "# ($ + $e % "ld n # li&e !"# s$e $ad +arried Her&ey and s$e ( "ld $a&e # e0#ri%a#e $ersel* *r + #$a# en#an)le+en# s +e$ (/ In #$e +ean#i+e s$e (as !idin) $er #i+e and (ai#in) n #$e ne(ly arri&ed 8"een/ P r %$ild/ #$ ")$# Eli7a!e#$/ -$ "ld ne (arn $er * #$e 1in)'s in*a#"a#i n * r #$e Lenn 0 )irlG -$ "ld ne #ell $er #$a# i* s$e (ere %le&er s$e % "ld !ea# $er + #$er,in,la( a# $er (n )a+e/ N / 1ee. "#' #$ ")$# Eli7a!e#$/ T$e )rea# .r 4e%# (as $ ( # !e% +e #$e D"%$ess * 1in)s# n/ Le# #$e 8"een l 2 a*#er $ersel*/ EY " $a&e !een ser&in) #$e Prin%ess D (a)er' I .res"+e'E said C$arl ##e in Fren%$/ EYes' Y "r Ma4es#y/ I #$in2 s$e %$ se +e !e%a"se #$e 1in) $i+sel* $as al(ays $ n "red +e !y $is in#eres# in +y (el*are/E
EI a+ .leased # $ear i#/E EY " are )ra%i "s' Mada+/ I s$all $ .e # ser&e y " *ai#$*"lly' * r #$a# is ($a# His Ma4es#y ( "ld (is$/E -$e is %le&er and (ise' #$ ")$# C$arl ##e/ -$e is a ( +an * )rea# e0.erien%e/ Did #$ey say Miss C$"dlei)$/ Odd #$a# s$e $ad n # +arried and !e% +e a C "n#ess r D"%$ess/ -$e ( "ld $a&e # *ind "# + re a! "# #$is in#ri)"in) ( +an/ -$e (as ready * r #$e le&ee and le*# * r #$e dra(in) r +/ T$ere s$e * "nd $er !rides+aids asse+!led and (as B"i%2ly a(are * -ara$ Lenn 0' l 2in) *res$ and l &ely and as !ea"#i*"l in $er ) (n * &el&e# as s$e $ad in $er ($i#e and sil&er !rides+aid's %l #$es (i#$ #$e %ir%le# * dia+ nds n $er $ead/ As $er . si#i n (arran#ed s$e # 2 $er .la%e near #$e #$r ne' !y ($i%$ C$arl ##e (as s#andin)' as ne !y ne #$e .eers and .eeresses %a+e # d $ +a)e # $er/ -$e *el# s"ddenly al ne !e%a"se s$e % "ld n # s.ea2 En)lis$ and n%e a)ain s$e (as de#er+ined # learn as B"i%2ly as s$e % "ld/ T$e Mar%$i ness (as ann "n%in) #$e na+es * #$e .e .le as #$ey a..r a%$ed #$e 8"eenD #$ey #$en 2nel# and 2issed $er $and and s( re alle)ian%e/ EL rd 3es#+ rland'E said #$e Mar%$i nessD and #$a# n !le+an %a+e * r(ard' .eerin) *r + side # side * r $e (as' #$e Mar%$i ness ($is.ered # $er' al+ s# !lind/ C$arl ##e s+iled a# $i+ 2indly !"# $e did n # see $er' and' # #$e "#(ard % ns#erna#i n and se%re# a+"se+en# * all' $e 2nel# and # 2 #$e $and * -ara$ Lenn 0 ($ (as s#andin) %l se # #$e 8"een/ EN // / n // /E $issed #$e Mar%$i ness' ($ile -ara$ s.ran) !a%2 as #$ ")$ s$e $ad !een !i##en/ T$e 8"een $eld "# $er $and and L rd 3es#+ rland 2issed i#/ C$arl ##e did n # see #$e ld +anD s$e (as a(are nly * #$e $"s$ ($i%$ $ad *allen n #$e asse+!ly/ C$arl ##e $ad $er *irs# %las$ (i#$ $er + #$er,in,la( a *e( days la#er/
-$e (as .re.arin) # #a2e C ++"ni n and $er ladies $ad ."# "# all $er ne( 4e(els' sin%e #$is (as an %%asi n ($en #$ey !elie&ed s$e ( "ld (ear #$e+/ T$e Prin%ess A")"s#a' #$e elder * Ge r)e's sis#ers' $ad % +e # $er a.ar#+en# # see $er and s (as .resen# ($en C$arl ##e ann "n%ed #$a# s$e did n # !elie&e i# (as see+ly # #a2e C ++"ni n in a #iara and s# +a%$er * dia+ nds/ E3$y n #GE A")"s#a as2ed in $er .ere+.# ry'(ay/ C$arl ##e resen#ed #$e Prin%ess's a##i#"de # (ards $er' !"# as #$ey (ere ! #$ s.ea2in) in Fren%$ a lan)"a)e * rei)n # #$e+ ! #$ s$e % "ld ne&er !e s"re ($e#$er s$e $ad in#er.re#ed % rre%#ly/ EI# d es n # see+ # +e # s$ ( .r .er res.e%#/E A")"s#a la")$edD s$e $ad a $ars$ "n.leasan# la")$/ -$e (as resen#*"l #$a# Ge r)e ($ (as y "n)er #$an s$e (as s$ "ld $a&e +arried !e* re $erD and s$e $ad al(ays #$ ")$# i# "n*air #$a# s$e' #$e *irs# ! rn' s$ "ld $a&e !een ,a )irl/ T$is a##i#"de did n # endear $er # C$arl ##e' #$ ")$ s$e (as se%re#ly a+"sed #$a# Ge r)e $ad ) # a li##le Cr % dile Ii# (as a #er+ ($i%$ (as !ein) a..lied # C$arl ##e n a%% "n# * #$a# /"n)ainly + "#$ * $ers ($i%$ e&ery ne ad+i##ed did %all #$e !n 0i "s %rea#"res # +indJ ($en $e $ad se# $is $ear# n *li)$#y -ara$ Lenn 0/ A")"s#a $ad d ne all s$e % "ld # * il #$a# r +an%e and s$e $ad *#en s"%%eeded in dis% +*i#in) Mada+e -ara$D all #$e sa+e #$is did n # endear $er # C$arl ##e' ($ (as n # nly y "n)er #$an $ersel*' !"# a! &e $er in . si#i n' !ein) 8"een * En)land/ And % +e *r + s +e (re#%$ed li##le s#a#e ($i%$ n !e* re #$e s"))es#ed +arria)e/ #$ ")$# A")"s#a/ ne $ad $eard *
E3e *eel i# ( "ld s$ ( a la%2 * res.e%# # a..ear (i#$ "# #$e+/E EI d n # !elie&e #$e dis%i.les ( re 4e(els a# #$e Las# -"..er/E I+."den# li##le %r % dile' #$ ")$# A")"s#a/ - s$e ( "ld ar)"eF ET$ey $ad n ne/ T$a#'s ($y/E EI d n # #$in2 4e(els in 2ee.in) (i#$ #$e %%asi n'E said C$arl ##e (i#$ a # "%$ * #$a# a"#$ ri#y ($i%$ s$e $ad dis.layed # $er a##endan#s n $er (ay # L nd n/ EAnd I s$all % n#in"e in #$e (ay I $a&e !een !r ")$# ". # !elie&e is #$e ri)$# ne/E
A")"s#a *l"s$ed an)rily and as2ed lea&e # de.ar#/ T$is (as )i&en (i#$ ala%ri#y' and n%e "# * #$e a.ar#+en# A")"s#a +ade $as#e # $er + #$er's a.ar#+en#/ EC$arl ##e is a + s# arr )an# %rea#"re'E s$e de%lared/ E-$e des.ises "r %"s# +s and #ells +e s$e (ill 2ee. # #$ se in ($i%$ s$e (as !r ")$# ". and ($i%$ are s +"%$ !e##er #$an "rs/E T$e Prin%ess D (a)er (as aler#/ T$ey ( "ld $a&e # 2ee. #$eir eyes n C$arl ##e' T$e ($ le reas n * r +arryin) $er # Ge r)e (as #$a# #$ey s$e and L rd B"#e +i)$# 2ee. #$eir % n#r l * $i+/ E3$a# is #$isGE s$e de+anded/ Her da")$#er # ld $er &ersi n * ($a# $ad $a..ened' and #$e Prin%ess D (a)er de%ided #$a# s +e#$in) s$ "ld !e d ne/ -$e (en# # #$e 8"een's a.ar#+en# 4"s# as C$arl ##e' si+.ly %lad (i#$ "# $er 4e(els' (as a! "# # lea&e * r C ++"ni n/ EB"# y " are n # ) in) # C ++"ni n li2e #$a#FE %ried #$e "#ra)ed Prin%ess D (a)er/ EI a+'E ans(ered C$arl ##e/ O$' yes' #$ ")$# $er + #$er,in,la(' s$e is arr )an#/ EN ' +y dear/ 3e ( "ld % nsider #$a# a dire%# ins"l# # G /E EI a+ s"re He ( "ld n #/E - s$e (as *li..an#' !las.$e+ "s/ A &ery *ir+ $and (as needed/ EMy dear da")$#er' n ( y " are $ere y " (ill (an# # learn "r %"s# +s/ Y " (ill n # (an# # **end .e .le !y !e$a&in) as y " d in y "r !r #$er's li##le d"2ed +/E C$arl ##e *l"s$ed/ EI %ann # see ($a# di**eren%e///E EY " (ill learn' +y dear/E T$e 8"een re.lied: EI s$all *irs# * all learn #$e lan)"a)e/E T$e Prin%ess D (a)er s# d li2e a red "!#a!le ld )eneral !l %2in) $er
(ay/ T$e 8"een (as n # ) in) # .ass/ -$e sa( Eli7a!e#$ C$"dlei)$ and # ld $er ra.idly in En)lis$ # !rin) L rd B"#e # $er (i#$ "# delay/ Eli7a!e#$' s+ilin) se%re#ly' $"rried **/ Mean($ile C$arl ##e' *l"s#ered' "n%er#ain' ne&er $a&in) % nsidered #$a# s$e ( "ld $a&e # *a%e s"%$ a si#"a#i n' (as "nde%ided $ ( # a%#/ ELe# "s si# d (n'E said #$e Prin%ess/ E3$ere is y "r #iaraG Pray *e#%$ i#'E s$e said # ne * #$e +aids/ I# (as !r ")$# and s$e ."# i# )en#ly n C$arl ##e's $ead/ EH ( !e% +in)/ 3$y i# +a2es y " .re##y/E T$e eyes ($i%$ re)arded C$arl ##e (ere as % ld as a sna2e's/ EI %ann # #$in2 ($y y " d n # (is$ # (ear #$e 1in)'s )i*# n e&ery %%asi n/E EI# is %$ar+in)'E said C$arl ##e/ EI $a&e ne&er . ssessed s"%$ 4e(elsD !"# I d n # % nsider #$e+ s"i#a!le # !e ( rn a# C ++"ni n/E L rd B"#e $ad arri&ed/ He l 2ed dee.ly % n%ernedD $e 2issed #$e 8"een's $and and #$a# * #$e Prin%ess D (a)er/ T$e la##er's eyes s *#ened a# #$e si)$# * $i+D $ard as s$e (as ($ere e&ery ne else (as % n%erned' s$e (as s *# * r #$is +an/ E&en n ( #$a# #$ey $ad !een l &ers * r years $er a**e%#i n (as a..aren# ($ene&er s$e l 2ed a# $i+D i# (as in #$e in*le%#i n * $er & i%e ($en s$e s. 2e # $i+/ EL rd B"#e' #$e 8"een (is$es y " # se# $er ri)$# n #$is li##le +a##er * %"s# +/ L rd B"#e' +y dear' #$in)s as #$e 1in) #$in2s/ T$ey $a&e ne&er $ad a disa)ree+en#/ He (ill #ell y " ($a# s$ "ld !e d ne and y " +ay !elie&e $i+/ Her Ma4es#y (is$es # ) # C ++"ni n (i#$ "# $er 4e(els/ I $a&e # ld $er #$a# s$e s$ "ld (ear #$e+ /// #$a# i# ( "ld !e % nsidered + s# "nsee+ly i* s$e did n #/ -$e ( "ld **end .e .le $ere i* #$ey #$ ")$# s$e (as n # .ayin) d"e res.e%# # G d and reli)i n/ T$a# is s ' +y l rd' is i# n #GE EI# is ass"redly s 'E said L rd B"#e/ EI d n # *ind i* s 'E .ersis#ed C$arl ##e s#"!! rnly/ -$e (as al+ s# in #ears' and an)ry (i#$ $ersel* #$a# s$e s$ "ld !e s &er s"%$ a silly +a##er/
EI $a&e # ld Her Ma4es#y #$a# s$e (ill learn "r (ays'E said #$e Prin%ess/ E-$e +"s# n # !e des. nden# i* s$e d es n # )ras. #$e+ all a# n%e/E EI a+ s"re Her Ma4es#y (ill 2n ( "r %"s# +s as (ell as (e d "rsel&es/// in a &ery s$ r# #i+e/E EIn #$e +ean#i+e///E EIn #$e +ean#i+e'E in#err".#ed #$e Prin%ess D (a)er' 'y " (is$ "s # ad&ise y "/ Res# ass"red' +y dear da")$#er' #$a# (e s$all !e + s# $a..y # d s and sa&e y " *r + #$e e+!arrass+en# ($i%$ ( "ld #$er(ise res"l#/E C$arl ##e % n#in"ed # l 2 s#"!! rn/ I# did n # i+.r &e $er l 2s/ 3$a# a .lain %rea#"re s$e isF #$ ")$# B"#e/ I ( nder Ge r)e d esn'# re!el/ -er&e $er ri)$# i* $e +a2es -ara$ Lenn 0 $is +is#ress/ N # #$a# #$a# sly ld F 0 (ill all ( #$a#/ A . 0 n #$ese silly sB"a!!les' !"# A")"s#a (as ri)$# * % "rse # #a2e #$is s#and/ T$e )irl +"s# n # $a&e $er $ead #"rned !y $earin) $ersel* re*erred # % ns#an#ly as #$e 8"een * En)land/ EI (ill $a&e a ( rd (i#$ His Ma4es#y'E $e # ld $er !eni)nly/ EI a+ s"re ($en y " $ear $is r"lin) y " (ill !e % n&in%ed/E T$ere (as ne #$in) C$arl ##e $ad !een #a")$# in $er $ +e and #$a# (as #$a# s$e +"s# !ey $er $"s!and' and i* #$e 1in) said s$e +"s# (ear $er 4e(els # C ++"ni n' #$en s$e +"s#/ -$e (as dis#ressed + re !e%a"se * #$e * lly * #$e si#"a#i n #$an any#$in) else' and .er$a.s !e%a"se in $er $ear# s$e )"essed #$a# #$is (as an indi%a#i n/ Her . (er*"l + #$er,in,la( and L rd B"#e e0.e%#ed $er # d as s$e (as # ld/ -$e l 2ed a# #$e+ de*ian#ly/ -$e ( "ld n # ) # C ++"ni n !e4e(elled r #$er(ise "n#il s$e $ad $eard ($a# #$e 1in $ad # say/ L rd B"#e * "nd #$e 1in) in $is a.ar#+en#s/ He (en# in "n%ere+ ni "sly/ He (an#ed #$e 1in) and e&ery ne # reali7e #$e in#i+a%y !e#(een #$e+/ EA li##le di**i%"l#y !e#(een #$e 8"een and y "r + #$er'E $e ($is.ered/ EI a+ %er#ain #$a# !e#(een "s (e s$all B"i%2ly ."# i# # ri)$#s/E
EA di**i%"l#yFE e%$ ed #$e 1in)/ EYes' +y dear Ma4es#y /// a +a##er * 4e(els/ T$e 8"een *eels s$e s$ "ld n # (ear #$e+ and y "r + #$er *eels s$e s$ "ld/E E-$ "ld i# n # !e a +a##er * r #$e 8"een # de%ideGE ET$is is * r C ++"ni n/ Per$a.s an %%asi n * r %ere+ ny/E EI/// I s$ "ld n # $a&e #$ ")$# s /E B"#e (as %a"#i "s/ Here (as a si#"a#i n ($i%$ $e and #$e Prin%ess D (a)er $ad *eared/ I* #$e 8"een (as all (ed # $a&e $er (n (ay s$e ( "ld B"i%2ly !e ad&isin) #$e 1in) and ne * #$e *irs# res"l#s * #$is ( "ld !e # #"rn $i+ *r + $is + #$er/ A +a##er * (earin) r n # (earin) 4e(els (as i++a#erial # B"#eD !"# ($a# (as * #$e "#+ s# i+. r#an%e (as #$a# #$e li##le 8"een s$ "ld n # )i&e $ersel* airs' and #$a#'s$e +"s# !e +ade # "nders#and #$a# #$e Prin%ess D (a)er and $er dear *riend L rd B"#e (ere #$e #( ($ $ad )"ided His Ma4es#y !e* re $is +arria)e and #$ey in#ended # ) n d in) s / EY "r + #$er is * #$e .ini n #$a# i# s$ (s disres.e%# # reli)i n n # # (ear #$e 4e(els and I a)ree (i#$ $er/E T$e 1in) l 2ed s#ar#led/ EAnd I $a&e ass"red $er #$a# n % nsidera#i n Y "r Ma4es#y (ill s$are "r &ie(/E EB"# EO$' #$ese ladiesF T$e 8"een is %$ar+in)/ Per$a.s s$e is n !ea"#y !"# s$e is %$ar+in) /// %$ar+in) /// and I a+ s"re s$e $as already *allen in l &e (i#$ Y "r Ma4es#y/ T$a# I %an (ell "nders#and and s$ "ld indeed !e s"r.rised i* i# (ere n # s / B"# !ein) in l &e s$e *eels s$e %an lead y "/ O$' i# is #$e (ay (i#$ ( +en/E EI $a&e n in#en#i n * !ein) led/E E- I #$ ")$#/ Y "r Ma4es#y $as *#en re+ar2ed n #$e #r "!le ($i%$ $as % +e #$r ")$ 2in)s !ein) led !y ( +en and I %an re+e+!er y "r sayin) n + re #$an ne %%asi n #$a# y " $ad n in#en#i n * all (in) #$is # $a..en # y "/E ET$a#'s s / I s$ "ld ne&er all ( any ( +an # .ers"ade +e *r + ($a# I #$ ")$# (as ri)$#/E EH ( * r#"na#e #$is % "n#ry is # $a&e s"%$ a 2in)/ 3$en I % nsider
#$e las# rei)ns // / N +a##er/ 3e $a&e % +e sa*ely #$r ")$ and I 2n ( y " are ) in) # / % ++and +e # e0.lain # $er dear li##le Ma4es#y #$a# i# is y "r (is$ #$a# s$e (ears #$e 4e(els/ N # #$a#// / !e#(een "rsel&es // K (e see any#$in) * )rea# i+. r#an%e in #$is/ B"# I 2n ( Y "r Ma4es#y (ill a)ree (i#$ +e #$a# (e +"s# +a2e i# %lear # #$e 8"een #$a# y " are de#er+ined n # # !e r"led !y $er and #$a# i# is $er d"#y # !ey $er $"s!and/E Be* re Ge r)e % "ld s.ea2' B"#e $"rried n/ ET$is is a !lessin)' !e%a"se in #$is &ery s+all +a##er (e %an se# Her Ma4es#y's *ee# n #$e ri)$# .a#$/ 3e %an +a2e 2n (n # $er ,s dis%ree#ly Y "r Ma4es#y's . li%y' * r ($i%$ 2n (in) ( +en I a+ s"re s$e (ill res.e%# y " /// *ar + re #$an i* y " (ere # )i&e (ay and all ( $er # r"le y "/E I# all see+ed a )rea# ! #$er a! "# a s+all +a##er' Ge r)e #$ ")$#D !"# i# (as #r"e #$a# $e (as de#er+ined n # # !e ) &erned !y ( +enD and L rd B"#e (as ri)$# as "s"al ($en $e . in#ed "# #$a# C$arl ##e s$ "ld !e +ade a(are * #$is in #$e !e)innin)/ -$ r#ly a*#er(ards #$e Prin%ess D (a)er $ad #$e sa#is*a%#i n * seein) #$e 8"een ) # C ++"ni n in $er dia+ nds/ I# (as s +e #$ree (ee2s a*#er #$e (eddin) a )l ri "s day and @@ -e.#e+!er' #$e day *i0ed * r #$e % r na#i n/ All al n) #$e r "#e *r + #$e Pala%e # #$e A!!ey s%a** ldin) $ad !een se# ". in #$e s#ree#s and $i)$ .ri%es (ere de+anded * r sea#s in (ind (s/ L nd n (as ea)er # see #$e ne( 1in) %r (nedD $e (as . ."lar !e%a"se $e (as y "n)' $ad !een ! rn in En)land' l 2ed and s. 2e li2e an En)lis$+an and (as #$e *irs# En)lis$ 2in) #$ey $ad $ad sin%e Ja+es IID and !e%a"se #$ey $ad ne&er %ared * r $i+ and $ad sen# $i+ .a%2in)' #$ey .re*erred # re%all G d C$arles's days ($en #$a# r +an#i% + nar%$ $ad % +e !a%2 # En)land n $is Res# ra#i n and +ade En)land +erry/ T$a# (as a $"ndred years a) and $ere (as an #$er' Ge r)e' #$eir 2in)' ne(ly as%ended #$e #$r ne and ne(ly +arried/ O* % "rse #$ey +"s# % +e "# n a )l ri "s -e.#e+!er day # s$ "# #$eir l yal#y/ And #$ere (as #$e 8"een' # ' , a Ger+an' n # s.ea2in) En)lis$' ($i%$ +ade #$e+ )ri+a%e/ T$ey (ere #ired * Ger+ans ($ % "ldn'# r ( "ldn'# s.ea2 En)lis$/ B"# s$e (as y "n) and i* s$e !e$a&ed $ersel* #$ey ( "ld a%%e.# $er' * r #$e 1in) $ad %$ sen $er in s.i#e * #$e *a%# #$a# $e $ad $ad $is eyes n Lady -ara$ Lenn 0 ($ + #$ey ( "ld $a&e *ar .re*erred/ A l &ely En)lis$ )irl (as !e##er #$an an ")ly Ger+an ne any day/ -#ill' i# (as a % r na#i n and a rei)n al(ays +ean# ne( $ .es * !e##er #i+es/ C$arl ##e a( 2e (i#$ a ra)in) # #$a%$e and ne"ral)ia/ -$e de%ided n # # +en#i n #$is # Made+ iselle & n -%$(ellen!"r) ($ (as' s$e $ad # ad+i#' !e% +in) B"i#e in# lera!le' se##in) $ersel* ". as #$e $ead * #$e ( +en' +a2in) $er (n r"le #$a# n ne s$ "ld a..r a%$ #$e 8"een
e0%e.# #$r ")$ $er/ C$arl ##e ( "ld $a&e # (arn -%$(ellen!"r) #$a# #$e En)lis$ ladies ( "ld n # li2e #$is a# all/ -$e $ad $eard Miss C$"dlei)$ +a2e s +e re# r# # -%$(ellen!"r) ($i%$ #$e la##er did n # "nders#and T$e n r did C$arl ##e !"# s$e )"essed i# (as a (i##y B"i. !y #$e +anner in ($i%$ #$e #$ers la")$ed/ Miss C$"dlei)$ and #$e Mar%$i ness * L +e (ere "#(ardly &ery *riendly' !"# C$arl ##e !elie&ed #$ere (as a %er#ain ani+ si#y !e#(een #$e+ !e%a"se #$e D"2e * Ha+il# n' *irs# $"s!and * #$e Mar%$i ness' $ad a# ne #i+e !een !e#r #$ed # Eli7a!e#$ C$"dlei)$/ T$ese #( ( +en (ere' C$arl ##e *eared' s +e($a# li)$#,+inded/ B"# C$arl ##e (as in # +"%$ .ain # #$in2 * #$e+ n (/ -$e lay in $er !ed dreadin) #$e + +en# ($en s$e ( "ld $a&e # rise and .re.are * r #$e %ere+ ny/ I# %a+e all # s n/ -%$(ellen!"r) (as !"s#lin) a! "# $er' #al2in) in ra.id Ger+anD #$is (as an i+. r#an# %%asi nD nly s$e s$ "ld !e in %l se % n#a%# (i#$ #$e 8"een/ C$arl ##e *el# # (eary # re.r &e $er' !"# s$e )"essed #$a# !e* re l n) s$e ( "ld $a&e # d s +e#$in) a! "# -%$(ellen!"r)/ -$e s# d B"ie#ly ($ile s$e (as dressed in #$e s.lend "r * ."r.le &el&e# and er+ineD s$e $ .ed #$e % r ne# s$e ( "ld $a&e # (ear ( "ld n # !e # $ea&yD $er . r $ead ( "ld n # !e a!le # s".. r# i#' s$e (as s"re/ Her s.iri#s r se a li##le as s$e dr &e #$r ")$ #$e s#ree#s # #$e A!!ey (i#$ Ge r)e !eside $er/ Ea%$ day s$e *el# + re a**e%#i n * r $i+D s$e (an#ed # (ri#e and #ell $er *a+ily $ ( % n#en# s$e (as (i#$ $er $"s!and/ He (as s 2ind and $ad ne&er $in#ed in any (ay #$a# $e (as in l &e (i#$ an #$er ( +an r $ad !een !e* re $er arri&al/ -$e ( "ld li2e # D#ell #$e+ * $er % n#en#+en#/ Her !r #$er ( "ld n # %areD and $ ( % "ld s$e #ell C$ris#ina ($en i# ( "ld nly +a2e $er re)re# $er ill * r#"ne #$e + re !i##erlyD and i* s$e # ld Ida & n Bill ( i# ( "ld !e ) ssi.ed all &er #$e C "r# in n #i+e and % +eD # C$ris#ina's ears #$a# (ay/ N ' s$e +"s# 2ee. $er % n#en#+en# # $ersel*/ Ge r)e l 2ed +a)ni*i%en# in $is % r na#i n r !esD $is *a%e (as *l"s$ed and $is eyes see+ed + re !l"e #$an "s"alD $e radia#ed ."r. se and #$a# (as ($a# #$e .e .le sensedD i# (as ne * #$e reas ns ($y #$ey %$eered $i+ s l "dly/ EG d -a&e #$e 1in)'E #$ey %riedD and C$arl ##e $ad learned en ")$ # 2n ( ($a# #$a# +ean#/ And s +e said: EG d sa&e #$e 8"een'E -$e ! (ed and s+iled a# #$e+ and #r"s#ed #$e s.lend "r * $er )ar+en#s +ade ".
* r #$e .lainness * $er *a%e/ T$e s le+n %ere+ ny .r %eeded in #$e !e)innin) (i#$ "# a $i#%$/ T$ere (as Dr/ -ee2er' #$e Ar%$!is$ . * Can#er!"ry' in $is % .e * ($i#e and ) ld' in* r+in) all #$ se ($ $ad )a#$ered # (i#ness #$e %ere+ ny #$a# $e .resen#ed # #$e+ EGe r)e' #$e "nd "!#ed 1in) * #$e real+'/ 3i#$ $i+ C$arl ##e (al2ed # #$e al#ar ($ere #$e lar)e Bi!le lay .en/ C$arl ##e $ad re$earsed #$is .ar# * #$e %ere+ ny and $ad learned ** !y $ear# #$e ( rds s$e ( "ld $a&e # say/ E3ill y " s le+nly .r +ise and s(ear # ) &ern #$e .e .le * #$is 1in)d + and #$e D +ini ns #$ere# !el n)in) a%% rdin) # #$e s#a#"#es in Parlia+en# a)reed n and #$e la(s and %"s# +s * #$e sa+eGE T$e 1in) re.lied' layin) $is $and n #$e Bi!le : EI s le+nly .r +ise s # d /E T$en i# (as C$arl ##e's #"rn/ -$e (as relie&ed #$a# s$e +ana)ed # s.ea2 #$e ( rds reB"ired * $er/ M re B"es#i ns * ll (ed and *inally: E3ill y "' # #$e "#+ s# * y "r . (er' +ain#ain #$e la(s * G d' #$e #r"e .r *essi n * #$e ) s.el and #$e Pr #es#an# Re* r+ed Reli)i n es#a!lis$ed !y #$e la(GE A)ain C$arl ##e +ade $er re.ly *a"l#lessly' and re#irin) *r + #$e al#ar s$e sea#ed $ersel* ($ile #$e 1in) (en# # -#/ Ed(ard's C$air * r #$e an in#in)/ T$e % r ne# (as $ea&y and $er $ead a%$ed "n% +* r#a!lyD and s$e (as )lad ($en #$ey (en# n%e + re # #$e al#ar # #a2e C ++"ni n/ Ge r)e said # Dr/ -ee2er : E-$ "ld I n # #a2e ** +y %r (n ($en **erin) $ +a)e # #$e 1in) * all 1in)sGE Dr/ -ee2er re.lied #$a# $e (as "na(are * #$e % rre%# + de * .r %ed"re' and #"rned # ne * #$e Bis$ .s # as2 $is .ini n/ As #$e Bis$ . did n # 2n ( ei#$er' #$e 1in) said #$a# $e (as s"re i# ( "ld !e + re !e% +in) in $i+ # re+ &e $is %r (n and $e !elie&ed #$e 8"een s$ "ld #a2e $er % r ne# **/ T$is' ($is.ered #$e Ar%$!is$ .' ( "ld disarran)e #$e 8"een's $air and $e (as s"re #$a# i# (as n # e0.e%#ed/ E3ell'E said Ge r)e' '* r #$is #i+e (e (ill re)ard Her Ma4es#y's
% r ne# as .ar# * $er % s#"+e and n # as $er %r (n/E He #$en # 2 ** $is %r (n and e0.lained in Ger+an # #$e 8"een ($a# $ad #a2en .la%e/ C$arl ##e (as as# nis$ed' !e%a"se i# (as nly a s$ r# ($ile !e* re #$a# s$e $ad !een % ++anded D # (ear $er 4e(els ($en #a2in) C ++"ni n/ -$e ( ndered ($e#$er #$e 1in) re+e+!ered #$isD and i* s ($y s$e $ad !een * r%ed # (ear $er 4e(els n #$a# %%asi n and $e dis.ense (i#$ $is n #$is/ C ++"ni n &er' #$e 1in) and 8"een .re.ared # lea&e #$e A!!ey and as #$ey did s ne * #$e !i))es# 4e(els *ell *r + #$e 1in)'s %r (n/ T$ere (as a s$ %2ed silen%e/ A !ad +en' i# (as ($is.ered' i* e&er #$ere (as ne/ A*#er an "ndi)ni*ied s%ra+!lin) # re% &er #$e 4e(el i# (as s n * "ndD !"# all eyes see+ed # !e n #$e )a. ($ere i# s$ "ld $a&e !een and #$is in%iden# %as# a %er#ain )l + &er #$e .r %eedin)s/ T$is (as #$e *irs# * a series * +is$a.s/ 3$en #$e % +.any led !y #$e 1in) and 8"een arri&ed a# 3es#+ins#er Hall ($ere #$e !anB"e# (as # !e $eld' #$ey * "nd i# in dar2ness/ L rd Tal! #' ($ (as L rd -#e(ard and' (i#$ #$e Earl Mars$al' (as in %$ar)e * #$e % r na#i n' $ad #$ ")$# i# ( "ld !e an e0%ellen# idea # $a&e all #$e %andles li)$#ed si+"l#ane "sly as s n as #$e 1in) and 8"een (ere a# #$e #$res$ ld' and $ad arran)ed i# s$ "ld #a2e .la%e !y +eans * *la0 *"ses/ T$ere (as a )as. * as# nis$+en# as #$e r yal % ".le s#"+!led in# #$e dar2nessD and #$en i# see+ed # C$arl ##e #$a# #$e $all (as n *ire/ T$e 4a!!in) * $er # #$ (as s .ain*"l #$a# s$e $ad # s+ #$er an e0%la+a#i n/ T$e %andleG (ere s"ddenly ali)$# !"# .ie%es * !"rnin) *la0 $"n) in #$e air * r a *e( se% nds !e* re #$ey *l a#ed d (n n #$e )"es#s/ - #$e desired ad+ira#i n (as re.la%ed *irs# !y s#ar#led *ear andF #$en relie* ($en i# (as dis% &ered #$a# n ne (as in4"red/ T$e %andles +ade a !rillian# s$ ( and #$e s+ell * s.i%ed +ea#s and deli%a%ies *illed #$e $all/ N ne % "ld ea# * % "rse "n#il #$e 1in) and 8"een (ere ser&ed' and C$arl ##e sa( #$a# n #$e dais n ($i%$ #$eir #a!le $ad !een se#' al#$ ")$ i# (as )li##erin) (i#$ )lass and %"#lery' %$airs (ere la%2in)/ L rd Tal! # and L rd E**in)$a+' ($ (as a%#in) as De."#y Earl Mars$all' (ere r"s$in) r "nd in a .ani% de+andin) %$airs * r #$eir Ma4es#iesD !"# in s.i#e * all #$e )rea# e** r#s # .r &ide a !anB"e# s"%$ as #$ se .resen# ( "ld ne&er * r)e#' i# (as di**i%"l# # *ind #( %$airs s"i#a!le * r #$e 1in) and #$e 8"een/
L rd E**in)$a+' (i) a(ry' e&en#"ally $"rried n # #$e dais' a %$air in $is ar+s' * ll (ed !y L rd Tal! # (i#$ an #$er/ T$ese (ere se# a# #$e #a!le and a si)$ * relie* (en# ". #$r ")$ "# #$e $all * r e&ery ne (as &ery $"n)ry and #$e %ere+ ni "s ser&in) * #$e 1in) and 8"een $ad # #a2e .la%e !e* re #$ey % "ld ea#/ EI# ( "ld see+' +y l rd'Esaid Ge r)e +ildly' '#$a# #$e arran)e+en#s * r "r % r na#i n %an s%ar%ely !e %alled e**i%ien#ly +ade/E E**in)$a+ +"##ered: EI# is s I *ear' -ire/ I# see+s s +e +a##ers $a&e !een ne)le%#ed/E He added + re !ri)$#ly: EB"# I $a&e #a2en %are #$a# #$e ne0# % r na#i n (ill !e re)"la#ed in #$e e0a%#es# +anner . ssi!le/E Ge r)e !"rs# "# la")$in)' and # ld C$arl ##e ($a# #$e Earl $ad said/ E**in)$a+ (as &er% +e (i#$ % n*"si n and *ar + re e+!arrassed #$an $e $ad !een &er #$e la%2 * %$airs/ B"# #$e + re Ge r)e % nsidered $is re+ar2 #$e + re i# a+"sed $i+/ He %alled L rd B"#e and insis#ed #$a# E**in)$a+ re.ea# ($a# $e $ad said/ T$is E**in)$a+ did' +"+!lin) and )r (in) + re and + re s%arle#/ Mean($ile #$e L rd May r * L nd n and #$e Alder+en * #$e Ci#y $ad dis% &ered #$a# n .la%es $ad !een laid * r #$e+' and #$e May r (as de%larin) in a l "d & i%e #$a# $e % nsidered #$is a dis)ra%e/ He (as #$e L rd May r * L nd n and did +y L rd E**in)$a+ and +y L rd Tal! # 2n ( #$a# L nd n (as #$e %a.i#al %i#y and ! (ed # n ne /// n # e&en 2in)s/ T$e !i))es# +issi n #$a# % "ld $a&e !een +ade (as # *ail # .r &ide .la%es * r #$e May r and Alder+en/ L rd E**in)$a+' es%a.in) *r + #$e a+"sed 1in)' (as !li)ed # *a%e #$e *"ri "s L rd May r/ EMy L rd May r'E ($is.ered E**in)$a+' EI .ray y " lea&e B"ie#ly (i#$ y "r Alder+en/ - +e re% +.ense s$all !e +ade///E ET$ere's nly ne re% +.ense'E re# r#ed #$e May r/ EAnd #$a# is #a!le .la%es/E EMy L rd May r///E ET$e Ci#y * L nd n is )i&in) a !anB"e# # #$e 1in) ($i%$ is % s#in) 9?'???/ Ha&e y " #$e e**r n#ery' +y l rd' # #ell +e #$en #$a# #$ere is n .la%e * r #$e May r and Alder+en a# #$e 1in)'s % r na#i n !anB"e#G T$e %i#y (ill n # $a&e i#' sir/E
Tal! # %a+e # #$e aid * #$e $arassed E**in)$a+ and ($is.ered #$a# #$e L rd May r and Alder+en s$ "ld $a&e #$e #a!le ($i%$ $ad !een reser&ed * r #$e 1ni)$#s * #$e Ba#$/ E**in)$a+ (as relie&ed and #$e L rd May r and Alder+en (ere sa#is*ied/ B"# #$en #$ere (ere #$e 1ni)$#s * #$e Ba#$ # !e *a%ed and a si+ilar s%ene (as ena%#ed (i#$ #$e+/ A# len)#$ E**in)$a+ *i##ed #$e+ in# #$er #a!les ($i%$ %a"sed s"%$ %r (din) #$a# #$ere (as a )rea# +"r+"r * % +.lain# # ($i%$ derisi&e % ++en#s (ere added ($en i# (as dis% &ered #$a# #$ere (as n # en ")$ * d # ) r "nd and #$a# #$e in% +.e#en# r)ani7ers $ad +is%al%"la#ed n%e + re/ T$e + s# *ar%i%al in%iden# * all (as ye# # % +e/ I# (as #$e %"s# + * #$e L rd -#e(ard in #$is ins#an%e #$e "n* r#"na#e L rd Tal! # # ride a $ rse in# #$e $all and ". # #$e dais and #$ere .ay $is res.e%#s # #$e 1in) and 8"een/ Tal! # $ad in#ended # ride # #$e dais' +a2e $is )ra%i "s s.ee%$ and #$en !a%2 #$e $ rse "# * #$e $all 2ee.in) $is *a%e and #$a# * #$e $ rse # (ards #$eir Ma4es#ies/ He $ad .ra%#ised #$is in #$e e+.#y $allD !"# #$is (as a day * +is$a.s' and Tal! # $ad * r) ##en #$a# #$e $ rse $ad ) ne #$r ")$ $is .a%es .er*e%#ly ($en #$e $all (as e+.#y !"# n ( i# (as *"ll * %$a##erin) la")$in) )r"+!lin) .e .leD i# (as li)$#ed !y #$ "sands * *li%2erin) %andles and (as n # #$e sa+e % +* r#a!le s. # !y any +eans/ T$e $ rse and rider a..eared in #$e $all/ T$e $ rse see+ed # #a2e ne l 2 a# #$e r yal % ".le and #"rn $is !a%2 n #$e+D in &ain did Tal! # a##e+.# # ride $i+ # #$e daisD #$e $ rse ( "ld nly #"rn and .resen# $is $indB"ar#ers/ T$ere (as (ild la")$#er #$r ")$ "# #$e $all' ($ile #$e dis% +*i#ed Tal! # endea& "red # )"ide $is $ rse ". # #$e dais/ I# (as (i#$ #$e )rea#es# di**i%"l#y #$a# $e did *inally !rin) #$e .ran%in) ani+al # #$e ed)e * #$e daisD !"# !y #$en e&ery ne ,in%l"din) #$e 1in) and 8"een (ere # C n&"lsed !y la")$#er # $ear $is l yal s.ee%$/ I# (as a *ar%e * a % r na#i n/ Ye# i# (as a % r na#i n all #$e sa+e/ And *r + #$a# day #$ se a! "# #$e 2in) n #i%ed a ne( res l"#i n in $is +anner/ T$e *irs# # !e a(are * #$is (as L rd B"#e' and al#$ ")$ $e (as %er#ain * $is $ ld n #$e 1in)'s a**e%#i ns and #$ere* re (as %er#ain * $is (n . (ers' *r + #$a# #i+e $e did !e)in # !e a #ri*le "neasy/ C n*li%# (i#$ #$e Prin%ess D (a)er N ( !e)an #$e $a..ies# (ee2s * C$arl ##e's li*e/ Ge r)e * "nd $er a+i%a!le' ea)er # learnD and #$e *a%# #$a# s$e % "ld s.ea2 nly Ger+an and Fren%$' ($i%$ %"# $er **/ *r + s %ie#y % nsidera!ly' +ade $er
#"rn # $i+ * r )"idan%e and .r #e%#i n/ A.ar# *r + $er a..earan%e s$e (as all #$a# $e as2ed * a (i*eD and as $e (as a +an ($ % "ld nly !e a# .ea%e i* $e !elie&ed $e (as d in) ($a# (as ri)$#' $e !e)an # en4 y $is +arria)e/ T$ere (ere ($ le days ($en $e did n # )i&e -ara$ a #$ ")$#D and e&en ($en $e %a")$# a )li+.se * a 8"a2er's $a!i# in #$e s#ree#s $e ( "ld ass"re $i+sel* #$a# # )e#$er $e and C$arl ##e ( "ld !e s"%$ an e0a+.le # all +arried .e .le #$r ")$ "# #$e land #$a# y "#$*"l indis%re#i ns ( "ld % "n# as n #$in)/ He $ad s"..ressed $is (n (is$esD $e $ad +arried C$arl ##e * r #$e ) * #$e % "n#ryD and i# (as $is d"#y # +a2e #$a# * r $er ) d and $is (n/ d
He (as .$ysi%ally % n#en#edD $e (as n # a sens"al +an' al#$ ")$ $e $ad a * ndness * r ( +en and % "ld al(ays !e dee.ly a**e%#ed !y *e+inine %$ar+s/ I# )a&e $i+ .leas"re # % n#e+.la#e #$ese and # 2n ( #$a# a less res.e%#a!le +an in $is . si#i n ( "ld $a&e n "ris$ed #$a# e+ #i n #$ey ar "sed/ N # s ' Ge r)e/ He (as ) in) # !e a *ai#$*"l $"s!and and in#r d"%e a ne( res.e%#a!ili#y in# #$e C "r# and % "n#ry/ - $e de& #ed $i+sel* # C$arl ##e' ($ % n)ra#"la#ed $ersel* #$a# #$e + s# * r#"na#e as.e%# * $er +arria)e (as $er $"s!and's de#er+ina#i n # %$eris$ $er/ He B"i%2ly dis% &ered $er l &e * +"si% and # ld $er #$a# #$ey +"s# $a&e +"si%al e&enin)s d"rin) ($i%$ s$e % "ld dis.lay $er s2ill a# #$e $ar.si%$ rd and $ear s +e * #$e +"si%ians * #$e C "r#/ -$e ( "ld l &e #$e O.era $e (as s"re' and (i#$in a *e( days * #$e % r na#i n $e $ad #a2en $er # $ear ne/ I* (as a s#a#e %%asi nD #$e .e .le (ere s#ill a**e%#i na#e # (ards #$eir 1in) and 8"een and ($en #$ey en#ered #$e r yal ! 0 #$ey re%ei&ed a l yal &a#i n/ La#er' $e # ld $er' ($en s$e $ad learned En)lis$ $e ( "ld #a2e $er # #$e .lay/ -$e ( "ld en4 y #$e .lay' $e (as s"reD !"# $e sa( n reas n ($y s$e s$ "ld n # see #$e Be))ar's O.era ($i%$ $ad 4"s# !een re&i&ed/ He # ld $er #$e s# ry * #$e $i)$(ay+an and L nd n l ( li*e # ($i%$ s$e lis#ened a&idly' n # "nders#andin) i# % +.le#ely' * r L nd n l ( li*e (as s +e#$in) B"i#e di**eren# *r + any#$in) s$e $ad e&er i+a)ined/ EIn +y )rand*a#$er's day i# (as % nsidered #reas na!le'E $e # ld $er/ -$e % "ld n # "nders#and $ ( #$e an#i%s * %ri+inals and )a l !irds % "ld a**e%# #$e Cr (n/
EO$' s +e * #$e %$ara%#ers (ere +ean# # !e %ari%a#"res * #$e 1in)'s +inis#ers/ B"# #$a# is all di**eren# n (/ T$e all"si ns $a&e n . in#/ And (e are n # a*raid * a li##le ridi%"le/E He s. 2e al+ s# % +.la%en#lyD #$e %$eers * #$e .e .le (ere s#ill rin)in) in $is ears and $e !elie&ed e&ery#$in) (as ) in) # !e s di**eren# "nder $is rei)n/ He dr &e (i#$ $er a li##le (ay "# in# #$e % "n#ry/ -$e (as en%$an#ed (i#$ $er ne( land ($i%$ (as s !ea"#i*"l a# #$is #i+e * year ($en #$e lea&es (ere r"sse# and ) ld and #$e )rass s#ill )reen/ EI# ( "ld !e .leasan#'E said Ge r)e' 'i* (e $ad a $ "se ($ere (e % "ld li&e a.ar# *r + #$e C "r#// / (ell' n # en#irely s ' !"# a .la%e ($ere (e % "ld !e *ree *r + % n#in"al %ere+ ny/ I #$in2 I (ill !"y y " a $ "se/E EA $ "se * r +e I' %ried C$arl ##e' en%$an#ed/ E3$i%$'E Ge r)e re+inded $er' 'y " (ill in&i#e +e # s$are (i#$ y "/E T$ey #al2ed * $ "ses/ EI ne&er li2ed Ha+.# n C "r#'E $e # ld $er in a r"s$ * % n*iden%e/ EMy )rand*a#$er n%e s#r"%2 +e #$ere // / and I al(ays re+e+!er i#/E E-#r"%2 y "/ He +"s# $a&e !een a disa)reea!le ld +an/E EHe (as/ I d n'# #$in2 $e +ean# +e # #a2e i# s seri "sly/ He $ad a &ery B"i%2 #e+.er and I s".. se $e #$ ")$# +e .ar#i%"larly s#".id/ In any %ase $e s#r"%2 +e' and I $a&e ne&er li2ed #$e .la%e sin%e/E ET$en I s$all n # li2e i# ei#$er'E de%lared C$arl ##e/ EB"# I ne&er li2ed i# e&en !e* re #$a# in%iden#'E (en# n #$e 1in)/ EI#'s # *la#/E I as2ed Ca.a!ili#y Br (n # d s +e#$in) a! "# #$e )ardens and $e re*"sed +e/ He said #$ere (as n #$in) # d #$ere and $e de%lined "# * res.e%# * r $i+sel* and $is .r *essi n/E ECa.a!ili#y/E s$e said/ EI# is an dd na+e/E
EHis na+e is Lan%el #/ B"# $e is %alled Ca.a!ili#y !e%a"se' ($en s$ (n #$e )arden' i* $e (is$es # ( r2 n i# $e re+ar2sD ET$is $as )rea# %a.a!ili#ies/E He is a des. # a! "# )ardens /// !"# a )eni"sD'and i# is said #$a# #$ere is n )ardener in #$e ( rld # % +.are (i#$ $i+/ He %an #rans* r+ a .la%e/E EAnd $e re*"sed # # "%$ Ha+.# nGE EHe re*"sed # # "%$ Ha+.# n'E re.ea#ed Ge r)e (i#$ sa#is*a%#i n/ EI (an# y " # % +e # see 3ans#ead H "se ($i%$ is n #$e +ar2e#/E H ( s$e en4 yed #$ese e0%"rsi ns (i#$ #$e 1in)/ He !r ")$# # #$e+ a % sy in#i+a%y/ T$ey +i)$# $a&e !een a n !le+an and $is (i*e (i#$ n s#a#e d"#ies' %$ sin) #$eir *irs# $ +e # )e#$er/ 3ans#ead H "se (as en%$an#in)/ EOne * #$e *ines# $ "ses in #$e % "n#ry'E said Ge r)e/ EI* y " $ad s#ayed $ere n y "r (ay # -#/ Ja+es's' y " ( "ld $a&e #$ ")$# #$e Pala%e a +ean .la%e in % +.aris n/E EI# is a li##le *ar#$er in #$e % "n#ry #$an (e $ .ed'E s"))es#ed C$arl ##e/ EI# is !ea"#i*"l' I ad+i#/ I $a&e ne&er seen a $ "se ($i%$ deli)$#ed +e + reD !"# i* (e li&ed $ere (e s$ "ld n # !e a!le # &isi# i# *#en/E Ge r)e n dded/ C$arl ##e ,(as .r &in) $ersel* # !e a .ra%#i%al y "n) ( +an/ T$ere ( "ld !e a 4 "rney #$r ")$ #$e %i#y'E $e said/ EO$' yes' y " are ri)$#/ I# is # *ar *r + -#/ Ja+es's/ 3e s$ "ld ne&er !e a!le # re#rea# (i#$ "# a *"ss/ I s"))es# #$a# (e ) !a%2 and #a2e a l 2 a# -ir J $n -$e**ield's $ "se/ He (an#s @9'??? . "nds * r i#/E C$arl ##e (as deli)$#ed ($en s$e sa( B"%2in)$a+ H "se/ -$e de%lared #$a# * r . si#i n i# (as e0a%#ly ri)$#' !ein) s near -#/ Ja+es's/ T$ey ! #$ de%ided i# ( "ld s"i# #$e+ and (en# #$r ")$ #$e &as# $ "se #al2in) e0%i#edly in Ger+an a! "# ($a# al#era#i ns #$ey ( "ld $a&e +ade/
T$e 1in) # 2 #$e +a##er * B"%2in)$a+ H "se ". (i#$ $is +inis#ers and i# (as *inally de%ided #$a# i* #$e 1in) ( "ld )i&e ". - +erse# H "se' ($i%$ ( "ld !e "sed * r ."!li% !ene*i#' #$e % "n#ry ( "ld se##le B"%2in)$a+ H "se n #$e 8"een/ T$is see+ed a reas na!le and &ery .leasan# arran)e+en#' and C$arl ##e and Ge r)e )a&e #$e+sel&es ". # #$e $a..y %%".a#i n * .lannin) a $ "se/ Very s$ r#ly re% ns#r"%#i n (as in .r )ress and #$e $ "se !e%a+e 2n (n as #$e 8"een's H "se/ Ha..iness $ad i#s e**e%# n C$arl ##e's a..earan%e/ One * #$e C "r# (i#s re+ar2ed: ET$e !l + * $er ")liness is (earin) **/E Made+ iselle & n -%$(ellen!"r) )re( + re i+. r#an# e&ery day in $er (n .ini n/ I# (as in% n%ei&a!le' s$e reas ned' #$a# #$ese En)lis$ ( +en ($ s"rr "nded $er +is#ress s$ "ld $a&e + re s#andin) #$an s$e $ad/ -$e (as Ger+anD s$e $ad 2n (n $er +is#ress ($en s$e (as +erely #$e insi)ni*i%an# sis#er * #$e D"2e * Me%2len!"r),-#reli#7D #$ere* re s$e (as a s.e%ially .ri&ile)ed .ers n/ Al!er#G He (as +erely #$e $airdresser a l (er ser&an#/ Ha))erd rn , a ( +an (i#$ "# s.iri#' +ean# # ser&e s"%$ as Made+ iselle & n -%$(ellen!"r)/ -$e $ad ina")"ra#ed a ne( +e#$ d * dressin) #$e 8"een/ As i# (as !enea#$ $er di)ni#y # #a2e a%#i&e .ar# in #$e .era#i n' s$e ( "ld dire%# i#/ -$e a##e+.#ed # +a2e #$is %lear # #$e En)lis$ ( +en !y si)ns and )ri+a%es ($i%$ #$ey .re#ended n # # "nders#and/ T$en s$e a..r a%$ed C$arl ##e and as2ed $er # e0.lain # #$e ladies #$a# as Her Ma4es#y's .ers nal a##endan# s$e (as in a"#$ ri#y &er #$e+/ In $er $a..y *ra+e * +ind C$arl ##e (an#ed # .lease e&ery ne and # ld #$e En)lis$' in Fren%$' #$a# in *"#"re Made+ iselle & n -%$(ellen!"r) ( "ld dire%# #$e+/ Eli7a!e#$ C$"dlei)$ lis#ened (i#$ "#(ard de% r"+' !"# i++edia#ely #al2ed &er #$e +a##er (i#$ #$e #$ers/ EY " %an see &ery (ell ($a# is ) in) # $a..en'E s$e de%lared/ EE&ery#$in) in #$is .la%e (ill !e% +e Ger+an/ I# is al(ays #$e sa+e
(i#$ #$ese Ger+ans/ T$ey (an# # i+. se #$eir d"llness n e&ery ne else/ I s$all !e l 2in) li2e a $a"s*ra" &ery s n and s (ill #$e res# * y "' and #$ere (ill !e n en#er#ain+en# !"# +"si% // / +"si% /// +"si%/ And ( rse s#ill' n ne (ill !e a!le # a..r a%$ #$e 8"een e0%e.# #$r ")$ -%$(ellen!"r)/E T$e 8"een see+s # (an# # )i&e #$e l a#$s +e %rea#"re a s.e%ial .la%e in $er $ "se$ ld' s ($a# %an (e d a! "# i#GE as2ed #$e D"%$ess * An%as#er/ EPlen#y'E re. r#ed Eli7a!e#$ C$"dlei)$D and .r %eeded # a%#/ 5nder $er de&i "s and e0.er# dire%#i n #$e 2n (led)e s n rea%$ed #$e ears * #$e Prin%ess D (a)er #$a# Made+ iselle & n -%$(ellen!"r) $ad a /)rea# in*l"en%e (i#$ #$e 8"een' #$a# s$e )a&e $er rders in #$e 8"een's a.ar#+en# and #$a# #$e En)lis$ +aids * $ n "r (ere,'in re& l#/ Miss C$"dlei)$ (as s"++ ned # #$e Prin%ess's a.ar#+en# and )a&e $er .ini n #$a# Made+ iselle & n -%$(ellen!"r) (as an a+!i#i "s ( +an and s$e (as %er#ain #$a# in $er di "s Ger+an' in ($i%$ s$e %$a##ered & l"!ly' s$e (as +a2in) all s r#s * .lans # r"n #$e C "r# in a%% rdan%e (i#$ $er Ger+an ideas/ One % "ld #r"s# Miss C$"dlei)$ # s%en# #r "!le e&en i* ne % "ld #r"s# $er in n #$er (ayD and #$e Prin%ess D (a)er )ra%i "sly #$an2ed $er' i+.lyin) s$e ( "ld !e )ra#e*"l * r + re ne(s' #$a# i# ( "ld !e (ell * r Miss C$"dlei)$ # ( r2 *ai#$s *"lly * r $er sin%e $er . si#i n a# C "r# (as a s +e($a# .re%ari "s ne' (in) # $er ra#$er d"!i "s rela#i ns$i. (i#$ #$e D"2e * 1in)s# n/ T ($i%$ i+.li%a#i n Miss C$"dlei)$ res. nded (i#$ eB"al )ra%e and inn"end / -$e (as in . ssessi n * s +e se%re#s % n%ernin) #$e 1in) and a %er#ain 8"a2er ladyD and s$e did $a&in) $el.ed # arran)e #$a# a**air 2n ( a li##le + re a! "# i# #$an + s#D and s$e (as s"re #$a# in #$e $ands * #$e s%ri!!lers and la+. nis#s i# ( "ld +a2e a s# ry #$a# ( "ld n # a+"se !"# s$ %2 #$e .e .le * En)landD !"# s$e (as 2ee.in) B"ie# !e%a"se' 4"s# as #$e Prin%ess D (a)er (is$ed # .lease $er' s did s$e (is$ # re#ain #$e es#ee+ * #$e Prin%ess D (a)er/ T$e Prin%ess D (a)er in%lined $er $ead in a%2n (led)e+en# * a deli%a#e si#"a#i n/ Eli7a!e#$ C$"dlei)$'s .la%e (as sa*e a# C "r# $ (e&er disre."#a!ly s$e !e$a&edD #$ ")$ Eli7a!e#$ C$"dlei)$ ( "ld d (ell # re+e+!er #$a# #$ere (ere s +e li+i#s !ey nd ($i%$ a Prin%ess ( "ld n # ) e&en # a& id in& l&in) $er s n in a $ide "s s%andal/ T$e si#"a#i n (as %learly "nders# d !e#(een #$e+D and as in + +en#s * "n%er#ain#y' as #$e Prin%ess D (a)er $ad al(ays d ne' s$e sen# * r L rd B"#e/
He %a+e B"i%2ly/ -$e l 2ed a# $i+ an0i "sly' ( nderin) i* $e (ere %$an)in)/ 3as $e a li##le less de& #edG Did $e s.end + re #i+e (i#$ #$e 1in) #$an (i#$ $erG Na#"rally $e +"s# 2ee. $is eyes n #$e 1in) * r all #$eir sa2es !"# (as $e sli)$#ly less a##en#i&e # $er #$an in #$e .as#G And $ad #$e %$an)e % +e a! "# sin%e Ge r)e's ele&a#i n # #$e #$r neG As $e !en# and 2issed $er s$e *el# i# (as "n( r#$y * $er # en#er#ain s"%$ #$ ")$#s * r a + +en#/ -$e (as n # a .r +is%" "s ( +anD s$e did n # see2 a $ s# * l &ersD #$e liais n !e#(een $ersel* and L rd B"#e (as as a +arria)e' la%2in) n #$in) !"# #$e !ene*i# * %ler)y/ -$e % "ld #r"s# $i+ and $e % "ld #r"s# $er/ T$eir ) al (as #$e sa+e and #$ey ( "ld +ar%$ # )e#$er # (ards i#/ EDis#"r!in) ne(s' deares#' *r + #$e C$"dlei)$ ( +an/E ETr"s# $er # s%en# #r "!le/E E-$e $as $er "ses /// i* ne %an #r"s# $er/E EA$' i* ne %an #r"s# $erF 3$a#'s #$e #r "!le n (GE E-%$(ellen!"r)D s$e is )i&in) $ersel* airs' +a2in) #r "!le (i#$ #$e #$er ( +en and in *a%# se##in) $ersel* ". as a li##le B"een/ Y " 2n ( ($a# #$a# %an +ean/ Very s n s$e (ill !e sellin) $ n "rsD s$e (ill !e +a2in) C$arl ##e #$e %en#re * a % #erie * . (er/ Y " 2n ( #$e si)ns/E EI 2n ( #$e+ *"ll (ell/ 3i#$ #$e s$inin) e0a+.le * -ara$ C$"r%$ill n # *ar !e$ind "s (e $a&e ) d reas n # !e s"s.i%i "s * #$ese a+!i#i "s ( +en near a B"een/ B"# (i#$ #$is ne #$e ans(er s$ "ld !e si+.le/E E3$a# d y " $a&e in +indGE E-end $er .a%2in)/E T$e Prin%ess D (a)er la")$ed/ ETr"s# y " # *ind #$e s l"#i n/ 3$y didn'# I #$in2 * i#GE EBe%a"se y " #$ ")$# # .lease +e !y le##in) +e s"))es# i#/E -$e )a&e $i+ a #ender l 2/ E3e $ad !e##er ) # see Ge r)e a! "# i#' and s"))es# i# ( "ld !e !e##er i* -%$(ellen!"r) le*#/E 3e'll as2 $i+ # % +e $ere/E
EMy dearF - +e#i+es I #$in2 y " * r)e# $e is #$e 1in)/E He #"rned # $er and #$ere (as a *ier%eness in $is l 2 ($i%$' ($ile i# alar+ed $er sli)$#ly' deli)$#ed $er/ EHe is s#ill "r Ge r)e/ N #$in) %an al#er #$a#/ 3e (ill as2 $i+ # % +e $ere/E Yes' s$e #$ ")$# as $e rdered a .a)e # ) # #$e 1in) and reB"es# $is .resen%e in $is + #$er's a.ar#+en#' $er dear L rd B"#e $ad !e% +e + re s"re * $i+sel* sin%e #$e 1in)'s a%%essi n/ EI d n # #$in2'E said Ge r)e' '#$a# C$arl ##e (ill %are # relinB"is$ #$a# ( +an/ -$e %a+e *r + Ger+any (i#$ $er/ I# is na#"ral #$a# s$e s$ "ld (an# # 2ee. $er/E EI# is a si#"a#i nGall Prin%esses $a&e # *a%e'E $is + #$er . in#ed "#/ E3e % +e (i#$ "r a##endan#s and a*#er a ($ile +"s# d (i#$ "# #$e+/ M re &er' -%$(ellen!"r) is +a2in) #r "!le (i#$ #$e #$er ( +en/E EI# is !e##er # $a&e a .ea%e*"l a#+ s.$ere in #$e 8"een's a.ar#+en#s'E said B"#e s *#ly/ EI# is !e##er * r #$e 8"een/E EYes' I s".. se s 'E si)$ed Ge r)e/ EB"# I d n'# %are # as2 C$arl ##e # )i&e ". #$is ( +an/E EY "r Ma4es#y need n # dis#ress y "rsel* n #$a# s% re'E said B"#e .r +.#ly/ E3$a# are y "r s"!4e%#s * r !"# # d #$a# ( r2 ($i%$ is dis#as#e*"l # Y "r Ma4es#yGE He s+iled a# #$e Prin%ess D (a)er as #$ ")$ # say: -ee $ ( easily "r !a##les are ( n G Made+ iselle & n -%$(ellen!"r) (as in%ensed/ EB"#' Mada+' #$is is + ns#r "s/ T$is %ann # !e/ T$ey (ill send +e a(ay/ 3$ (ill %are * r y "G I/// nly I/// 2n ( $ ( # d #$a#F I %a+e (i#$ y " *r + Ger+any///E
C$arl ##e said : ET$is is n nsense/ 3$ says y " are # ) GE EI# is rders/ T$ey % +e *r + #$e 1in)/ I a+ # ) ' # lea&e #$e Pala%e (i#$in a *e( days/ My #rans. r# is .r &ided/ Ba%2 # Me%2len!"r)' #$ey say/ O$' n ' n ' i# is i+. ssi!le/E C$arl ##e (as a)$as#/ N # s +"%$ a# #$e .r s.e%# * l sin) -%$(ellen!"r)' ($ se &er!earin) (ays (ere *#en $ard # !ear' !"# #$a# $er dis+issal s$ "ld $a&e !een de%ided n (i#$ "# re*eren%e # $ersel*/ -$e (en# # #$e 1in) and as2ed $i+ ($a# #$is +ean#D and ($a# (as $er . si#i n $ere in En)land i* s$e % "ld n # de%ide ($ s$ "ld !e $er (n ser&an#s/ Ge r)e l 2ed e+!arrassed/ EI# is #$e %"s# +'E $e e0.lained' '* r * rei)n ser&an#s # ) !a%2 # #$eir $ +es a*#er a %er#ain .eri d/ T$ey % +e' y " see' # $el. y " se##le in/ 3ell' n ( I s$ "ld say y " $ad se##led in' ( "ldn'# y " GE EI d n # "nders#and #$is/ I d n # (is$ -%$(ellen!"r) # ) /// "nless I +ysel* dis+iss $er/ Tell +e #$is' .ray/ 3as i# y "r + #$er ($ as2ed y " # rder #$is GE Ge r)e ad+i##ed #$a# #$is (as s / ET$en (ill y " as2 $er # % +e $ere s #$a# I %an $ear #$e reas ns *r + $er li.s/E EY " +a2e # +"%$ * #$is' C$arl ##e/ Y " s$all $a&e #$er ( +en # re.la%e $er/// ( +en ($ "nders#and "r (ays/E EAll #$e sa+e I (is$ # s.ea2 # #$e Prin%ess D (a)er in y "r .resen%e/E Ge r)e l 2ed "neasy/ He $ .ed C$arl ##e (as n # ) in) # #"rn in# a &ira) ' 4"s# as $e $ad !een % n)ra#"la#in) $i+sel* #$a# $e $ad a%B"ired a .leasan#' d %ile (i*e/ B"# $e (an#ed # .lease $erD and se%re#ly $e % "ld see $er . in#/ A*#er all' as 8"een s$e s$ "ld !e all (ed # %$ se $er ser&an#s s"rely/ T$e Prin%ess D (a)er %a+e (i#$ L rd B"#e a# #$e 1in)'s s"++ ns' and
($en #$ey sa( C$arl ##e's dis#ress #$ey 2ne( #$e reas n * r i#/ EHer Ma4es#y is % n%erned'E #$e 1in) e0.lained' '#$a# y " s$ "ld $a&e as2ed * r #$e dis+issal * Made+ iselle & n -%$(ellen!"r)/E EI 2n ( e0a%#ly $ ( y " *eel' +y dear'E said #$e Prin%ess D (a)er *i0in) $er % ld eyes n #$e 8"een/ EDid I n # s"**er in e0a%#ly #$e sa+e (ay ($en I *irs# %a+e # #$is % "n#ryG O* % "rse I B"i%2ly !e)an # reali7e #$a# #$ se ($ $ad li&ed $ere l n)er #$an I 2ne( !es#///E EI %ann # see ($a# $ar+ Made+ iselle & n -%$(ellen!"r) is d in) $ere/E T$e Prin%ess l 2ed .ained/ T$e 8"een $ad n +annersD s$e $ad a%#"ally in#err".#ed $er/ N d "!# #$e li##le ".s#ar# (as s"**erin) *r + % n%ei#/ 3$ere $ad s$e % +e *r +G - +e li##le D"2ed + #$a# n ne $ad e&er $eard *F 3$en i# $ad !een 2n (n #$a# #$e En)lis$ a+!assad rs (ere ) in) #$ere' #$a# (i# H ra%e 3al. le $ad said' ELe# "s $ .e #$ey (ill !e a!le # *ind i#FE B"# * % "rse #$ese (ere #$e s r# * .e .le ($ )a&e #$e+sel&es airs/ T$e Prin%ess A")"s#a did n # l 2 # sear%$in)ly in# $er (n ri)ins' !"# a# leas# s$e $ad !een a!s l"#ely d %ile all #$r ")$ $er +arried li*e/ And i* an a+!i#i "s ( +an s$ "ld n # $a&e a *e( . li#i%al a+!i#i ns ($en s$e (as *ree # d s ' ($en % "ld s$e e&er dis.lay $er #alen#sG I* #$is li##le Mada+ (as #$e 8"een s$e $ersel* (as #$e 1in)'s + #$erD and !"# * r #$e dea#$ * $er $"s!and s$e $ersel* ( "ld $a&e !een B"een/ N ' li##le C$arl ##e +"s# !e .r +.#ly ."# in $er .la%e ($i%$ (as' B"een r n #' % nsidera!ly l (er #$an #$a# * #$e 1in)'s + #$er/ ET$en +y dear' y " +"s# #ry # "nders#and/ T$a# ( +an is &er!earin)/ -$e is %a"sin) #r "!le a+ n) y "r a##endan#s/ I# is a % ++ n en ")$ si#"a#i n and s$e +"s# ) /E T$e y "n) ( +an ($ $ad dared (ri#e a le##er # Frederi%2 #$e Grea# %a+e # li*e a# s"%$ an "l#i+a#"+/ -$e $ersel* (as n # s &ery * nd * -%$(ellen!"r) #$a# s$e ( "ld !e $ear#!r 2en # l se $er/ 3$ % "ld !e as * nd as #$a# * -%$(ellen!"r)G B"# s$e ( "ld $a&e # *ind s +e ne # #a2e $er .la%e/ Ha))erd rn (as # +ee2D and #$ere +"s# !e s +e ne (i#$ ($ + s$e % "ld s.ea2 $er na#i&e # n)"e/ N ' s$e (as n # ) in) # !e r !!ed * -%$(ellen!"r) as easily as #$a# i* nly # s$ ( $er + #$er,in,la( #$a# s$e ( "ld n # !e #rea#ed in s"%$ an "ndi)ni*ied +anner/
EI d n # (is$ $er # ) / -$e is "se*"l # +e/ 5n#il I learn # s.ea2 En)lis$ I +"s# $a&e s +e ne ($ s.ea2s Ger+an (i#$ +e/ Y " %ann # i+a)ine $ ( di**i%"l# i# ( "ld !e/E EI %ann # i+a)ine I' %ried #$e Prin%ess D (a)er/ EMy dear C$arl ##e' #$is $a..ened # +e' !"# I $ad #$e ) a%%e.# i# as #$e na#"ral % "rse * e&en#s/E d sense #
T$is % n&ersa#i n $ad #a2en .la%e in Ger+an ($i%$ Ge r)e "nders# d !e##er #$an L rd B"#eD !"# i# (as !&i "s # #$e la##er #$a# #$e #e+.ers * ! #$ ladies (ere ra.idly risin)/ T$en C$arl ##e (en# # #$e 1in) and li*#in) $er eyes a..ealin)ly # $i+ said: EI as2 #$is *a& "r/ All ( +e # 2ee. Made+ iselle & n -%$(ellen!"r)/E Ge r)e (as in a dile++a/ He did n # (is$ # dis.lease $is D + #$erD ye# $e did n # see $ ( $e % "ld re*"se s"%$ a si+.le I reB"es# *r + $is !ride/ In *a%# $e (as n $er side/ He % "ld n # I see ($y #$e #ires +e -%$(ellen!"r) s$ "ld n # re%ei&e a (arnin) #$a# s$e +"s# %$an)e $er a##i#"de and #$en all ( "ld !e (ell/ I# (as #$e s l"#i n/ He s+iled deli)$#edly and $is s+ile in%l"ded L rd B"#e ($ ' $e (as s"re' (i#$ +as%"line .ers.i%a%i#y' ( "ld !e n $is side/ T$is (as a B"arrel !e#(een #( ( +enD and $e *el# as a $"s!and $e +"s# s".. r# $is (i*e' al#$ ")$ i# ( "ld !e ) in) a)ains# $is + #$er/ He (a&ered * r a + +en# and #$e Prin%ess/ D (a)er (as a! "# # s.ea2 ($en $e said : EMade+ iselle & n -%$(ellen!"r) s$all s#ay and I 2n ( #$a# #$e 8"een (ill (arn $er/E EB"#///E !e)an #$e Prin%ess/ EI (ill (arn $er'E said C$arl ##e B"i%2ly/ EYes // / yes ///E (en# n #$e 1in)/ EY " +"s# #ell $er #$a# i* s$e d es n # !e$a&e er/// !e% +in)ly /// s$e (ill $a&e # ) /E ET$is (ill n # d 'E !e)an #$e Prin%ess D (a)er' !"# L rd B"#e (as *las$in) a (arnin) a# $er/ T$e 1in) s. 2e (i#$ di)ni#y/
EB"# Y "r Hi)$ness +"s# "nders#and #$a# I $a&e said i# s$all !e s /E He l 2ed a# #$e %l %2/ EAnd n ( I #$in2 "r a##endan#s are (ai#in) # assis# a# "r dressin)/E I# (as dis+issal/ E&en #$e Prin%ess D (a)er $ad # a%%e.# i#/ L rd B"#e' in re% )ni#i n * #$e 1in)'s rder' )a&e $is ar+ # #$e Prin%ess D (a)er and #$ere (as n #$in) #$ey % "ld d !"# re#ire/ ECan y " !elie&e i#FE %ried #$e Prin%ess ($en #$ey (ere al ne in $er a.ar#+en#s/ E3$a# %an $a&e $a..ened # Ge r)eGE EMy deares#' y " are al(ays #ellin) $i+ #$a# $e +"s# !e a 2in)/ A# las# $e $as #a2en #$e ad+ ni#i n # $ear# and !e% +e ne/E EY " +ean $e is ) in) # !e)in se##in) $i+sel* ". a)ains# "sGE EI sa( #$a# in $is *a%e # day' ($i%$ #ells +e #$a# $e (is$es i# 2n (n # "s #$a# in *"#"re i* #$ere is a di**eren%e * .ini n !e#(een "s' $e (ill +a2e #$e de%isi n/E ET$a# )i&es +e )rea# %a"se * r alar+/E EI# is a %$an)e' * % "rseD and ne * ($i%$ (e +"s# !e (ary/ 3e +"s#' $ (e&er' +a2e s"re #$a# in *"#"re (e all a)ree/EEB"# i* $e is ) in) # i+a)ine #$a# $e is #$e 1in) and $is ( rd is la( ///E ET$e las# 2in) !elie&ed all #$a#' ye# I $a&e $eard i# said #$a# i# (as really 8"een Car line ($ r"led/E EI# (as #r"e/E EYe# Ge r)e II #$ ")$# $e did/ 3$y s$ "ld Ge r)e III !e denied s"%$ a .leasan# del"si nGE EY " are s %le&er/E E3e +"s# !e' +y deares#' and (e +"s# n # $a&e any re.e#i#i n * #$a# -%$(ellen!"r) s%ene/E
EB"# I $a&e de#er+ined #$a# #$e ( +an s$all ) /E EY "r Hi)$ness +"s# * r)e# #$a# de#er+ina#i n/ T$e ( +an is * n i+. r#an%e/E EB"# s$e is ) in) # )"ide C$arl ##e///E EMy dear' (e +"s# see #$a# C$arl ##e is n # i+. r#an# ei#$er/E ET$e 8"eenFE EYes' #$e 8"een/ -$e $as !een !r ")$# &er $ere # *ill #$e r yal n"rseries/ I* s$e d es #$a# s$e (ill !e (ell %%".ied/ T$e 1in) d es n # %are * r ( +en's in#er*eren%e/ He $as said s *#en en ")$ # +e/ 3e (ill * s#er #$a# and in #$e +ean#i+e 2ee. "r eyes n C$arl ##e/E T$e Prin%ess n dded/ EY " ) n in*l"en%in) #$e 1in)' +y l &eD and lea&e C$arl ##e # +e/E
T$e Prin%ess D (a)er $ad .resen#ed #$e 8"een (i#$ se&eral ne( ( +en/ EBe%a"se' +y dear C$arl ##e' y " se# s"%$ s# re n $a&in) Ger+ans a! "# y "' I a+ sendin) y " Miss Pas%al/ -$e %a+e *r + Ger+any and $as ser&ed +e (ell/ I )i&e $er # y "/E C$arl ##e' *l"s$ed (i#$ &i%# ry &er #$e re#en#i n * -%$(ellen!"r)' a%%e.#ed )ra%e*"lly/ T$en #$ere (as Miss La&er %2 and Miss Vern n/ EAll e0%ellen# ( +en'E de%lared #$e Prin%ess D (a)er/ And s$e !elie&ed #$a# #$ey and Miss C$"dlei)$ ( "ld d &ery ) d ser&i%e in #$e 8"een's $ "se$ ld * r #$e Prin%ess D (a)er' * % "rseD * r #$e %$ie* d"#y * #$ese ( +en ($ile #$ey (en# a! "# #$e #as2s all ##ed # #$e+ n d "!# !y #$e d +ina#in) -%$(ellen!"r) (as # s.y * r #$e Prin%ess and re. r# # $er all #$a# 8"een C$arl ##e did and said/ L rd B"#e as al(ays (as ri)$#/ T$ere s$ "ld !e n + re disa)ree+en#s (i#$ #$e 1in)/ And i* #$e Prin%ess and L rd B"#e 2ne( e0a%#ly ($a# (as $a..enin) in #$e 8"een's .ri&a#e a.ar#+en#s #$ey ( "ld !e a!le # s$a.e #$eir . li%y s +"%$ + re easilyD and a# #$e sa+e #i+e +a2e s"re #$a# #$e ".s#ar# li##le 8"een s$ "ld !e n #$in) !"# #$e + #$er * #$e ne( r yal *a+ily/ T$e Grea# C ++ ner T$e D (a)er Prin%ess A")"s#a $ad !een ri)$# ($en #$e #$ ")$# $ad %%"rred # $er #$a# L rd B"#e (as + re in#eres#ed in #$e 1in) #$an in $ersel*/ -$e $ad al(ays re)arded $i+ as a $"s!andD and i# see+ed na#"ral #$a# $e s$ "ld !e a!s r!ed al+ s#
% +.le#ely a!s r!ed in #$e (el*are * $er s n' * r s$e (as s"re #$a# #$e *a+ily s.iri# $ad s en)"l*ed L rd B"#e #$a# $e #$ ")$# * Ge r)e as $is s n/ E&ery#$in) $e did * r Ge r)e (as * r Ge r)e's ) d and as $e $ad . in#ed "# # $er' ($a# (as * r Ge r)e's ) d (as * r #$eirsD * r #$eir ne ai+ (as # see Ge r)e rei)nin) &er $is 2in)d +' $a..y and se%"re/ He $ad #al2ed # $er a# len)#$ a! "# #$e + nar%$y' and #$ey (ere in % +.le#e a)ree+en#/ As L rd B"#e sa( i#' a 2in) s$ "ld !e #$e s".re+e r"ler/ T$is $ad !een #$e %ase in #$e .as#/ C$arles II $ad $ad )rea# . (er/ And ($a# a s#a#es+an $e $ad .r &ed $i+sel* # !e % nd"%#in) se%re# . li%ies (i#$ #$e Fren%$ !e$ind $is ) &ern+en#'s !a%2 and' L rd B"#e (as B"i%2 # . in# "#' # #$e )rea# ad&an#a)e n # nly $i+sel* !"# $is % "n#ry/ B"# #$en C$arles (as a -#"ar# as L rd B"#e $i+sel* (as' and al#$ ")$ $e % "ld n # %lai+ dire%# % nne%#i n' #$e na+e !ein) #$e sa+e' #$e lin2 +"s# !e #$ere/ L rd B"#e ( "ld li2e # see Ge r)e a!s l"#e + nar%$/ EB"# #$ere is #$e C ns#i#"#i n'E #$e Prin%ess $ad . in#ed "#/ EMade * r 3illia+ #$e D"#%$+an/ Na#"rally' #$e .e .le (an#ed i# #$en/ T$e +an (as a * rei)nerD and #$ey $ad 4"s# #"rned "# Ja+es II' ($ la%2ed #$e in#elli)en%e * $is !r #$er/ And a*#er #$a# #$ere (as Anne' ($ (as a ( +an' and #$en #$ey l 2ed # #$e H "se * Han &er/ Nei#$er * #$e #( .re&i "s Ge r)es %ared a! "# En)land' and #$e En)lis$ sensed #$a#/ B"# n ( i# is %$an)ed/ O"r Ge r)e is an En)lis$+an ! rn and !red in En)land/ I# is #i+e #$is % "n#ry re#"rned # #r"e 2in)s$i./E EAnd #$e G &ern+en#GE EA$' +y l &e $as ."# $er *in)er n #$e #r "!le/ 3$ile (e $a&e Mr/ Pi## a# #$e $ead * a**airs #$is % "n#ry (ill !e r"led !y i#s ) &ern+en# and n # !y i#s 2in)/E EAnd ($a# d y " .r . se' +y l &eGE ET rid "rsel&es * Mr/ Pi##/E ET$e .e .le's id lGE ET$e .e .le B"i%2ly * r)e# #$eir id ls/E EAnd y " #$in2 Mr/ Pi## (ill a)ree # re#ire GE
EMr/ Pi##' +y deares#' +"s# !e !r ")$# # s"%$ a .ass #$a# $e %an d n #$in) else !"# re#ire/E EI# (ill need &ery %are*"l $andlin)/E L rd B"#e s+iled a# $er/ E-$all (e %all n His Ma4es#y/E T$e Prin%ess n dded' and risin)' sli..ed $er ar+ #$r ")$ #$a# * #$e l &er/ B #$ #$e Prin%ess and L rd B"#e (ere a(are * #$e 1in)'s ne( de#er+ina#i n ($en #$ey * "nd $i+ a# $is des2 s#"dyin) s#a#e .a.ers/ He )ree#ed #$e+ (ar+ly' e+!ra%in) #$e+ ! #$/ EY "r Ma4es#y (ill * r)i&e #$is in#r"si n n y "r #i+e'E +"r+"red L rd B"#e/ EMy dear *riend' I a+ al(ays $a..y # see y "/E EAnd y "r + #$er' I #r"s#GE as2ed #$e Prin%ess/ EMy deares# + #$er' y " 2n ( i#/E ET$e Prin%ess and I $a&e !een #al2in) * #$e (ar'E said B"#e/ Ge r)e *r (ned/ He $a#ed (ars/ 1illin)F $e #$ ")$#/ Men ($ are s#r n) ne + +en# and 2illed r e&en ( rse' +ai+ed #$e ne0#/ A #erri!le .ri%e # .ay * r . (er/ Ye#' Mr/ Pi## $ad ass"red $i+ #$a# i# (as ne%essary * r #$e (el*are * #$e .e .le/ E3e (ere sayin)'E added $is + #$er' E3$a# a !lessin) i# ( "ld !e i* #$ere % "ld !e an end # all #$is !l ds$ed/E EI a+ in a!s l"#e a)ree+en# (i#$ y "/E EI *ear'E said B"#e sadly' '#$a# Mr/ Pi## $as #$er ideas/E EMr/ Pi## is * % "rse a )rea# s#a#es+an'E said #$e 1in)/ EI $ear #$a# $e is 2n (n #$r ")$ "# #$e % "n#ry and a!r ad as #$e )rea#es# En)lis$+an/E
EYes/ T$e Grea# C ++ ner'E la")$ed B"#e/ EI ad+i# #$a# a# ne #i+e $e did ) d ( r2 * r #$e % "n#ry' as Y "r Ma4es#y and I $a&e *#en a)reed/ -"%%ess ) es # a +an's $ead/ I# (as #$e sa+e (i#$ #$e D"2e * Marl! r ")$/ Res "ndin) &i%# ries #$r ")$ "# E"r .e/ Blen$ei+' O"denarde' Mal.laB"e#/ 3 nder*"l' 3 nder*"lF And all addin) )rea#ly # #$e )l ry * En)land and #$e D"2e/ And Pi##G Vi%# ries in N r#$ A+eri%a and India /// an E+.ire n less/ B"# #$e #r "!le (i#$ #$ese $er es is #$a# #$ey d n # 2n ( ($en # s# ./E EY " +ean'E said Ge r)e' '#$a# *irs# #$ey *i)$# * r #$e )l ry * En)land and #$en * r #$eir (n/E EY "r Ma4es#y $as a .re##y #"rn * (i#/ Yes' #$a# is ($a# I +ean/E EAnd y " #$in2 #$a# #$e (ar is n l n)er ne%essaryGE EI #$in2 Mr/ Pi## s$ "ld !e rdered # !rin) $is (ar # an end/E T$e Prin%ess )as.ed/ 3as dear L rd B"#e a li##le # !l"n#G Dare ne a##a%2 #$e Grea# C ++ ner in s"%$ #er+sG 3$a# i* i# (ere .assed n # #$e +an $i+sel*G 3 "ld $e #"rn and a##e+.# # *li%2 L rd B"#e *r + $is .a#$ as $e +i)$# a *lyG O$' !"# L rd B"#e (as n li)$#(ei)$# # !e *li%2ed aside/ Mi)$# i# n # !e Pi## $i+sel* ($ ( "ld % +e ** ( rs# *r + s"%$ an en% "n#erG -#ill' i# (as a)ains# #$eir . li%y # e+er)e # .en/ *ar "# in# #$e
Ge r)e (as as# nis$ed a# s"%$ % ++en# n #$e )rea# Mr/ Pi##' * r $e $i+sel*' #$e 1in) n less' (as &er($el+ed in #$e .resen%e * #$e Grea# C ++ ner ($ ' al#$ ")$ $e al(ays s$ (ed #$e "#+ s# res.e%# * r #$e Cr (n in *a%# $e (as a.# # )r &el !e* re r yal#y al(ays % n&eyed #$e i+.ressi n #$a# $e (as #$e *irs# +inis#er and real leader * #$e % "n#ry's . li%y' in #$er ( rds #$e r"ler' n # 1in) Ge r)e/ EI #$in2'E (en# n B"#e' '#$a# Y "r Ma4es#y s$ "ld s#"dy #$e . ssi!ili#ies * an early .ea%e/ T$e Fren%$ are ea)er * r i#' and I a+ s"re Y "r Ma4es#y (ill a)ree (i#$ +e #$a# i# % "ld !e !r ")$# a! "# (i#$ "# any l ss * *a%e/E EI s$ "ld li2e # see an end # #$e (ar'E #$e 1in) a)reed/ ET$e #$ ")$# * all #$e !l ds$ed a..als +e/E EI 2ne( #$a# Y "r Ma4es#y' Her Hi)$ness and I ( "ld !e * ne +ind'E
+"r+"red B"#e/ T$en' (i#$ #$e Prin%ess' $e sa# (i#$ #$e 1in) a# $is #a!le and #$ey s#"died #$e s#a#e .a.ers # )e#$er/ T$e Prin%ess n #ed #$a# al#$ ")$ #$e 1in) lis#ened # B"#e' $e n l n)er de*erred # $i+ in B"i#e #$e ld (ayD and ($en #$ey le*# s$e said: ET$ere is a %$an)e in Ge r)e/ I# is !e% +in) + re and + re a..aren#/E EI# is ine&i#a!le'E re.lied B"#e % +.la%en#ly/ EEa%$ day $e !e% +es + re and + re a(are #$a# $e is 1in)/E EHe is n # s ready # a)ree/E E3e +"s# !e + re s"re * "r ar)"+en#s/ He is s#ill &ery ine0.erien%ed/E EAnd Pi## // /G D y " #$in2 (e (ere .er$a.s a li##le # B"#e's s+ile )re( e&en + re % +.la%en#/ E3$en Ge r)e %a+e # #$e #$r ne Pi## (as s".re+e/ He $ad, .r &ed $is . li%ies/ He (as #$e .e .le's id l and #$e la#e 1in) !elie&ed #$a# $e % "ld d n (r n)/ He (as #$e + s# s"%%ess*"l . li#i%ian in E"r .e/ -"%$ s"%%ess !reeds en&y' and #$ere are +any . (er*"l +en in #$e G &ern+en# ($ se )rea#es# desire is # see Pi## e0.elled *r + i#/E EAnd y " $a&e #al2ed (i#$ #$ese +enGE EI $a&e // / s "nded #$e+' s$all (e say/ Bed* rd' Hard(i%2e' Gren&ille and // / F 0/ T$ey are all n #$e side * .ea%e/ In *a%# #$ey are ready # ran)e #$e+sel&es a)ains# Pi##/E EF 0FE EYes' +y l &e/ F 0 $i+sel*/E T$e Prin%ess (as sa#is*ied/ O* % "rse $er dear l rd 2ne( ($a# $e (as d in)/ 3i#$ #$ese +en n $is side $e ( "ld $a&e a ) d %$an%e * "s#in) Pi## and (i#$ #$eir $el. a%$ie&e #$a# * r ($i%$ $e $ad %a"#i "sly and assid" "sly ( r2ed e&en !e* re Ge r)e $ad % +e # #$e #$r ne/ L rd B"#e (i#$ F 0 as $is lie"#enan# ( "ld r"le En)land/ *ran2GE
As 3illia+ Pi##'s %arria)e # 2 $i+ #$r ")$ #$e L nd n s#ree#s $e (as re% )ni7ed and a%%lai+ed/ T$e Grea# C ++ ner (as #$e .e .le's id l/ He $ad !r ")$# an E+.ire # En)land and .r s.eri#y &erseas +ean# .r s.eri#y a# $ +e/ T$ere (as a (ar' yesD and (ars +ean# #a0a#i n and l ss * li&esD !"# #$ere (as ( r2 # !e $ad and e&en a s ldier a# (ar (as !e##er #$an a s ldier s#ar&in) in #$e s#ree#s/ Pi## a%2n (led)ed #$e %$eers (i#$ s +e($a# disdain*"l di)ni#y/ Al#$ ")$ $e (as al+ s# !seB"i "s # #$e 1in)' $e % "ld !e al+ s# % n#e+.#" "s * #$e .e .le in #$e s#ree#sD #$ey did/ n # see+ # resen# #$is/ He (as #$e )rea# Pi## and #$e + re $e s$ (ed $is % n#e+.# * r #$e+ #$e + re #$ey see+ed # res.e%# $i+/ His $a(2li2e eyes s#ared s#rai)$# a$ead and $e sa# &ery s#rai)$#' s #$a# $e ne&er *ailed # a..ear #$e #all and i+. sin) *i)"re $e (as/ He (as i++a%"la#e in *"ll dress % a# and #ie (i) as "s"alD and l 2ed as s%r"."l "sly (ell dressed n any %%asi n as $e did n #$is &isi# # #$e 1in)/ He )"essed #$e reas n * r #$e 1in)'s s"++ ns (as % nne%#ed (i#$ #$e Fren%$ desire * r .ea%e ne) #ia#i nsD and $e $ad +ade ". $is +ind #$a# $e (as n # ) in) # )i&e (ay # #$e ine0.erien%ed y "n) +an ($ $a..ened # !e #$e 1in)/ He ( "ld $a&e # e0.lain # $i+ .a#ien#ly ($y' in $is .ini n' .ea%e (as "ndesira!le a# #$is s#a)eD and !ein) Pi## $e $ad n d "!# #$a# $e % "ld d s e**e%#i&ely/ He $ad ene+ies' * % "rse' #$e %$ie* * ($ + (as L rd B"#e' ($ $ad' a# ne #i+e' de%lared $is s".. r# * Pi##'s . li%ies/ B"# B"#e (as an a+!i#i "s +an and $is .e%"liar rela#i ns (i#$ #$e Prin%ess D (a)er !"# .er$a.s ne s$ "ld n # say .e%"liar a# all' * r #$ey (ere' alas * r #$e + rali#y * #$e % "n#ry' all # % ++ n $ad d "!#less )i&en $i+ #$e n #i n #$a# $e % "ld lead #$e 1in) ($i#$er $e' B"#e' desired $i+ # ) / B"#e +"s# !e #a")$# a less n in #$is res.e%#/ T$e 1in) re%ei&ed $is +inis#er (i#$ #$e res.e%# ($i%$ $e $ad al(ays a%% rded # $i+/ Pi## ! (ed l (D #$ey e0%$an)ed a *e( % "r#e "s .leasan#ries and #$en #$e 1in) !r a%$ed #$e s"!4e%#' # dis%"ss ($i%$ $e $ad sen# * r $is +inis#er/ EI $a&e !een % nsiderin) #$e Fren%$ **er * a ne) #ia#ed .ea%e'E said #$e 1in)/ EI# ( "ld see+ #$a# #$e % "n#ry is )r (in) #ired * (ar and s +e * +y +inis#ers are * #$e .ini n #$a# n ( is #$e #i+e # le# % "nsels #a2e #$e .la%e * ar+s/E EY "r Ma4es#y $as % nsidered #$a# #$e na#i n $as ne&er 2n (n #rade as
i# d es n (GE EI 2n ('E said #$e 1in) *ir+ly' '#$a# +any * +y +inis#ers *eel #$e !"rden * #a0a#i n n %er#ain +e+!ers * #$e % ++"ni#y # !e # )rea#/E EY "r Ma4es#y (ill d "!#less e0.lain # #$e+ #$a# all .r )ress +"s# !e .aid * r/E E3e $a&e $ad )rea# !ene*i#s and I a+ #$e *irs# # ad+i# #$is/ 3e $a&e d ne (ell and n ( .er$a.s is #$e #i+e # %all a $al#/E EY "r Ma4es#y %an (e !e s"re #$a# #$e Fren%$ are sin%ereGE E3e %an a##e+.# # *ind "#/E EI# is +y !elie* #$a# i* (e are # $a&e .ea%e (i#$ Fran%e' -ire' i# is n # * r "s # ne) #ia#e #er+s !"# # di%#a#e #$e+' and #$ey s$ "ld !e in "r *a& "r/E ET$ey ( "ld yield all N r#$ A+eri%a and a lar)e s$are * #$eir Indian in#eres#sD and all #$ey as2 is . ssessi n * Min r%a/ T$is % "ld !e %alled #er+s de%idedly in "r *a& "r/E Pi## (as + +en#arily silen#/ T$e (ar (as $is (ar/ He $ad % n%ei&ed i#D $e $ad %arried i# #$r ")$D and $e sa( i# as #$e ans(er # En)land's .r !le+s/ 3$en $e $ad #a2en %$ar)e' En)land $ad !een a li##le island ** #$e % as# * E"r .e (i#$ a . ."la#i n * nly se&en +illi n and #$ere (ere #(en#y,se&en +illi n Fren%$+en 4"s# a%r ss #$e C$annel/ Bri#is$ s# %2 (as l (D i# (as lin2ed (i#$ #$a# * Han &er #$r ")$ i#s 2in)sD Pi## $ad !elie&ed #$a# i* s +e dras#i% a%#i n (ereE n # .r +.#ly #a2en #$e % "n#ry ( "ld sin2 # s"%$ insi)ni*i%an%e #$a# i# % "ld s%ar%ely $a&e !een %alled a % "n#ry/ I# +i)$# e&en $a&e !een a de.enden%y * Fran%e/ T$en $e $ad "#lined $is .lans # #$e la#e 1in)D $e $ad !een )i&en . (er' and ($a# $ad $a..enedG He $ad #"rned #$e s.$ere * in*l"en%e *r + E"r .e' ($ere $e 2ne( n )rea# )ains % "ld e&er !e *ir+ly % ns lida#ed and $ad %as# $is eyes n (ider $ ri7 ns/ He $ad drea+ed * an E+.ire and $ad %rea#ed ne/ In a *e( s$ r# years En)land $ad risen *r + an in% nsidera!le li##le 2in)d + # #$e )rea#es# . (er in #$e ( rld/ T$e .e .le in #$e s#ree#s 2ne( #$is/ T$ey (ere sin)in) R"le Bri#annia and Hear#s * a2D #$ey (al2ed (i#$ .ride and di)ni#yD and % ++er%e (as #$ri&in) in #$e Ci#y * L nd n/ T$e .e .le * L nd n $ad n d "!# ($ $ad !r ")$# #$is a! "#/ I# (as Pi## ($ $ad (i.ed "# ne. #is+' ($ $ad s$ (n #$e 1in) #$a# ar+ies % "ld n # !e led !y .rin%es' si+.ly !e%a"se #$ey (ere $is s ns/ Pi## $ad %ar&ed "# an
E+.ire and #$e % "n#ry (as rea.in) #$e !ene*i#s * .r s.eri#y/ N ne (as + re a(are * #$is #$an Pi##/
He said sl (ly: EI $ad !een % nsiderin) #$e ne%essi#y * de%larin) (ar n -.ain/E T$e 1in) l 2ed s#ar#led/ EI $a&e 4"s# learned #$a# Fran%e and -.ain are .re.arin) # +a2e a se%re# #rea#y/E EF r ($a# reas nGE de+anded #$e 1in)/ EY "r Ma4es#y (ill re+e+!er #$e s#r n) *a+ily % nne%#i n !e#(een #$e #( $e"ses/ T( B "r! n 2in)s a 2ind * *a+ily % +.a%#/ And #$e reas nG Be%a"se -.ain (is$es # a##a%2 P r#")al' ($ $as al(ays !een an ally * "rs/ I see Y "r Ma4es#y *eels as I d / A $as#y .ea%e % "ld !e a disas#er # En)land // / .ar#i%"larly ($en (e are in s"%$ a +as#erly . si#i n/ I % "ld ne&er .ers"ade +y ) &ern+en# # +a2e .ea%e in s"%$ a (ay #$a# I 2n ( s +e * Y "r Ma4es#y's +inis#ers are %la+ "rin) * r/E Pi##'s +anner s"))es#ed #$a# #$e +a##er (as %l sedD and #$e 1in) (as s#ill # ine0.erien%ed' # in a(e * #$is +an # % n#radi%# $i+/ 3$en Pi## %alled a Ca!ine# +ee#in) and ."# * r(ard $is .r . sals * r (ar n -.ain' $e (as +e# !y a %$ r"s * disa..r &al/ Far *r + de%larin) (ar n -.ain #$e %a!ine# (an#ed .ea%e (i#$ Fran%e/ Pi## . in#ed "# #$e disad&an#a)es * ne) #ia#in) .ea%e/ En)land (as ra.idly risin)D s$e (as #$e )rea#es# . (erD #$ere (as n need # % nsider .ea%e a# #$is 4"n%#"re/ I# (as #$e Fren%$ ($ earnes#ly needed i#/ T a)ree # si# d (n and arran)e .ea%e #er+s (as # )i&e ". a )a+e ($i%$ #$ey (ere (innin)/ He ( "ld nly a)ree # a .ea%e ($i%$ !r ")$# a! "# #$e "##er $"+ilia#i n * Fran%eD and #$is #$ey % "ld d !y re+ainin) in #$e *ield a li##le l n)er/ B"# # a)ree # ( r2 "# a .ea%e and )i&e % n%essi ns n ! #$ sides ($i%$ s"%$ an arran)e+en# ( "ld ine&i#a!ly in& l&e (as #$r (in) a(ay a $ard,( n ad&an#a)e/ L rd B"#e s. 2e a)ains# $i+D and e&ery ne 2ne( #$a# B"#e $ad #$e 1in) !e$ind $i+/ EI s"))es# #$a# (e i++edia#ely (i#$dra( "r a+!assad r *r + Madrid'E insis#ed Pi##/
F 0 r se # e0.ress an ad&erse .ini n and * r s +e +in"#es #$ese #( * r+ida!le ad&ersaries *a%ed ea%$ #$erD and # $is s$ %2ed a+a7e+en# Pi## dis% &ered #$a# F 0 $ad +any s".. r#ers/ Led !y F 0' Ge r)e Gren&ille I ne * Pi##'s (n !r #$ers,in,la(J' L rd Hard(i%2e' #$e D"2e * Bed* rd and B"#e' $is %ri#i%s s# d a)ains# $i+/ T $is dis+ay $e * "nd #$a# nly $is #( #$er !r #$ers,in,la(' Ri%$ard L rd Te+.le and Ja+es Gren&ille s# d (i#$ $i+D #$e %a!ine# $ad de*ea#ed #$e )rea# Pi##/ T$a# $ad see+ed in% n%ei&a!le and in #$is $e (as a(are * #$e $and * B"#e/ Pi## % "ld see n al#erna#i&e !"# resi)na#i n/ In #$e s#ree#s i# (as ($is.ered (i#$ a(e: EPi## $as resi)ned/E T$e .e .le * #$e %a.i#al (ere in%ensed/ Pi## (as #$eir $er / T$ey re+e+!ered #$e days ($en #rade $ad !een . r' ($en #$ere $ad !een n ( r2 * r #$ "sands/ Pi## $ad +ade L nd n ne * #$e )rea# . r#s * #$e ( rld/ And Pi## $ad !een #"rned "#F I# (as n # # !e end"red/ 3$ $ad/ #"rned $i+ "#' #$ey (an#ed # 2n (G I# (as #$e -% #s+an/ T$ey did n # (an# -% #s+en in En)land/ Le# #$e+ ) !a%2 ($ere #$ey !el n)ed' ($i%$ (as !ey nd #$e B rder/ T$ey (an#ed En)lis$+en ($ 2ne( ($a# (as !es# * r En)landD #$ey (an#ed Mr/ Pi##' #$e Grea# C ++ ner/ T$ey (ere .r "d * Mr/ Pi##/ He (as n d"2e n r earlD $e did n # see2 $ n "rs * r $i+sel*D $e s ")$# #rade and .r s.eri#y * r En)land/ And #$e -% #s+an and $is +is#ress $ad #"rned "# Pi##/ T$ey (ere s"re i# (as #$e -% #s+an ($ (as res. nsi!le * r #$is/ T$ere $ad !een 4 2es a! "# #$e -% #s+an and #$e Prin%ess D (a)er * r years/ T$ese in#ensi*iedD #$ey )re( a li##le + re le(d' a li##le + re %r"el/ L rd B"#e' ridin) #$r ")$ #$e s#ree#s' (as re% )ni7ed and +"d (as #$r (n a# $is %arria)e/ EG !a%2 ($ere y " !el n)/ And #a2e #$e lady (i#$ y "/ 3e %an d (i#$ "# y " ! #$/E B"#e (as s$ %2ed/ E3e d n'# (an# -% #%$ % al !"rned in #$e 1in)'s %$a+!er/ 3e d n'# (an# Ne(%as#le % al ei#$er/ 3e (an# Pi## % al/E I# (as a .$rase ($i%$ $ad % +e in# !ein) a *e( + n#$s a) and a..ealed # #$e .e .le/ T$ey (an#ed Pi## % al and (ere ) in) # $a&e i#/ B"#e (en# # #$e 1in) a# #$e earlies# .. r#"ni#y and said #$a# #$ey +"s# *ind s +e +eans * !rin)in) Pi## !a%2 in# #$e G &ern+en#/ T$e
.e .le (an#ed i#/ T$ey (ere )e##in) res#i&e and $e *el# i# ( "ld !e "n(ise # ) s s#r n)ly a)ains# #$eir (is$es/ E3$a#e&er a ne( +inis#ry did ( "ld !e a!"sed !y #$e .e .le'E $e # ld #$e 1in)/ ET$ey are de#er+ined # $a&e Pi## !a%2 and I #$in2 (e s$ "ld re%all $i+/E T$e 1in) (as in % +.le#e a)ree+en#' * r $e # * Pi##/ de.l red #$e resi)na#i n
EI# (as n # ($a# (e in#ended'E said B"#e' '!"# #$e +an is arr )an#D $e % "ld n # all ( any#$in) !"# $is (n desires/ T$ere* re $e #$in2s # dis% "n#enan%e "s !y resi)nin)/E E3$i%$'E . in#ed "# Ge r)e' '$e $as d ne/E ET$ere is nly ne #$in) le*# # "s'E added B"#e/ EI* Y "r Ma4es#y s"++ ned Pi## (e +i)$# % +e # a % +.r +ise/ He % "ld s#a#e $is #er+s * r re4 inin) #$e %a!ine# and I $a&e n d "!# #$a# $e is as ea)er # % +e !a%2 as (e are # $a&e $i+/E Pi## s+iled % +.la%en#ly ($en #$e s"++ ns %a+e/ He 2ne( *"ll (ell #$a# #$ey % "ldn'# d (i#$ "# $i+/ As $is %arria)e r de #$r ")$ #$e s#ree#s #$e .e .le %$eered $i+D #$ey $ad B"i%2ly,dis% &ered #$a# $e (as n $is (ay # see #$e 1in) and )"essed #$e reas n ($y/ ET$ey %an'# d (i#$ "# Pi##'E (as #$e % ++en#/ - i# (as (i#$ #$e "#+ s# % n*iden%e #$a# Pi## en#ered #$e 1in)'s .resen%e/ Ge r)e (as a y "n) +an' in )rea# need * )"idan%eD !"# ne * $is a##ra%#i&e B"ali#ies #$e +inis#er de%ided' (as $is ea)erness # d $is d"#y/ I* $e % "ld !e (eaned *r + B"#e's in*l"en%e #$ere ( "ld !e li##le #r "!le *r + $i+/ B"#eF He $ad !een #$in2in) * $i+/ H ( (as $e ) in) # !rea2 #$e in*l"en%e * yearsG B"#e $ad !een Ge r)e's % ns#an# % +.ani n sin%e #$e 1in) (as a %$ild/ E&en in #$e days ($en Frederi%2' Prin%e * 3ales' (as ali&e' B"#e $ad !een al+ s# a +e+!er * #$e $ "se$ ld' !e$a&in) li2e a *a& "red "n%le and la#er a *a#$er *i)"re/ - +e#$in) ( "ld $a&e # !e d ne a! "# B"#e/ He $ad +ade ". $is +ind/ Only i* $e % "ld arran)e * r B"#e # ser&e "nder $i+' % "ld $e ."# $is reins n #$a# a+!i#i "s +an/
He )a&e #$e 1in) #$a# dee. res.e%# ($i%$ $e ne&er *ailed # s$ ( in #$e .resen%e * r yal#y and **ered $is #er+s/ He ( "ld * r+ a ne( %a!ine#D in i# L rd B"#e s$ "ld $a&e a .la%e' n % ndi#i n #$a# $e a)reed # )i&e "nB"ali*ied s".. r# # Pi##/ 3$en Ge r)e dis%"ssed #$is (i#$ L rd B"#e #$ey reali7ed ($a# Pi## +ean#/ T$e arran)e+en# ( "ld % +.le#ely !rea2 B"#e's . (er/ He ( "ld $a&e # !e Pi##'s lie"#enan#D in *a%# i# ( "ld s(ee. a(ay e&ery#$in) B"#e $ad !een ( r2in) * r &er +any years/ I# (as an i+. ssi!le % ndi#i n' B"#e # ld #$e 1in)' and Pi## +"s# !e as2ed # .r . se s +e #$er al#erna#i&e/ Pi##'s re.ly (as * r a %a!ine# +ade ". * $is *riends/ He ( "ld !e -e%re#ary * -#a#e' (i#$ L rd Te+.le Firs# L rd * #$e Treas"ryD and n ne ($ did n # s".. r# $is . li%ies s$ "ld $a&e a .la%e in $is %a!ine#/ B"#e' (i#$ #$e Prin%ess D (a)er' %a+e # #$e 1in)'s a.ar#+en#s # dis%"ss #$ese de&el .+en#s/ B"#e derisi&ely la")$ed/ EHe'll !e as2in) * r #$e Cr (n ne0#/ 3$ e&er $eard * s"%$ a .r . si#i n I N ne # $a&e any . (er "nless $e a)rees # s"!+i# # Mr/ Pi##F T$e +an's ) "# see+sE # $a&e ) ne # $is $ead and s( llen i# "# * all .r . r#i n' #$ ")$ G d 2n (s i# (as !i) en ")$ !e* re/E EY "'ll ne&er !e 1in)' Ge r)e'E . in#ed "# $is + #$er' '($ile Pi## r"les En)land/E Ge r)e (as in % +.le#e a)ree+en# (i#$ $is + #$er and B"#e/ N r (as $e in%lined # $ide $is an)er *r + Pi##/ EY " (an# # red"%e +e # #$ese #er+s'E $e (r #e' '!y disa& (in) +y (n a%#/ N ' Mr/ Pi##' !e* re I s"!+i# # #$ese % ndi#i ns I (ill *irs# ."# #$e %r (n n y "r $ead and s"!+i# +y ne%2 # #$e a0e/E EB"#'E Ge r)e (an#ed # 2n ( ($en #$is re.ly $ad !een des.a#%$ed' '($ere d (e ) *r + $ereG C "ld y " * r+ a +inis#ryGE L rd B"#e (as s"re #$a# $e % "ldD !"# $e (as re+e+!erin) (i#$ s +e a..re$ensi n #$a# +"d $ad !een #$r (n a# $is % a%$ and #$a# #$ere (ere s$ "#s * ad"la#i n e&ery #i+e Pi## a..eared in #$e s#ree#s * L nd n/ ET$e .e .le (ill !e a)ains# "s !e%a"se Pi## is n # (i#$ "s'E $e
% +.lained/ ET$ey see #$a# *ell ( as a s r# * G d/E He did n # say ($a# #$eir .ini n * $i+ (as' !"# $e 2ne( (ell en ")$/ He (as a(are #$a# Ge r)e s$"ddered # $ear #$e % ++en#s ($i%$ (ere +ade in #$e s#ree#s a! "# $is + #$er and $er l &er' and B"#e 2ne( Ge r)e (ell en ")$ # *ear #$a# s"%$ % ns#an# re+inders +i)$# a**e%# $is a##i#"de # (ards #$e+ ! #$ sin%e Ge r)e (as a# $ear# a .r"de' and $is )rea# s%$e+e (as # !rin) + rali#y !a%2 # En)land/ T$ey +"s# !e &ery %are*"l/ EO"r !es# .lan'E s"))es#ed B"#e' '( "ld !e # **er Pi## s +e re% +.ense // / #$e )rea#er #$e !e##er/ I# ( "ld $a&e # !e s +e#$in) s #e+.#in) #$a# $e % "ld n # re*"se i#/ T$en ($en $e a%%e.#ed (e s$ "ld +a2e #$e .e .le see #$a# i# (as a * r+ * !ri!e/ T$is s$ "ld red"%e $is . ."lari#y % nsidera!ly/E B #$ #$e Prin%ess D (a)er and #$e 1in) sa( #$e (isd + * #$isD and #$ey se# a! "# .lannin) ($a# #$ey ( "ld **er $i+/ ET$e !&i "s . s# #$a# % +es # +ind is a ) &ern r,)enerals$i. * Canada'E said B"#e/ ET$a# ( "ld ens"re $is !ein) #$ree #$ "sand +iles a(ay *r + En)land/ 3$a# % "ld !e + re desira!leGE EY " #$in2 $e ( "ld #a2e i# GE E3e % "ld #ry/ 3e % "ld **er $i+ L??? a year/E EHe $as ne&er !een a +an # #a2e +"%$ a%% "n# * + ney/E EHe $as a s.e%ial *eelin) * r Canada/ He re)ards i# as $is % nB"es#/ T$ere is a . ssi!ili#y #$a# $e (ill a%%e.#D and n%e $e $as' (e %an se# i# a! "# #$a# Mr/ Pi## $as a%%e.#ed Canada in #$er ( rds' deser#ed En)land * r #$e sa2e * a ne( % "n#ry/E I# (as' a)reed Ge r)e' an e0%ellen# idea' and * r#$(i#$ a le##er (as dra*#ed # Mr/ Pi##/ 1n (in) $is in#eres# in #$e d +ini n * Canada ($i%$ $ad in *a%# !een $is % nB"es#' #$e 1in) $ad #$e )rea#es# .leas"re in **erin) Mr/ Pi## #$e G &ern r,Generals$i. (i#$ an in% +e * L??? . "nds a year/ Pi##'s ans(er # #$is (as .r +.# and # #$e . in#/ E&en i* $e (ere all (ed # re#ain $is sea# in #$e H "se * C ++ ns' $e ( "ld s#ill
re4e%# #$e .r 4e%# !e%a"se $e in#ended # s#ay in En)land ($ere $is $ear# (as/ T$e ne0# **er (as * #$e D"%$y * Lan%as#er an e0%eedin)ly l"s%i "s .l"+D sin%e all $e ( "ld $a&e # d (as a%%e.# re&en"es *r + #$e Cr (n/ B"# Mr/ Pi## (as # (ily # *all in# #$is #ra./
T$en %a+e #$e *inal **er/ His (i*e s$ "ld !e% +e a .eeress Bar ness * C$a#$a+D and $e $i+sel* s$ "ld $a&e a .ensi n * >??? . "nds a year * r #$ree li&es' ($i%$ +ean# #$a# n $is dea#$ $is (i*e ( "ld $a&e i#' #$en $is s n' and i* $is (i*e died !e* re $e died' i# ( "ld ) # $is )rands n/ T$e .re&i "s **ers $ad !een re4e%#ed (i#$ s% rnD !"# &er #$is las# Pi## $esi#a#ed/ 3$en $e $ad # ld $is (i*e * #$e las# **er $e $ad seen a )lea+ * sa#is*a%#i n in $er eyes/ - Hes#er ( "ld li2e # !e Bar ness C$a#$a+ I He (as dee.ly in l &e (i#$ Hes#er and $ad !een * r s +e #i+e !e* re #$ey +arried/ -$e (as ne * #$e Gren&illes , a )irl s"rr "nded !y !r #$ers' and in #$e days !e* re $is +arria)e Pi## $ad *#en !een a )"es# a# 3 ## n Hall ($ere $e $ad *as%ina#ed n # nly Hes#er !"# $er !r #$ers (i#$ $is el B"en%e and #$a# "ndenia!le air * )rea#nessD $e $ad +arried Hes#er se&en years a) and #$ey $ad *i&e %$ildren #$ree ! ys and #( )irls #$e y "n)es#' Ja+es' !ein) nly a *e( + n#$s ld/ Pi## (as de& #ed # $is *a+ily/ T$ey and $is %areer (ere all #$a# +a##ered # $i+D Hes#er +a##ered in .ar#i%"lar/ -$e $ad !e#rayed # $i+ !y a l 2 #$a# s$e ( "ld en4 y . ssessin) #$e #ideD and i# (as in $is . (er # )i&e i# # $er/ He 2ne( # #$a# s$e li2ed #$e idea * #$e .ensi n/ >??? a year ,and n # nly * r $i+/ T$ey (ere n # . r !y any +eans/ Hes#er $ad !r ")$# a lar)e d (ryD $e $ad a li##le *r + $is *a+ilyD and #$e D"%$ess * Marl! r ")$ in $er e%%en#ri% (ay $ad le*# $i+ 9?'??? . "nds * r' s$e $ad (ri##en' $is n !le de*en%e * r #$e s".. r# * #$e la(s * En)land/ Ye# (i#$ #$is ne( **er #$ere %a+e n % ndi#i ns/ He % "ld a%%e.# i# and relinB"is$ n #$in)/ A #e+. rary a!sen%e *r + #$e %en#re * #$e s#a)e +i)$# e&en !e desira!le' * r $e s"**ered e0%r"%ia#in)ly *r + #$e ) "#: T$e 1in) and B"#e (ere s"r.rised and i++ensely )ra#i*ied ($en $e a%%e.#ed #$is **er/ EN 'E %ried B"#e' '(e s$all #ell #$e .e .le in "r (n (ay ($a# $as $a..ened/E
T$e *irs# + &e (as # a.. in# C$arles 3ynd$a+' Earl * E)re+ n#' # s"%%eed Pi## as -e%re#ary * -#a#e * r #$e - "#$ern De.ar#+en# and B"#e sa( #$a# i# s$ "ld !e +ade a!s l"#ely %lear # #$e ."!li% #$a# Pi## $ad a%%e.#ed a .ensi n and .eera)e in e0%$an)e * r $is **i%e/ I# (as (ri##en in #$e C "r# Cir%"lar: T$e Ri)$# H n "ra!le 3illia+ Pi## $a&in) resi)ned #$e -eals in# #$e 1in)'s $ands' His Ma4es#y (as #$is day .leased # a.. in# #$e Earl * E)re+ n# # #ie ne * His Ma4es#y's .rin%i.al -e%re#aries * -#a#e/ And in % nsidera#i n * #$e )rea# and i+. r#an# ser&i%e * #$e said Mr/ Pi##' His Ma4es#y $as !een )ra%i "sly .leased # dire%# #$a# a (arran# !e .re.ared * r )ran#in) # #$e Lady Hes#er Pi##' $is (i*e' a Bar ny * Grea# Bri#ain' !y #$e na+e' s#yle and #i#le * Bar ness C$a#$a+ # $er $eirs +aleD and als # % n*er n #$e said 3illia+ Pi##' an ann"i#y * #$ree #$ "sand . "nds s#erlin)' d"rin) $is (n li*e and #$a# * Lady Hes#er Pi## and #$eir s n J $n Pi##' EsB/ T$e .e .le (ere as# nis$ed as B"#e $ad in#ended #$ey s$ "ld !e ($en #$ey $eard #$is ne(s/ N r did B"#e in#end #$a# i# s$ "ld res# #$ere/ Li2e + s# . li#i%ians $e $ad $is de.endan#s in #$e li#erary ( rld ($ + $e "sed # *"r#$er $is (n %a"se/ Very s n a s n) (as !ein) s"n) in #$e s#ree#s * L nd n a sneer a# #$e *allen id l: T$ree #$ "sand a year's n % n#e+.#i!le #$in)' T a%%e.# *r + #$e $and * a .a#ri # 1in)' I3i#$ #$an2s # #$e !ar)ain * r ser&i%e and +eri#J' 3$i%$ $e (i*e and s n all #$ree s$all in$eri#/ 3i#$ li+i#ed $ n "rs # $er and $er $eirs - *are(ell # ld En)land/ Adie" # all %ares/ Pi## $ad n in#en#i n * !ein) +isre.resen#ed/ As a . li#i%ian ($ ' e&en $is ene+ies $ad # ad+i#' $ad d ne a )rea# deal * r $is % "n#ry' $e $ad n # !een &er.aid (i#$ $is .eera)e and >??? a year .ensi n/ B"# $e ( "ld n # $a&e #$e .e .le ass"+in) #$a# $e $ad #a2en #$is in e0%$an)e * r lea&in) $is . s#/ He $ad a le##er %ir%"la#ed ($i%$ # ld #$e #r"e s# ry : Findin) # +y )rea# s"r.rise M$e (r #eC #$a# #$e %a"se and +anner * +y resi)nin) #$e -eals is )r ssly +isre.resen#ed in #$e Ci#y' as (ell as #$a# #$e + s# )ra%i "s and s. n#ane "s re+ar2s * His Ma4es#y's a..r !a#i n * +y ser&i%es' ($i%$ +ar2s * ll (ed +y resi)na#i n' $a&in) !een in*a+ "sly #rad"%ed as a !ar)ain * r +y * rsa2in) #$e ."!li%' I a+ "nder #$e ne%essi#y * de%larin) #$e #r"#$ * ! #$ #$ese *a%#s' /in a +anner ($i%$ I a+ s"re n )en#le+an (ill % n#radi%#/ A di**eren%e *
.ini n (i#$ re)ard # +eas"res # !e #a2en a)ains# -.ain' * #$e $i)$es# i+. r#an%e and $ n "r * #$e Cr (n' and # #$e + s# essen#ial Na#i nal in#eres#s Iand #$is * "nded n ($a# -.ain $as already d ne' n # n ($a# #$a# C "r# +ay *"r#$er in#end # d J (as #$e %a"se * +y resi)nin) #$e -eals/ L rd Te+.le and I s"!+i##ed in (ri#in) and si)ned !y "s' "r + s# $"+!le sen#i+en#s # His Ma4es#yD ($i%$ !ein) &err"led !y #$e "ni#ed .ini n * all #$e res# * #$e 1in)'s ser&an#s' I resi)ned #$e -eals n #$e *i*#$ * #$is + n#$' in rder n # # re+ain res. nsi!le * r +eas"res ($i%$ I (as n l n)er a!le # )"ide/ M s# )ra%i "s ."!li% +ar2s * His Ma4es#y's a..r !a#i n * ll (ed +y resi)na#i n/ T$ey are "n+eri#ed and "ns li%i#ed and I s$all e&er !e .r "d # $a&e re%ei&ed #$e+ *r + #$e !es# * - &erei)ns/ 3$en #$is (as $anded r "nd #$e Ci#y and #$e !&i "s #r"#$ * i# reali7ed' Pi##'s . ."lari#y s$ # ". a)ainD and L rd B"#e's a##e+.#s # dis%redi# $i+ $ad en#irely *ailed/ All #$e ."!li% $ad # reali7e (as #$a# #$ ")$ $e n l n)er $ad a .la%e in #$e %a!ine#' $e $ad n in#en#i n * * rsa2in) $is d"#y/ T$e Prin%ess D (a)er' "na(are * ."!li% *eelin)' (as deli)$#ed (i#$ #$e #"rn * e&en#s/ 3i#$ L rd B"#e s$e %alled n $er s n and e+!ra%in) $i+ %ried: ET$an2 G d/ N (' Ge r)e' y "'are in #r"#$ 1in) * En)land/E A &isi# # a 8"a2er $ "se T$e 1in) and 8"een (ere #a2in) !rea2*as# # )e#$er/ T$is (as a &ery .leasan# .ar# * #$e day' C$arl ##e *#en #$ ")$#/ Ge r)e (as al(ays s % "r#e "s and s$e really !elie&ed $e (as )r (in) * nder * $er' ($i%$ s"r.rised and deli)$#ed $er' * r s$e (as *"lly a(are * $er la%2 * !ea"#yD and #$ere (as n d "!# #$a# Ge r)e (i#$ $is ) lden $air' !l"e eyes and *res$ % +.le0i n (as a $ands +e +an/ In C "r# dress $e l 2ed #r"ly +a)ni*i%en#D $e e&en l 2ed .leasan# in #$e early + rnin)/ He # 2 nly a dis$ * #ea a# !rea2*as#/ EI +"s# !e n +y )"ard'E $e # ld C$arl ##e' 'a)ains# )e##in) *a#/ I# is a %$ara%#eris#i% * #$e *a+ily/E EB"# a dis$ * #eaF I# see+s s li##le/ I really #$in2 I s$ "ld .ers"ade y " # #a2e a li##le + re/E He s+iled a# $er ra#$er %a"#i "sly/ He (an#ed $er # 2n ( #$a# al#$ ")$ $e (as de#er+ined # !e a ) d $"s!and # $er' $e (as n # all (in) any in#er*eren%e e&en in #$e +a##er * a dis$ * #ea/
Ta%#*"lly $e %$an)ed #$e s"!4e%#/ EY " (ill !e in#eres#ed in #$is L rd May r's -$ (/ I d "!# y " $a&e e&er seen any#$in) li2e i#/E EI a+ % ns#an#ly seein) #$in)s ($i%$ I $a&e ne&er seen !e* re/ I# +a2es li*e &ery in#eres#in)/E He l 2ed a# $er % &er#ly/ T$ey $ad !een +arried nearly #( + n#$s/ 3as #$ere any si)n ye#G He $ad %er#ainly n # *ailed in $is % n4")al d"#ies/ I# +i)$# e&en !e #$a# already s$e (as (i#$ %$ild/ E3e s$all !e #$e )"es#s * #$e Ci#y' I !elie&e'E s$e (as sayin)/ EH ( I l &e #$e Ci#y/ I *ind i# a!s r!in)ly in#eres#in)/E EH ( are y " )e##in) n (i#$ y "r En)lis$ GE EO$ /// # lera!ly (ell/ I a+ #a2in) +y less n e&ery day/E ETry s.ea2in) i#/E -$e did' $al#in)ly' and $e % rre%#ed $er/ -$e (as la")$in) (i#$ $i+ &er $er dd .r n"n%ia#i n/ 3$a# a !lessin)' s$e said' #$a# $e % "ld s.ea2 Ger+an s (ell/ EE&en ($en I s.ea2 En)lis$ .r *i%ien#ly (e s$all s.ea2 in Ger+an' s$all (e n #' ($en (e are al ne # )e#$er/ 3e s$all +a2e i# "r in#i+a#e lan)"a)e/E He n dded/ EAl#$ ")$ y " +"s# ( r2 $ard a# y "r En)lis$/E EO$' Ge r)e' I (ill/E EI #$in2 +y )rand*a#$er +ade a )rea# +is#a2e in n # s.ea2in) i# (ell/ N ( /// #$e .lans * r #$e nin#$/E -$e s+iled % sily/ H ( $e li2ed +a2in) .lans I He ( "ld ) # s"%$ #r "!le # arran)e #$e )"es#s * r #$e + s# in* r+al !all e&en ($en $e +"s# $a&e &ery i+. r#an# s#a#e +a##ers n $is +ind/ T$ere (as #$e a**air * Mr/ Pi## * r ne #$in)/ -$e &en#"red : ET$ere is +"%$ #al2 * Mr/ Pi##/E
He *r (ned/ EO$' $e is n l n)er in #$e %a!ine#/E EI did learn #$a# #$ere is a )rea# deal ' * *eelin) in #$e Ci#y a! "# $is resi)na#i n/E / E3$ # ld y " #$isGE EO$ /// I d n # re+e+!er/ I# is *#en #al2ed */ I# see+s a .i#y/ He is a )rea# +an' #$ey sayD and i# is sad #$a# $is #alen#s s$ "ld n # !e "sed in #$e ser&i%e * #$e na#i n/E Ge r)e (as n # $a&in) #$is/ He +"s# +a2e $er "nders#and #$a# $e $ad n in#en#i n * #al2in) . li#i%s (i#$ $er/ I# (as n # a ( +an's .la%e # in#er*ere/ He $ad seen # +"%$ * ( +en's +eddlin)/ He (as !e)innin) # #$in2 #$a# $is + #$er in#er*ered # +"%$D !"# s$e (as ld and (ise and $e $ad al(ays lis#ened # $er/ B"# $e (as n # ) in) # $a&e C$arl ##e !e% +in) an #$er Prin%ess D (a)er/ 8"eens and +is#resses * 2in)s $ad *#en s ")$# # d +ina#e #$e+/ I# (as n # ) in) # !e said #$a# Ge r)e III (as s d +ina#ed // / e0%e.# !y $is + #$er ($en $e (as y "n)/Ge r)e (as !e)innin) # #$in2 #$a# ne day $e +i)$# $a&e # #ell $is + #$er #$a# $e ( "ld +a2e ". $is (n +ind/ - $e did n # (an# C$arl ##e !e)innin) # in#er*ere/ He said s$ r#ly: ET$a# +a##er is se##led/ I# is * n in#eres# # y "/ I (ill s$ ( y " #$e r "#e #$e L rd May r's -$ ( (ill #a2e/E He s.read a +a. n #$e #a!le and C$arl ##e (as i++edia#ely a!s r!ed/ I# (as li2e #$e ld days (i#$ Mada+e de Gra! (/ N ( s$e * ll (ed Ge r)e's *in)er as i# #ra%ed #$e r "#e/ EAnd ($ere s$all (e !e GE as2ed C$arl ##e/ Ge r)e $ad #"rned a *ain# .in2 and s$e ( ndered ($y/ He s#a++ered as $e ans(ered: ET$ere // / #$ere is a $ "se .. si#e B ( C$"r%$ in C$ea.side ($ere i# is . ssi!le # )e# a *ine &ie( * #$e L rd May r's -$ (/ I#s (ners $a&e in&i#ed "s # see i# *r + #$eir $ "se/E EH ( s#ran)e'E +"r+"red C$arl ##e/ EI# is n # a# all s#ran)e'E re.lied Ge r)e' al+ s# # &e$e+en#ly/
EI# is a &ery *ine $ "se and i# is in *a%#/// + s# s"i#a!le/ T$ere are !al% nies *r + ($i%$ (e %an see e&ery#$in) in ease and % +* r#/ And #$ese .e .le are 8"a2ers/ I /// I #$in2 #$e 8"a2ers are &ery *ine .e .le indeed/ I/// I $a&e al(ays *el# #$a# #$is (as a reli)i n // / $ad I n # !een 2in) * #$is real+ // / ($i%$ I % "ld $a&e * ll (ed/E He (as l 2in) a# $er al+ s# de*ian#ly' and s$e said: EY " +"s# #ell +e + re * #$is 8"a2er reli)i n/ Y " $a&e 2n (n +any 8"a2ers' I s".. se/E Ge r)e )re( a s$ade .ale and' #"rnin)' (en# # #$e (ind ( and l 2ed "#/ He said in a +"**led & i%e: EMy . si#i n +a2es i# ne%essary * r +e # +ee# +any * +y s"!4e%#s/E T$e 8"een (as ."77led/ 3$a# (as #$e reas n * r #$is s#ran)e &e$e+en%e and e+!arrass+en#G 3as i# !e%a"se $e (as as2in) $er # see #$e .r %essi n *r + a $ "se ($i%$ $e did n # % nsider s"i#a!le * r a B"eenG Or (as i# !e%a"se $e really *el# s#r n)ly a! "# !e% +in) a 8"a2erG O* % "rse #$a# (as i+. ssi!le/ H ( res#ri%#ed (e are' #$ ")$# C$arl ##e' and s$e sa( . r C$ris#ina's *a%e (i#$ #$e sad e0.ressi n ($i%$ $ad !een #$ere *r + #$e #i+e $er sis#er $ad $eard #$a# $er +arria)e ( "ld n # #a2e .la%e/ P r C$ris#ina I T$ere (as n *reed + * r a .rin%ess /// r a 2in) * r #$a# +a##er/ EGe r)e'E s$e said' 'd y " *eel s#r n)ly a! "# #$is 8"a2er +a##erGE Her ( rds did n #$in) # ease #$e #ensi n/ EO* % "rse n #'E $e said s$ar.lyD and #$en: EI $a&e +a##ers # ($i%$ I +"s# a##end/E He le*# $er a# #$e !rea2*as# #a!le' ( nderin) ($y $is + d s$ "ld s"ddenly $a&e %$an)ed/ I# (as al+ s# as #$ ")$ $e (ere $idin) s +e se%re#/ C$arl ##e (as !ein) dressed * r #$e L rd May r's -$ (/ I# (as a s#a#e %%asi n s s$e ( "ld !e + s# s.lendidly a##ired/ Her ( +en $ad dressed $er $air in ($a# #$ey %alled % r na#i n rin)le#sD #$ese (ere %r (ned (i#$ a %ir%le * dia+ nds/ Her ) (n (as sil2 and ) ld and
sil&er !r %adeD $er s# +a%$er )li##ered (i#$ dia+ nds and s$e (as n # dis.leased (i#$ #$e re*le%#i n ($i%$ l 2ed !a%2 a# $er/ -"%$ %l #$es % "ld #a2e #$e .lainness "# * #$e + s# rdinary *a%eD and C$arl ##e (as al(ays .leased # (in #$e ad+ira#i n * s.e%#a# rs/ T$e li##le .a)e ! y' dressed in s%arle# and sil&er' (as s#andin) !y (ai#in) # %arry $er #rain' and Eli7a!e#$ C$"dlei)$ (as %$a##erin) a(ay # #$e Mar%$i ness * L +eD #$ey did n # 2n ( #$a# C$arl ##e (as "nders#andin) a li##le + re En)lis$ e&ery day/ E- i#'s # !e #$e $ "se * #$e 8"a2er'E la")$ed Eli7a!e#$ C$"dlei)$/ E3ell' $e $as !een said # $a&e a s.e%ial * ndness * r #$e+/E T$is is #$e Bar%lays/ Very ri%$ !an2ers' #$e Bar%lays/ Pr s.er "s si+.li%i#y is #$e rder * #$e day/ I'+ s"re H/M/ is )lad #$a# #$e $ "se %$ sen (as n # in -#/ Ja+es's Mar2e#/E E3 "ld Hanna$'s *a+ily $a&e $ad $i+GE T$e ( +en #i##ered # )e#$er/ H ( s#ran)eF #$ ")$# C$arl ##e/ Had s$e #ransla#ed #$a# % n&ersa#i n % rre%#lyG -$e (as n # s"reD !"# Ge r)e $i+sel* $ad said s +e#$in) a! "# 8"a2ers/ 3$a# (as #$is 8"a2er +ys#eryG T$ere (as s +e#$in) s$e (as s"re/ Per$a.s s$e ( "ld *ind "# # day/ T$ey say #$e .e .le are +assin) in #$e s#ree#s'E (en# n Eli7a!e#$/ EPi##'s s".. r#ers are all "#/ I d n'# #$in2 #$ey are ) in) # send ". $a..y %$eers * r #$e Fa& "ri#e' d y " GE E3$en $a&e #$ey e&erGE ENe&er/ B"# (i#$ Mr/ Pi## ridin) in #$e .r %essi n #$ey % "ld )e# really **ensi&e a! "# Mas#er B"#e and Her R/H/E Pi##F B"#eF T$e Prin%essF C$arl ##e % "ld )"ess ($a# #$ese *ri& l "s ( +en (ere #al2in) a! "#/ -$e $ersel* disli2ed #$e Prin%ess D (a)er and (as s"re $er + #$er,in,la( disli2ed $er in re#"rn/ I# (as ra#$er dis)ra%e*"l #$a# s$e s$ "ld !e s #al2ed a! "# n a%% "n# * L rd B"#e/ 3$a# did #$e 1in) #$in2G 3$a#e&er $e #$ ")$# $e 2e.# i# # $i+sel*/ He (as &ery * nd * #$e+ ! #$ + re * nd' C$arl ##e s"s.e%#ed' #$an *
$er/ -$e s+iled # $ersel*/ T$a# (as ) in) # %$an)e/ Ge r)e (as n # ) in) # re+ain $is + #$er's ! y n ( #$a# $e (as a $"s!and' -$e $ad a s"s.i%i n #$a# $e +i)$# s n !e a *a#$er' !"# s$e (as n # s"re ye#/ 3$en $e (as' e&ery#$in) ( "ld !e %$an)ed/ T$e i+. r#an# .e .le in $is li*e ( "ld !e $is (i*e' $is s ns and da")$#ers n # $is d +ina#in) + #$er and $er .ara+ "r/ C$arl ##e' )li##erin) (i#$ dia+ nds' .in2 (i#$ #$e .leas"re * % n#e+.la#in) #$e e0%i#e+en# * ($a# (as &ery . ssi!ly #$e %ase' le*# $er a.ar#+en#s # #a2e $er .la%e !eside #$e 1in) in #$e % a%$ in ($i%$ #$ey ( "ld dri&e # #$e 8"a2er $ "se$ ld *r + ($ere #$ey ( "ld see #$e s$ (/ Pi## (as rel"%#an# # !e a .ar# * #$e .r %essi n' !"# Lady Hes#er (as %er#ain #$a# $e s$ "ld/ EI* y " d n'#'E s$e said' '#$e .e .le (ill !elie&e #$a# y " are as$a+ed # *a%e #$e+ and in a day r s #$ey (ill !e sayin) #$a# #$e lies B"#e ."# a! "# a)ains# y " are #r"e/E Pi## s+iled/ ET$ey (ill $a&e read +y % rre%#i n/E E-lander s#i%2s'E insis#ed Lady Hes#er' and Pi## $ad # a)ree #$a# s$e (as ri)$#/ EB"# #$e !anB"e# is # $ n "r #$e 1in)/ I d n # (is$ # !rin) a! "# an "n% +* r#a!le si#"a#i n !y a..earin)/E EY " s$ "ld !e #$ere/ I a+ %er#ain * i#/ Y " +"s# % n&in%e #$e .e .le * #$e Ci#y #$a# y " are s#ill ne * #$e+/ Y " resi)ned !e%a"se #$e %a!ine# did n # a)ree (i#$ y "/ Y " a%%e.#ed #$e .ensi n and +y #i#le as 4"s# re(ards * r y "r ( r2 // / and Hea&en 2n (s y " deser&e #$e+/ Y " $a&e #$e *"#"re # #$in2 *' 3illia+/ Y " +"s# ) /E - Pi## )a&e (ay and $e and $is !r #$er,in,la(' L rd Te+.le' 4 ined #$e .r %essi n in #$eir % a%$/ T$e Prin%ess D (a)er (as dee.ly % n%erned a! "# $er l &er/ He ( "ld $a&e # ride #$r ")$ #$e %i#y and #$e .e .le * L nd n !la+ed $i+ * r #$e dis+issal * Pi##/ B"#e ass"red $er #$a# $e $ad #a2en .re%a"#i ns a)ains# any
"n.leasan#ness ($i%$ +i)$# %%"r: EI $a&e $ired s#r n) +en # * ll ( +y % a%$ and #$ey (ill !e n #$e s. # ($en needed/E E- y " e0.e%# #r "!le I' %ried #$e Prin%ess D (a)er/ ELe# "s say #$a# I al(ays !elie&e in !ein) .re.ared * r i#/E T$e Prin%ess s$"ddered/ -in%e #$e resi)na#i n * Pi##' #$e #e+.er * #$e ."!li% # (ards $er and $er l &er $ad )r (n + re $ s#ile/ In #$e .as# #$e .e .le $ad s"n) s n)s a! "# #$e+' $ad % n#en#ed #$e+sel&es (i#$ ($is.ered s%andal/ T$ey $ad +erely !een silen# ($en #$ey r de #$r ")$ #$e s#ree#s/ N ( #$ey $ad %$an)ed/ T$ey s$ "#ed a*#er $er %arria)e and s$e 2ne( #$ey did a*#er L rd B"#e's' # / 3$en s$e $ad las# dri&en #$r ")$ %er#ain s#ree#s .la%ards $ad !een (a&ed !e* re #$e % a%$ s #$a# s$e % "ld n # *ail # see #$e+/ On #$e+ $ad !een %r"dely dra(n a 4a%2! # and .e##i% a#/ - +e * #$e .e .le e&en %arried #$e ! # and .e##i% a#/ T$ey s$ "#ed !s%eni#ies a*#er $er %arria)e/ T$e .e##i% a# (as +ean# # re.resen# $er and #$e 4a%2! # (as a .lay n $er l &er's na+e/ He (as J $n #$ere* re Ja%2 and B # s# d * r B"#e/ T$e % "n#ry (as ) &erned !y Ja%2! # and' Pe##i% a#' %alled #$ese .e .le' and #$ey (ere !y n +eans re#i%en# a! "# #$e rela#i ns$i. #$ey !elie&ed # e0is# !e#(een #$ese #( D n r did #$ey $esi#a#e # dis%"ss i# in le(d and l"rid #er+s/ T$e Prin%ess s$"ddered/ EI (is$ y " (ere n # ridin) in #$e .r %essi n'E s$e said' !"# B"#e nly s+iled a# $er/ O* % "rse $e +"s# !e #$ere/ I# (as an %%asi n ($en all +en * s#andin) +"s# !e .resen#/ -$e need $a&e n *ear/ He $ad arran)ed * r .r #e%#i n *r + #$e + ! s$ "ld i# !e needed/ Had $e n # al(ays !een a!le # #a2e %are * $i+sel*G C$arl ##e sa# in #$e s#a#e % a%$ (i#$ #$e 1in)/ T$e 4 "rney *r + -#/ Ja+es's Pala%e # C$ea.side (as 4"s# &er #( +iles' !"# al#$ ")$ #$ey $ad le*# #$e Pala%e a# n n #$ey (ere s#ill n #$e (ay a*#er #$ree '%l %2 n a%% "n# * #$e r ads !ein) s 4a++ed (i#$ #$e .e .le ($ $ad % +e # see #$e s$ (D and !e%a"se * #$e %arria)es' %ar#s and sedans * #$e s.e%#a# rs #$e .r %essi n +ade sl ( .r )ress/ T$e .e .le (ere a!le # % +e ". # #$e % a%$ and s#are in a# #$e 1in) and 8"een/
Ge r)e )ree#ed #$e+ (i#$ (ar+' a**e%#i na#e s+ilesD and C$arl ##e did $er !es# # l 2 .leasan#/ EG d sa&e #$e 1in) /// and #$e 8"eenFE %ried #$e .e .le/ A! "# #$e s#a#e % a%$ (ere #$e Grenadier G"ards' #$e H rse G"ards and #$e Ye +en * #$e G"ard' all in #$eir !rillian# "ni* r+s' +a2in) a s$ ( # deli)$# #$e .e .le/ B"# 4"s# a$ead * #$e+ (as #$e % a%$ in ($i%$ #$e Prin%ess D (a)er (as ridin) (i#$ $er da")$#ers' #$e Prin%esses A")"s#a and Car line Ma#ilda' and C$arl ##e % "ld $ear #$e s$ "#s * derisi n ($i%$ (ere $"rled a# #$a# .ar#i%"lar &e$i%le/ E3$ere's #$e -% #%$ -#alli nGE %alled a & i%e in #$e %r (d/ Ge r)e $eard i# and $is li.s #i)$#ened/ He did n # li2e # $ear $is + #$er #$"s ins"l#edD !"# i# %%"rred # $i+ #$a# #$e rela#i ns$i. !e#(een L rd B"#e and $is + #$er (as s %l se as # )i&e rise # s.e%"la#i n/ He re*"sed # !elie&e #$a# #$ey (ere any#$in) !"# ) d *riendsD in $is )rea# desire # !rin) + rali#y !a%2 # #$e C "r# $e % "ld n # *a%e any #$er % n%l"si n/ T$ese (ere #$e #( .e .le # ($ + $e (as %l ses#D $e % "ld n # all ( $i+sel* # !elie&e #$ey (ere li&in) in a +anner * ($i%$ $e ( "ld $ear#ily disa..r &e/ T$ere* re $e .re*erred # !elie&e #$e .e .le (ere (r n)' and i# dis#ressed $i+ dee.ly/ M re &er' $e (as #$in2in) * Hanna$/ H ( % "ld $e $el. i# ($en $e (as # !e )"es# * 8"a2ersG Per$a.s $e s$ "ld $a&e re*"sed #$e Bar%lays' **er * #$eir $ +e/ B"# #$a# ( "ld $a&e ar "sed + re % ++en# #$an a%%e.#in) i#/ T$e s$ad ( * Hanna$ Li)$# * # $"n) &er $i+/ - +e#i+es $e re+e+!ered #$e !i!li%al ad+ ni#i n: T$e sins ye d !y #( and #( ye .ay * r ne !y ne/ He )lan%ed side(ays a# C$arl ##e/ -$e $ad n idea * $is *eelin)s/ -$e +"s# re+ain in i)n ran%e/ He (as * nd * $erD $e $ad * r%ed $i+sel* # !e * nd * $er !e%a"se i# (as ri)$# and .r .er #$a# $e s$ "ld !eD $e $ad * r%ed $i+sel* # * r)e# -ara$ Lenn 0D !"# $e % "ld n # s$"# Hanna$ Li)$# * # "# * $is +ind' and # day $e % "ld n # s# . $i+sel* #$in2in) * #$a# %ere+ ny * +arria)e #$r ")$ ($i%$ $e $ad ) ne ($en $e and Hanna$ $ad s# d !e* re Dr/ 3il+ #/ I# (as a + %2 +arria)e/ Hanna$ (as, already +arried # Isaa% A0* rd/ B"# A0* rd $ad n l n)er % nsidered $i+sel* +arried # $er !e%a"se #$ey $ad n # seen ea%$ #$er * r years and in any %ase #$ey $ad !een +arried a# Dr/ 1ei#$'s Marria)e Mill ($i%$ $ad sin%e !een de%lared ille)al/ A# #$a# #i+e $e and Hanna$ $ad !elie&ed #$eir +arria)e # $a&e !een le)al' and $e % "ld n # )e# #$e #$ ")$# * #$a# +arria)e "# * $is
$ead/ I# (as ) in) r "nd and r "nd' re*"sin) # !e dis+issedD .ee.in) "# a# $i+ a# dd + +en#s li2e a +is%$ie& "s s.ri#e de#er+ined # r"in $is .ea%e * +ind/ - +e#i+es $is $ead a%$ed (i#$ #$in2in) * i#/ C$arl ##e +"s# n # 2n (/ C$arl ##e ( "ld d as s$e (as # ld/ He (as )lad s$e % "ld n # s.ea2 En)lis$D #$a# ne%essarily 2e.# $er a.ar#/ I# (as #$e (is$ * $is + #$er and L rd B"#e #$a# s$e s$ "ld n # $a&e any *riends (i#$ "# #$eir 2n (led)e/ T$ey (an#ed # 2ee. C$arl ##e in #$e !a%2)r "nd/ And s did $e/ H ( sl ( (as #$e 4 "rneyF I# (as nearly * "r '%l %2 and #$ey (ere nly 4"s# #"rnin) in# C$ea.side/ Nearly * "r $ "rs sin%e #$ey $ad le*# #$e Pala%e/ EI'+ $"n)ry'E C$arl ##e (as sayin)/ T$e *irs# * #$e % a%$es in ($i%$ Ge r)e's "n%le' #$e ld D"2e * C"+!erland' (as si##in) +"s# !y n ( $a&e rea%$ed #$e Bar%lays' $ +eD and a*#er #$a# (as Ge r)e's A"n# A+elia and $is !r #$er #$e D"2e * Y r2' ! #$ (i#$ #$eir se.ara#e % a%$es and ser&an#s/ - +any %arria)es and #$eir re#in"es and a*#er #$a# #$ere (ere Ge r)e's !r #$ers 3illia+ Henry and Frederi%2 !e* re #$e Prin%ess D (a)er and $er da")$#ers/ C$arl ##e said: E3$a# a l # * * * r "s all/E EI# (ill d #$e+ ) d #$e L rd May r (ill need # .r &ide
d'E re.lied #$e 1in)/
ET$ey (ere ea)er en ")$ # si# d (n a# "r e0.ense a# #$e % r na#i n/E One * #$e Bar%lays $ad s.read a red %ar.e# n #$e .a&e+en# !e* re #$e $ "se' s #$a# #$e 1in) and 8"een need n # s#e. n #$e % !!les/ C$arl ##e' $anded *r + #$e % a%$ !y #$e %$a+!erlain' en#ered #$e $ "se ($ere ne * #$e % "n#in) $ "ses $ad !een #rans* r+ed in# a .arl "r/ On #$e s#airs leadin) *r + #$is r + #$e Bar%lay *a+ily (ere asse+!led # )ree# #$eir Ma4es#ies/ T$ey l 2ed &ery s +!re in #$eir )rey 8"a2er % s#"+es' * r al#$ ")$ .ala%e ser&an#s $ad !een sen# # #$e $ "se # s$ ( #$e *a+ily$ ( # % nd"%# #$e+sel&es in #$e .resen%e * r yal#y'
Mr/ Bar%lay $ad said #$a# i# ( "ld !e a)ains# $is .rin%i.les # %$an)e $is dress r +anners/ He res.e%#ed #$e 1in) !"# #$e nly ne $e % "ld ! ( d (n # (as G d/ C$arl ##e +"r+"red in Ger+an #$a# s$e % "ld n # re.ly in En)lis$ # Mr/ Bar%lay's l yal s.ee%$ * (el% +e !"# #$e 1in) (as i++edia#ely !e$ind $er and $e e0.ressed #$eir 4 in# .leas"reD $e see+ed &ery + &ed !y #$e re%e.#i n $e re%ei&ed *r + #$ese ) d .e .le/ In #$e s#ree#s #$e %r (d (as %allin) * r a )li+.se * #$e 1in) and #$e 8"een and Ge r)e said #$ey s$ "ld s$ ( #$e+sel&es (i#$ "# delay' * r #$e .e .le $ad !een (ai#in) l n) en ")$/ T"+"l#" "s %$eers *illed #$e s#ree# ($en #$eir Ma4es#ies a..eared n #$e !al% niesD and a*#er s +e +in"#es #$ey (en# !a%2 in# #$e $ "se # re%ei&e #$e +e+!ers * #$e *a+ily/ T$e )irls * #$e *a+ily l 2ed %$ar+in) in #$eir a"s#ere )ar+en#s and #$e 1in) see+ed dee.ly + &ed !y #$e si)$# * #$e+/ T$ere (ere se&en da")$#ers * #$e $ "se and #$e 1in) insis#ed n 2issin) #$e+ all as (ell as #$eir + #$er/ His e+ #i n (as n #ed !y all ($ !e$eld $i+D and ($en ne * #$e &ery y "n) +e+!ers * #$e $ "se$ ld' a li##le )irl * *i&e' %a+e * r(ard' i# (as %lear #$a# #$e ($ le r yal *a+ily (as en%$an#ed (i#$ $er/ T$e %$ild (as )ra&e !"# n # s$y' and s$e s# d !e* re #$e 1in) re)ardin) $i+ s le+nly/ ETell +e ($a# y " #$in2 * +e'E said Ge r)e' ($ l &ed %$ildren/ EI a+ #$in2in) #$a# #$ " ar# #$e 1in)'E said #$e %$ild/ EI $ .e I +ee# (i#$ y "r a..r &al/E EI l &e #$e 1in)'E s$e saidD #$en s$e l (ered $er eyes and added: ET$ ")$ I a+ n # all (ed # l &e *ine #$in)s/E EI a+ s"re y " are a ) d )irl and d as y " are # ld/E
EMy )rand.a * r!ids +e # %"r#sey # #$ee/E T$ere (ere #ears in #$e 1in)'s eyes as $e re.lied: ET$en' +y s(ee# %$ild' I s$ "ld n # as2 i# * #$ee/E E&ery ne (as + &ed and #$e Prin%ess D (a)er .i%2ed ". #$e %$ild and 2issed $er/
E3$a# an en%$an#in) li##le %rea#"reFE said #$e D"2e * Y r2' and l 2ed as #$ ")$ $e (ere a! "# # !es# ( $is 2isses n #$e %$ild/ B"# $er + #$er $ad #a2en $er $and and (as leadin) $er a(ay' as s$e *eared # +"%$ ad"la#i n +i)$# #"rn #$e li##le )irl's $ead/ T$ere (as a s$ "# * a..la"se as s$e le*#/ Mrs/ Bar%lay (as ($is.erin) # s +e * #$e ladies #$a# #$ere (as a !"**e# in ne * #$e % "n#in) r +s ($i%$ $ad !een #"rned in# a dinin) r +D and i* #$e % +.any % "ld !e .re&ailed ". n # * ll ( $er s$e ( "ld lead #$e+ # i#' * r s$e (as s"re #$ey +"s# !e &ery $"n)ry/ T$e 1in) said $e ( "ld n # ea# !"# ( "ld #al2 (i#$ Mr/ Bar%lay as #$ere (ere +any . in#s a! "# $is d %#rines #$a# $e ( "ld li2e # dis%"ss (i#$ $i+D s #$e 8"een (i#$ #$e res# * #$e % +.any (en# in# #$e % "n#in),$ "se dinin) r + and .ar# 2 * #$e re*res$+en#/ Mean($ile #$e 1in) (as dee. in dis%"ssi n (i#$ Mr/ Bar%lay and # #$e la##er's as# nis$+en# s$ (ed s +e % nsidera!le "nders#andin) * Mr/ Bar%lay's *ai#$/ EI $a&e al(ays ad+ired #$e - %ie#y * Friends'E said #$e 1in)' ($i%$ deli)$#ed Mr/ Bar%lay' * r #$ere (as al(ays a %er#ain dan)er in !el n)in) # a +in ri#yD ne % "ld ne&er !e s"re ($en #$ se ($ did n # s$are ne's &ie(s (ere ) in) # +a2e i# an iss"e * r % +.lain#/ - i# (as % +* r#in) # 2n ( #$a# #$e 1in) (as in sy+.a#$y (i#$ #$e+/ Mr/ Bar%lay !e))ed #$e $ n "r * .resen#in) #$e 1in) (i#$ a % .y * A. l )y' a ! 2 ($i%$ se# "# %learly all #$e #ene#s * #$e 8"a2er *ai#$/ T$e 1in) #$an2ed $i+ and a%%e.#ed #$e ! 2/ ' EI ass"re y "'E $e said' (i#$ e+ #i n'E#$a# I $a&e al(ays *el# s#r n) res.e%# * r y "r *riendly s %ie#y/E I# (as #i+e # (a#%$ #$e L rd May r's .r %essi n *r + ne * #$e !al% nies #$e ."r. se * r ($i%$ #$e 1in) and 8"een $ad % +e # #$e $ "seD and #$ey (ere % nd"%#ed "# !y Mr/ and Mrs/ Bar%lay # #$e .leas"re * #$e .e .le ($ (ere (ai#in) in #$e s#ree#s # %$eer #$e+/ T$e L rd May r's .r %essi n (as l n) and % l "r*"l and % nsidera!ly enli&ened !y #$e Lady May ress/ 3$en s$e ."# $er $ead "# * #$e +ay ral % a%$ # .ay $ +a)e # #$eir Ma4es#ies $er en r+ "s $eaddress (as %a")$# in #$e (ind ( sas$ and s$e re+ained' $er $ead s#"%2 "# "n% +* r#a!ly as #$e % a%$ ra##led n/ T$ere (ere s$ "#s * deli)$#
*r + #$e %r (d and .r #es#s *r + #$e ladyD and #$e ($ le .r %essi n $ad # !e s# ..ed ($ile #$e * #+an e0#ri%a#ed #$e lady and +ade i# . ssi!le* r $er # ."# $er $ead !a%2 in #$e %arria)e/ E&ery ne (as la")$in)' e0%e.# #$e Lady May ressD and C$arl ##e re%alled #$e % r na#i n and a si+ilar series * a%%iden#s/ -$e (as re+inded $ ( seri "s Ge r)e $ad !een n #$a# %%asi n/ I# (as indeed a s le+n ne/ B"# $e (as e&en + re seri "s # day' ($i%$ (as s#ran)e/ I# %%"rred # C$arl ##e #$en #$a# #$ere +i)$# !e s +e s#ran)e % nne%#i n !e#(een Ge r)e and #$e 8"a2ers/ -$e +"s# #ry # dis% &er ($a# i# (as' * r as a ) d (i*e s$e +"s# !e in#eres#ed in ($a# % n%erned $er $"s!and/ L rd B"#e sa# (ell !a%2 in $is % a%$/ He $ad % ns led #$e Prin%ess' !"# $e (as n # *eelin) &ery se%"re/ He 2ne( #$e + d * #$e .e .le and #$a# #$ey !la+ed $i+ * r Pi##'s re#ire+en# *r + #$e %a!ine#/ He $eard #$e s$ "#s/ EPi##/ G d !less $i+/ 3e (an# Pi##/E I# (as % +in)/ He sa# !a%2 in $is % a%$/ He $eard #$e $"rra$s and #$e s$ "#s * a..r &al/ I# (as s +e se% nds !e* re $e reali7ed #$a# #$ey $ad +is#a2en $i+ * r Pi##/ He 2e.# (ell !a%2/ I* nly #$e % a%$+an % "ld ($i. ". #$e $ rses/ T$is sl ( #r"ndlin) al n) #$r ")$ a + ! #$a# % "ld !e +"rder "s i* i# re% )ni7ed #$e #r"e %%".an# * #$e % a%$' (as alar+in)/ T$e % a%$ 4er2ed * r(ard and $e (i#$ i#/ A *a%e s#ared in a# $i+D * r a *e( se% nds B"#e s#ared !a%2/ T$en #$e *a%e !e%a+e al+ s# de+ nia%al in i#s deli)$#/ EHe's n Pi##/ I#'s #$e -% #%$ -#alli n $i+sel*/E T$e %r (d (as r "nd $is % a%$' .re&en#in) i#s + &in) !a%2(ards r * r(ards/ - +e ne #$re( a s# ne #$r ")$ #$e (ind (/ B"#e narr (ly a& ided i#/ EG !a%2 # y "r $ea#$en land !ey nd #$e B rder'E %ried a & i%e/ T$ey (ere #ryin) # %"# #$e #ra%es * #$e $ rse/ E3e'll $an) $i+ n a #ree ($ere $e !el n)s/E
O$' G d' #$is is #$e end' #$ ")$# B"#e/ On a day s"%$ as #$is #$e #a&erns ( "ld $a&e !een %r (ded ($ile #$e .e .le (ai#ed * r #$e .r %essi nD #$ey (ere in*la+ed !y liB" r and in s"%$ a + d #$ey (ere %a.a!le * any#$in)/ 3$ere (ere #$e '!r"isers' ($ + $e $ad $ired # * ll ( $i+' * r $e $ad s"s.e%#ed s +e#$in) li2e #$is +i)$# $a..en/ T$ey (ere in *a%# !a##lin) #$eir (ay #$r ")$ #$e + ! # rea%$ $is % a%$/ -"ddenly $e sa( ne n ei#$er side * #$e % a%$/ T$e #$ers ( "ld !e d in) #$eir ( r2/ EGe# !a%2'E s$ "#ed ne * #$e+/ EY "'re !rea2in) #$e la(/E E3$ se la(G B"#e's la(G 3e #a2e n a%% "n# * #$a#/ 3e (an# #$e -% #%$ B y/ He ( n'# slee. in +y lady's !ed a)ain/ 3e're ) in) # $an) $i+ $i)$ ///E T$e d r * #$e % a%$ (as .ened s"ddenly/ B"#e sa( #$a# an #$er % a%$ $ad dra(n ". %l se/ In i# (as L rd Hard(i%2e/ One * #$e !r"isers $eld ** #$e + ! ($ile L rd B"#e lea.# *r + $is (n % a%$ # #$a# * L rd Hard(i%2e/ L rd Hard(i%2e's dri&er s$ "#ed # #$e + ! # s#and aside "nless #$ey (is$ed # !e r"n &er and !e%a"se * #$e "r)en%y * #$e + +en# $e dr &e #$r ")$ #$e+/ T$ey s%a##ered *r + ri)$# and le*#D and #$ey sa#is*ied #$eir *"ry !y des#r yin) L rd B"#e's *ine %arria)e ($ile $is l rds$i.' !eside $is res%"er L rd Hard(i%2e' r de n # G"ild$all/ He (as sa*e' !"# i# (as a de.ressin) indi%a#i n * . ."lar *eelin)/ C$arl ##e and Ge r)e dr &e *r + #$e Bar%lays' $ "se # G"ild$all ($ere &ari "s %ere+ nies $ad # !e end"redD and i# (as nine '%l %2 !e* re #$ey sa# d (n # #$e !anB"e#/ Al#$ ")$ #$ey (ere re%ei&ed (ar+ly !y' #$e May r and $is Alder+en and #$e Ci#y +er%$an#s' ($en Pi## and L rd Te+.le en#ered #$e G"ild$all #$e ra*#ers s$ 2 (i#$ #$e %$eersD and #$e $ s#s +ade n se%re# * ($ (ere #$e $ n "red )"es#s/ T$e 1in) (as "# * *a& "r/ He $ad all (ed Mr/ Pi## # !e dis+issed and #$e Ci#y * L nd n ($i%$ s# d * r Trade s# d * r Mr/ Pi##/ I# ( "ld n # !e * r) ##en in a H"rry ($a# Mr/ Pi## $ad d ne * r #$e .r s.eri#y * L nd n in #$e years ($en $e $ad !een a# #$e $el+/
T$e Ci#y $ear#ily disa..r &ed * #$e 1in)'s #rea#+en# * #$eir Grea# C ++ ner and #$e Ci#y * L nd n (as a la( "n# i#sel*D i# ( "ld n # $esi#a#e # e0.ress i#s disa..r &al * #$e 1in)'s a%#i n' * r i# % nsidered #$a# #$e .r s.eri#y * L nd n (as + re i+. r#an# # En)land #$an all #$e 2in)s and B"eens ."# # )e#$er/ -#ill Ge r)e (as n # s "n. ."lar as $e +i)$# $a&e !een $ad $e !een lder/ He (as y "n)' a ne( 2in)' and e&ery ne 2ne( #$a# $e did n # r"le/ He (as # ld ($a# $e +"s# d and $e did i#/ En)land (as r"led !y Ja%2! # and Pe##i% a# and #$e Ci#y $ad s$ (n ($a# i# #$ ")$# * #$e+/ T$e 1in) and 8"een sa# a# a #a!le in #$e *r n# * #$e $all ($i%$ $ad !een se# es.e%ially * r #$e+/ O&er i# (as a %an .y and #$ey % "ld n # % +.lain * #$eir re%e.#i n * r #$e L rd May r $i+sel* ser&ed #$e 1in) and #$e Lady May ress #$e 8"een' e&en #$ ")$' ($en #$e 1in) .r . sed #$e $eal#$ * #$e Ci#y * L nd n' #$ere (ere s +e +"r+"rs a! "# ) &ern+en# . li%y n # !ein) % nd"%i&e # i#s $eal#$D and #$is % +.ared ill (i#$ #$e (ild en#$"sias+ a%% rded # Pi##/ H (e&er' "nli2e #$e % r na#i n !anB"e#' #$is (as e0.er#ly r)ani7ed and #$ere (ere * "r $"ndred and * "r#een dis$es (i#$ #$e a%% +.anyin) (ines a+.le * r #$e en#ire % +.any * n !le+en' +inis#ers' alder+en and all %i#y di)ni#aries/ T$e !all #$a# * ll (ed (as eB"ally s"%%ess*"lD !"# a# +idni)$# #$e 1in) +ade %lear $is (is$ # de.ar#/ T$e % a%$es (ere sen# * r' !"# i# (as dis% &ered #$a# #$e * #+en and % a%$+en $ad !een $a&in) a .ar#y n #$eir (n and #$a# +any * #$e+ (ere in s"%$ a s#a#e * dr"n2enness #$a# #$ey (ere "na!le # dri&e/ T$e Prin%ess D (a)er' e0#re+ely an0i "s as # ($a# $ad $a..ened # L rd B"#e' * r s$e $ad $eard r"+ "rs * $is ride #$r ")$ #$e Ci#y' (as &ery an)ry/ -$e l n)ed # !e in $er a.ar#+en#s' $er l &er !eside $er' s #$a# s$e % "ld ass"re $ersel* #$a# all (as (ell (i#$ $i+/ -$e .a%ed ". and d (n )i&in) &en# # $er *"ry ($ile Ge r)e #ried # s #$e $er !y #ellin) $er #$a# #$ey +"s# e0.e%# #$eir ser&an#s # (an# a li##le en#er#ain+en# ($en s +"%$ (as !ein) la&is$ed n #$e+sel&es/ T$e 1in)'s )eniali#y (as n #ed (i#$ a..r &alD #$e Prin%ess D (a)er's i+.a#ien%e (i#$ disli2e/ T + rr ( #$e s$ "#s a)ains# Ja%2! # and Pe##i% a# ( "ld !e
in#ensi*iedD !"# #$e Prin%ess D (a)er (as # # )i&e #$a# a #$ ")$#/
( rried and #
e0$a"s#ed
A# len)#$ % a%$+en (ere * "nd # dri&e #$e % a%$es and #$e r yal .ar#y (as a!le # se# ** * r -#/ Ja+es's/ E&en #$e % a%$+an ($ dr &e #$e+ (as n # en#irely s !er and #$is (as e&iden# ($en #$e r yal % a%$ #"rned in# #$e )a#e(ay * -#/ Ja+es Pala%e' * r $e did n # 4"d)e $is dis#an%e s"**i%ien#ly (ell' and #$e % a%$ %a+e in# % llisi n (i#$ ne * #$e . s#s/ T$e 1in) and #$e 8"een (ere #$r (n *r + #$eir sea#s and #$e r * %a&ed inD #$e )lass (ind (s (ere !r 2enD !"# # #$eir as# nis$+en# nei#$er Ge r)e n r C$arl ##e (as $"r#/ Ge r)e des%ended *r + #$e % a%$ and $el.ed C$arl ##e "#/ EY "r Ma4es#y ///E s#a++ered #$e % a%$+an/ B"# Ge r)e nly (a&ed $i+ aside/ E3e (ill (al2 # "r (n a.ar#+en#s'E $e said/
3$a# a s#ran)e day' #$ ")$# C$arl ##e' in #$e r yal !ed ($ile Ge r)e lay !eside $er/ -$e *el# as #$ ")$ s$e (ere 4 l#in) in #$e % a%$D s$e % "ld s#ill $ear #$e s$ "#s * #$e .e .leD % "ld see #$e s.lend "r * #$e G"ild$allD !"# + s# %learly * all #$e 8"a2er $ "se$ ld/ H ( *riendly Ge r)e $ad !een # #$e+F -$e $ad ne&er seen $i+ B"i#e li2e #$a# !e* re/ -$e +"s# as2 $i+ # e0.lain # $er #$is a**ini#y $e $ad * r 8"a2ers/ 3$en s$e *ell aslee. i# (as # drea+ * .e .le in a"s#ere )rey r !es l 2in) li2e n"ns in #$e !rillian# asse+!ly/ B"# in #$e (ee2s #$a# * ll (ed s$e * r) # Ge r)e's s#ran)eness n #$a# day' * r an e0%i#in) .r !a!ili#y $ad !e% +e a *a%#/ T$e 8"een (as .re)nan#/ T$e !ir#$ * a %$ild 3$en Ge r)e $eard #$a# C$arl ##e % "ld e0.e%# a %$ild d"rin) #$e * ll (in) s"++er $e (as &er% +e !y 4 y/ B"# * r #$e % n*li%# .re&ailin) a+ n) #$e +e+!ers * $is ) &ern+en# #$is' $e !elie&ed' % "ld $a&e !een #$e $a..ies# #i+e * $is li*e/ He l n)ed * r a lar)e *a+ily and C$arl ##e $ad s$ (n' !y !e% +in) s B"i%2ly .re)nan#' #$a# s$e (as *er#ile/ He (as )r (in) + re and + re de& #ed # C$arl ##e ($ (as a ) d and l &in) (i*e' and $e s%ar%ely e&er #$ ")$# * -ara$ Lenn 0/ B"# $e % "ld n # $el. re+e+!erin) #$ se #$er %%asi ns si+ilar in a (ay ($en Hanna$ $ad # ld $i+ #$a# s$e (as e0.e%#in) a !a!y/ T$is (as di**eren#/
N need * r s"!#er*")e $ere nly re4 i%in)/ I* nly Pi## $ad !een % n#en# # a%%e.# #$e r"lin) * $is %a!ine# $ ( easy e&ery#$in) ( "ld $a&e !een/ B"# (i#$ #$e (ee2s ($i%$ * ll (ed #$e L rd May r's !anB"e# #$e .e .le )re( + re and + re res#i&e/ I# did n # $el. ($en in Jan"ary i# (as ne%essary # de%lare (ar n -.ain and Pi##'s . li%y (as &indi%a#ed/ Pe .le s# d a! "# in )r ".s in #$e s#ree#s and de+anded * ea%$ #$er: E3as #$is n # #$e &ery iss"e n ($i%$ Pi## resi)nedG And $ere #$ey are de%larin) (ar a*#er all/ Pi## (as ri)$#/// and #$ey (ere (r n)/ And ($ r"les n (G L rd B"#e/ Ne(%as#le +ay %all $i+sel* Firs# L rd * #$e Treas"ry' !"# i# is B"#e ($ % n#r ls a**airs/E B"#eF T$ey $a#ed $i+/ I# (as "nsa*e * r $i+ # &en#"re in #$e s#ree#s/ EJa%2! #FE #$ey s$ "#ed a*#er $is %arria)eD and $e % "ld ne&er !e s"re ($e#$er $e (as ) in) # !e a##a%2ed !y #$e + !/ B"#e $ad !een ( r2in) # (ards #$is . si#i n * . (er &er +any years' !"# n ( i# (as $is $e (as !e)innin) # ( nder i* i# $ad !een ( r#$ ($ile/ He l &ed . (erD !"# $e (as * nd * #$e 1in) and #r"ly (is$ed # !rin) ) d # #$e % "n#ryD and al#$ ")$ $e (as a(are * !ein) &ers$ad (ed !y #$e )rea#ness * Pi##' $e dee.ly re)re##ed $is de.ar#"re/ Per$a.s #$is (as n # really ($a# $e $ad ( r2ed * r a*#er all/ 3$a# $e $ad desired (as # !e in % n#r l' yes' !"# (i#$ Pi## !eside $i+ r a li##le !e$ind $i+ # ad&ise "# * $is )rea# (isd +/ I* Pi## $ad !een .re.ared # #a2e se% nd .la%e // / B"# Pi## (as a +an * )rea# .ride and di)ni#y: He ( "ld $a&e e&ery#$in) $is (ay r $e ( "ld $a&e n #$in)/ B"#e s#ill $ad #$e a**e%#i n * #$e 1in) and #$e Prin%ess' and #$ey ! #$ s#ill re)arded $i+ (i#$ ad+ira#i n as (ell as a**e%#i n' ($i%$ )a&e $i+ )rea# en% "ra)e+en#' and $is s.ee%$es in Parlia+en# (ere *#en s el B"en# #$a# +any re&ised #$eir .ini n * $i+/ La%2in) #$e )eni"s * +en li2e Pi## and F 0' $e (as n ne #$e less s +e#$in) + re #$an a +an ($ $ad % +e # . (er !e%a"se $e $ad $ad #$e ) d * r#"ne # a##ra%# #$e ri)$# +is#ress/ Ne(%as#le (as an en%"+!ran%e and $e *el# $e ( "ld !e (ell rid * $i+/ Ge r)e did n # li2e #$e +an ,ei#$er' s $e did $ # $a&e # .re.are #$e 1in) # disli2e $i+/ B"#e *el# #$a# i* $e % "ld rid #$e G &ern+en# * Ne(%as#le $e % "ld .er$a.s +a2e s +e $ead(ay/ T$e .. r#"ni#y %a+e &er #$e s"!sidy ($i%$ En)land $ad !een .ayin) # Frederi%2 * Pr"ssia s #$a# $e +i)$# .r se%"#e #$e (ar in E"r .e/ B"#e (as a)ains#
% n#in"in) (i#$ #$is' ($ereas Ne(%asde (as * #$e .. si#e .ini n/ Ne(%asde #$rea#ened # resi)n and (en# # #$e 1in) ($ $ad !een .re.ared !y B"#e/ EI *ear Y "r Ma4es#y'E said Ne(%asde' '#$a# I disa)ree (i#$ L rd B"#e &er #$is +a##er * aid # Pr"ssia/ T$e #i+e +ay $a&e % +e ($en I s$ "ld re#ire in# .ri&a#e li*e/E T$en' +y l rd' I +"s# *ill y "r .la%e as !es# I %an'E re# r#ed #$e 1in)/ Ne(%asde (as #a2en a!a%2D a*#er all #$e years $e $ad ser&ed $e H "se * Han &er $e $ad e0.e%#ed s +e .r #es#a#i nD !"# e&en $e (as B"i%2 en ")$ # see #$a# #$e 1in) (as (el% +in) $is resi)na#i n and $ad n in#en#i n * .ers"adin) $i+ # res%ind i#/ T$"s Ne(%as#le resi)ned and L rd B"#e $eld #$a# . si#i n * r ($i%$ $e $ad l n) s%$e+ed and .l ##ed/ He $ad !e% +e Firs# L rd * #$e Treas"ry and (as ele%#ed a 1ni)$# * #$e Gar#er/ T$e Prin%ess D (a)er (e.# #ears * 4 y # see $i+ in $is re)aliaD #$e 2in) e+!ra%ed $i+ and # ld $i+ #$a# #$is (as ne * #$e $a..ies# days * $is li*e/ Only B"#e (as a li##le "neasy' reali7in) $ ( (ei)$#y a**airs * s#a#e %an !e/ H (e&er' $e a.. in#ed -ir Fran%is Das$( d C$an%ell r * #$e E0%$eB"er and Ge r)e Gren&ille -e%re#ary * -#a#e * r #$e N r#$ern De.ar#+en# #$e . s# 4"s# e&a%"a#ed !y $i+sel*/ L rd Henley re+ained L rd C$an%ell rD #$e D"2e * Bed* rd (as L rd Pri&y -eal' L rd Gran&ille L rd Presiden# * #$e C "n%il' and #$e Earl * E)re+ n# -e%re#ary * -#a#e * r #$e - "#$ern De.ar#+en#/ 3i#$ s"%$ a s#r n) %a!ine# $e *el# $is % n*iden%e risin)/ He # ld #$e 1in) and #$e Prin%ess D (a)er #$a# $is *irs# ai+ ( "ld !e # !rin) a! "# a las#in) and $ n "ra!le .ea%e/ T$e 8"een (as n ( $ea&ily .re)nan# and $er %$ild (as e0.e%#ed # !e ! rn in #$e * ll (in) A")"s#/ B"%2in)$a+ H "se (as ready * r $a!i#a#i n in J"ne and s$e and #$e 1in) de%ided #$a# #$ey ( "ld + &e in and en4 y i# d"rin) #$e s"++er + n#$s/ F"rni#"re and .i%#"res (ere !r ")$# *r + Ha+.# n and -#/ Ja+es's # $el. *"rnis$ i#' and ($en i# (as ready C$arl ##e (as deli)$#ed' .ar#i%"larly ($en .e .le %alled i# #$e 8"een's H "se/ T$ere (as a $ "se(ar+in) .ar#y # ($i%$ #$e C "r# (as in&i#ed and Ge r)e' (i#$ $is "s"al +e#i%"l "s a##en#i n # de#ail' +ade #$e
.lans/ T$ere ( "ld !e a % n%er#' * % "rseD ! #$ 1in) and 8"een (ere de#er+ined n #$a#' and as i# (as !rillian# s"++er i# ( "ld !e an al *res% %%asi n/ T$e 1in) sele%#ed a %er#ain Mr/ 1"**e' ($ (as a Ger+an' # #a2e %$ar)e * #$e arran)e+en#s/ Besides #$e % n%er# #$ere (as # !e a !all and #$e )ardens ( "ld !e ill"+ina#ed/ Cr (ds (ai#ed "#side # see #$e )"es#s arri&e and #$ey (ere deli)$#ed !y #$e si)$# * #$e 1in) and $is .re)nan# 8"een n #$e !al% ny' * r #$is .re)nan%y $ad ( n !a%2 #$e . ."lari#y ($i%$ #$e 1in) $ad l s# a# #$e #i+e * Pi##'s resi)na#i n/ N ( $e (as #$eir y "n) 2in) a)ain/ He % "ld !e said # !e $ands +e #$ ")$ $is *air s2in (as n ( *#en +arred !y .i+.lesD !"# $is &ery !l"e eyes (ere n # as .r +inen# as $is )rand*a#$er's and $is 4a( (as nly s"llen in re. se/ I* $e ( "ld rid $i+sel* * #$e di "s B"#e and #a2e !a%2 #$eir id l Pi## #$ey ( "ld $a&e n #$in) (i#$ ($i%$ # % +.lain/ B"# se##lin) in# B"%2in)$a+ H "se (as a 4 y "s %%asi n and #$e %r (ds $ad % +e # %$eer and a..la"d/ I# (as a deli)$#*"l !all' C$arl ##e de%idedD and s$e (is$ed #$a# #$ey % "ld $a&e + re !alls/ -$e % n*ided #$is # Ge r)e in #$e .ri&a%y * #$eir a.ar#+en#s ($en #$e s"%%ess*"l *es#i&i#ies $ad % +e # an end/ He s$ 2 $is $ead/ d * r y " in y "r % ndi#i n/E
EI# ( "ld n # !e )
EB"# Ge r)e' I s$all n # !e in #$is % ndi#i n a*#er A")"s#'E s$e re+inded $i+/ EI# +ay (ell !e'E $e said' '#$a# y " s n (ill !e a)ain/E
-$e % nsidered #$is a li##le d le*"lly' * r s$e $ad !een *eelin) #$e $ea# ra#$er # +"%$ and s$e $ad s"**ered %er#ain dis% +* r#s/ I# ( "ld all !e ( r#$ ($ile n%e #$e %$ild (as ! rn' !"# #$e idea * s#ar#in) a)ain al+ s# i++edia#ely (as a li##le s"!d"in)/ H (e&er' s$e did n # .r #es#/ A*#er all' s$e ( "ld n # !e % n#en# (i#$ ne %$ild nly/ C$arl ##e (as *eelin) (an and e0$a"s#ed/ T$e Prin%ess D (a)er %alled
n $er and e0.ressed $er % n%ern/ EY " s$ "ld !e in #$e % "n#ry'E s$e said/ ET$ere is n #$in) li2e % "n#ry air ($en y " are %arryin)/E / EB"# I l &e #$is $ "se/E EY " s$ "ld ) # #$e % "n#ry'E insis#ed A")"s#a/ I# (as n # nly #$e 8"een's $eal#$ ($i%$ +ade $er *eel #$is ( "ld !e ad&isa!le/ C$arl ##e (as !e)innin) # s.ea2 a li##le En)lis$ and (as #a2in) # +"%$ in#eres# in ($a# (as ) in) n ar "nd $er/ -$e $ad e0.ressed a &ie( n Mr/ Pi## and ($a# (as + re dis#ressin) (as #$a# s$e $ad % ++en#ed # ne * $er ( +en s Miss Pas%al $ad re. r#ed #$a# s$e !elie&ed #$e 1in) # !e es.e%ially in#eres#ed in #$e 8"a2er reli)i n and s$e $ersel* ( "ld li2e # 2n ( s +e#$in) * i# s #$a# s$e % "ld dis%"ss i# (i#$ His Ma4es#y i* #$e s"!4e%# s$ "ld arise/ 8"i#e %learly s$e (as !e)innin) # learn # +"%$ * ($a# (as ) in) n ar "nd $er/ -$e and L rd B"#e $ad !r ")$# C$arl ##e # En)land # !ear #$e 1in)'s %$ildren' n # # +eddle and .r !e/ - #$e 8"een s$ "ld ) # Ri%$+ nd and /li&e in re#ire+en# #$ere/ Prin%ess A")"s#a dire%#ed $er % ld s+ile n $er da")$#er,in,la(/ ERi%$+ ndF T$a# is #$e ans(er/ I s$all 2n ( n .ea%e "n#il y " are #$ere/ I s$all ins#r"%# y "r ladies #$a# #$ey are n # # ! #$er y " (i#$ # +"%$ %$a##er/E EI en4 y +y % n&ersa#i n (i#$ #$e+/ I# ena!les +e # i+.r &e +y En)lis$/E EAll in ) #$r ne/E d #i+e/ D n'# * r)e# y " are %arryin) #$e $eir # #$e
EI# +ay n # !e a ! y/E EO* % "rse i# (ill !e a ! y'E insis#ed A")"s#a' as #$ ")$' #$ ")$# C$arl ##e' i# (ill !e +y *a"l# i* i# is n # $er (n *irs#! rn (as a )irl in any %ase/ EAnd i* #$is ne is n # a ! y #$e ne0# ne (ill !e/E O$ dear' #$ ")$# C$arl ##e' $ ( #$ey d #al2 a! "# #$e ne0# !e* re #$is
ne $as a..eared/ EI s$all .re.are a s%$ed"le * r y "' +y dear/ Y " (ill (is$ * r a li##le e0er%ise and ($en #$e 1in) is (i#$ y " a# Ri%$+ nd y " (ill #a2e #$a# # )e#$er/ I d "!# n # #$e 1in) (ill !e (i#$ y " ($ene&er $e %an s.are #$e #i+e *r + s#a#e d"#ies/ Y " (ill $a&e y "r readin)' y "r En)lis$ less ns' y "r se(in)/ B"# I d n # #$in2 y "r ladies s$ "ld #ire y " # +"%$ a# #$is s#a)e/ I s$all )i&e ins#r"%#i ns #$a# #$ey s$all s.end nly $al* an $ "r a (ee2 in % n&ersa#i n (i#$ y "/E EO$' !"#// /E T$e Prin%ess D (a)er $eld ". a .lay*"l *in)er ($i%$ a%% rded s#ran)ely (i#$ $er % ld and %al%"la#in) )lan%e/ EI# is all * r y "r ) d' +y dear'E s$e said/
E3e %ann # all ( any#$in) # ) (r n) n (' %an (eGE - C$arl ##e le*# B"%2in)$a+ H "se and (en# # Ri%$+ nd ($ere #$e (ee2s * (ai#in) .assed sl (ly and + n # n "sly/ Ge r)e 4 ined C$arl ##e a# Ri%$+ nd' and $ere !e)an # li&e #$e li*e * #$e % "n#ry )en#le+an/ Ri%$+ nd (as near en ")$ # -#/ Ja+es's # ena!le $i+ # re#"rn * r le&ees and i+. r#an# s#a#e %%asi nsD !"# #$e #$ ")$# * !ein) a *a#$er and li&in) a li*e * d +es#i% $a..iness )rea#ly a..ealed # $i+D and a# Ri%$+ nd $e $ad #i+e # !e #$e de& #ed $"s!and/ He en4 yed #$e r"ral li*e and n #$in) .leased $i+ s +"%$ as # ) a+ n) #$e l %al .e .le and #al2 # #$e+' (a&in) %ere+ ny aside and as2in) #$e+ B"es#i ns a! "# #$eir ( r2 and li&es/ He (as .ar#i%"larly in#eres#ed in #$e *ar+s and ( "ld #al2 a# )rea# len)#$ (i#$ #$e *ar+ers and e&en #$eir la! "rers n a)ri%"l#"ral +a##ers/ He !e%a+e &ery . ."lar in Ri%$+ nd and $e (as deli)$#ed #$a# #$e l %al .e .le #$ere # "%$ed #$eir * rel %2s r %"r#sied' a%% rdin) # se0' and %alled a EG d + rnin)' sir' ins#ead * %$eerin) * r His Ma4es#y/ And #$en #$ere (ere #$e days (i#$ C$arl ##e/ T$ey ! #$ $ad a l &e * +"si% and $e ( "ld lis#en a..r &in)ly ($ile s$e san) r .layed #$e $ar.si%$ rd/ -i##in) (i#$ C$arl ##e' #al2in) # $er in Ger+an' $e (as $a..yD s$e se(ed r e+!r idered and as $e did n # li2e # si# idly' $e # 2 ". #$e %ra*# * !"## n,+a2in) # ($i%$ $e a..lied a )rea# deal * .a#ien%e/
B"# $e did n # * r)e# #$e s#a#e +a##ers in s.i#e * #$e si+.le li*e/ E&ery + rnin) $e ar se a# *i&e # li)$# #$e *ire in $is !edr + ($i%$ $is ser&an#s $ad laid #$e ni)$# !e* re/ T$en $e ( "ld ) !a%2 # !ed "n#il #$e r + (as (ar+ed "./ A*#er (as$in) and dressin) $e ( "ld s#"dy s#a#e .a.ers "n#il i# (as #i+e # !rea2*as# (i#$ C$arl ##e/ Ea%$ + rnin) $e s"r&eyed $er (i#$ .leas"re/ -$e a..eared in ) d $eal#$ and #$ere (as n d "!# #$a# #$e si+.le li*e and Ri%$+ nd air a)reed (i#$ $er/ -$e (as a ) dly si7e and s +e * #$e e0.erien%ed (ere sayin) #$e (ay s$e %arried #$e %$ild i+.lied #$a# i# (as a ! y/ A# ei)$# '%l %2 #$ey # 2 !rea2*as#/ EJ"s# a dis$ * #ea * r +e' +y dear C$arl ##e/E His "s"al re+ar2/ T ($i%$ s$e re.lied : EO$' !"# Ge r)e' i# is n # en ")$/E B"# $e ( "ld s#ernly resis# $er e** r#s # .ress * d n $i+/ He (as n # ) in) # ind"l)e $is in$eri#ed l &e * ri%$ * d ,and in%"r #$e !esi#y ($i%$ (en# (i#$ i#' $e # ld $er/ I# (as all.ar# * #$e dis%i.line * $is li*e/ He ."# i# *r + $i+ as $e $ad Hanna$ Li)$# * # and -ara$ Lenn 0D and $e a%%e.#ed $is dis$ * #ea as #$ ")$ i# (as e0a%#ly all $e desired' in #$e sa+e (ay as $e a%%e.#ed #$e .lain ( +an si##in) .. si#e $i+/ -"%$ $a..y days #$ey (ere in s.i#e * all #$e % n*li%# in #$e ) &ern+en#/ C$arl ##e $ad n in#en#i n * % n%ernin) $ersel* (i#$ #$a#/ Her #$ ")$#s (ere % n%en#ra#ed n #$e %$ild/ On ne * $is &isi#s # -#/ Ja+es's' Ge r)e $eard #$e ne(s/ I# (as Mr/ F 0 ($ # ld $i+ slyly' #$ ")$# Ge r)e' #a2in) .leas"re in #$e dis% +*i#"re ($i%$ $e +"s# 2n ( s"%$ a re&ela#i n ( "ld %a"se/ EY "r Ma4es#y' +y sis#er,in,la( -ara$ Lenn 0 (as +arried a *e( days a) /E Ge r)e *el# $is *a%e )r (in) .in2/ EO$/// is #$a# s GE EYes' -ire/ In &ie( * Y "r Ma4es#y's 2ind in#eres# in $er I #$ ")$# y " ( "ld (is$ # 2n (/E EEr /// yes ///E
EA B"ie# (eddin) in #$e %$a.el a# H lland H "se/ N # .er$a.s a !rillian# +a#%$' !"#///E E3$ (as #$e !ride)r +GE as2ed Ge r)e B"i%2ly/
EB"n!"ry' -ire/ C$arles B"n!"ry/ He is a * r#"na#e +an/ He is n # ri%$ and * % "rse $eir # #$e !ar ne#%y/ B"# i# is a +a#%$ * $er +a2in) and Y "r Ma4es#y (ill a)ree (i#$ +e #$a# $a..iness d es n # de.end n ri%$es/E EH'+'E )r"n#ed Ge r)e' and #"rned a(ay # s.ea2 # s +e ne else/ B"# $e (as n # lis#enin) # ($a# (as saidD $e (as #$in2in) * -ara$' +arried # s +e ne elseD -ara$ ($ +i)$# $a&e !een $is (i*e/ T$e 1in) re#"rned # Ri%$+ nd/ H ( .lain C$arl ##e (as ,.lainer #$an e&er n ( #$a# $er ! dy (as !"l2yF -$e (as )r #esB"e/ He #$ ")$# * -ara$' -ara$ #ea%$in) $i+ #$a# dan%e' (i#$ #$e silly na+e' #$e Be##y Bl"e' (as i#G -ara$ la")$in) and #easin) and +a2in) $ay in #$e )ardens * H lland H "se/ He $ad )i&en ". -ara$ * r C$arl ##e and n ( -ara$ $ad an #$er l &er: B"n!"ry/ -illy na+e' #$ ")$# Ge r)e an)rily/ 3$ (as B"n!"ryG A .e##y !ar ne#// / n # e&en #$a# "n#il $is *a#$er died /// and n * r#"ne ei#$er/ B"# -ara$ $ad ne&er l 2ed * r #i#le and * r#"ne/ I* s$e $ad ( "ld s$e e&er $a&e re*"sed #$e 1in)G And s$e $ad re*"sed $i+ a# ne #i+e // / al#$ ")$ la#er s$e ( "ld $a&e a%%e.#ed $i+ and #$en $e (as .ers"aded # #a2e C$arl ##e ins#ead/ He +i)$# $a&e $ad -ara$ // / and $e $ad C$arl ##e/ T$ere (as n l n)er % n#en#+en# * r $i+ a# Ri%$+ nd/ He % "ld n # !ear # l 2 a# C$arl ##e/ His +ind and ! dy (ere %ryin) "# * r -ara$ and ($ere&er $e l 2ed $e sa( $er /// (i#$ B"n!"ry/ He % "ld n # s#ay (i#$in (allsD $e (en# "# and (al2ed/ I# s#ar#ed # rain and $e (en# n (al2in)/ T$e rain s #$ed $i+D i# s a2ed #$r ")$ $is %l #$esD i# (as inside $is ! #s' !"# $e didn'# %are/ He * "nd s +e sa&a)e .leas"re in #$e dis% +* r#/ He (as % ld and s$i&erin) ($en $e re#"rnedD $e *el# *e&eris$ and (as snee7in) &i len#ly/ T$e 1in) (as s"**erin) *r + a%"#e in*l"en7aD $e (as deliri "s and # #$e d %# rs' % ns#erna#i n $is %$es# (as % &ered (i#$ a ras$ ($i%$ #$ey % "ld n # iden#i*y as !ein) a sy+.# + * a 2n (n disease/
C$arl ##e insis#ed n n"rsin) $i+ and s$e (as in des.air !e%a"se ($en s$e !r ")$# #$e d %# rs # !leed $i+ $e %ried "# #$a# $e did n # (an# #$e+/ T$ey s$ "ld n # # "%$ $i+/ His !e$a&i "r (as &ery s#ran)e' and $e (as n # li2e #$e reas na!le' a+ena!le y "n) +an #$ey $ad 2n (n !e* re/ EG a(ayF G a(ayFE $e %ried/ ELea&e +e al ne /// all * y "/E T$ere (as )rea# % ns#erna#i n #$r ")$ "# #$e C "r#' * r i# (as !elie&ed #$e 1in) +i)$# die/ And #$en,($a#G A Re)en%yG 3$a# a s#a#e * a**airs/ A y "n) 2in) s"ddenly s#ri%2en d (n and #$e $eir # #$e #$r ne n # ye# ! rn I C$arl ##e n ( s$ (ed a s#ren)#$ * %$ara%#er ($i%$ as# nis$ed #$ se a! "# $er/ T$is (as #$e y "n) ( +an ($ $ad (ri##en a le##er # Frederi%2 * Pr"ssia/ N ! dy (as ) in) # #"rn $er "# * #$e si%2 r + n # #$e 1in)'s + #$er' n r L rd B"#e/ -$e (as $is (i*e and s$e (as in % ++and/ -$e rdered #$e d %# rs # !leed #$e 1in)D and !y #$is #i+e Ge r)e (as *ar # ill # .r #es#/ -$e (as in #$e si%2 r + ni)$# and day and #$ere (as n #$in) any ne % "ld d # s$i*# $er/ 5nder $er %are and #$a# * #$e d %# rs Ge r)e !e)an # )e# !e##erD and #$e day %a+e ($en $e (as si##in) ". in !ed as2in) * r a li##le * d' n l n)er *e&eris$ and B"i#e l"%id in $is +ind/ EY " (ill s n !e (ell a)ain'E C$arl ##e # ld $i+/ ET$a# +"s# !e s ' * r I $a&e a**airs # a##end # /E EA$/ Y " (ill n # )e# ". "n#il y " are (ell en ")$' I .r +ise y "/E T$e 1in) *el# a s"r)e * resen#+en#/ He (as n # ) in) # !e r"led !y #$is !"l2y li##le %rea#"re/ I* s$e #$ ")$# s ' s$e +"s# !e B"i%2ly disill"si ned/ EI s$all )e# ". # + rr ('E $e said/ C$arl ##e re)arded $i+ #enderly and s$ 2 $er $ead/ H ( dared s$e' ($ (as n # !ea"#i*"l -ara$' $ ( dared s$e #ell $i+ ($a# $e +"s# r +"s# n # d / 3$en $e $eard *r + #$e d %# rs #$a# #$e 8"een $ad !een a ( nder*"l n"rse' and #$a# n ne % "ld $a&e !een s de& #ed' $e s *#ened # (ards $er/ -$e (as a ) d ( +anD i# (as n # $er *a"l# #$a# s$e (as n # !ea"#i*"lD s$e % "ld n # !e !la+ed !e%a"se !ea"#i*"l -ara$ $ad +arried B"n!"ry/
EI $ear y " $a&e !een a ) d n"rse'E $e # ld $er/ He +"s# #ry # l &e $er/ -$e (as %arryin) #$eir %$ild ($ +i)$# !e #$e $eir # #$e #$r ne i* $e (ere a ! y // / and i* i# (ere a )irl and #$ere (ere n + re %$ildren #$a# %$ild +i)$# !e #$e 8"een/ He +"s# !e ) (i*e/ d # C$arl ##e/ He +"s# * r)e# -ara$ Lenn 0 and l &e $is
EO* % "rse I (as y "r n"rse/ As i* I ( "ld all ( any ne else # n"rse y "/E -$e $ad %$an)edD s$e (as less $"+!leD s$e $ad !een * r a ($ile in a"#$ ri#y/ I* $e all (ed $er s$e ( "ld !e ready # ad&ise $i+ and )"ide $i+/ T$a# +"s# n # !e/ He % "ld all ( n ( +an # )"ide $i+ .ar#i%"larly ne ($ *ailed # %$ar+ $i+/ EAnd y " are ) in) # s#ay #$ere "n#il y " are B"i#e (ell/E -. 2en (i#$ l &in) *ir+ness/ He said B"ie#ly !"# *ir+ly' EI s$all )e# ". # + rr (/E And $e did/ -$e .r #es#ed' !"# $e s(e.# aside $er .r #es#s/ He ( "ld n # !e di%#a#ed # / He (as #$e 1in) and $e ( "ld +a2e #$e de%isi ns/ I# (as said #$a# #$e 1in) $ad risen *ar # s n *r + $is si%2 !edD and s +e#i+es Ge r)e *el# #$is # !e #r"e' !"# $e (as n # ) in) # all ( C$arl ##e # de%ide ($a# $e s$ "ld r s$ "ld n # d / I# (as #$e !e)innin) * A")"s# and #$e 8"een's #i+e (as dra(in) near/ One + rnin) a# !rea2*as# Ge r)e said # $er: ET$e $eir # #$e #$r ne +"s# !e ! rn in L nd n/E EO$' !"# i# is +"%$ + re .ea%e*"l $ere a# Ri%$+ nd'E %ried C$arl ##e/ ET$a# +ay !e s ' !"# i# is ne * "r #radi#i ns/E C$arl ##e (as sad/ T$e las# (ee2s $ad !een s en4 ya!le/ -$e l &ed Ri%$+ nd and s$e ( "ld al(ays re+e+!er i# as #$e .la%e in ($i%$ s$e $ad 2n (n #$e )rea#es# $a..iness * $er li*e/ -$e !ri)$#ened ($en s$e #$ ")$# * B"%2in)$a+ H "se/ T$a# (as n # s !ad/ T near -#/ Ja+es's' * % "rse' !"# *ar + re .leasan# #$an #$a# )ri+ ld .ala%e ($i%$ s$e $ad al(ays #$ ")$# l 2ed li2e a .ris n/ ET$ere is #$e ne( $ "se ///E s$e !e)an/
B"# Ge r)e s$
2 $is $ead/
EI# (ill n # !e ready/ Y " +"s# #ell y "r ( +en # .re.are * r #$e 4 "rney !a%2 # -#/ Ja+es's/ And I #$in2 (e s$ "ld n # delay i#/E C$arl ##e .r #es#ed' !"# Ge r)e (a&ed $er !4e%#i ns aside/ Ge r)e (as )r (in) &ery s#"!! rn' and al#$ ")$ $e +i)$# !e .ers"aded # %$an)e $is +ind a! "# %er#ain +a##ers !y L rd B"#e and $is + #$er' C$arl ##e $ad ne&er $ad #$e . (er # .ers"ade $i+/ He le# $er #al2 ($ile $e si..ed $is #ea/ T$en $e said as #$ ")$ s$e $ad n # +en#i ned $er disli2e * #$e .la%e : E- ' +y dear' .ray #ell y "r ( +en/ 3e s$ "ld lea&e #$is (ee2' I #$in2/E - #$ere (as n #$in) s$e % "ld d !"# !ey/ I# (as n # i+. r#an#' s$e # ld $ersel*/ - n s$e ( "ld $a&e $er !a!y and s$e ( "ld !rin) #$e %$ild # Ri%$+ nd/ -$e l n)ed * r #$e %$ild/ -$e (an#ed # (ri#e $ +e and #ell #$e+ ($a# i# (as li2e ($en ne (as a! "# # !e% +e a + #$er/ B"# #$a# ( "ld !e # %r"el/// * r . r C$ris#ina/
- C$arl ##e +ee2ly # ld $er ( +en # .re.are and in a s$ r# #i+e s$e (as ins#alled in #$a# )ri+ ld .ala%e * -#/ Ja+es's' #$ere # a(ai# #$e desired e&en#/ T$e + rnin) * 9@ A")"s# da(ned !ri)$# and (ar+D and i# (as &ery %lear # all #$ se s"rr "ndin) #$e 8"een #$a# s$e (as n #$e . in# * )i&in) !ir#$/ -%$(ellen!"r)' ($ $ad B"i%2ly * r) ##en $er in4"n%#i ns # !e$a&e (i#$ less arr )an%e' (as in % ++and and !"llyin) . r Ha))erd rn "n#il s$e did n # 2n ( ($i%$ (ay # #"rn/ E-"++ n all #$e ladies'E s$e % ++anded' '* r #$e 8"een's #i+e is near/E Ha))erd rn did as s$e (as !id and a *eelin) * e0%i#e+en# ran all #$r ")$ #$e Pala%e/ Cr (ds $ad !e)"n # % lle%# in #$e s#ree#s/ T$is (as #$e 1in)'s *irs# %$ild and i* i# (ere a ! y $e ( "ld !e Prin%e * 3ales,' e&en i* i# (ere a )irl #$ere ( "ld !e reas n * r re4 i%in)' * r
i# (as a &ery ) d si)n #$a# #$e 8"een $ad s B"i%2ly s$ (n #$a# s$e % "ld !ear %$ildrenD and #$ere $ad !een n alar+s d"rin) $er .re)nan%y ei#$er/ E&ery#$in) see+ed (ell and n r+al/ Married in -e.#e+!er 9=;9D $a&in) $er *irs# %$ild A")"s# 9=;@/ 3$ % "ld d !e##er #$an #$a#G 3$ % "ld ri&al s"%$ .r +.#i#"deG - n #$e Prin%ess D (a)er's %arria)e (as seen dri&in) # -#/ Ja+es's/ On #$is day #$e .e .le (ere 2inder # $er and )a&e $er a % ld silen%e/ T$ere (ere n re+inders * #$e i++ ral li*e #$ey li2ed # #ell $er s$e li&ed/ E&en L rd B"#e's %arria)e (as all (ed # .ass in silen%e/ N ran% "r a# #$e #i+e * a r yal !ir#$/ T$e +inis#ers * #$e %a!ine# !e)an # arri&e: E)re+ n#' De& ns$ire' Ge r)e Gren&ille' Hali*a0 and #$e res#/ T$en %a+e #$e Ar%$!is$ . * Can#er!"ry and d"rin) #$e + rnin) #$e e0%i#e+en# + "n#ed/ T$e ladies * #$e !ed%$a+!er' all # )e#$er in an an#er +' (ere n # .er+i##ed # en#er #$e !ed%$a+!er' +"%$ # #$e dis)"s# * Made+ iselle & n -%$(ellen!"r)/ E&en #$e +inis#ers (ere n # all (ed inD #$e Ar%$!is$ . * Can#er!"ry al ne en4 yed #$is .ri&ile)e/ In an #$er .ar# * #$e Pala%e Ge r)e (ai#ed/ He (as an0i "sD $a#in) #$e #$ ")$# * .ain $e (as .rayin) #$a# C$arl ##e ( "ld !e B"i%2ly deli&eredD $e (as #$an2in) G d * r )i&in) $i+ a *er#ile (i*eD and $e as2ed #$a# #$e %$ild s$ "ld !e a ! y/ EAl#$ ")$'E $e $as#ened # add' '#$e se0 * #$is ne is n # s &ery i+. r#an#/ Le# C$arl ##e % +e #$r ")$ (ell and #$e %$ild !e $eal#$y and I s$all as2 n #$in) + re * #$is %%asi n/E H ( l n) #$e (ai#in) (asF Ge r)e re+e+!ered ($en Hanna$'s %$ildren (ere ! rn/ He $ad n # s"**ered in #$e sa+e (ay !e%a"se $e $ad n # 2n (n #$e .re%ise #i+e * $er #ra&ail/ He +"s# s# . $i+sel* #$in2in) * Hanna$/ Hanna$ (as dead/ EDead' dead'E $e re.ea#ed/ And #$e +is%$ie& "s & i%e ($i%$ $e $eard n ( and #$en in $is $ead ($is.ered: EIs s$e' Ge r)eG Are y " s"re * i#GE EHanna$ is dead'E $e re.ea#ed/ ET$e %$ildren are (ell %ared * r/ Hanna$ is dead /// dead/E EY " are # &e$e+en#' Ge r)e'E said #$e & i%e/
EAnd i* s$e (ere n # dead // /E EHanna$ is dead'E $e ($is.ered/ All #$r ")$ #$a# day #$e #ensi n (as risin)/ Ge r)e did n # ) # !ed' and i# (as in #$e early $ "rs * #$e + rnin) #$a# ne * #$e ( +en $ad % +e # #ell $i+ #$a# #$e 8"een's .ains (ere !e% +in) + re *reB"en#/ EI# %an !e any #i+e n (' -ire/E Any #i+e/ He l 2ed a# $is (a#%$/ F "r '%l %2/ I# % "ld !e in a +a##er * +in"#esD i# % "ld !e $ "rs/ And all #$is #i+e $e +"s# (ai#/ He +"s# #$in2 * C$arl ##e/ C$arl ##e (as #$e i+. r#an# ne n (/ He ( "ld n # #$in2 * any ne !"# C$arl ##e/ He .rayed #$a# L rd Can#el".e ( "ld s n !e (i#$ $i+' * r i# (as #$a# n !le )en#le+an's d"#y as Vi%e C$a+!erlain # #$e 8"een # !rin) $i+ #$e +essa)e #$a# #$e %$ild (as ! rn/ He ( "ld !e (ell re(arded *i&e $"ndred . "nds * r a )irl' ne #$ "sand . "nds * r a ! y/ All .ar# * a Vi%e C$a+!erlain's .erB"isi#es/ Le# i# !e s ,/ C$arl ##e lay e0$a"s#ed n $er !ed/ H ( l n)G s$e .rayed/ I# $ad see+ed # ) E3$a# is #$e #i+eGE s$e ($is.ered/ EI# ( n'# !e l n) n ('E (as #$e s #$in) ans(er/ - +e ne ($is.ered # $er #$a# i# (as nearly se&en '%l %2/ -e&en '%l %2 and i# (as #$ree ($en #$e .ains $ad !e)"n # !e &i len#/ -$e ( "ld n # %ry "#D s$e *el# s$e +"s# .re&en# #$a# a# all % s#s/ In #$e an#e,r + $er ladies ( "ld !e lis#enin)' (ai#in) * r #$e %ry * #$e %$ild/ -$e .i%#"red #$e+ ($is.erin) # )e#$er Miss C$"dlei)$' #$e Mar%$i ness' Miss Pas%al' Miss Vern n and * % "rse -%$(ellen!"r) and n * r s +any $ "rs/ n/
r Ha))erd rn/
O$' n ' #$ey +"s# n # $ear $er %ry "#/ A# a r yal !ir#$ #$ere +"s# nly !e re4 i%in)/ N ne +"s# re+e+!er #$e .ain/ - n' s$e # ld $ersel*' +y %$ild (ill !e ! rn/ And s$e s#eeled $ersel* # !ear #$e a) ny/ T$e %ry * a %$ild/ And * ll (ed !y a !"77 * e0%i#e+en# #$a# see+ed # r"n ri)$# #$r ")$ #$e .ala%e/ ET$e %$ild is ! rn/ Girl r ! yGE - +e ne said i# (as a )irlD and L rd H"n#in)d n ($ % "ld n # (ai# * r L rd Can#el".e' ($ se .rer )a#i&e i# (as # deli&er #$e +essa)e' ran # #$e 1in)'s a.ar#+en# # #ell $i+ $e (as #$e *a#$er * a *ine da")$#er/ EAnd #$e 8"eenGE as2ed Ge r)e (i#$ #ears in $is eyes/ ET$a# I did n # dis% &er'E H"n#in)d n # ld $i+/ Ge r)e re.lied: EI a+ !"# li##le an0i "s as # #$e se0 * #$e %$ild as l n) as #$e 8"een is sa*e/E He (ai#ed * r n + re !"# (en# (i#$ all $as#e # #$e lyin),in %$a+!er ($ere C$arl ##e's a%% "%$e"r Mr/ H"n#er I* r s$e $ad insis#ed #$a# s$e !e a##ended !y I#$is +an ins#ead * an rdinary +id(i*eJ )ree#ed #$e 1in) (i#$ #$e ne(s #$a# $e (as #$e *a#$er * a s#r n)' lar)e and .re##y ! y/ EB yF B"# I (as # ld a )irl/E EY "r Ma4es#y +ay see * r y "rsel*/ Y " %ann # d "!# #$e se0 * #$e %$ild/E And #$ere $e (as' a s%rea+in) $eal#$y ! y .er*e%# in e&ery (ay/ T$e 1in) (e.# "nas$a+edly and s did e&ery ne else in #$e !ed%$a+!erD #$en $e (en# # #$e !ed ($ere C$arl ##e s+iled ". a# $i+/ E3e $a&e a s n'E s$e said/ And $e 2nel#' and #a2in) $er $and 2issed i#/ L nd n (as (ild (i#$ 4 y/ Married less #$an a year and already a $eal#$y s n/ T$is (as a ) d a")"ry/
N ( #$ere ( "ld !e a %$ris#enin) !alls' *e#es' #$an2s)i&in) ser&i%es/ A*#er all (asn'# #$e %$ild #$e Prin%e * 3alesG All &er #$e Ci#y #$e !ells (ere rin)in) and )"ns (ere *irin) #$e sal"#e/ EI#'s a ! y'E .e .le %alled # ea%$ #$er *r + #$eir (ind (s' in #$e s#ree#s' # #$e %ra*# n #$e ri&er/ EA ) d s#r n) $eal#$y ! y/E
T$ey (ere al(ays n #$e l 2 "# * r +ens and i# s $a..ened #$a# a %a.#"red s$i.' #$e Her+i ne' $ad !een !r ")$# ". #$e T$a+es #$a# dayD i# % n#ained ) ld ($i%$ (as !ein) #a2en # #$e &a"l#s * #$e Ban2 * En)land' and #$r ")$ #$e %r (ds * .e .le re4 i%in) in #$e !ir#$ * #$e $eir # #$e #$r ne #r"ndled #$e !"lli n,laden %ar#s/ EG ld I' %ried #$e .e .le/ ECa.#"red ) ld # enri%$ #$e na#i n I On #$e day $e is ! rn' i# is #a2en # #$e !an2/ I* #$ere (as e&er a si)n #$is is i#/E T$ey said #$e !a!y $ad !een ! rn (i#$ a ) lden s. n in $is + "#$/
T$e !a!y (as # !e na+ed Ge r)e A")"s#"s Frederi%2' and #$e %ere+ nial !a.#is+ (as *i0ed # #a2e .la%e a * r#ni)$# a*#er $is !ir#$/ T$ere (ere n B"al+s a! "# #$is %$ildD $e s%rea+ed l"s#ily' de+anded $is * d (i#$ an arr )an%e ($i%$ $is d #in) + #$er %alled r yal' and s$ (ed e&ery ne #$a# $e $ad a *ir+ * #in) n li*e/ 3$en s +any r yal in*an#s (ere deli%a#e #$is (as a !lessin) C$arl ##e ne&er %eased # !e )ra#e*"l * r/ In *a%# s$e #$ ")$# * n #$in) !"# $er li##le .rin%e/ T$e .e .le %l"s#ered r "nd -#/ Ja+es's de+andin) ne(s * $is .r )ressD ($en $e (as %arried n # #$e !al% ny #$ey (en# (ild (i#$ 4 y/ T$e + s# . ."lar .ers n in #$e 2in)d + (as #$e li##le Prin%e * 3ales and ne0# # $i+ $is .aren#s * r .r d"%in) $i+/ N (' #$ ")$# C$arl ##e' I 2n ( ($a# i# is # !e % +.le#ely $a..y/ All #$e (eary + n#$s * (ai#in) (ere * r) ##en ($en s$e $eld #$is %$ild in $er ar+s/ Her *irs# #$ ")$#s n (a2in) (ere * r $i+/ -$e % "ld n # (ai# * r $is n"rses # !rin) $i+ # $er/ -$e +"s# ) # $i+D s$e +"s# l 2 in# #$a# .in2 *a%e and ass"re $ersel* #$a# all (as (ell (i#$ $i+/ Ge r)e s$ared $er deli)$#/ T$is li##le ! y (as % ns#an#ly in $is
#$ ")$#s/ T$is .in2 !a(lin) in*an# ( "ld ne day !e #$e 1in)/ Ge r)e s le+nly & (ed #$a# $e ( "ld d all in $is . (er # lea&e $i+ a 2in)d + * ($i%$ $e % "ld !e #r"ly .r "d/ T$e dis% n#en# ($i%$ $ad !een ra)in) #$r ")$ #$e Ci#y sin%e #$e dis+issal * Pi## (as &ers$ad (ed !y #$e 4 y in #$e r yal !ir#$/ 3$en #$e Prin%e * 3ales (as #a2en in# Hyde Par2 * r an airin) %r (ds * ll (ed $i+ and $is n"rses' and #$ey la")$ed (i#$ .leas"re ($en $e s$ (ed #$e+ ($a# a *ine .air * l"n)s $e $ad r lay s+ilin) % +.la%en#ly n $is sa#in .ill (s/ EG d !less $i+'E #$ey %ried/ EHe's a l"s#y' 4 lly y "n) d ) and n +is#a2e/E I# (as #$e %"s# + n s"%$ an %%asi n * r #$e 8"een # in&i#e any ($ %ared # %all a# #$e Pala%e # .ar#a2e * %a2e and a# $er e0.ense/ T$e %a"dle (as a (ar+ % n% %#i n * (ine and e))s ($i%$ (as s".. sed # !e ) d * r in&alids and %$ildrenD and as (as # !e e0.e%#ed %r (ds )a#$ered in #$e (ai#in) r +s # .ar#a2e * #$e 8"een's $ s.i#ali#y/ T$e Ye +en * #$e G"ard $ad # !e s"++ ned # 2ee. rderD and e&en s ' .e .le (ere %a")$# s#"**in) #$eir . %2e#s (i#$ %a2e' and #$ese $ad # !e se&erely re.ri+anded and (arned * dire ."nis$+en# i* #$e **en%e (as re.ea#ed/ D"rin) #$e %a2e and %a"dle (ee2 L?? . "nds * %a2e and ei)$# )all ns * %a"dle (ere "sed ". e&ery day/ B"# #$e .e .le en4 yed i# and (is$ed #$ere (as a r yal !ir#$ e&ery (ee2/ And #$en %a+e #$e day * !a.#is+ a B"ie# %ere+ ny in #$e 8"een's dra(in) r +/ I# (as $al* .as# si0 in #$e e&enin) and #$e 8"een lay n $er !ed * s#a#e #$ere: -$e $ad l s# a )rea# deal * $er .lainness' * r $er eyes (ere ali)$# (i#$ a serene .leas"re/ -$e (as dressed in a ($i#e and sil&er ) (n as s$e $ad !een a# $er (eddin)' and (as (earin) $er s# +a%$er * dia+ nds' #$e 1in)'s (eddin) )i*#/ A)ains# #$e !a%2)r "nd * #$e s#a#e !ed %ri+s n &el&e# and ) ld !raid' ($i#e sa#in and Br"ssels la%e s$e +ade a +a)ni*i%en# .i%#"re/ T$e !l + * $er ")liness $ad indeed ( rn **/ Li##le Ge r)e %arried !y $is ) &erness n $is ($i#e sa#in .ill ( de% ra#ed (i#$ ) ld' s%rea+ed l"s#ily in .r #es#/ His )rand+ #$er' #$e Prin%ess D (a)er' # 2 $i+ *r + $is ) &erness ($i%$ did n # .lease $i+ and $is s%rea+s )re( l "der' !"# #$is nly +ade e&ery ne s+ile/ EHe's a sel*,(illed li##le r )"e'E said #$e 1in) * ndly and
.r .$e#i%ally/ T$e s. ns rs %a+e * r(ard #$e D"2e * C"+!erland and #$e n !le+an ($ $ad % +e *r + Me%2len!"r) # s#and .r 0y * r #$e D"2e * #$a# land' C$arl ##e's !r #$er/ T$e Ar%$!is$ . * Y r2 !a.#i7ed #$e %$ildD #$e 1in) (e.# (i#$ e+ #i nD and #$e 8"een l 2ed n' *eelin) #$a# #$ere (as n $a..iness in #$e ( rld )rea#er #$an #$is s$e (as n ( e0.erien%in)/ T$e %ere+ ny &er' C$arl ##e # 2 $er %$ild in $er ar+s and $eld $i+ * r a *e( +in"#es/ T$en s$e )a&e $i+ # #$e ) &erness #$a# $e +i)$# !e ."# in $is %radle/ T$ere $e lay .r #e%#ed !y a EC$inese Fen%e' ($i%$ $ad !een ere%#ed r "nd #$e %radle s #$a# n ne % "ld # "%$ $i+/ T$ se ($ $ad a##ended #$e %ere+ ny %r (ded a! "# #$e %radle ad+irin)ly/ C$arl ##e #$ ")$# * li##le !"# $er !a!y/ He (as $er li*e/ -$e $ad n in#en#i n * .assin) $i+ &er # $is ) &erness and n"rses/ Ge r)e a)reed (i#$ $er/ He (as all * r si+.le li&in)/ T$ey $ad a !ea"#i*"l !a!y/ 3$y s$ "ld #$ey n # en4 y $i+G C$arl ##e $ad a (a0 + del +ade * $i+ ($i%$ (as e0a%#ly li2e #$e %$ild/ EN ('E s$e said/ EI s$all al(ays re+e+!er $i+ as a !a!y/E A )lass %ase (as +ade # *i# &er i# and s$e $ad .la%ed i# n $er dressin) #a!le s #$a# s$e % "ld )a7e a# i# ($ene&er #$e ri)inal (as n # (i#$ $er/ F r #$ree + n#$s #$is %$ild (as % ns#an#ly in $er #$ ")$#sD and s n a*#er #$a# s$e dis% &ered #$a# s$e (as n%e + re .re)nan#/ EJ $n 3il2es 3il2es and li!er#y 3$ile C$arl ##e (as %%".ied (i#$ ne !a!y and a(ai#in) #$e arri&al * an #$er' #$e 1in) (as *indin) $i+sel* + re and + re "n.leasan#ly in& l&ed in s#a#e a**airs/ He $ad al(ays !elie&ed #$a# ($en L rd B"#e a%$ie&ed $is a+!i#i n' ($i%$ (as # $ ld #$e $i)$es# . s# in #$e G &ern+en#' all $is #r "!les ( "ld !e a# an end/ He $ad l 2ed n B"#e as a 2ind * ) d' +nis%ien#' +ni. #en#D !"# i# (as n # #"rnin) "# #$a# (ay/ Pi## $ad resi)ned and #$ey $ad needed Pi##/ And i# see+ed #$a# e&ery ne in #$e % "n#ry (as a)ains# B"#e/
T$e 1in) $ad said : ET$ se ($ are a)ains# L rd B"#e are a)ains# +e/E T$a# $ad !een $is d %#rineD and n ( i# * ll (ed' #$ere* re' #$a# #$e a##a%2s n B"#e (ere in a (ay a##a%2s n #$e 1in)/ T$is ( rried Ge r)eD $e ( "ld drea+ * disas#ersD and al(ays in #$ese $e' .ers nally' (as !ein) .erse%"#ed/ He !e)an # l 2 * r sli)$#s in all #$ se ($ %a+e near $i+ and # i+a)ine #$a# $e $eard #$e+ #i##erin) !e$ind $is !a%2/ 3$en $e (as (i#$ C$arl ##e and #$e !a!y' ($en $e sa( $er )r (in) + re and + re !&i "sly .re)nan# (i#$ #$e se% nd' $e % "ld * r)e# #$is/ He % "ld re&el in #$e B"ie# % "n#ry li*e * Ri%$+ nd ($i#$er C$arl ##e $ad ) ne s #$a# #$e !a!y % "ld en4 y #$e airD and #$ere $e *el# a# .ea%eD !"# as s n as $e (as !li)ed # re#"rn # -#/ Ja+es's' ($i%$ in #$e .resen# "n%er#ain s#a#e * a**airs (as &ery *#en' #$e "neasiness' #$e *eelin) * .erse%"#i n re#"rned/ I# (as di**i%"l# # s.ea2 * i# # any ne/ In #$e ld days $e ( "ld $a&e % ns"l#ed L rd B"#e/ B"# B"#e $ad #r "!les * $is (n and in $is ina!ili#y # +as#er #$e+ $ad +ade Ge r)e reali7e #$a# $is id l $ad *ee# * %lay/ L rd B"#e (as indeed "neasy/ His !i) !i#e * s"%%ess $ad )i&en $i+ a%"#e indi)es#i n/ He (as !e)innin) # ( nder ($e#$er i# (as n # + re e0%i#in) # .lan and # s#ri&e # (ards a ) al #$an # rea%$ i#/ He (as $a"n#ed !y an "neasy *ear #$a# $e +i)$# n # !e en ")$ * a . li#i%ian # $andle #$e in#ri%a#e s#a#e %ra*#/ His )rea# .lan $ad !een # se%"re .ea%e/ He !elie&ed in .ea%e/ He $ad !een * r Pi##'s (ar . li%y in #$e !e)innin)D !"# #$e % "n#ry $ad $ad en ")$ * (ar/ In se%re# $e $ad !een en#erin) in# ne) #ia#i ns (i#$ #$e C "r# * Versailles #$r ")$ #$e -ardinian a+!assad r and # a%# al ne and se%re#ly (as a dan)er "s +an e"&re/ C$arles II $ad +ana)ed i# e0.er#ly and a+ rally ($ile !rin)in) ) d # $is % "n#ry' !"# J $n -#"ar#' Earl * B"#e' (as n C$arles -#"ar#' 1in) * En)land/ He la%2ed #$e . (er * r ne #$in) as (ell as #$a# %areless )eni"s/ He (as a ( rried +an/ He (as a# dds (i#$ Ge r)e Gren&ille ($ se s".. r# $e $ad relied nD and $e (as !e)innin) # ( nder ($ + $e % "ld #r"s# # s#and !eside $i+/ His #$ ")$#s s"ddenly $i# n Henry F 0D and #$is see+ed a !rillian# idea/ F 0 ( "ld $a&e # !e l"red *r + #$e O.. si#i n # #$eir side' !"# B"#e !elie&ed #$a# F 0 (as a+!i#i "s en ")$ # a%%e.# #$e **er/
He s ")$# an a"dien%e (i#$ #$e 1in) and # ld $i+ #$a# $e % "ld n # #r"s# Gren&ille # s".. r# #$e ne( .ea%e #rea#y and #$a# $e needed a s#r n) +an as leader * #$e H "se * C ++ ns and i# +"s# !e s +e ne ($ (as %le&er en ")$ # %arry i# #$r ")$/ EI see y " $a&e s +e ne in +ind'E said Ge r)e/ EF 0'E ans(ered B"#e/ T$e 1in)'s *a%e )re( .in2/ F 0F -ara$'s !r #$er,in,la(F He $ad $a#ed F 0 e&er sin%e $e $ad )i&en ". -ara$' * r $e (as s"re #$a# #$e +an (as 4eerin) a# $i+ * r all (in) $i+sel* # !e .ers"aded !y $is + #$er/ EHe is #$e nly +an (ily en ")$ # d i#/E EHe ne&er ( "ld/ I# ( "ld +ean deser#in) $is .ar#y' !ein) disl yal # Pi##/E EAll F 0 ( "ld %are a! "# (as !ein) l yal # $i+sel*/E EB"# y " really !elie&e ///E EI a+ % n&in%ed i# is #$e nly % "rse le*# # "s/E Le*# # "s #$ ")$# #$e 1in)/ - B"#e (as in%l"din) $i+ in $is *ail"re/ He (as s$ %2ed # *ind #$a# * r #$e *irs# #i+e in $is li*e $e (as %ri#i%al * $is dear *riend/ E3e %ann # a** rd # !e sB"ea+is$'Esaid B"#e/ T$e 1in) re% iled/ T$is (as s$ %2in)/ N #$in) see+ed as i# $ad in #$e .as#/ E&ery#$in) (as #"rnin) a)ains# $i+/ He % "ld $a&e (e.#' E- Y "r Ma4es#y )i&es y "r % nsen# # +y a..r a%$in) F 0/E T$e 1in) n dded' #"rnin) a(ay/ Mr/ F 0 re#"rned # H lland H "se %yni%ally a+"sed a*#er $is in#er&ie( (i#$ L rd B"#e/ He ( "ld' $e $ad said' % nsider #$e n !le l rd's .r . sals' !"# #$ey did n # *ill $i+ (i#$ any )rea# en#$"sias+/ L rd B"#e (as al+ s# .a#$e#i% in $is desire # in%l"de Mr/ F 0 in $is % n*iden%e/ - +y L rd B"#e (as learnin) sense a*#er all/ And His Ma4es#yG Mr/ F 0 $ad as2ed/ H ( did $e *eel a! "# $a&in) Mr/ F 0 as #$e leader * #$e H "se * C ++ nsG His Ma4es#y (as as ea)er as L rd B"#e' s said #$e l rd/ 3ell' #$ ")$# Mr/ F 0' #$ey +"s# !e an0i "s/ Ge r)e $ad n # !een a!le # l 2 $i+ in #$e *a%e a*#er 4il#in) -ara$/ Per$a.s n ( #$a# -ara$ $ad +arried B"n!"ry $e *el# #$a# li##le +a##er (as se##led/ B"n!"ry in .la%e * a 2in)F Mr/ B"n!"ry
($ ( "ld !e% +e -ir C$arles ne day/ N # +"%$ * a +a#%$ # se# !eside #$a# (i#$ a 2in)/ B"# -ara$ $ad %$ sen $i+ and see+ed $a..y al#$ ")$ $ ( l n) #$a# ( "ld las# Mr/ F 0 (as n # s"re and $is *eelin)s (ere s%e.#i%al/ H (e&er' #$e i+. r#an# +a##er * #$e + +en# (as n # -ara !"# #$e *"#"re * Henry F 0/ He * "nd $is (i*e in #$e dra(in) r % +e *r + -#/ Ja+es's/ Lady Car line raised $er eye!r (s/ EB"#e is as2in) +e # #a2e &er #$e leaders$i. * #$e H "se * C ++ ns/E EN FE EYes' +y dear' yes/ T$ey are + s# ea)er # $a&e +e/ E&en His Ma4es#y raises n !4e%#i ns/E ET$ey are in #r "!le'E said Lady Car line/ EBes# lea&e #$e+ # i#/E EH'+/E EY " %an'# !e % nsiderin) #$is .r . salGE F 0 n dded sl (ly/ EF r a ($ile // / .er$a.s i# ( "ld n # !e s"%$ a !ad #$in)/E EY " 2n ( y " .r +ised y " (ere ) in) # )i&e ". . li#i%s/E EI $a&en'# * r) ##en/E EB"# y " are % nsiderin) #a2in) ". #$is **erGE He sli..ed $is ar+ #$r ")$ $ers/ EF r a ($ile'E $e said/ EI .r +ise # +a2e a * r#"ne *r + i# and re#ire (i#$ a $i)$ s "ndin) #ide in a !la7e * )l ry/E + and # ld $er #$a# $e $ad 4"s#
-$e la")$ed a# $i+D #$ey "nders# d ea%$ #$er/ He (as a %yni%D $e l &ed + ney e&en + re #$an . (erD $e (as nly &"lnera!le ($ere Lady Car line (as % n%erned/ E&er sin%e'#$eir r +an#i% el .e+en# #$ey $ad !een l &ers/ - Car line "nders# d/ I# ( "ld !e #$e *inaleD and ($en i# (as &er #$ey ( "ld li&e as s$e $ad .lanned #$ey s$ "ld a(ay *r + #$e an0ie#ies * s#a#e /// en4 yin) li*e/ Mr/ F 0 (as )ran#ed an a"dien%e in #$e 1in)'s %$a+!er a# -#/ Ja+es's/ As $e e0.e%#ed' B"#e (as (i#$ Ge r)e/ Mr/ F 0's e0.ressi n (as a li##le sard ni%/ He (as n # #$e $ands +es# * +en (i#$ $is !"l2y *i)"re and dar2 *a%eD i# (as ($en $e #al2ed n # (i#$ Mr/ Pi##'s !rillian# ra# ry' !"# (i#$ #$ se s"dden *las$es * s. n#ane "s (i# #$a# $e % "ld e&en #ri"+.$ &er Mr/ Pi##/ Ge r)e l 2ed a# $i+ (i#$ +ild dis#as#e/ Ne&er ( "ld #r"s# #$a# *ell (' $e #$ ")$#D !"# i# (as n "seD $ey ( "ld $a&e # $a&e $i+/ L rd B"#e $ad e0.lained #$a# #$ey (ere l s# (i#$ "# a s#r n) +an # lead #$e C ++ ns and "se +a2e s"re #$a# #$e si)nin) * #$e Pea%e * Paris (as !r ")$# # a s"%%ess*"l % n%l"si n/ E- Mr/ F 0' sir'E said Ge r)e' EL rd B"#e #ells +e #$a# y " are ready # #a2e n #$e leaders$i. * #$e H "se * C ++ ns/E ERel"%#an#ly' -ire' !"# sin%e i# is #$e (is$ * Y "r Ma4es#y ///E F 0 s+iled ir ni%ally' as #$ ")$' #$ ")$# Ge r)e' #$e sly %rea#"re s ri)$#ly na+ed 2ne( $ ( $e $a#ed # !e * r%ed in# #$is . si#i n and (as re+indin) $i+ * i#/ EL rd B"#e *eels #$a# y "r ser&i%es % "ld !e in&al"a!le/E EAnd sin%e Y "r Ma4es#y is in a)ree+en# (i#$ $i+ I **er #$e+ (i#$ all +y $ear#/E EHis Ma4es#y and I a)ree #$a# i# is ne%essary # )e# #$ese essen#ial +a##ers .assed #$r ")$ #$e C ++ ns and #$e L rds/ A# #$e + +en# #$ere is )rea# .. si#i n/ T$is +"s# !e (i.ed "#/ 3e +"s# $a&e a +a4 ri#y & #e in *a& "r * #$e .ea%e/E EI# is n # an i+. ssi!le a%$ie&e+en#/E
E3e $a&e . (er*"l ene+ies/E Mr/ F 0 s+iled ($a# Ge r)e #$ ")$# * as #$e * 0y s+ile/ E3e %an se%"re #$eir s".. r# in #$e #i+e,$ n "red (ay/E EAnd #$a#GE EBri!es' Y "r Ma4es#y/ Bri!es/E EBri!es I B"# #$is is s +e#$in) I %ann # % "n#enan%e/E ET$en #$e +eas"res (ill !e de*ea#ed' and I %an !e * n "se # y "/ B"# i* Y "r Ma4es#y and y "' +y l rd' as2 +e # !rin) #$ese +eas"res sa*ely #$r ")$ I #ell y " I %an d i#/ And I )i&e y " #$e !l"n# re+edy/ Bri!es I' T$e 1in) $ad #"rned a(ayD B"#e (as (a#%$in) $i+ "neasily/ F 0 s$r"))ed $is s$ "lders/ EY "r Ma4es#y and y "' +y l rd' %ann # % nsider !ri!esG T$en I %an nly say #$a# I %an !e * n "se # y "/ Y " (ill "nders#and #$a# in % +in) # y "r side I s$all !e in .. si#i n # +y ld *riends/E E5n. ."lari#y is #$e .ri%e (e +"s# all .ay * r .arlia+en#ary ser&i%es'E said B"#e !i##erly/ EN # all' +y l rd/ C nsider Mr/ Pi##/ He %ann # + &e #$r ")$ #$e Ci#y (i#$ "# a %r (d * ( rs$i..ers * ll (in) $is % a%$/ T$ey are ready # 2neel and 2iss #$e $e+ * $is )ar+en#/E Ge r)e *r (ned/ He did n # li2e !las.$e+y/ EAs * r +ysel*'E (en# n F 0' EI a+ ready # *a%e "n. ."lari#y i* I %an d His Ma4es#y essen#ial ser&i%e/E B"#e said B"i%2ly: EHis Ma4es#y and I are ea)er # see #$is .ea%e #rea#y %arried #$r ")$' n +a##er a# ($a# % s#/E He (ai#ed (i#$ )rea# a..re$ensi n * r #$e 1in) # s.ea2' !"# Ge r)e said n #$in)/ T$e 1in) (as de.ressed and disill"si ned/ His $ead a%$edD $e (an#ed # )e# rid * Mr/ F 0/ He (as %er#ain #$a# #$a# di "s +an (as la")$in) a# $i+' 4eerin) a# $i+ * r $a&in) l s# -ara$D $e ( "ld ) a(ay and ($is.er a! "# $i+ # #$a# (i*e * $is' -ara$'s sis#er' ($ (as a li##le li2e -ara$/
B"#e (as (a#%$in) $i+ an0i "sly' #$in2in): He $as s"%$ s#ran)e + ds n (adays/ One %an ne&er !e s"re ($a# $e is #$in2in)/ B"# F 0 (as .re.arin) # #a2e $is lea&e and # #$r ( $i+sel* in# $is ne( #as2 as leader * #$e H "se * C ++ ns ($ 2ne( e0a%#ly $ ( # ad+inis#er #$ se !ri!es ($i%$ ( "ld )e# "n. ."lar +eas"res .assed #$r ")$ Parlia+en#/ Mr/ F 0 (as #r"e # $is ( rd/ He se# a! "# $is ne( d"#ies (i#$ ala%ri#y/ Bri!es (ere **ered in %as$ and in #$e * r+ * #i#lesD and .la%es in #$e G &ern+en# (ere )i&en in rder # * r+ ne ($i%$ ( "ld !e s lidly !e$ind F 0 and !ey $is % ++ands # & #e as .er* r+in) d )s a# #$e %ra%2 * #$e ($i./ T$e D"2es * De& ns$ire' Ne(%as#le and Gra*# n (ere e0.elled *r + #$eir **i%es # +a2e (ay * r % +.la%en# +enD and !y De%e+!er F 0 (as ready # ) in# #$e a##a%2/ Cr (ds s"rr "nded #$e H "ses * Parlia+en# 2n (in) ($a# iss"es (ere a# s#a2e/ Pi## (as s#ill #$e $er * #$e .ie%eD B"#e #$e !la%2,$ear#ed &illain/ In #$e L rds B"#e $ad # de*end F 0's . li%yD and in #$e C ++ ns F 0 $ad # *a%e Pi##' ($ $ad arri&ed' s(a#$ed in !anda)es' (ra..ed in *lannel' s"**erin) $ide "sly *r + $is ld % +.lain# * ) "#/ Pi## $aran)"ed #$e G &ern+en# * r #$ree $ "rsD $e . in#ed "# #$a# #$eir ene+ies $ad n # ye# !een !ea#enD #$a# i* .ea%e (ere +ade n ( #$ey ( "ld re% &er and )e# # #$eir *ee# a)ain/ Pea%e (as a dan)er # En)land/ Pi##'s el B"en%e (as' as e&er' s.ell!indin)' !"# $is ) "# ) # #$e !e##er * $i+ and !e* re $e $ad deli&ered #$e *inal s"++in) ". $e (as !li)ed # re#ire # $is sea#/ T$en F 0 r se and (i#$ reas nin)' % ld a)ains# Pi##'s $ea#' l )i%al a)ains# e+ #i nalis+' $e de*ended #$e G &ern+en#'s . li%y * r .ea%e/ Fran%e and -.ain $ad a)reed # )rea# % n%essi ns' and En)land (as s"**erin) *r + a%"#e #a0a#i n/ Lis#enin)' Pi## see+ed # sense de*ea#D in any %ase $e (as in a) ny/ 3$ile F 0 (as s.ea2in) $e ) # ". and $ !!led *r + #$e H "se' #$"s lea&in) $is s".. r#ers (i#$ "# a leader/ T$e + #i n (as %arried * r #$e G &ern+en# >9: # ;L/ A #ri"+.$ * r #$e G &ern+en#' * r F 0's . li%y and * r .ea%e/ I# (as $ardly # !e e0.e%#ed #$a# Pi##'s s".. r#ers ( "ld B"ie#ly a%%e.# #$is s#a#e * a**airs/ I# (as 2n (n $ ( #$e G &ern+en# +a4 ri#y $ad !een a%$ie&ed/ Bri!ery I (as ($is.ered #$r ")$ "# #$e s#ree#sD and
#$e + ! +ar%$ed %arryin) a 4a%2! %ere+ ni "sly $"n) n a )i!!e#/
# and .e##i% a# ($i%$ #$ey
T$e *eelin) a)ains# B"#e (as risin)/ He (as #$e ar%$ ene+y' #$e -% # ($ $ad dared # #ry # r"le En)land' #$e l &er * #$e Prin%ess D (a)er ($ (i#$ $er r"led #$e 1in)' and #$ere* re r"led En)land/ E&en #$e 1in) %a+e in * r $is s$are * %ri#i%is+ and $is . ."lari#y (aned alar+in)ly/ 3$en $e (en# # %all n $is + #$er' %r (ds * ll (in) $is %arria)e s$ "#ed/ EG in) # $a&e y "r na.2ins %$an)ed' Ge r)eGE And : E3$en are y " ) in) # !e (eanedGE Ge r)e did n # li2e i#/ I# ( "nded $i+ dee.lyD ($en $e %a+e !a%2 # $is a.ar#+en#s $e ( "ld (ee. and $is $eada%$es ( "ld !e)inD $e *el# #$a# e&ery ne (as a)ains# $i+/ 3$en $e % "ld es%a.e # Ri%$+ nd' # #$e B"ie# li*e (i#$ C$arl ##e' $e *el# !e##er/ B"# $e % "ld n # !e a 1in) and li&e #$e B"ie# li*e * a % "n#ry )en#le+an/ B"#e (as *eelin) illD $e $ad l s# $is s(a))er/ I# (as an "n% +* r#a!le *eelin)' e&ery #i+e $e (en# "#' ( nderin) ($e#$er #$e + ! (ere ) in) # se# n $i+ and +"rder $i+/ P (er s"%$ as #$is $ad !een $is ) alD n ( i# (as $is i# (as &ery di**eren# *r + #$e drea+/ And #$en J $n 3il2es (en# in# #$e a##a%2/ J $n 3il2es (as #$e s n * a +al# dis#iller * Cler2en(ell' ($ $ad s#ar#ed a .a.er' in % n4"n%#i n (i#$ a *riend na+ed C$arles C$"r%$ill' in ($i%$ $e de#er+ined # a##a%2 #$e an +alies * #$e day/ He $ad a sea# in Parlia+en# and (as an arden# s".. r#er * Pi##/ As a +an ($ +"s# !e in #$e #$i%2 * any % n#r &ersy' #$e % n*li%# !e#(een Pi## and #$e G &ern+en#' "nder F 0's leaders$i.' (as irresis#i!le # $i+/ 3il2es (as an e0#re+ely ")ly +anD $is *ea#"res (ere irre)"lar and $is sB"in# dia! li%alD # % "n#er!alan%e #$is $e $ad de&el .ed a &ery 2een (i# and % "r#ly +anners' and (i#$ #$ese $e endea& "red # !rin) d (n ($a# $e %alled #$e "n( r#$y +i)$#y *r + #$eir sea#s/ T$e *irs# * #$ese (as * % "rse L rd B"#e/
As a y "n) +an 3il2es $ad !een sen# n #$e Grand T "rD n $is re#"rn $is .aren#s $ad (is$ed $i+ # +arry Mary Mead #$e da")$#er * a L nd n )r %er a &ery ri%$ ne and $e $ad !li)ed/ T$e +arria)e (as a *ail"re/ P r Mary % "ld n # 2ee. .a%e (i#$ $er $"s!and's (i# and !rillian%e/ 3il2es %a+e (ell "# * #$e a**air * r $e a%B"ired n # nly a lar)e sli%e * $is (i*e's * r#"ne !"# #$e %"s# dy * $is da")$#er' Mary' ($ (as #$e ne .ers n in $is li*e * r ($ + $e %ared/ His )rea# ener)y $ad $ad # *ind an "#le# and $e 4 ined s %ie#ies * ill re."#e s"%$ as #$e Hell Fire Cl"! and -ir Fran%is Das$( d's %l"!' #$e la##er 2n (n as #$e Order * -#/ Fran%is/ T$e + #i&e * #$ese %l"!s (as .r *li)a%y and !s%eni#y' all # !e % nd"%#ed in #$e + s# (i##y +anner/ T$e +e+!ers * #$e Order * -#/ Fran%is +e# in a r"ined Cis#er%ian A!!ey a# Med+en$a+ and #$ere ind"l)ed in .ra%#i%es (i#$ ($i%$ #$ey #ried # s$ %2 ea%$ #$er' !y + %2in) #$e C$"r%$' and #$ey (ere said n ne %%asi n # $a&e )i&en #$e sa%ra+en# # a + n2ey/ Me+!ers$i. * #$is s %ie#y $ad !r ")$# 3il2es in*l"en#ial *riends' a+ n) ($ + (ere Pi##'s s".. r#ers' -ir Fran%is Das$,( d and L rd -and(i%$' and #$r ")$ #$e+ 3il2es !e%a+e #$e Hi)$ -$eri** * B"%2in)$a+s$ireD and a*#er an "ns"%%ess*"l a##e+.# # en#er Parlia+en# * r Ber(i%2, n,T(eed $e (as ele%#ed * r Ayles!"ry/ He (as n # a )rea# s"%%ess in Parlia+en#' la%2in) #$e ne%essary el B"en%eD !"# $is (i# and $"+ "r se%"red $i+ +any *riendsD $e (as a + s# en#er#ainin) % +.ani nD $e e&en +ade *"n * $is ")liness/ He $ad ne&er' $e said' li2e Nar%iss"s' $"n) &er a s#rea+ and ad+ired $is % "n#enan%eD ne ( "ld n # *ind $i+ s#ealin) sly )lan%es a# a +irr r' a $a!i# $e $ad n #i%ed a+ n) #$ se # ($ + Na#"re $ad !een a li##le + re 2ind ($en dealin) "# ) d *ea#"res/ He +ade a %"l# * $is ")liness/ He (as e0#re+ely &irileD $e $ad a dee. need * se0"al sa#is*a%#i nD and in a s$ r# #i+e $e $ad ) ne #$r ")$ $is * r#"ne and $is (i*e's and (as l 2in) * r a +eans * +a2in) + ney/ He dis% &ered a #alen# * r 4 "rnalis+D i# (as an e0%i#in) .r *essi n/ T e0.ress ne's &ie(s in .rin#' # $ear #$e+ B" #ed' # !e a . (er in #$e land #$a# (as e0a%#ly ($a# 3il2es (an#ed/ I* #$ere (as ne +an in #$e % "n#ry ($ + 3il2es (is$ed # send # ..lin) *r + $is .edes#al' #$a# +an (as L rd B"#e/ B"#e (as all #$a# $e (as n # $ands +e' . +. "s and a l &er # ($ + #$e D (a)er Prin%ess * 3ales $ad !een *ai#$*"l * r yearsD 3il2es (as en&i "sD $e (as %le&erer #$an B"#e' !"# B"#e (as a ri%$ +an and $e a . r ne/ B"#e $ad !e% +e $ead * #$e G &ern+en# and $e' !rillian# 3il2es' (as a *ail"re in Parlia+en#/
And n ( B"#e (as * r%in) $is desires n #$e % "n#ry and $e $ad d ne i# #$r ")$ !ri!es/ Here (as a s"!4e%# * r a 4 "rnalis#/ One * #$e .a.ers' T$e M ni# r' (as %ri#i%i7in) #$e G &ern+en#' !"# i# (as a s%ra..y li##le s$ee#' $ardly ( r#$y # !e %alled a ne(s.a.erD and in re#alia#i n L rd B"#e $ad * "nded #( .a.ers' T$e Bri# n and T$e A"di# r' and $ad se# ". #$e n &elis# T !ias -+ lle## as edi# r * #$e * r+er/ 5nder !rillian# edi# rs$i. T$e Bri# n (as a##ra%#in) s +e a##en#i n and (as $el.in) # ."# #$e %ase * r B"#e' ($ (as !e% +in) less "n. ."lar as a res"l#/ T$is (as s +e#$in) ($i%$ 3il2es % "ld n # end"re/ He (en# # $is %r ny C$arles C$"r%$ill' a +an ($ li&ed as disre."#a!ly as 3il2es $i+sel*' $ad se.ara#ed *r + $is (i*e as 3il2es $ad' and $ad +ade s +e re."#a#i n as a . e#/ E3e s$ "ld * "nd a ri&al .a.er # T$e Bri# n'E $e s"))es#ed/ EIn i# (e % "ld 2ee. #$e % "n#ry in* r+ed n Mr/ B"#e/E E3$a# % "ld (e #ell #$e+ #$a# #$ey d n'# already 2n (GE T$a# +ade 3il2es la")$/ E3e'll *ind .len#y' ne&er *ear/ Bri!esF And ($a# a )allan# )en#le+anF I'll s(ear #$e .e .le ( "ld li2e # 2n ( $ ( &ery (ell $e .er* r+s in #$e Prin%ess's !ed/E E3il2es' y "'re a de&il'E %ried C$"r%$ill/ EAnd d in) y " #$e $ n "r * a%%e.#in) y " as #$e sa+e' +y *riend/ N ( # !"siness/E In a &ery s$ r# #i+e #$ey (ere ready # !rin) "# #$eir .a.er/ E3$a# s$all (e %all i#GE C$"r%$ill (an#ed # 2n (/ 3il2es (as #$ ")$#*"lD #$en a le(d s+ile s.read a%r ss $is ")ly *a%e/ E3$y n # T$e N r#$ Bri# n G A*#er all i# is ) in) # !e dedi%a#ed # #$e des#r"%#i n * a )en#le+an *r + a%r ss #$e B rder/ Yes' #$a# is i#/ T$e N r#$ Bri# n/E And s T$e N r#$ Bri# n %a+e in# e0is#en%e/ Fr + i#s *irs# n"+!er i# (as a s"%%ess/ T$ere (as n #$in) #$e .e .le li2ed !e##er #$an # see #$e )rea# ridi%"led' and ($en i# (as d ne (i#$
(i# and $"+ "r i# a..ealed + re #$an e&er/ 3il2es sa( #$a# i# (as .resen#ed' and .e .le (ere !"yin) i# in #$eir #$ "sands/ F 0 (as re.resen#ed as B"#e's *ai#$*"l $en%$+an/ T$ey $ad !r ")$# a! "# #$eir +eas"res and $ (G 3il2es (as $idin) n #$in)/ He $ad #$e in* r+a#i n a# $is *in)er#i.s/ He 2ne( $ ( #$e .ea%e #rea#y $ad !een !r ")$# sa*ely #$r ")$ #$e C ++ ns and L rds/ Bri!eryF Bri!ery and C rr".#i n (as s +e#$in) ($i%$ 3il2es and C$"r%$ill in T$e N r#$ Bri# n (ere ) in) # e0. se # ."!li% &ie(/ 3il2es and C$"r%$ill (ere * r Li!er#y/ Freed + * a%#i nD *reed + * s.ee%$/ T$a# (as ($a# #$ey s# d * rD and #$ey (ere n res.e%#ers * .ers ns ei#$er/ N ne (as ) in) # !e % nsidered i* $e **ended a)ains# #$e la(s * de%en%y laid d (n !y 3il2es and C$"r%$ill/ And Bri!ery (as an **en%e ($i%$ +ade #$e+ %ry "# -$a+e/ B"# #$e %$ie* !"## (as #$e -% #s+an/ Very' &ery $ands +e' $e (as/ He $ad a (i*e and n"+er "s %$ildren/ B"# $e s#ill $ad #i+e and ener)y # ser&e #$e Prin%ess D (a)er/ Did #$e .e .le reali7e #$ey $ad a ! "d ir )eni"s in #$eir +ids#G An #$er +e#$ d * a##a%2 (as a + re seri "s ne/ Ge r)e III (as li2ened # Ed(ard III' #$e D (a)er Prin%ess * 3ales # 8"een Isa!ella/ And B"#e $ad # $a&e a .ar# in #$is dra+a s $e (as * % "rse R )er M r#i+er/ T )e#$er 3il2es and C$"r%$ill % n% %#ed a .ar dy * M "n#,* r#'s Fall * M r#i+er ($i%$ #$ey ."!lis$ed (i#$ a dedi%a#i n # #$a# !rillian# !ed%$a+!er .er* r+er' L rd B"#e/ T$e sales * T$e N r#$ Bri# n s$ # ".D and 3il2es reali7ed #$a# #$is (as #$e + s# a+"sin)' #$e + s# e0%i#in) and #$e B"i%2es# (ay # %$an)e $is *inan%ial . si#i n/ I# $ad !een a s#r 2e * )eni"s # s#ar# #$e .a.er/ All $e $ad # re+e+!er (as #$a# #$ey +"s# s# . a# n #$in)D n ne s$ "ld !e sa*e *r + #$eir &i#ri li% .ens/ T$e si+.le *a%# (as #$a# #$e .e .le l &ed s%"rril "s ) ssi.D and #$e + re s$ %2in) and #$e $i)$er .la%ed #$e .e .le in& l&ed' #$e + re #$e ."!li% li2ed i#/ ET$ey s$all $a&e ($a# #$ey (an#'E san) "# 3il2esD and .r %eeded # )i&e i# # #$e+/ Henry F 0' seein) #$e (ay #rends (ere ) in) and !y allyin) $i+sel* (i#$ B"#e $e (as na#"rally %a#%$in) s +e * #$e di"+ ($i%$ (as s$ (ered n #$a# n !le+an sa( n reas n ($y $e s$ "ld % n#in"e in **i%e/ Car line (as "r)in) $i+ # )e# "#/ He $ad .r +ised' $ad $e n #' #$a# as s n as $e % "ld, d s ' $e ( "ld/ He $ad # ld $er #$a# #$is las# li##le *lin) (as # i+. r#an# # !e i)n red/ 3ell' $e $ad d ne ($a#
(as as2ed * $i+D $e $ad s$ (n #$e+ $ ( # %arry #$r ")$ #$e #er+s ($i%$ Pi## $ad s &i len#ly re4e%#ed' s ($a# *"r#$er ."r. se % "ld !e ser&ed !y re+ainin) in **i%eG 3al2in) in #$e )r "nds * H lland H "se' $is ar+ #$r ")$ #$a# * $is (i*e' re&ellin) in #$e si)ns * s.rin) all ar "nd #$e+' Henry F 0 # ld $er #$a# s$e (as ri)$#/ He a)reed (i#$ $er/ N ( #$a# #$a# di "s +an 3il2es $ad % +e "# (i#$ $is s%andal s$ee#' n ne (as s.ared %er#ainly n # #$ se in $i)$ .la%es/ T$e G &ern+en# (as ) in) # s(ay # #$e a##a%2 * ridi%"le/ I* $e (ere ) in) # )e# "# in #$a# !la7e * )l ry' #$en $e s$ "ld d s n (' and #$e .ri%e * .as# ser&i%es ( "ld !e a #i#le/ E3$a# d y " #$in2 * L rd H lland' +y dearGE $e as2ed' s+ilin) % +.la%en#ly a! "# #$e .ar2/ EI #$in2 i# ( "ld !e ideal'E Car line # ld $i+D '!"# nly i* y " lea&e #$e G &ern+en# and % +e in# re#ire+en# s #$a# (e %an s.end + re #i+e # )e#$er ($i%$ ( "ld )i&e +e )rea# .leas"re and ena!le y " # es%a.e *r + #$e +"dslin)in) * #$a# $ide "s 3il2es' #$e )eneral s% rn (i#$ ($i%$ #$e G &ern+en# is !e)innin) # !e re)arded' and #$e )r (in) "n. ."lari#y * +y L rd B"#e/E E3ise ( +an'E % ++en#ed F 0/ ET + rr ( I ) # see +y l rd and (i#$ $i+ # #$e 1in)/ I d "!# n # s n #$a# y "r $"s!and (ill !e a n !le l rd/E ET$e s ner #$e !e##er sin%e i# +eans y "r es%a.e *r + #$e G &ern+en#/E Mr/ F 0 .resen#ed $i+sel* # L rd B"#e/ P r B"#eF He (as %er#ainly l sin) $is y "#$*"l l 2s/ Bein) $ead * a ) &ern+en# + s# de*ini#ely did n # s"i# $i+/ F 0 la")$ed in(ardly (i#$ )ri+ sa#is*a%#i n/ T$ese a+!i#i "s +en ($ sa( #$e+sel&es as #$ey (ere n # I Le# B"#e ) !a%2 # % sse#in) #$e Prin%ess D (a)erD $e (as &ery ) d a# #$a#/ B"# % "n#ries needed + re #$an % sse#in)/ EMy l rd' I $a&e % +e # #ell y " #$a# +y $eal#$ is *ailin)' and as I $a&e d ne #$a# ($i%$ I )a&e +y ( rd # d 'I %an see n . in# in re+ainin) l n)er in #$e G &ern+en#/E B"#e (as alar+ed/ 3$ile $e $ad $ad F 0's s".. r# $e $ad *el# se%"re/
Cra*#y as $is na+e' #$is +an (as a !rillian# . li#i%ian' ($ % "ld !e %alled a ( r#$y ri&al # Pi##/ B"#e $ad %l"n) # $i)$ **i%e *er&en#ly' 2n (in) #$a# #$is +an (as s".. r#in) $i+D !"# n ( #$e sly *ell ( (as (i#$dra(in) #$a# s".. r#/ He $ad $ad en ")$/ ET$is is ill ne(s'E !e)an B"#e/ ENay' nay'E %ried F 0/ EA +an ($ is n # in #$e !es# * $eal#$ is a . r $en%$+an/ Y "' +y l rd' (i#$ #$a# %le&erness ($i%$ $as .la%ed y " in y "r .resen# . si#i n' $a&e n need * a . r si%2 * 0/ I $a&e +ade ". +y +ind # re#ire/E ET$is %ann # !e *inal/E EAlas' yes/ My $eal#$ de+ands i#/ I $a&e .r +ised +y (i*e #$a# # day I ( "ld % +e # y " and #ell y " #$a# I in#end # **er +y resi)na#i n/ I %an !e * n *"r#$er "se # y "/ T$ere* re I s$all ) (i#$ #$e #i#le y "r .r +ised +e' # s$ ( #$e .e .le #$a# I a+ % nsidered ( r#$y * +y re(ard/E ETide///E !e)an B"#e/ EBar n H lland * F 0ley' 3il#s$ire'E said F 0/ EAnd I s$ "ld $ .e # re#ain #$e . s# * Pay+as#er/E B"#e (as as# "nded/ H ( li2e F 0 # as2 * r $is #ide and a . s# ($i%$ (as al+ s# a sine%"re and !r ")$# in a % nsidera!le in% +e/ EI #$in2 e&en +y ene+ies ( "ld a)ree'E said F 0 s+ilin)' '#$a# #$e % "n#ry (es +e #$is' T$e 1in) (as dee.ly dis#"r!ed/ He $ad read 3il2es's s$ee#/ T$ se #erri!le a%%"sa#i ns a)ains# $is + #$er and L rd B"#e I Did e&ery ne 2n ( * die+ e0%e.# $i+sel*G 3$a# a si+.le# n $e $ad !eenF All #$ se years ($en #$ey $ad !een # )e#$er $e $ad #$ ")$# #$ey (ere 4"s# ) d *riends/ And #$ey $ad !een li&in) # )e#$er as $"s!and and (i*eD and #$e ($ le ( rld 2ne( /// e0%e.# Ge r)e' and (as d "!#less la")$in) a# Ge r)e * r $is si+.li%i#y/ T$e 1in) !"ried $is *a%e in $is $ands/ T$ere (ere #i+es ($en $e *el# #$a# #$e ($ le ( rld (as a)ains# $i+/ He % "ld #r"s# n ne n # e&en $is + #$erD n # e&en B"#e #$ se #( n ($ + $e $ad relied all $is li*e/
O$' yes' $e % "ld rely n C$arl ##eD !e%a"se C$arl ##e (as nly a y "n) )irl ($ 2ne( n #$in) * s#a#e a**airs/ -$e s$ "ld ne&er 2n (/ -$e s$ "ld re+ain s$"# a(ay *r + #$e C "r# ($i%$ (as (i%2ed' any(ay/ C$arl ##e s$ "ld re#ain $er inn %en%eD s$e s$ "ld ) n !earin) $is %$ildren/ In A")"s# #$ey ( "ld $a&e an #$er/ T( already and n # +arried #( years/ Yes' C$arl ##e (as all $e %ared # #$in2 a! "# #$ese days/ He (as !e)innin) # $a#e . li#i%s and +is#r"s# . li#i%ians/ B"# i* $e (ere ) in) # !e a ) d 1in) $e +"s# "nders#and #$ese +a##ers/ T$e +anner in ($i%$ #$e .ea%e $ad !een .assed #$r ")$ Parlia+en# a..alled $i+/ Bri!es I And #$a# %yni%al Mr/ F 0 arran)in) i# allF 3$a# .leas"re # es%a.e # Ri%$+ nd ($en $e % "ldD # (al2 (i#$ C$arl ##e in #$e )ardens #$ereD # si# !eside #$e !a!y's %radle and +ar&el a# #$e *a%# #$a# $e (as s"%$ a l"s#y $eal#$y li##le *ell (/ And n ( L rd B"#e (as !rin)in) F 0 # $i+ # #ell $i+ #$a# #$e +inis#er (is$ed # **er $is resi)na#i n' and as a re(ard * r $is ser&i%es $e ( "ld a%%e.# a !ar ny and !e% +e Bar n H llandD $e (is$ed # re#ain #$e . s# * Pay+as#er/ E- y " are lea&in) #$e G &ern+en#' Mr/ F 0' sir'E said #$e 1in) disa..r &in)ly/ EY "r Ma4es#y' +y $eal#$ $as de#eri ra#ed and I a+ in n . si#i n # d $ n "r # #$e $i)$ . s# ($i%$ Y "r Ma4es#y in y "r ) dness !es# (ed n +e/E Ge r)e *el# si%2 (i#$ ann yan%e and disa.. in#+en#/ Mr/ F 0 (as l"%2y/ 3$en $e (an#ed # e0#ri%a#e $i+sel* *r + a di**i%"l# si#"a#i n $e nly $ad # resi)nD and )e# a #i#le * r d in) i#/ T$ere (as n #$in) # !e d ne/ T$ey % "ld nly le# $i+ ) / On 9: A.ril #$e 1in) .ened Parlia+en# and * "r days la#er n"+!er AL * T$e N r#$ Bri# n a..eared/ In #$is 3il2es % ++en#ed n #$e Pea%e * H"!er#s!er) ,($i%$ $ad * ll (ed #$e Pea%e * Paris as '#$e + s# a!and ned ins#an%e * +inis#erial e**r n#ery e&er a##e+.#ed # !e i+. sed n +an2ind'/ Ge r)e read #$e .a.er' * r e&ery ne (as n ( readin) T$e N r#$ Bri# n' an0i "sly s%r"#ini7in) i# # +a2e s"re #$a# #$ey (ere n # !ein) ridi%"led in i#D and $e * "nd #$a# 3il2es $ad deal# (i#$ $i+ .ers nally/
T$e 1in)'s s.ee%$'E (r #e 3il2es' '$as al(ays !een % nsidered !y #$e le)isla#"re and !y #$e ."!li% a# lar)e as #$e s.ee%$ * #$e Minis#er/E T$is (as an a##e+.# # i+.ly #$a# $e $ad n in#en#i n * a##a%2in) #$e 1in) !"# (as !la+in) #$e %$ie* +inis#er' Ge r)e Gren&ille/ EE&ery *riend * #$is % "n#ry'E $e (en# n' '+"s# la+en# #$a# a Prin%e * s +any )rea# and a+ia!le B"ali#ies' ($ + En)land #r"ly re&eres' %an !e !r ")$# # )i&e #$e san%#i n * $is sa%red na+e # #$e + s# di "s +eas"res and # #$e + s# "n4"s#i*ia!le ."!li% de%lara#i ns *r + a #$r ne e&er ren (ned * r #r"#$' $ n "r and "ns"llied &ir#"e/E 3$en Ge r)e read #$is $e (as n # in #$e leas# #a2en in !y #$e i+.li%a#i n * l yal#y/ T$is (as a sneer a# $i+sel*' s"))es#in) #$a# $e (as a# !es# a ."..e#/ He (as s"**erin) *r + ne * $is $eada%$es and $e 2e.# re.ea#in) #$e .$rases * #$a# ar#i%le &er and &er a)ain in $is +ind/ He (an#ed # )e# ri)$# a(ay/ He (as (eary * $is **i%e/ I* nly $e % "ld !e li2e Mr/ F 0 and )e# a(ay # #$e .leas"re * $is (i*e's % +.any/ B"# $e (as #$e 1in)D $e % "ld n # resi)n/ Ge r)e Gren&ille (as as2in) * r an a"dien%e/ He %a+e in %l"#%$in) T$e N r#$ Bri# n and i# (as easy # see #$a# $e (as as an)ry as #$e 1in)/ E3e %ann # all ( #$is # .ass' Y "r Ma4es#y/E E- I #$ ")$#'E a)reed #$e 1in)/ E3e are s"!+i##ed # ins"l#' !"# ($a# %an (e d GE E3e %an send a % .y * T$e N r#$ Bri# n # #$e la( **i%ers * #$e Cr (n/ T$is' in +y .ini n' is a sedi#i "s li!el/E ELe# i# !e d ne'E said Ge r)e/ EI# is #i+e (e # 2 s +e a%#i n a)ains# #$is +an 3il2es/E L rd Hali*a0 and #$e Earl * E)re+ n# as -e%re#aries * -#a#e (ere nly # ready # iss"e #$e (arran# ($i%$ Gren&ille de+anded/ T$is )a&e .er+issi n * r a s#ri%# and dili)en# sear%$ # !e +ade in #$e
**i%es * #$e sedi#i "s and #reas na!le .a.er T$eN r#$ Bri# n and * r #$e a"#$ rs * sedi#i "s li!el # !e arres#ed/ Hali*a0's se%re#ary arri&ed a# 3il2es's $ "se ne ni)$# and read #$e (arran# # $i+' !"# 3il2es . in#ed "# #$a# $is na+e (as n # +en#i ned n #$e (arran# and #$ere* re i# (as n # le)al/ - * r%e*"lly did $e ar)"e #$a# #$e se%re#ary re#ired' !"# #$e ne0# + rnin) $e $ad .resen#ed $i+sel* a# #$e **i%es * T$e N r#$ Bri# n/ 3il2es (as ar)"in) (i#$ $i+ ($en C$arles C$"r%$ill %a+e in and l 2in) s#rai)$# a# C$"r%$ill' 3il2es said : EG d day' Mr/ T$ +.s n/ H ( is Mrs/ T$ +.s nG D es s$e dine in #$e % "n#ryGE C$"r%$ill i++edia#ely )"essed ($a# (as $a..enin) and #$a# 3il2es (as (arnin) $i+' s $e re.lied: EMrs/ T$ +.s n is in ) d $eal#$' sir/ I +erely %alled # enB"ire a*#er y "r $eal#$ !e* re 4 inin) $er in #$e % "n#ry/E And a%%e.#in) 3il2es's 2indes# re)ards * r Mrs/ T$ +.s n' C$"r%$ill disa..eared and (i#$ "# delay (en# # #$e % "n#ry # a& id arres#/ 3il2es's ar)"+en#s (ere (a&ed aside and $e (as #a2en a(ay .r #es#in) #$a# $e ( "ld s"e #$e+ all * r !rea%$ * #$e la(/ L nd n (as in an ".r ar/ 3il2es (as arres#ed/ T$is (as a #$rea# a)ains# #$e *reed + * #$e indi&id"alD *reed + * s.ee%$ (as in 4e .ardy and 3il2es (as #$e de*ender * li!er#y/ B"#e en)a)ed H )ar#$ # dra( a derisi&e %ar# n * 3il2es' +a2in) $i+ l 2 e&en ")lier #$an $e (as' s #$a# i# % "ld !e %ir%"la#ed #$r ")$ "# #$e Ci#y/ C$"r%$ill' *r + a *e( +iles "# * #$e # (n' (as a!le # re#alia#e (i#$ la+. ns and s n)s a! "# B"#e and $is * ll (ers/ He +ade i# %lear # #$e .e .le #$a# H )ar#$ (as in #$e .ay * B"#e' #$a# $e (as an ar#is# ($ ( r2ed * r #$ se ($ ( "ld .ay $i+ + s#' and $is &ie(s (ere #$ere* re ( r#$less/ 3$en' in May' 3il2es (as !r ")$# ". * r #rial $e %lai+ed .ri&ile)e as a Me+!er * Parlia+en# and ($en $e (as released !y C$ie* J"s#i%e Pra##' #$is (as ne * #$e !i))es# de*ea#s #$e G &ern+en# $ad s"**ered/ Arr )an# and i+."den# 3il2es re#"rned # $is **i%es/ N ( $e (as ) in) # *i)$# #$e+' and $is *irs# s#e. (as # iss"e (ri#s a)ains# #$ se ($ $ad %a"sed $is arres#/ T$e Ci#y (ai#ed in !rea#$less a+"se+en# * r ($a# ( "ld $a..en ne0#/ T$e 4eers a# L rd B"#e (ere + re **ensi&e #$an e&erD
#$e 1in) (as *#en re%ei&ed in a $ s#ile silen%e/ 3il2es (as #$e de*ender * li!er#y and #$e .e .le's $er / All #$r ")$ #$a# #ryin) s"++er Ge r)e es%a.ed # Ri%$+ nd ($ene&er . ssi!le' !"# !y #$e !e)innin) * A")"s# i# (as #i+e * r C$arl ##e # % +e !a%2 # -#/ Ja+es's # .re.are * r #$e !ir#$ * #$e %$ild/ C$arl ##e $ad !een #a2in) $er En)lis$ less ns re)"larly and $ad .r )ressed % nsidera!ly/ Her a%%en# (as de%idedly Ger+an !"# s$e (as n l n)er in #$e irri#a#in) . si#i n * !ein) "na!le # "nders#and ($a# .e .le ar "nd $er (ere sayin)/ N # #$a# s$e (as all (ed # #al2 # +any .e .le/ T$ere (ere $er ( +en ($ a##ended # $er needs !"# -%$(ellen!"r) $ad ins#alled $ersel* a# #$eir $ead and in s.i#e * #$a# (arnin) #$ey % "ld n # s$i*# $er *r + #$e . si#i n s$e $ad %$ sen * r $ersel*/ T$ere (ere s *#en #$ se %%asi ns ($en C$arl ##e % "ld nly e0.ress $ersel* in Ger+anD #$en ei#$er -%$(ellen!"r) r Ha))erd rn (as needed/ C$arl ##e (as a(are * #$e +anner in ($i%$ s$e (as res#ri%#ed' !"# re+inded $ersel* #$a# s$e $ad !een .re)nan# + s# * #$e #i+e s$e $ad !een in En)land/ O%%asi nally s$e $eard s%ra.s * % n&ersa#i n/ -$e 2ne( #$a# Eli7a!e#$ C$"dlei)$' #$a# ! ld lady,in,(ai#in)' (as #$e +is#ress * #$e D"2e * 1in)s# n' ($i%$ s"r.rised $er' * r #$e D"2e $ad )i&en $er #$e i+.ressi n #$a# $e (as a s%$ larly +an and !ein) s +"%$ lder #$an Eli7a!e#$ $ardly #$e s r# * l &er ne ( "ld $a&e e0.e%#ed $er # #a2e/ B"# .er$a.s i# (as $is #i#le ($i%$ a##ra%#ed $er' al#$ ")$ #$a# (as n # +"%$ $el. # $er as $e did n # +arry $er/ -$e ( ndered ($y Eli7a!e#$ (as all (ed # re+ain a# C "r#' * r $er % nd"%# (as a li##le disre."#a!le/ -$e +en#i ned #$is # Ge r)e ($ said $e a)reed (i#$ $er/ His + #$er #$ ")$ $ad re% ++ended $er and +i)$# !e **ended i* Eli7a!e#$ (ere dis+issed (i#$ "# % ns"l#in) $er/ E3$en ne0# (e +ee# I s$all +en#i n #$e +a##er'E said C$arl ##e/ And Ge r)e' ($ (as .re %%".ied' +erely n dded/ P r Ge r)e' $e did see+ # !e (ei)$ed d (n !y $is %ares n (/ B"# $e (as deli)$#ed (i#$ $er .re)nan%y * % "rse/ E3$y'E s$e la")$ed' EI $a&e li##le #i+e # see En)land/ All #$e #i+e I $a&e !een $ere I $a&e ei#$er !een ) in) # $a&e a !a!y r $a&in)
ne/E E3$i%$ is &ery la"da!le'E added #$e 1in)/ Yes' #$ ")$# C$arl ##e' !"# #$ere s$ "ld !e a li##le !rea#$in) s.a%e !e#(een !a!ies/ 3$en s$e ne0# sa( #$e Prin%ess D (a)er s$e did +en#i n Eli7a!e#$ C$"dlei)$ !"# #$e Prin%ess D (a)er l 2ed % n*"sed and +"##ered #$a# s$e #$ ")$# #$e ( +an (as a ) d ser&an#/ E-$e is a li##le *ri& l "s'E s"))es#ed C$arl ##e/ EM s# * #$ese ( +en are/E ED "!#less y " d n # 2n ( #$a# s$e is #$e D"2e * 1in)s# n's +is#ress/E ET$ere are al(ays s%andals/E T$e Prin%ess D (a)er *l"s$ed a li##le/ EI d "!# n # #$a# *e( * "s are s.ared/E I# (as &ery s#ran)e' #$ ")$# C$arl ##e' !e%a"se #$e Prin%ess D (a)er (as "s"ally s s#ri%#/ 3$en s$e' C$arl ##e' (i#$ Ge r)e $ad a##ended !alls a*#er #$e !ir#$ * li##le Ge r)e' #$e Prin%ess $ad e0.ressed $er disa..r &al * s"%$ *ri& li#y e&en # %ele!ra#e #$e !ir#$ * a Prin%e * 3ales/ N ( s$e (as !ein) &ery lenien# # Miss C$"dlei)$/ And ($en C$arl ##e re%alled Miss C$"dlei)$'s arr )an# and al# )e#$er % +.la%en# +anner i# +ade ne ( nder ($e#$er s$e $ad n # s +e $ ld &er #$e Prin%ess/ 3$a# a s#ran)e #$ ")$#F 3 +en )e# s#ran)e ideas d"rin) .re)nan%ies' s$e # ld $ersel*D !"# s$e re+e+!ered #$a# la#er ($en s$e $eard Eli7a!e#$ say s +e#$in) a! "# #$e 1in)'s * ndness * r 8"a2ers and # say i# (i#$ a li##le derisi&e la")$ ($i%$ % "ld +ean al+ s# any#$in)/ T$en C$arl ##e re+e+!ered #$e L rd May r's -$ ( ($i%$ #$ey $ad (a#%$ed *r + #$e Bar%lay $ "se in C$ea.side/ Yes' #$e 1in) (as "nd "!#edly * nd * 8"a2ers/ -#/ Ja+es'sF T$a# )ri+ dar2 .ris n * a .ala%e/ H ( di**eren# *r + dear Ri%$+ nd/ 3$a# a .i#y s$e % "ld n # ) #$ere # a(ai# #$e arri&al * $er se% nd %$ild/ B"# n ' #$e %$ild +"s# !e ! rn in L nd nD $e +i)$# !e 2in) i* any#$in) $a..ened # li##le Ge r)e ($i%$ G d * r!id/ B"# 1in)s and 8"eens $ad # !e .re.ared * r #$ese % n#in)en%ies/
All #$r ")$ #$e $ # A")"s# days s$e (ai#ed/ Ge r)e (as *reB"en#ly (i#$ $er and *#en see+ed ( rriedD in *a%# $e $ad ne&er !een % +.le#ely (ell sin%e #$a# illness $e $ad $ad !e* re #$e !ir#$ * li##le Ge r)e/ P li#i%s ( rried $i+/ T$ere (as al(ays s +e #r "!le and n ( i# (as #$a# ")ly Mr/ 3il2es/ C$arl ##e did n # 2n ( ($a# #$e #r "!le (as all a! "#' nly #$a# i# (as #r "!le/ -$e #ried # learn s +e#$in) * i# d"rin) $er !rie* sessi ns (i#$ $er ladies ($ *#en disa)reed # )e#$er a! "# #$e ri)$#s and (r n)s * #$e a**air/ And ($en s$e #ried # !r a%$ i# (i#$ Ge r)e $e ind"l)en#ly # ld $er #$a# s$e +"s# n # ! #$er $er $ead (i#$ #$is "n.leasan#nessD i# ( "ld !e !ad * r #$e %$ild/ As * r #$e Prin%ess D (a)er s$e said #$a# #$e 1in) ( "ld d "!#less #ell $er all $e (is$ed $er # 2n (/ 3$ere (as #$e de#er+ined )irl ($ $ad (ri##en # 1in) Frederi%2G -$e see+ed # $a&e !e% +e l s# in #$e + #$er/ 3$en C$arl ##e $ad *irs# % +e # En)land s$e $ad i+a)ined $ersel* r"lin) #$is % "n#ry (i#$ $er $"s!andD s$e $ad .r +ised $ersel* #$a# s$e ( "ld #ry # "nders#and s#a#e a**airs s #$a# s$e % "ld !e * "se # $i+/ B"# s$e (as s$"# "# *r + #$ese a**airs/ 3$en +y !a!y is ! rn' s$e .r +ised $ersel*' i# (ill !e di**eren#/ On 9; A")"s#' ne year and * "r days a*#er #$e !ir#$ * $is !r #$er Ge r)e' Prin%e * 3ales' C$arl ##e )a&e !ir#$ # $er se% nd s n/ He (as a .er*e%# %$ild' s#r n) and l"s#y/ N ( e&ery ne (as sayin) #$a# C$arl ##e (as ) in) # !e a real !reeder/ T( $eal#$y ! ys in #( years * +arria)e/ 3$a# !e##er si)n #$an #$a#/ T$e 1in) (as deli)$#ed/ His %ares see+ed # dr . *r + $i+/ N #$in) see+ed # +a##er as $e $eld #$e ! y in $is ar+s/ 3il2es % "ld ran# and ra&e all $e li2edD $is ) &ern+en# % "ld .la)"e $i+D $is disa.. in#+en# in B"#e (as !i##er' !"# $e % "ld end"re #$a# # ($en $e #$ ")$# * $is )r (in) *a+ily/ T( ! ys and a (i*e ($ ( "ld !ear $i+ +any + re' $e (as s"re/ He (as a l"%2y +an/ T$e li##le ! y (as na+ed Frederi%2 A")"s#"s and &ery s n $e and $is + #$er' (i#$ li##le !r #$er Ge r)e' (ere all en4 yin) #$e Ri%$+ nd air/ A (eddin) in #$e *a+ily I# (as $ardly # !e e0.e%#ed #$a# 3il2es ( "ld n # %a"se + re #r "!le and #$a# $e (as de#er+ined # d #$is !e%a+e !&i "s d"rin) #$a# a"#"+n and (in#er/ T$e s# r+ ar se ($en $e ."!lis$ed an !s%ene . e+ %alled An Essay n 3 +an ($i%$ (as a !"rlesB"e n P .e's Essay n Man/ T$ere see+ed # !e
li##le d "!# #$a# 3il2es $i+sel* $ad $ad a $and in #$e (ri#in) * #$is and as #$ere (ere nly #(el&e % .ies .rin#ed' $e $ad a..aren#ly +ean# #$e+ nly * r %ir%"la#i n a+ n) #$ se * $is *riends ($ deli)$#ed in . rn )ra.$y/ One * #$e % .ies %a+e in# #$e . ssessi n * L rd -and(i%$/ 3$en -and(i%$ and 3il2es (ere ! #$ +e+!ers * #$e Medinen$a+ Cir%le #$ey $ad !een *riends "n#il -and(i%$ $ad ne day %alled # #$e De&il # a..ear !e* re $i+/ 3il2es 2n (in) #$is (as a $a!i# * -and(i%$'s $ad .re&i "sly a%B"ired an a.e ($i%$ $e $ad dressed ". # l 2 li2e #$e De&il and 4"s# as -and(i%$ %alled "# # #$e De&il # a..ear' 3il2es arran)ed #$a# #$e a.e s$ "ld !e le# in/ -and(i%$ (as s alar+ed #$a# $e #"rned and *led in a!4e%# #err r # #$e deli)$# * 3il2es/ Dis% &erin) #$e #ri%2 3il2es $ad .layed n $i+ -and(i%$ ne&er * r)a&e $i+' and ($en #$e Essay n 3 +an %a+e in# $is $ands $e sa( an .. r#"ni#y * )e##in) $is re&en)e/ Only a *e( + n#$s earlier -and(i%$ $ad !e% +e ne * #$e -e%re#aries * -#a#e and $ad %$an)ed $is + de * li*e sin%e #$e days ($en $e $ad !een ne * #$e leadin) s.iri#s * Med+en$a+/ N (' e0.ressin) $is $ rr r #$a# s"%$ a $ide "sly !s%ene and !las.$e+ "s ( r2 s$ "ld $a&e !een (ri##en and .rin#ed' $e read .ar#s * i# # #$e H "se * L rds/ 3il2es $ad (ri##en n #es in #$e +ar)in * #$e essay ($i%$ $e $ad si)ned (i#$ #$e Bis$ . * 3ar!"r# n's na+e !e%a"se 3ar!"r# n $ad added n #es in #$e +ar)ins * P .e's Essay n Man: and ($en 3ar!"r# n $eard #$a# $is na+e $ad !een "sed n #$is * "l d %"+en# $e r se in $is (ra#$ and %as#i)a#ed 3il2es ($ + $e % +.ared (i#$ #$e De&il/ T$en $e a. l )i7ed # #$e De&il * r ."##in) $i+ in #$e sa+e % +.any as 3il2es/ - *ier%ely did #$e Bis$ . ra)e #$a# e&en #$ se ($ $ad !een in%lined # s".. r# 3il2es #"rned a)ains# $i+/ 3il2es $ad ) ne # *ar #$is #i+eD and ($en 3ar!"r# n s"))es#ed #$a# .r %eedin)s s$ "ld !e #a2en a)ains# 3il2es' %$ar)in) $i+ (i#$ !las.$e+y' i# (as a)reed #$a# #$is s$ "ld !e d ne/ Mean($ile an a##a%2 (as !ein) +ade n 3il2es in #$e C ++ ns' and d"rin) #$is #$e +e+!er * r Ca+el* rd' -a+"el Mar#in' re*erred # $i+ as a % (ard and a s% "ndrel/ 3il2es de%lared #$a# $e $ad n al#erna#i&e !"# # %$allen)e Mar#in # a d"el/ N ( #$e dra+a (as a# i#s $ei)$#/ E&ery ne (ai#ed * r #$e "#% +eD and ($en 3il2es +e# Mar#in in Hyde Par2 and (as ( "nded !y $i+' . ."lar e0%i#e+en# )re(/ T$e r"+ "r s.read #$a# 3il2es's ene+ies $ad deli!era#ely % ++anded Mar#in # ( "nd 3il2esD and #$e + !s (ere "#/ Al(ays ea)er * r e0%i#e+en#' #$ey .araded #$e s#ree#s and ($en ne * #$e Ci#y -$eri**s' n rder *r + Parlia+en#' .r %eeded # !"rn n"+!er AL * T$e N r#$
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EI %ann # end"re #$is'E s$e said/ EI a+ #erri*ied/E B"#e .assed $is $and &er $is !r (/ H ( $e $ad %$an)edF In #$e ld days $e $ad !elie&ed e&ery#$in) (as . ssi!leD n ( $e a%%e.#ed de*ea#/ EN #$in) is ($a# I #$ ")$# i# ( "ld !e/ I# is d"e # Pi##/ I* (e $ad !een a!le # 2ee. Pi## all ( "ld $a&e !een (ell/E He )ri+a%ed/ EI a+ n Pi##' A")"s#a'E $e said/ ET$a# +anFE s$e said/ EHe deser#ed "s/E B"#e s+iled and #a2in) $er $and 2issed i#/ E- l yal/ I d n'# deser&e y "' A")"s#a/ Le# "s *a%e #$e #r"#$/ I $a&e *ailed/E E3$a# n nsense I Y " d n'# 2n ( #$e +eanin) * *ail"re/E EI* y " $ad !een (i#$ +e in #$e %arria)e #$is a*#ern nD i* y " $ad $eard #$e s$ "#s * #$e + ! // / seen #$eir +ena%in) *a%es///E -$e s$"ddered/ EPlease d n'# #al2 * i#/E EI# e0is#s' A")"s#a' +y l &e/ Y " see' I #$ ")$# I % "ld !e a )rea# . li#i%ian/ T$e *a%# is' I %an'#/ I $a&en'# #$e )eni"s * r i# /// li2e Pi## and F 0/ Men li2e #$a#// / #$ey s#ar# ". "# * #$e %r (d and #$ey +a2e #$e res# * "s l 2 li2e d(ar*s in % +.aris n/E EMy dear' y " are &er(r ")$#/ I* I % "ld d ($a# I (is$ed # #$a# senseless + ! ///E ET$ey are n # en#irely senseless/ T$ey are a(are * )rea#ness/ Y " $a&e $eard #$eir %$eer Pi##/E ED n'# #al2 * #$a# +an/ B"# * r $i+ ///E EMy deares#' $e is a )rea# . li#i%ian/ Le# "s *a%e i#/ T$e % "n#ry needs $i+ a# #$e $ead * a**airs/ 3$ile I a+ #$ere I a+ !rin)in)
dis%redi# # #$e 1in)/ D y " 2n ( #$a# sin%e I $a&e !een in **i%e $is . ."lari#y $as (aned % nsidera!ly/ And al(ays #$ey #al2 * "s/E EO$' +y dear' ($a# d y " .r . se # d a! "# i#GE EResi)n/ Ad&ise #$e 1in) # %all !a%2 Pi## and #ry # +a2e s +e arran)e+en# (i#$ $i+/E A")"s#a ."# $er *a%e a)ains# $is % a#/ I# (as n # ($a# #$ey $ad .lanned/ -$e and $e $ad !elie&ed #$ey ( "ld r"le #$e % "n#ry # )e#$erD #$ey ( "ld )"ide #$e 1in)/ B"# i# $ad all ) ne (r n) s +e($ere/ I# $ad s#ar#ed ($en Mr/ Pi## re*"sed # !e )"ided and s$ (ed s %learly #$a# i* $e (ere ) in) # #a2e a .ar# in leadin) #$e % "n#ry $e ( "ld !e in s le % ++and/ T )i&e ". #$eir .lan (as de*ea#/ And ye# i* s$e (is$ed # 2ee. $er l &er sa*e' i* s$e (is$ed #$eir rela#i ns$i. # % n#in"e in a di)ni*ied (ay' s$e +"s# #a2e $i+ a(ay *r + #$e )lare * ."!li%i#y/ 3$a# 4 y i# ( "ld !e n # # $a&e # *re# as # ($a# (as $a..enin) # $i+ e&ery #i+e $e (as in #$e s#ree#sF -$e (an#ed . (erD !"# s$e (as a ( +an ($ + s# * all (an#ed a $a..y d +es#i% li*e/ -$e l 2ed ". n B"#e as $er $"s!and in *a%#+ re s #$an s$e $ad e&er re)arded Frederi%2/ His sa*e#y %a+e *irs#' and #$e a!ili#y # ) n li&in) # )e#$er as $"s!and and (i*e as #$ey $ad * r s +any years/ EYes'E s$e said' ') # Ge r)e and #ell $i+ #$a# y " %an n l n)er % n#in"e/E B"#e e+!ra%ed $er (ar+ly/ ET !e (i#$ y " /// # $a&e y " %are * r +e as y " d /// #$a# is en ")$ * r any +an'E $e said/ Ge r)e s$ (ed n )rea# s"r.rise n r disa.. in#+en# as $e lis#ened # L rd B"#e/ EMy $eal#$ (ill n # s#and #$e s#rain'E e0.lained B"#e/ EBy re+ainin) in **i%e I %an nly d a disser&i%e # Y "r Ma4es#y/E Ge r)e l 2ed a# $is deares# *riend (i#$ la%2,l"s#re eyes/ 3$ ( "ld e&er $a&e #$ ")$# # $ear $i+ say #$a#F B"#e' al(ays s *"ll *
&i#ali#yD #$e +an # ($ + $e $ad #"rned in $is y "#$*"l dile++as/ And n ( $e (as % n*essin) # a)e' ill,$eal#$ and ina!ili#y # $ ld $is . s#/ EI !elie&e y " # !e ri)$#'E said #$e 1in)/ B"#e (as $"r# #$a# Ge r)e s$ "ld #a2e i# s %al+ly/ He $ad e0.e%#ed a s$ ( * dee. re)re#' e&en .leadin) #$a# $e ( "ld % n#in"e in **i%e/ I# (as dis% n%er#in)/ B"# Ge r)e $ad %$an)ed la#ely/ He # (as disill"si ned/ EI* Pi## ( "ld #a2e &er #$e leaders$i.'E !e)an B"#e/ B"# #$e 1in) s$ 2 $is $ead/
EHe di%#a#es # +e/ I (ill n # !e di%#a#ed # /E EGren&ille is #$e +an' #$en'E (en# n B"#e/ EYes' I #$in2 i# +"s# !e Ge r)e Gren&ille/E B"#e # 2 $is lea&e and re. r#ed # #$e Prin%ess D (a)er #$a# #$e 1in) $ad #a2en $is de%isi n # re#ire &ery %al+ly/ He *el# #$a# Ge r)e (as sli..in) a(ay *r + #$e+ and %learly !elie&ed #$a# $e % "ld +ana)e &ery (ell (i#$ "# #$e+/ EY " d n'# #$in2'E said #$e Prin%ess D (a)er' '#$a# C$arl ##e is (eanin) $i+ *r + "sGE EC$arl ##e I B"# s$e is ne&er all (ed # #a2e .ar# in any#$in)/E EN ' !"# $e ) es # Ri%$+ nd and i# is all &ery % sily d +es#i% #$ere/ -$e is n ( s.ea2in) En)lis$ # lera!ly (ell and %an "nders#and ($a# is ) in) n ar "nd $er/ -$e is n # #$e +ee2 %rea#"re s +e !elie&e $er # !e/ Y " re+e+!er #$a# le##er s$e (r #e # Frederi%2 * Pr"ssia/ D y " #$in2 a )irl ($ % "ld (ri#e s"%$ a le##er ( "ld !e % n#en# # re+ain in #$e !a%2)r "ndGE EN ' I d n #/ I #$in2 #$ere is +"%$ in ($a# y " say/E EAnd $e ) es # $er ($ene&er . ssi!le/ He see+s # $a&e an a**e%#i n * r $er/ T$ese !a!ies * $ers // / #$ey +a2e a ! nd !e#(een #$e+/ -$e is n # ye# .re)nan# a)ain r i* s$e is I $a&e n # $eard * i#' !"# s$e $ad #$ese #( ! ys in a &ery s$ r# #i+e' and #$e 1in) is deli)$#ed (i#$ $er/ O$' s$e's .lain en ")$ !"# Ge r)e (as al(ays a+ena!le/ Yes' I #$in2 C$arl ##e +i)$# (ell !e in*l"en%in) $i+/E
EHe $as al(ays said #$a# $e ( "ld ne&er !e in*l"en%ed !y ( +en/E EP r Ge r)e'E s+iled A")"s#a/
EHe d es n # al(ays "nders#and $i+sel*/E T$e Prin%ess D (a)er %alled n #$e 8"een a# Ri%$+ nd/ C$arl ##e (as l 2in) (ell and # ld #$e Prin%ess #$a# s$e * "nd li*e a# Ri%$+ nd # $er #as#e' and i# (as &ery .leasan# ($en #$e 1in) % "ld s.are #i+e *r + $is d"#ies # s#ay (i#$ $is *a+ily/ T$e Prin%ess s#"died $er da")$#er,in,la( %are*"lly/ N *"r#$er si)ns * .re)nan%y/ A .i#yF T$a# ( "ld 2ee. C$arl ##e %%".ied/ -$e (as % nd"%#ed # #$e n"rseries ($ere s$e (as deli)$#ed (i#$ #$e %$ildren/ Li##le Ge r)e (as !ri)$#,eyed and $is + #$er ass"red $er' &ery in#elli)en#/ He (as &er a year ld n ( and really #a2in) n #i%e/ His n"rses said #$a# #$ey $ad ne&er 2n (n s"%$ a !ri)$# %$ild/ T$e Prin%ess D (a)er sa# n ddin) li2e an ld +andarin/ M #$er's #al2' s$e #$ ")$#/ EAnd #$e !a!yGE EO$' li##le Fred is ad ra!le/E EI ( nder i* $e (ill !e li2e $is )rand*a#$er'E s+iled A")"s#a' s *#ened !y #$e %$ar+ * #$e %$ildren/ EO$' !"# $e is 4"s# li2e $is dear .a.a/ D es Ge r)e #$in2 s GE EGe r)e #$in2s $e #a2es a li##le a*#er +e'E ad+i##ed C$arl ##e/ G d $el. $i+ I #$ ")$# #$e Prin%ess/ N ' $e $as $is *a#$er's !i) eyes and %$in/ H ( % "ld Ge r)e see #$a# %r % dile + "#$ in s"%$ an en%$an#in) li##le %rea#"re Li2e C$arl ##e indeed I* Ge r)e #$ ")$# #$a# $e +"s# !e )r (in) &ery * nd and * lis$/ T$a# !r ")$# $er # #$e +a##er "..er+ s# in $er +ind and ($i%$ $ad "r)ed $er # #a2e #$e 4 "rney "# # Ri%$+ nd/ 3as C$arl ##e !e)innin) # in*l"en%e Ge r)e s #$a# $e n l n)er *el# s a**e%#i na#e # (ards $is + #$er and L rd B"#eG I# (as &ery li2ely/
EDear Ge r)e' #$e G &ern+en# is s #ires +e/E EO$' yes/ He (as + s# ".se# &er #$a# $ rri!le Mr/ 3il2es/E He is #al2in) # $er' #$ ")$# #$e Prin%ess/ ET$ese dread*"l .e .le ($ (ill n # le# "s li&e in .ea%e/E EAnd Mr/ Gren&ille #ries #$e 1in) s rely'E (en# n C$arl ##e/ EGe r)e says #$a# ($en Mr/ Gren&ille $as (earied $i+ * r #( $ "rs $e l 2s a# $is (a#%$ # see i* $e %ann # #ire $i+ * r ne $ "r + re/E C$arl ##e la")$ed' !"# (as s !er al+ s# i++edia#ely/ EB"# #$e G &ern+en# is + s# #ryin)/ T$e 1in) ( "ld !e $a..ier i* Mr/ Pi## ( "ld % +e !a%2' !"# * % "rse' Mr/ Pi## ne&er d es any#$in) e0%e.# n $is (n #er+s/E E- #$e 1in) dis%"sses #$ese +a##ers (i#$ y "GE C$arl ##e ."# $er $ead n ne side/ I# ( "ld n # !e #r"#$*"l # say #$a# (as s ' !"# i# (as &ery #e+.#in) # d s / T$e 1in) ans(ered $er &ery !rie*ly i* s$e a##e+.#ed # dis%"ss . li#i%s/ -$e learned + s# * #$e ne(s *r + $er ( +en/ Ye# s$e $a#ed # ad+i# #$is # #$e Prin%ess/ ET$ese a**airs are * #$e "#+ s# i+. r#an%e'E said C$arl ##e e&asi&ely/ - #$is is #$e ans(er' #$ ")$# #$e Prin%ess/ 3e are !ein) rele)a#ed # a !a%2 sea# ($ile $e % n*ides in #$is silly y "n) )irl ($ 2n (s n #$in) * s#a#e a**airs in #$is % "n#ry ($a#s e&er/ -$e is ad&isin) #$e 1in) ($ile $e #"rns a(ay *r + $is (n + #$er and /// $er deares# *riend and $is/ C$arl ##e $ad # $i)$ an .ini n * $ersel*/ -$e did n # 2n ( $ ( rel"%#an# Ge r)e $ad !een # +arry $er/ -$e did n # 2n ( $ ( $e $ad $an2ered a*#er -ara$ B"n!"ry Lenn 0 #$a# (as/ -$e #$ ")$# #$a# ($en s$e $ad % +e &er $ere Ge r)e $ad #a2en ne l 2 a# $er and *allen in l &e (i#$ $er/ N ( nder #$e silly li##le %rea#"re )a&e $ersel* airs/ T$e Prin%ess D (a)er ( "ld n # all ( #$a#/ EI a+ )lad #$a# y " are $a..y (i#$ Ge r)e' +y dear'E s$e said B"ie#ly !"# in a deadly & i%e/
E3e (ere a li##le an0i "s /// 4"s# a# *irs#/ I daresay y " $a&e $eard a! "# $is !sessi n (i#$ -ara$ Lenn 0/ T$ere is ! "nd # !e li##le,#a##le/E E-ara$ Lenn 0 ///E e%$ ed C$arl ##e' (rin2lin) $er !r (/ EMarried C$arles B"n!"ry a! "# #$e #i+e * #$e 1in)'s illness/ A .re##y' e+.#y,$eaded %rea#"re/E C$arl ##e re+e+!ered $er a# #$e (eddin)/ T$e !rides+aid ($ (as #$e + s# !ea"#i*"l )irl s$e $ad e&er seen/ And Ge r)e $ad l 2ed a# $er /// l n)in)ly/ -$e *el# s"ddenly sad/ EHe (an#ed # +arry $er/ I# (as B"i#e i+. ssi!le * % "rse/ T$en $e sa( sense and /// $e !e$a&ed as $e 2ne( a 2in) s$ "ld/ And $ ( ri)$# i# (as/ Here y " are (i#$ #( !ea"#i*"l !a!ies/ T$ey % "ldn'# !e + re !ea"#i*"l' I a+ s"re/E C$arl ##e sa# s#ill #$in2in) * i#/ T$e (eddin)D #$e sa%ri*i%e $e $ad $ad # +a2e/ Ye# $e $ad ne&er +en#i ned i#D $e $ad ne&er !een "n*ai#$*"l # $er' s$e (as s"re/ P r Ge r)e' # $a&e !een r !!ed * $is drea+s as C$ris#ina $ad !een * $ers/ -$e *#en #$ ")$# * C$ris#ina/ Only C$ris#ina $ad n neD Ge r)e $ad !een .resen#ed (i#$ C$arl ##eD and $e $ad +arried !e%a"se i# (as $is d"#y # +arryD and #$ey $ad #( !ea"#i*"l %$ildren/ -ara$ Lenn 0 % "ld n # $a&e .r d"%ed + re !ea"#i*"l %$ildren/ T$a# (as ($a# #$e Prin%ess (as #ellin) $er/ -$e $eard $ersel* say: EI# is sad * r r yal .e .le #$a# #$eir (i&es and $"s!ands s$ "ld !e %$ sen * r #$e+/E EI# is all * r #$e !es#/ I $ad ne&er seen +y $"s!and "n#il I %a+e # En)land' and i# all #"rned "# &ery $a..ily/ 3e $ad "r %$ildren and #$en///E And #$en' s$e #$ ")$#' $e died and I #"rned # #$e +an I l &ed/ Yes' s$e $ad !een * r#"na#e' !"# i# (as C$arl ##e and Ge r)e s$e +"s# #$in2 */ EAnd n (' +y dear' y " $a&e y "r %$ildren/E C$arl ##e .i%2ed ". #$e !a!y and $eld $i+ #i)$#ly a)ains# $er/ All (as (ell/ Ge r)e (as a ) d $"s!andD and s$e $ad #$e ! ys/ 3$y s$ "ld s$e %are a! "# -ara$ Lenn 0G EI a+ s"re'E (en# n #$e Prin%ess' '#$a# Ge r)e $as * r) ##en -ara$
Lenn 0 /// 4"s# as $e did #$e 8"a2er )irl/E ET$e 8"a2erFE EO$' i# is n #$in)/ Pas# $is# ry' ne +i)$# say/ B"# #$ere (as ra#$er an "n* r#"na#e li##le +a##er/E EA 8"a2er )irl'E re.ea#ed C$arl ##e/ EHas $e e&er #al2ed # y " * $erGE ENe&er/E ' EN r * -ara$ Lenn 0GE EN /EET$en $e ( "ld n # (is$ i# # !e 2n (n #$a# I $a&e +en#i ned #$ese ( +en/E EI s$all n # #ell $i+/E EHe ( "ld !e dis#ressed i* y " s. 2e * #$e+/ He al(ays said #$a# $e ( "ld +ana)e $is (n a**airs/E C$arl ##e (as silen#/ EGe r)e (as ne&er ne # li2e in#er*eren%e'E (en# n #$e Prin%ess D (a)er/ 3as #$e +essa)e sin2in) inG Did s$e "nders#and #$a# Ge r)e (as %a.a!le * li2in) #$er ( +en' #$a# $e (as n # #$e d"ll "nad&en#"r "s $"s!and s$e $ad n d "!# !een #$in2in) $i+G 3as s$e !e)innin) # see #$a# i* s$e (is$ed # 2ee. Ge r)e's a**e%#i n s$e +"s# n # in#er*ereG T$e !a!y !e)an # %ry and C$arl ##e $as#ily .i%2ed $i+ "./ -$e $ad dis+issed #$e n"rse ($ile s$e s$ (ed $er %$ildren # #$e Prin%ess D (a)er and $ad #$e .leas"re * 2n (in) $ersel* in % ++and * #$e+/ I# (as n # *#en s / T$e !a!y (as i++edia#ely s #$ed/
3$a# $ad s$e # *ear' s$e as2ed $ersel*' ($en s$e $ad $er li##le ! ysG -ara$ Lenn 0 (as sa*ely +arried and "# * #$e (ayD !"# s$e did ( nder a! "# #$e 8"a2er' * r s$e $ad n #i%ed n se&eral %%asi ns #$a# Ge r)e (as dee.ly a**e%#ed !y #$e+/ T$e Prin%ess (en# !a%2 # $er a.ar#+en#s (ell .leased (i#$ $er in#er&ie(/ T$ere s$e sen# * r $er da")$#ers' A")"s#a and Car line
Ma#ilda/ As #$ey %a+e in# #$e a.ar#+en# s$e #$ ")$# $ ( s"l2y A")"s#a l 2ed n (adaysD i# (as al(ays s (i#$ .rin%esses ($ (ere "n+arried/ A")"s#a (as a year lder #$an Ge r)e and (as na#"rally resen#*"l #$a# s$e $ad n # !een ! rn a ! y/ In *a%#' #$ ")$# #$e Prin%ess D (a)er' .er$a.s A")"s#a ( "ld $a&e +ade a !e##er s &erei)n/ T$ey s$ "ld *ind a $"s!and * r $er !e* re i# is # la#e/ Per$a.s n ( #$a# dear L rd B"#e (as *ree * $is %ares i# ( "ld !e + re li2e i# "sed # !e and #$ey % "ld .lan # )e#$er/ Car line Ma#ilda' a)ed #$ir#een' s$ (ed si)ns * !ein) #$e !ea"#y * #$e *a+ily/ -$e (as &ery &ery *air' as #$e ($ le *a+ily (ere/ T$e !l"e eyes' #$e *air s2in' #$e s$inin) $air s .leasan# in y "#$/ B"# #$ey +"s# (a#%$ #$a# s$e did n # !e% +e # *a# ,a *a+ily *ailin)/ H"s!ands' #$ ")$# #$e Prin%ess D (a)er' * r #$e+ ! #$/ -$e ( "ld %er#ainly s.ea2 # L rd B"#e/ -$e e+!ra%ed #$e )irls % lly s$e $ad n # +"%$ a**e%#i n # s$ ( # any !"# L rd B"#e and #$e 1in) and +ade a si)n * r #$e+ # si# d (n/ EI $a&e &isi#ed #$e 8"een a# Ri%$+ nd/E ED +es#i% !liss'E sneered A")"s#a/ P r )irl' #$ ")$# $er + #$er/ -$e is &ery en&i "s/ Yes' %er#ainly a $"s!and/ E-$e is $a..y en ")$ (i#$ $er #( !a!ies/E E3$a# a * r#"na#e #$in) #$a# s$e $a..ens # !e *r"i#*"l/ -$e $as li##le else # **er/E EI d n'# #$in2 s$e's s !ad'E ."# in Car line Ma#ildaD and (as silen%ed !y l 2s *r + ! #$ + #$er and sis#er/ E-$e is )e##in) a li##le arr )an#' I *an%y/ I !elie&e s$e i+a)ines s$e ad&ises #$e 1in)/E ET$a# e0.lains ($y #$ere is all #$is #r "!le (i#$ #$e G &ern+en#'E said A")"s#a' ($ en4 yed !ein) s.i#e*"l/ EI a+ s"re #$e 1in) ( "ld ne&er #a2e $er ad&i%e'E said #$e Prin%ess D (a)er % lly/ ET$en #$ere is s +e #$er reas n ($y #$e .e .le are s dissa#is*ied/E
H ( +"%$ did $er da")$#er 2n (G ( ndered #$e Prin%ess D (a)er/ Did s$e 2n ( #$a# #$e .e .le .araded #$r ")$ #$e s#ree#s (i#$ 4a%2! #s and .e##i% a#s' #$a# #$ey +ade ! n*ires in ($i%$ # !"rn #$e+' ere%#ed )i!!e#s n ($i%$ # $an) #$e+G ET$e .e .le are ne&er sa#is*ied'E said #$e Prin%ess D (a)er/ EI (an# y " #( # !e (a#%$*"l * #$e 8"een/ -$e is n # &ery ld n # +"%$ lder #$an Car line Ma#ilda $ere/ -$e % "ld !e led as#ray/E T$e Prin%esses' eyes (idened and #$eir + #$er $"rried nD EI +ean #$a# s$e % "ld lis#en # ) ssi./ -$e % "ld !e% +e indis%ree# and s$e +i)$# a##e+.# # in*l"en%e #$e 1in)/E EGe r)e al(ays said #$a# $e ( "ld ne&er le# a ( +an in*l"en%e $i+/ B"# ($a# * -ara$ Lenn 0 GE EI d n # (is$ y " # s.ea2 disres.e%#*"lly * #$e 1in) !e%a"se $e $a..ens # !e y "r !r #$er/E EB"# Y "r Hi)$ness (ill *a%e #$e #r"#$ I a+ s"re'E said #$e Prin%ess A")"s#a/ EE&ery ne 2n (s Ge r)e (as +adly in l &e (i#$ -ara$ Lenn 0/E T$e ( +an is sa*ely +arried n (/ T$ ")$ I .i#y B"n!"ry/ I d n # (is$ y " )irls # #al2 * #$a# "n* r#"na#e a**air/ B"# I d (is$ y " # dra( "# C$arl ##e as +"%$ as . ssi!le/ Dis% &er ($e#$er #$e 1in) really d es % n*ide in $er ///E EIn #$er ( rds s.y n $er'E said #$e Prin%ess A")"s#a' 'as y " % ++anded "s # d n #$e 1in) ($en $e (as % nsiderin) +arryin) -ara$ Lenn 0/E EN nsense'E said $er + #$er/ EI +erely (is$ y " # $el. C$arl ##e/E ' T$e Prin%ess A")"s#a (as s+ilin) sard ni%ally/ And in *r n# * Car line Ma#ilda I T$ere (as n d "!# a! "# i#' #$ ")$# #$e Prin%ess D (a)er' $er elder da")$#er (as )e##in) "# * $and/ -$e (as !e% +in) sard ni% and %yni%al and &ery +"%$ a(are #$a# s$e (as )r (in) in# an ld +aid/ -$e $ad n # nly C$arl ##e # ( rry a! "#' !"# $er (n A")"s#a/ -$e dis+issed $er da")$#ersD and de%ided #$a# sin%e A")"s#a (as !e% +in) s "n% +* r#a!le #$ey %er#ainly +"s# *ind a $"s!and * r $er/
T$e Prin%ess D (a)er did n # (is$ #$e 1in) # * r)e# #$a# al#$ ")$ L rd B"#e (as n l n)er #$e $ead * #$e G &ern+en# s$e s#ill re)arded $i+ as #$e %$ie* *a+ily ad&iser' and ($en s$e %alled n #$e 1in) # s.ea2 # $i+ a! "# $is sis#er's "n+arried s#a#e s$e as2ed L rd B"#e # +ee# $er in #$e 1in)'s a.ar#+en#s/ T$ey did n # #ra&el # )e#$erD #$a# ( "ld $a&e !een in&i#in) #$e + ! # $"rl !s%eni#ies a# #$e+D i# (as !ad en ")$ n ( # ) #$r ")$ #$e s#ree#s and see #$e 4a%2! # and .e##i% a# .araded r s +e * #$e . s#ers ($i%$ $ad !een ."# ". in .r +inen# .la%es/ T$e Prin%ess li2ed # #ra&el as B"ie#ly as . ssi!le and s$e 2ne( #$a# L rd B"#e did # / T$e 1in) re%ei&ed #$e+ (i#$ a**e%#i n' !"# n # #$a# de*eren%e $e $ad s$ (n in #$e .as#/ -$e $ad n need n ( # #ell $i+ # !e a 2in)' as s$e % ns#an#ly $ad !een !li)ed # in #$e ld days/ Ge r)e (as &ery +"%$ a(are * #$e !"rdens * s#a#e and (an#ed n ne # re+ind $i+ * #$e+/ EI# is * y "r sis#er A")"s#a #$a# I $a&e % +e # #al2 # y "'E said #$e Prin%ess/ E3e $a&e !een dis%"ssin) $er *"#"re and (e really *eel i# is #i+e y " did s +e#$in) * r $er/E EB"# ($a# s$ "ld !e d neGE as2ed Ge r)e/ E-$e needs a $"s!and/ -$e )r (s + re (as.is$ e&ery day/ D n'# * r)e# s$e is a year lder #$an y "/ 3e +"s# d e&ery#$in) . ssi!le # *ind $er a $"s!and/E EI# is n # easy # *ind a Pr #es#an# .rin%e/E ET$a# $as al(ays !een #$e #r "!le/ B"# (e +"s# +arry $er # s +e ne/ -$e needs +arria)e I a+ s"re and s$e is !e% +in) a li##le #ires +e $ere a# C "r#/E EP r A")"s#aFE said Ge r)e/
ECer#ainly (e +"s# d ($a# (e %an * r $er/E T$e Prin%ess D (a)er si)$ed/ E-$e *eels i# dee.ly !ein) #$e eldes# and n # ! rn a ! y/ I s$all
ne&er * r)e# #$e ni)$# s$e (as ! rn and $ ( (e $"rried *r + Ha+.# n # -#/ Ja+es's !e%a"se y "r *a#$er $ .ed s$e ( "ld !e a ! y and i# (as i+.era#i&e #$a# #$e $eir # #$e #$r ne !e ! rn #$ere/ T$ere (as n #$in) ready * r "s and #$e !eds (ere "naired/ P r A")"s#a $ad # !e (ra..ed in a #a!le%l #$/E B #$ L rd B"#e and #$e 1in) $ad $eard #$is s# ry +any #i+es !e* re' !"# #$ey lis#ened sy+.a#$e#i%ally/ EAnd ($en #$e 8"een // / y "r )rand+ #$er' Ge r)e' %a+e # see $er s$e said s$e (as a . r li##le +i#e # !e ! rn in# a sad ( rld/ And s i# see+s/ P r A")"s#aF -$e $as ne&er !een re% n%iled # !ein) ! rn a )irl/ - (e +"s# *ind a $"s!and * r $er' Ge r)e/E E3e (ill d "r !es#/E
EAnd s n' Ge r)e/ T$ere s$ "ld n # !e a l n) delay/ A")"s#a %an n l n)er !e %alled &ery y "n)/E E3e (ill % nsider #$e +a##er as "r)en#'E said Ge r)e/ He l 2ed # B"#e and s +e#$in) * #$e ld rela#i ns$i. (as !e#(een #$e+/ EI * "nd Gren&ille arr )an#'E $e said/ EAnd Pi##// / (ell' Pi## is di**i%"l# # / I # 2 y "r ad&i%e and s"++ ned $i+/ I *el# i# (as ne%essary n ( #$a# E)re+ n# $as died/ B"# Pi## (ill re#"rn n $is (n #er+s/ He (an#s # res# re #$e 3$i)s/ I* Pi## ( "ld % +e as $ead * #$e G &ern+en# all (ell and ) d/ B"# n ( $e (ill !rin) !a%2 #$e 3$i)s/ I said # $i+: EMr/ Pi##' +y $ n "r is % n%erned and I +"s# s".. r# i#/E - Gren&ille % n#in"es in **i%e and .la)"es +e and #ires +e and ! res +e/E EA$' ($a# #i+es (e li&e in'E si)$ed B"#eD !"# $e $adE n % ns la#i n # **er/ I# (as &ery di**eren#' #$ ")$# Ge r)e' *r + #$e ld days/ B"# $e +"s# de& #e $i+sel* # arran)in) a +arria)e * r $is elder sis#er/ P r A")"s#a/ Na#"rally s$e (an#ed # +arry and $a&e %$ildren !e* re i# (as # la#e/ He "nders# d #$a#/ He $ad $is #( a# Ri%$+ nd/ H ( $e (is$ed $e % "ld es%a.e # #$e+ and .lay (i#$ #$e+ and en4 y #$e li*e * a % "n#ry sB"ire/ B"# d"#y +"s# % +e *irs#/ In a *e( days $e (as ne) #ia#in) a +arria)e !e#(een $is sis#er A")"s#a and C$arles' D"2e * Br"ns(i%2 3 l*en!ii##el/
I* Ge r)e (as dis.leased (i#$ Ge r)e Gren&ille' s (as Gren&ille (i#$ Ge r)e/ F r ne #$in) Gren&ille 2ne( #$a# #$e 1in) $ad a..r a%$ed Pi## and i# (as nly !e%a"se Pi##'s #er+s (ere i+. ssi!le #$a# Gren&ille (as in&i#ed # s#ay in **i%e/ Ha&in) learned #$a# Pi## $ad $ad an in#er&ie( (i#$ #$e 1in)' Gren&ille (en# n # dis% &er #$a# #$is $ad !een !r ")$# a! "# #$r ")$ #$e ( r2 * B"#eD and #$a# i# (as B"#e in #$e *irs# .la%e ($ $ad s"))es#ed Pi## # !e a..r a%$ed/ Gren&ille in a ra)e (en# # see #$e 1in)/ As s n as Ge r)e re%ei&ed $i+ $e !e)an ne * $is le%#"res ($i%$ #$e 1in) * "nd s #ires +e' and as Ge r)e ya(ned and (a#%$ed #$e %l %2 Gren&ille +ade n a##e+.# # %"# i# s$ r#/ A# len)#$ #$e 1in)' e0as.era#ed !ey nd end"ran%e' said #$a# $e $ad #$er +a##ers # ($i%$ $e +"s#' a##end/ Gren&ille re.lied #$a# $e ( "ld % +e # #$e . in# and #ell His Ma4es#y * $is disB"ie# #$a# L rd B"#e' ($ $ad resi)ned *r + #$e G &ern+en# a# #$e .e .le's desire' s$ "ld s#ill $ ld s +"%$ in*l"en%e (i#$ His Ma4es#y #$a# $e % "ld s"))es# #$e re%all * Mr/ Pi##' and #$a# #$a# re%all ( "ld $a&e !een !r ")$# a! "# !"# * r Mr/ Pi##'s in#ransi)en%e/ T$e 1in) (as #ryin) # %a#%$ a# #$e )is# * #$is $aran)"e ($en Gren&ille said: E-ire' I %an nly % n#in"e in **i%e i* I %an !e ass"red #$a# L rd B"#e d es n # en4 y se%re# % n*eren%es (i#$ Y "r Ma4es#y/E EI (ill )i&e y " #$a# ass"ran%e'E re.lied #$e 1in)/ EB"# i# is #r"e #$a# I in&i#ed Mr/ Pi## # % +e and see +e a# L rd B"#e's s"))es#i n/ I# s$all n # $a..en a)ain/E EI sin%erely $ .e i# (ill n #'E said #$e Minis#er )ri+ly' 2n (in) #$a# i* $e resi)ned n a%% "n# * B"#e and #$e .e .le 2ne( and $e ( "ld +a2e s"re #$a# #$ey did #$e 1in)'s "n. ."lari#y ( "ld in%rease and s ( "ld #$e la+. ns and +ani*es#a#i ns * #$e Ci#y's $a#red a)ains# B"#e/ EAnd Y "r Ma4es#y' i* I a+ # % n#in"e in **i%e I +"s# insis# #$a# L rd B"#e lea&es L nd n/E ELea&es L nd nFE EY "r Ma4es#y i# is a % ndi#i n * +y ser&i%e/ I* Y "r Ma4es#y *eds
#$a# i# is i+. ssi!le # !anis$ L rd B"#e #$en I s$all !e % +.elled # deli&er # y " +y seals * **i%e/E Ge r)e (as an)ry' !"# $e % "ld see #$a# $e (as a# #$e Minis#er's +er%y/ 3 "ld any +inis#er $a&e dared # s.ea2 # $is )rand*a#$er li2e #$a#G T$ere $ad !een la+. ns a! "# Ge r)e II and i# (as said #$a# $e (as r"led !y $is (i*e and -ir R !er# 3al. le ($i%$ d "!#less $ad !een #r"e' !"# n ne ( "ld $a&e dared ."# s"%$ % ndi#i ns # $i+ as Gren&ille $ad 4"s# d ne # Ge r)e III/ O* % "rse $e (as y "n)' a n &i%e a# #$e ar# * r"lin)D and $e (as (eary and #ired and $is $ead a%$ed and $e *el# *ar *r + (ell/ B"# $e 2ne( #$a# $e dared n # l se Gren&ille a# #$is #i+e' s B"#e ( "ld $a&e # lea&e L nd n/ Ge r)e +"##ered: EI (ill as2 L rd B"#e # lea&e "s * r a ($ile/E EAnd Y "r Ma4es#y' i# % "ld n # !e .er+i##ed #$a# ne * L rd B"#e's *riends #a2e &er $is **i%e * 1ee.er * #$e Pri&y P"rse/E EG d G d'E %ried Ge r)e' $"+ilia#ed in# a dis.lay * an)er' EMr/ Gren&ille' a+ I # !e s"s.e%#ed a*#er all I $a&e d neGE Gren&ille +"r+"red: EI# is i+.era#i&e # Y "r Ma4es#y's Minis#ers and # #$e Ci#y * L nd n #$a# L rd B"#e is n # s"s.e%#ed * !ein) Y "r Ma4es#y's %$ie* ad&iser/E T$e 1in) #"rned a(ay and ($en $is +inis#er $ad le*#' sen# * r L rd B"#e # #ell $i+ #$a# $e +"s# lea&e/ He (as s"r.rised a# B"#e's +ee2 a%%e.#an%e * dis+issal' #$ ")$ $e $i+sel* ( "ld $a&e )i&en a ) d deal # es%a.e *r + $is !i%2erin) +inis#ers/ B"# $e (as n # .ar#i%"larly s rry ei#$er/ 3$en $e #$ ")$# * #$e ld days ($en $e $ad d #ed n #$is +an' ($en $e $ad !een #erri*ied * + "n#in) #$e #$r ne (i#$ "# $i+ !eside $i+' $e (as as# nis$ed #$a# e&ery#$in) % "ld $a&e %$an)ed in a % +.ara#i&ely s$ r# #i+e/ EI# (ill nly !e a #e+. rary a!sen%e'E $e +"r+"red/ EB"# I $ad n al#erna#i&e !"# # a)ree # i#/E B"#e n dded/ EY " (ill #ell +y + #$erGE B"#e ans(ered #$a# $e ( "ld/ A*#er $e $ad ) ne #$e 1in) sa# #$in2in) * #$e+ B"#e and $is + #$er/ In #r"#$ #$eir rela#i ns$i.' * ($i%$ #$e .e .le in #$e s#ree#s $ad
+ade $i+ %r"dely *a+iliar' s$ %2ed $i+/ T$is (as/ a# #$e r # * $is %$an)ed *eelin)s # (ards #$is +an ($ $ad n%e !een $is deares# *riend/ And ye#' $e #$ ")$#' I (en# #$r ")$ a * r+ * +arria)e (i#$ Hanna$/ And i* #$a# (ere a #r"e +arria)e and i* Hanna$ s#ill li&es #$en I a+ n # +arried # C$arl ##e/ 3e are li&in) in sin as +y + #$er is (i#$ L rd B"#e/ n / i#'s n # #r"e' $e # ld $i+sel*/ I +"s# s$"# #$a# #$ ")$# ri)$# "# * +y +ind/ F r ($a# (i#$ Mr/ Pi## and Mr/ Gren&ille' Mr/ 3il2es and #$e res# I s$ "ld ) +ad i* I d(el# n #$a# # / He ( "ld n # #$in2 * i#/ B"#e ( "ld ) a(ay * r a ($ile and $is + #$er +"s# needs ."# ". (i#$ $is a!sen%e/ A*#er all' $adn'# $e !een * r%ed # )i&e ". -ara$ % +.le#elyG - ($y s$ "ld $is + #$er % +.lain a# )i&in) ". B"#e * r a *e( (ee2sG T$ey +"s# * r)e# #$eir (n #r "!les and se# a! "# arran)in) A")"s#a's +arria)e/ T$e Prin%ess A")"s#a (as &ery e0%i#ed a! "# $er % +in) (eddin)/ -$e $ad !een .resen#ed (i#$ a .i%#"re * $er *"#"re $"s!and and (as n # dis.leased (i#$ i#/ Car line Ma#ilda (as al+ s# as e0%i#ed/ EOne (eddin) !e)e#s an #$er'E s$e said/ EI# (ill !e +y #"rn ne0#/ O$' A")"s#a' 4"s# i+a)ine I Y "'ll ) ri)$# a(ay *r + "s all # a s#ran)e land/ I ( nder ($a# Br"ns(i%2's li2e/ I s".. se i#'s n # *ar *r + Me%2len!"r)/ H ( ddF Y " ) #$ere and C$arl ##e % +es $ere/E EN #$in) dd a! "# i#'E said A")"s#a s$ar.ly/ EI#'s 4"s# #$e na#"re * #$in)s/E EO$' #$e na#"re * #$in)sFE %ried Car line Ma#ilda' dan%in) r "nd #$e a.ar#+en#' $er yell ( $air s#rea+in) "# !e$ind $er/ EAnd #$e na#"re * #$in)s is #$a# I'll !e #$e ne0# ne/ 3$en d y " #$in2 #$ere'll !e a (eddin) * r +e' A")"s#aGE EN # * r years/ Y "'re nly a %$ild/E ET$ir#een/ C$arl ##e (as nly se&en#een/ And as I # ld y "' (eddin)s % +e # )e#$er/ I'+ l n)in) # see C$arles/ I ( nder i* $e's li2e $is
.i%#"re/ Are y " s$i&erin) (i#$ a..re$ensi nGE E3$en y " rea%$ +y a)e' %$ild' y " d n'# s$i&er (i#$ a..re$ensi n' y " nly si)$ (i#$ relie*/E Car line Ma#ilda )i))led/ EI $ .e $e's a li##le + re $ands +e #$an . EH"s$F Y " are s.ea2in) * #$e 8"een/E EPer$a.s all Ger+ans are .lain/E E3$a# a! "# "sG Are (e n # + s#ly Ger+anGE ET$a# (as Grand*a#$er/ 3e're all En)lis$/E Car line Ma#ilda s"r&eyed $er *a%e #$ ")$#*"lly in a +irr r/ EIn *a%#'E s$e (en# n % +.la%en#ly' EI #$in2 I a+ ra#$er ) l 2in)/E d r C$arl ##e/E
A")"s#a la")$ed derisi&ely and Car line Ma#ilda % n#in"ed # )i))le/ -in%e A")"s#a 2ne( s$e (as # $a&e a $"s!and s$e $ad !e% +e +"%$ .leasan#er # $er y "n) sis#er/ And in Jan"ary Prin%e C$arles Frederi%2 * Br"ns(i%2 arri&ed in En)land/ Ge r)e # 2 an i++edia#e disli2e # $is .r s.e%#i&e !r #$er,in,la(' and s did #$e Prin%e # $i+/ C$arles Frederi%2 (as #(en#y,nine and $i)$ s.iri#edD n #$e (ay &er $e $ad !een #al2in) (i#$ #$e "#+ s# indis%re#i n a! "# En)lis$ . li#i%sD $e $ad s#a#ed #$a# #$e 1in) (as ine0.erien%ed and $ad !een led !y #$e n se !y L rd B"#e' !e* re #$a# )en#le+an $ad !een sen# .a%2in)' ($ile re*"sin) #$e ser&i%es * ne * #$e )rea#es# . li#i%ians ali&e' !y ($ + $e +ean# 3illia+ Pi##/ 3$en #$is % n&ersa#i n (as re. r#ed # #$e 1in) and $is +inis#ers i# did n # endear #$e+ # #$e &isi# r/ As * r #$e Prin%ess D (a)er' s$e de%lared #$a# s$e $ad ne&er li2ed $is *a+ily/ -$e $ad a%%e.#ed $i+ as $er da")$#er's $"s!and' s$e # ld L rd B"#e' ($en $e .aid $is se%re# &isi#s # $er ,* r i# (as n # # !e e0.e%#ed #$a# #$ey ( "ld )i&e #$ se ". !"# #$e ld D"%$ess * 3 l*en!ii##el (as #$e + s# disa)reea!le ( +an s$e $ad e&er 2n (n' and e&ery ne (as a(are #$a# s$e $ad re*"sed $er da")$#er * r Ge r)e' al#$ ")$ $is )rand*a#$er $ad #ried # * is# #$e )irl n # $i+/
I* i# (as n # * r #$e *a%# #$a# A")"s#a +"s# $a&e a $"s!and s$e ( "ld ne&er $a&e a)reed # #$e +a#%$/ B"# A")"s#a really (as a #ryin) %rea#"reD $er # n)"e (as s s$ar. and s$e (as in#eres#in) $ersel* # dee.ly in . li#i%s/ -$e (as a s".. r#er * Pi##'s and (i#$ $er !r #$er' #$e D"2e * Y r2' (as a%#"ally #a2in) sides (i#$ #$e O.. si#i n and #$ se ($ (ere a)ains# #$e . li%y * #$e C "r#/ A")"s#a (as a real +eddler/ 3ell' le# $er +eddle in Br"ns(i%2/ T$e Prin%ess D (a)er (en# # see $er s n # #al2 * #$e % +in) %ere+ nials/ EI d n'# see ($y (e s$ "ld ) # any len)#$ # i+.ress Br"ns(i%2'E said A")"s#a/ EN r I'E a)reed Ge r)e/ ET$e *ell ( is an a*/ He ( "ld n # 2n ( #$e di**eren%e !e#(een a C "r# %ere+ ny r a % "n#ry,$ "se !all/ - ($y ) # #$e e0.enseGE EI# ( "ld !e a )rea# e0.ense/ And d n'# * r)e# (e $a&e already $ad # .ay #$e *ell ( $ands +ely # #a2e $er/E EEi)$#y #$ "sand . "nds' an ann"i#y * L??? . "nds a year n Ireland and >??? . "nds a year n Han &er/ I#'s !ein) an e0.ensi&e +a##er )e##in) rid * A")"s#a/ N ( * r $ea&en's sa2e' d n # le# "s add # #$e e0.ense/E E3e ( n'#D I a+ rderin) #$a# #$e ser&an#s s$ "ld n # $a&e ne( li&ery/E Ge r)e (as l 2in) !e##er #$an $e $ad * r s +e + n#$sD $e $ad al(ays en4 yed ( r2in) "# de#ails * $ "se$ ld e0.endi#"re/ EAnd'E $e (en# n' EI $a&e de%ided #$a# $e s$all !e l d)ed a# - +erse# H "se and #$a# #$ere (ill !e n need # s#a#i n )"ards #$ere/E A")"s#a n dded' a..r &in)' !"# #$in2in) a# #$e sa+e #i+e: EIn #$e ld days $e ( "ld $a&e % ns"l#ed ne * "s *irs#/E ED "!#less $e (ill !e "na(are'E said #$e Prin%ess D (a)er' '#$a# $e is n # !ein) #rea#ed (i#$ #$e res.e%# ne ( "ld na#"rally )i&e # a )en#le+an in $is . si#i n/ I !elie&e +anners are &ery %r"de in Br"ns(i%2/E T$is +ay $a&e !een s ' !"# #$e Prin%e (as i++edia#ely a(are * #$e
% ldness * $is re%e.#i n and (as *"ri "s/ He (as !y n +eans +ee2 and $ad n in#en#i n * $idin) $is dis.leas"re/ He $ad dis#in)"is$ed $i+sel* n #$e !a##le*ield (i#$ #$e ar+ies * Frederi%2 #$e Grea# and sin%e $e $ad % +e # En)land # #a2e an a)ein) .rin%ess ** #$eir $ands $e $ad e0.e%#ed !e##er #rea#+en#/ T$e nly ne a# #$e En)lis$ C "r# ($ (as .leased (i#$ $i+ see+ed # !e $is !ride and s$e ( "ld $a&e !een .leased (i#$ any !ride)r +/ A# leas# $e (as n # de* r+ed and s$e .re#ended n # # n #i%e $is %r"di#ies/ T$e ladies and )en#le+en * #$e C "r#' #a2in) #$eir %"e *r + #$e 1in)' all s$ (ed #$eir disli2e * #$e !ride)r + # s"%$ an e0#en# #$a# i# ( "ld see+ #$ey (ere #ryin) # in*l"en%e #$e Prin%ess A")"s#a a)ains# $i+/ B"# #$e Prin%e * Br"ns(i%2 dis% &ered a (ay * $a&in) $is re&en)e/ 3$en $e (en# "# in# #$e s#ree#s and #$e .e .le %r (ded a! "# $is %arria)e # see $i+ .ass' $e (as e0#re+ely a**a!le and s$ (ed $is in#eres# in die+D $e (a&ed and s+iled and &ery s n $e $ad #$e+ %$eerin) $i+/ T$ere (as an %%asi n ($en $e sa( a s ldier in #$e %r (d ($ $ad ser&ed (i#$ $i+ in #$e *ieldD $e a%2n (led)ed #$e +an and #$ey #al2ed * r a ($ile (i#$ #$e %r (d .ressin) %l se/ T$a# %e+en#ed $is . ."lari#y/ Here $e (as a &isi# r # En)land' a y "n) !ride)r +' and $e (as sli)$#ed and ins"l#ed/ He (as ."s$ed in# - +erse# H "se (i#$ "# a )"ard and i# (as %lear !y #$e (ay $e (as "nes% r#ed #$a# $e (as !ein) $"+ilia#ed/ T$e .e .le (ere ". in ar+s/ T$is (as a *"r#$er %a"se * r % +.lain# a)ains# #$e 1in) and $is +inis#ers/ H ( dared #$ey #rea# a &isi# r s F I# (as "n.a#ri #i%' "nEn)lis$ I 3ell' #$e .e .le * L nd n (ere ) in) # #ea%$ #$eir 2in) +anners/ - ($ere&er $e (en# i# (as: EL n) li&e #$e Prin%e/E T$e ( +en #$re( 2issesD #$e +en %$eered #$e+sel&es $ arseD and #$e Prin%e (as slyly deli)$#ed/ T$ere (as nly ne #$in) ($i%$ ( "ld $a&e dis% "n#enan%ed #$e 1in) and $is +inis#ers + re' and $e .r %eeded # d i#/ He +ade &er#"res # #$e leadin) +e+!ers * #$e O.. si#i n * r $a&in) s#"died En)lis$ . li#i%s $e (as a(are * #$e e**e%# #$is ( "ld $a&e and (as in&i#ed # dine (i#$ #$e D"2es * C"+!erland and Ne(%as#leD and n # % n#en# (i#$ #$a# $e &isi#ed 3illia+ Pi## a# $is Hayes residen%e/ EHe's a s% "ndrel'E s.l"##ered #$e 1in)D !"# $e $ad # ad+i# #$a# #$e Prin%e $ad "#(i##ed $i+ and $is +inis#ers and #$a# #$is (as ne + re *ail"re/ F "r days a*#er #$e Prin%e's arri&al $e and #$e Prin%ess A")"s#a (ere +arried/
T$e Prin%ess A")"s#a * "nd s$e $ad +arried a +as#er*"l +an/ He (as n # +"%$ % n%erned (i#$ #$e ni%e#ies * li*e and $er in#r d"%#i n # $is s +e($a# % arse + de * li&in) (as aE li##le s#ar#lin)/ Te+. rarily s$e (as r !!ed * #$a# arr )an%e ($i%$ $ad al(ays .re&en#ed $er *r + +a2in) *riends and #$ere (as s +e#$in) .a#$e#i% a! "# #$is n%e sel*,s"**i%ien# ( +an n ( *a%ed (i#$ a ne( li*e in a land * ($i%$ s$e 2ne( n #$in)' (i#$ a $"s!and al+ s# a s#ran)er # $erD all s$e did "nders#and (as #$a# i# ( "ld !e &ery di**eren# *r + li*e as s$e $ad li&ed i# $i#$er# / Car line Ma#ilda (a#%$ed in a(ed silen%e/ Marria)e' s$e de%ided' (as n # #$e )ay )a+e s$e $ad n%e !elie&ed/ -".. se ($en $er #"rn %a+e #$ey )a&e $er a $"s!and li2e #$is .rin%e/ -$e s$i&ered/ -$e $ad .i%#"red all $"s!ands +ild and )en#le li2e $er !r #$er Ge r)e/ T$e !ride)r + 2e.# ". $is *e"d (i#$ #$e C "r# and #( days a*#er #$e (eddin) ($en $e and $is !ride' (i#$ #$e 1in) and 8"een' .aid a &isi# # #$e .era $e $ad an .. r#"ni#y * s% rin) &er #$e 1in)/ C$arl ##e' #a2in) $er %"e *r + Ge r)e' (as &ery % l # #$e Prin%e' and A")"s#a (as dis.leased (i#$ $er/ 3$ ' A")"s#a as2ed $ersel*' d es s$e #$in2 s$e is' # ."# n s"%$ $a")$#y airs I T$e sis#er * a li##le D"2e * Me%2len!"r) and s$e dares # .a#r ni7e Br"ns(i%2F C$arl ##e (as #$in2in) $ ( $a..y s$e (as # $a&e a $"s!and li2e Ge r)e/ -$e s$"ddered' % n#e+.la#in) $ ( di**eren# #$is +an +"s# !e/ Ge r)e (as s )en#le' s #ender' s"%$ a ) d *a#$er and $"s!and/ P r A")"s#a I s$e .i#ied $er/ A")"s#a (as in n + d # !e .i#ied !y silly li##le C$arl ##e ($ (as 2e.# al+ s# li2e a .ris ner a# Ri%$+ nd and B"%2in)$a+ H "se and (as ne&er all (ed # & i%e an .ini n/ And ($ (as s$e # !e s rry * r $er' A")"s#a' ($en e&ery ne 2ne( Ge r)e $ad $ad # !e .ers"aded # +arry $er and $ad nly d ne s "# * a sense * d"#yG As #$ey en#ered #$e ! 0' A")"s#a ($is.ered: ET$e O.era H "se (ill !e %r (ded # ni)$#/ E&ery ne (ill !e $ere/ I ( nder i* -ara$ B"n!"ry (ill !eG I* s$e is' e&ery ne (ill !e l 2in) a# $er // / e&ery ne/ -$e is said # !e #$e + s# !ea"#i*"l ( +an a# C "r#/E EI d "!# #$ey (ill l 2 a# $er e&en s 'E said C$arl ##e/ EE&ery ne (ill (an# # !e l 2in) a# #$e !ride and )r +/E
EP
r -ara$F -$e (ill $a&e # !e % n#en# # $a&e Ge r)e )lin) $er/E
C$arl ##e *l"s$ed sli)$#ly !"# +ade n res. nse/ Did $e' s$e ( ndered' s#ill #$in2 * -ara$G C$arl ##e $ad + &ed # #$e *r n# * #$e ! 0 (i#$ #$e 1in) and #$ey s# d # )e#$er l 2in) d (n n #$e a"dien%e/ T$ere (as silen%e in #$e O.era H "se/ I# (as + s# e+!arrassin)/ Ge r)e sa# d (n and C$arl ##e did #$e sa+e' and #$en #$e Prin%ess A")"s#a and $er $"s!and %a+e * r(ard/ I++edia#ely #$e a"dien%e r se/ A %ry (en# ".: EL n) li&e #$e Prin%e and Prin%ess/E T$ere (ere l "d $"rra$s and EG d !less #$e +arried .air'/ And A")"s#a and $er $"s!and s# d #$ere ! (in) and a%%e.#in) #$e %$eers/ T$en # C$arl ##e's $ rr r s$e n #i%ed #$a# #$e !ride)r # #$e 1in)/ T$is (as an ins"l#' an in#en#i nal ins"l#/ -$e )lan%ed a# Ge r)e ($ ' s$e sa( a# n%e' (as a(are * ($a# (as $a..enin)/ His !l"e eyes !"l)ed a li##le + re #$an "s"al !"# $e )a&e n si)n/ T$ere (as n #$in) $e % "ld d / T$e .e .le (ere a%%lai+in) #$e ne(ly +arried .air s & %i*er "sly # +a2e a % n#ras# # #$e silen%e (i#$ ($i%$ #$ey $ad )ree#ed #$eir 2in) and B"een/ Ge r)e $ad +ade ". $is +ind/ He # ld Gren&ille: ET$ey +"s# lea&e i++edia#ely/ I (ill n # $a&e #$e+ $ere/E E-ire' #$e &isi# (as # las# a *e( + re (ee2s/E EI d n # %are * r #$a#' Mr/ Gren&ille' sir/ I say #$ey s$all lea&e #$e day a*#er # + rr ( and #$a# is +y *inal ( rd n #$e s"!4e%#/E Ge r)e's + "#$ (as se# in s#"!! rn lines/ He (as de#er+ined n #$is +a##er # $a&e $is (ay/ T$e Prin%ess D (a)er a..la"ded $is *ir+ness/ EI s$all !e )lad # see #$e !a%2 * #$a# +an'E s$e said' 'and sin%e A")"s#a +arried $i+ s$e a..ears # !e + re i+. ssi!le #$an e&er/E + $ad $is !a%2
- # #$e dis)"s# * #$e Prin%e * Br"ns(i%2 $e (as !li)ed # #a2e $is !ride # $er ne( $ +e' * r #$ere (as n l n)er # !e $ s.i#ali#y * r #$e+ in En)land/ T$e Prin%ess A")"s#a .r #es#ed #$a# #$e (ea#$er (as # in%le+en# * r #$e+ # se# sail * r a ($ile' !"# #$e 1in) (as ada+an#D (ea#$er r n # #$ey s$ "ld ) a# n%e/ He ( "ld n # !e ins"l#ed in $is (n % "n#ry/ T$e Prin%ess s# r+ed and (e.# * r #$e .r s.e%# * lea&in) $ +e !e%a+e + re alar+in) #$e nearer i# )re(/ Her $"s!and +ade n a##e+.#s # +a2e $er . si#i n easier/ He $ad # ld $er #$a# s$e ( "ld $a&e # a%%e.# $is +is#ress Mada+e de Her#7*eld# ($ + $e $ad n in#en#i n * )i&in) "./ EAll #$a# (ill !e %$an)ed n ('E s$e # ld $i+D !"# $e +erely la")$ed a# $er/ ELis#en'E $e said/ EY " !ear a %$ild and #$a#'s all y " need ( rry a! "#/E EI s$all re*"se # re%ei&e y "r +is#ress'E s$e # ld $i+/ He r ared (i#$ la")$#er/ EI#'s n # y " s$e (an#s # re%ei&e/ I#'s +e/ And (e d n'# re%ei&e in Br"ns(i%2/ Y "'ll *ind i# a !i# di**eren# #$ere' +y )irl' *r + y "r *an%y En)lis$ C "r#/E O$' yes' "nd "!#edly #$e Prin%ess (as a..re$ensi&e and s ")$# # delay de.ar#"re as l n) as . ssi!le/ B"# Ge r)e $ad ne&er !een * nd * $er as $e $ad * Eli7a!e#$ #$e sis#er ($ $ad died' and as $e (as * y "n) Car line Ma#ilda/ A")"s#a $ad al(ays !een a #r "!le+a2er and $e ( "ld !e )lad # see $er ) / - #$e Prin%ess % "ld d n #$in) !"# se# "# (i#$ $er $"s!and n #$e day #$e 1in) $ad a.. in#ed' and a &ery % ld and !l"s#ery day i# (as' * r a# #$e !es# * #i+es #$e end * Jan"ary (as n # an ideal .eri d # #a2e a sea & ya)eD and s i# .r &ed' * r ($en #$ey (ere a# sea a &i len# s# r+ ar se and as #$ere (as n ne(s * #$eir arri&al *r + H lland' r"+ "rs #$a# #$ey (ere dr (ned !e)an # %ir%"la#e/ T$is (as *irs# ($is.ered in #$e s#ree#s' #$en a )rea# %ry * an)er r se ". a+ n) #$e .e .le/ T$ey $ad n # (an#ed # ) D #$ey $ad !een * r%ed
# se# sail ($en #$e (ea#$er (as s !ad #$a# #$ey (ere %er#ain # *a%e )rea# dan)ers/ T$is (as d"e # #$e %r"el#y * #$e Prin%ess D (a)er and L rd B"#e and #$is #i+e #$e 1in) % "ld n # !e e0 nera#ed/ I# (as #$e *irs# #i+e #$a# #$e 1in) $ad !een s se&erely %ri#i%i7ed and * r a *e( days $is . ."lari#y (as a# i#s l (es#/ T$en ne(s arri&ed * #$e sa*e arri&al * #$e Prin%e and Prin%ess * Br"ns(i%2 and #$e +"r+"rin)s died d (n/ B"# #$e .e .le's *eelin)s * r #$e 1in) $ad s"**ered a se&ere de%line/ Pre&i "sly #$ey $ad !la+ed Ja%2! # and Pe##i% a#D n ( $e ( "ld s#and al ne/ He (as n l n)er #$eir %$ar+in) $ands +e 1in)D $is l 2s $ad "nder) ne a %$an)eD #$e *irs# *l"s$ * y "#$ (as &erD and #$ers ( "ld n l n)er !e !la+ed * r #$e disas#ers ar "nd #$e #$r ne/ Mean($ile #$e . r Prin%ess A")"s#a $ad arri&ed a# $er $"s!and's % "r# # *ind #$a# $is .ala%e (as n #$in) + re #$an a % ld and )l +y ( den $ "se (i#$ s$a!!y *"rni#"re/ And ins#alled as i#s +is#ress (as #$e *la+! yan# Mada+e de Her#7*eld# ($ + #$e ne( $"s!and )ree#ed (i#$ e0"!eran# s.iri#s and (i#$ ($ + $e re#ired # !ed' lea&in) $is (i*e # se##le in# $er ne( a.ar#+en#s al ne/ T$e Prin%ess !e)an # *eel #$a# e&en a (a#ery )ra&e +i)$# $a&e !een .re*era!le' and s$e % "ld s%ar%ely !ear # #$in2 a# all * $er l"0"ri "s a.ar#+en#s in #$e En)lis$ C "r#/ 3$y' ($y' ($y' s$e (as # as2 $ersel* d"rin) #$e ne0# (ears' did I e&er #$in2 #$a# +arria)e in any * r+ (as !e##er #$an #$e sin)le li*eG O$' # !e a &ir)in .rin%ess n%e + re' # (al2 in #$e )ardens * 1e( r Ri%$+ nd' # 4 in a %ard .ar#y a# -#/ Ja+es's r B"%2in)$a+ H "se/ L"%2y Car line Ma#ilda ($ % "ld s#ill d #$isF L"%2ier C$arl ##e ($ $ad le*# a .la%e si+ilar # #$is # !e #$e 8"een * En)land I B"# !ein) A")"s#a' s#r n) * (ill and in % ++and * $ersel*' s$e se##led d (n # +a2e #$e !es# * $er "n% n)enial s"rr "ndin)sD and in d"e % "rse s$e )a&e !ir#$ # a %$ild/ I# (as a )irl and s$e na+ed $er Car line/ T$e year ($i%$ * ll (ed #$e Prin%ess A")"s#a's de.ar#"re (as a dis#ressin) ne * r #$e 1in)/ He *el# $is res. nsi!ili#ies (ei)$in) $ea&ily ". n $i+/ He $ad l s# B"#eD i# (as n #' $e reali7ed n (' #$a# B"#e's ad&i%e $ad !een s &al"a!le' !"# #$a# $e $i+sel* $ad $ad s"%$ % +.le#e % n*iden%e in i#/ He n ( s# d al ne and $e (as n # ye# %a.a!le * d in) i#/ He (as (ell a(are * $is de*i%ien%ies and a# #$e sa+e #i+e $is sense * d"#y (as s s#r n) #$a# $e 2ne( $e +"s# &er% +e #$e+/
T$e (ran)lin)s in $is Parlia+en#' #$e es#ran)e+en#s *r + B"#e and % nseB"en#ly $is + #$er' al#$ ")$ #$e Prin%ess D (a)er did $er !es# # 2ee. a *ir+ $ ld n $i+' +ade i# i+. ssi!le * r $i+ # #"rn # any ne * r $el./ He disli2ed $is +inis#ersD $e reali7ed #$e ( r#$ * Pi## !"# Pi##'s a"# %ra#i% de+ands +ade i# i+. ssi!le * r Ge r)e # as2 $i+ # * r+ a Minis#ry/ Had $e #"rned # C$arl ##e #$ey +i)$# $a&e ( r2ed # )e#$er' !"# C$arl ##e $ad n 2n (led)e * s#a#e a**airsD i# (as n # #$a# s$e la%2ed #$e in#elli)en%e' i# (as +erely #$a# s$e $ad !een deli!era#ely 2e.# in #$e dar2/ C$arl ##e +i)$# $a&e s# d (i#$ $i+ as 8"een Car line $ad (i#$ $is )rand*a#$er' !"# Ge r)e in $is !s#ina%y $ad de%lared $e ( "ld ne&er all ( a ( +an # in#er*ere' #$"s C$arl ##e (as 2e.# a.ar#D $er nly %ares (ere * r $er %$ildren a# Ri%$+ nd/ Ge r)e (as n # slee.in) (ellD $e (as n ( and #$en #r "!led !y s#ran)e ras$es n $is %$es#/ He s$ (ed #$e+ # $is d %# rs' !"# al#$ ")$ ."r)in)' !leedin) and in#+en#s (ere a..lied #$ese a**li%#i ns %a+e and (en# irres.e%#i&e * #$ese #rea#+en#s/ - +e#i+es $e *el# di77y and s"**ered *r + $eada%$es/ He !e)an # *eel a li##le "neasy' !"# $e #ried # 2ee. #$ese *eelin)s # $i+sel*/ He !elie&ed #$a# i* $e % "ld )e# a ) d ) &ern+en# ($i%$ % "ld se##le #$e % "n#ry's #ryin) a**airs' i* $e % "ld re)ain #$e a**e%#i n * $is .e .le' i* $e % "ld )ras. #$e $andlin) * s#a#e +a##ers (i#$ )rea#er 2n (led)e and #$e s2ill ($i%$ nly e0.erien%e % "ld )i&e' $e ( "ld !e a ) d r"lerD and i* $e (ere' #$e d "!#s and *ears ($i%$ # r+en#ed $i+ and (ere res. nsi!le * r slee.less ni)$#s' ($i%$ !r ")$# #$e ras$es and #$e $eada%$es' $e (as s"re all ( "ld !e (ell/ A# leas# $e $ad ne )rea# and !"rnin) a+!i#i nD # !e a ) d 2in) and d ($a# (as !es# * r $is .e .le/ He ( "ld !e ". early in #$e + rnin)' li)$#in) $is *ire' ) in) !a%2 # !ed * r a *e( +in"#es ($ile #$e r + (ar+ed and #$en ) in) #$r ")$ #$e s#a#e .a.ers/ 3il2es (as * r#"na#ely sa*ely in e0ile/ Gren&ille ($ + Ge r)e #$ ")$# * as EMr/ Gren&ille' and re*"sed # address as any#$in) else (as arr )an#' !elie&in) $i+sel* indis.ensa!le' ($i%$ .er$a.s $e (as sin%e Pi## % "ld n # re.la%e $i+/ B"# #$e 1in) #ried # 2ee. $is +ind ** #$e in#ransi)en%e * $is +inis#ers * r ($en $e #$ ")$# * #$e+ $is $ead a%$ed and #$e di77y s.ells %a+e n/ H ( deli)$#ed $e (as ($en $e % "ld lea&e #$e .re%in%#s * -#/ Ja+es's and ) # Ri%$+ nd/ 3$a# a .leas"re # ride #$r ")$ #$e % "n#ry lanes' # %$a# (i#$ .e .le ($ .assedD # !e #$e 2in),sB"ire (i#$ ($ + e&ery ne (as )lad # $a&e a ( rd/ Pre##y r sy,%$ee2ed % "n#ry )irls ! !!in) #$eir %"r#seysD # ddlers $idin) #$eir *a%es in #$eir + #$ers' s2ir#s/ EC +e % +e'E $e ( "ld say 4 &ially' 'd y " n # (is$ # say a $ (,de,d
# y "r 2in)GE EO$' -ir' $e !e s$y' !"# y " (ai# #ill $e's lder and I #ell $i+ #$e 1in) s. 2e # $i+ and $e $id $is *a%e and ( "ldn'# l 2 I' Pa# #$e %$ild's $ead and #ell $i+ # !e ) d # $is + #$er/ 1iss #$e li##le )irls $e l &ed #$e li##le )irls !es# * all in #$eir li##le a.r ns and +"slin *r %2s/ T$ey (ere $is + s# ad ra!le s"!4e%#s/ He &isi#ed #$e *ar+s' dis%"ssin) $ar&es#s (i#$ *ar+ers' and n%e ($en $e (as (al2in) in #$e lanes $e %a+e ". n a *ar+ %ar# ($i%$ $ad s#"%2 in a r"#/ T$e dri&er (as #ryin) # $ is# i# and Ge r)e 4 ined $i+' ."##in) $is s$ "lder # #$e ($eel/ And ($a# a + +en# * .leas"re ($en #$e dri&er re% )ni7ed $i+ and s#"##ered and s#a++ered $is in%red"l "s #$an2s/ T$a# (as a s# ry ($i%$ ( "ld !e re.ea#ed #$r ")$ "# #$e % "n#ry/ I# (as #$e 2ind * #$in) ($i%$ $e did na#"rally (i#$ "# #$in2in) and ($i%$ ( n $i+ #$e .e .le's a**e%#i n/ All ( "ld !e (ell' $e ass"red $i+sel*' i* nly $e % "ld !rin) .r s.eri#y # En)land and .re&en# $is +inis#ers !i%2erin) # )e#$er in #$e H "se * C ++ ns/ T$e *i)"re * Pi## s(a#$ed in !anda)es l +ed &er #$e 1in) and #$e G &ern+en#/ Al#$ ")$ $e (as *#en in )rea# .ain *r + $is ) "#' #$e +ena%e * Mr/ Pi## (as * r+ida!le/ Ye# i* Mr/ Pi## % "ld !e .ers"aded n # # +a2e s"%$ de+ands' # !e a li##le less a"# %ra#i%' $ ( +"%$ easier li*e % "ld $a&e !eenD and $ ( % n#en# #$e 1in) ( "ld $a&e !een # ( r2 (i#$ s"%$ a !rillian# +inis#er/ 3$en $e l 2ed !a%2 $e sa( #$e )rea# +is#a2e $e and L rd B"#e $ad +ade ($en #$ey $ad i+a)ined #$a# #$e la##er % "ld !e as s#r n)' as !rillian#' as *ar,seein) and as )rea# a . li#i%ian as #$e Grea# C ++ ner/ Al(ays $e %a+e !a%2 # #$e #rials * s#a#e a**airs/ N ( nder $e (is$ed # )e# a(ay # Ri%$+ nd/ Ge r)e *el# $is res. nsi!ili#ies # (ards $is *a+ily &ery dee.ly/ His !r #$ers (ere .r &in) #$e+sel&es # !e s +e($a# (ild' ($i%$ (as n # s"r.risin) % nsiderin) #$e res#ri%#ed li&es #$ey $ad $ad/ T$e Prin%ess D (a)er $ad !een s a*raid #$a# #$ey ( "ld !e % n#a+ina#ed !y #$e (i%2edness * #$e C "r# #$a# s$e $ad 2e.# #$e+ s$"# a(ay "n#il s$e % "ld d s n l n)er/ 3$en #$ey $ad !een all (ed # +in)le (i#$ #$e ( rld i# (as nly na#"ral #$a# #$ey' la%2in) #$eir elder !r #$er's ."r. se and . si#i n and $is inna#e res.e%#a!ili#y' $ad #"rned # s +e($a# ri # "s li&in)/ Ge r)e % "ld d n #$in) # res#rain #$e+' !"# $e % "ld *ind a $"s!and * r Car line Ma#ilda/ His li##le sis#er #$e y "n)es# * #$e *a+ily (as * "r#een years ld/ -$e s$ "ld n # !e all (ed # )r ( ld and s "r li2e . r A")"s#a/ F "r#een (as n # really ld en ")$ * r +arria)e'
!"# .. r#"ni#ies +"s# !e sei7ed ($en #$ey %a+e/ He 2ne( *"ll (ell $ ( di**i%"l# i# (as # .r &ide Pr #es#an# +a#%$es * r $is *a+ily' and n #$in) !"# a Pr #es#an# +a#%$ ( "ld d / T$e .. r#"ni#y %a+e ($en #$e 1in) learned #$a# Frederi%2 V * Den+ar2 (as see2in) a !ride * r Prin%e C$ris#ian' $eir # #$e #$r ne * Den+ar2 and #$e s n * $is *irs# +arria)e/ A %r (n * r Car line Ma#ildaF T$e D (a)er Prin%ess (as e0%i#ed/ EI# is a &ery ) d **er' Ge r)e'E s$e said/
E3e % "ld n # $ .e * r !e##er/ I #$in2 #$ey s$ "ld !e !e#r #$ed (i#$ "# delay/E And ($a# did Car line Ma#ilda sayG Ge r)e as2ed $er' al#$ ")$ ($a#e&er s$e said s$e ( "ld !e !li)ed # a%%e.# #$e +a#%$/ Car line Ma#ilda in *a%# (as deli)$#ed/ -$e $ad * r) ##en A")"s#a's de.ar#"re al+ s# a year a) D and ($en s$e did la#er re+e+!er s$e # ld $ersel* #$a# all $"s!ands (ere n # li2e #$a# $ rrid Prin%e * Br"ns(i%2/ C$ris#ian * Den+ar2 ( "ld !e di**eren#/ -$e sa( $i+' #all' !l nd and $ands +eD and ($en $is *a#$er died $e ( "ld !e 2in) n # +erely r"ler * a li##le Ger+an .rin%i.ali#y' !"# 2in) * a )rea# % "n#ry li2e Den+ar2/ Car line Ma#ilda (as e0%i#ed !y #$e .r s.e%#/ On 9? Jan"ary 9=;L $er !e#r #$al (as ann "n%ed/ -$e i++edia#ely !e%a+e a + re i+. r#an# .ers n' a .rin%ess ($ ne day ( "ld !e a B"een/ And #$ere (as n #$in) # ( rry a! "#D i# (as nly a !e#r #$alD s$e (as * "r#een years ld/ T$ey ( "ld (ai# a# leas# "n#il s$e (as *i*#een/ -$e (en# # see C$arl ##e and .lay (i#$ #$e !a!ies/ -$e (as !e% +in) &ery in#eres#ed in +arried li*e/ -$e $ersel* $ .ed # $a&e !a!ies' +any * #$e+/ B"# %$ie*ly s$e sa( $ersel* in $er r yal r !es' a %r (n n $er *la0en $air/ T$e ne( year $ad % +e in $a..ily * r C$arl ##e * r (i#$ i# %a+e #$e %er#ain#y #$a# s$e (as .re)nan#/ D"rin) #$e las# year $er En)lis$ $ad i+.r &ed )rea#ly' and s$e s. 2e i# n ( + re r less *l"en#ly' !"# * % "rse (i#$ a Ger+an a%%en#/ T$a# (as ine&i#a!le/ B"# $ ( +"%$ easier i# +ade li*e I -$e (as .leased
#$a# Ge r)e (as !rea2in) a(ay *r + $is + #$er's in*l"en%e' # D s$e (as al(ays $ .in) #$a# $e ( "ld s$are % n*iden%es (i#$ $erD in *a%# d"rin) #$e las# year ($en s$e $ad n # !een .re)nan# #$ey $ad )r (n %l serD i# see+ed #$a# ($en C$arl ##e (as n # .re %%".ied !y #$e .r s.e%# * !earin) a %$ild s$e % "ld s$are a %l ser in#i+a%y (i#$ $er $"s!and/ In a B"ie# and % +* r#a!le (ay s$e $ad a )rea# a**e%#i n * r $i+ and s$e (as s"re $e $ad * r $er/ T$e 2n (led)e #$a# $e $ad )rea#ly desired # +arry -ara$ Lenn 0 and #$a# $e $ad /N )i&en $er ". "# * a sense * d"#y (as n # e0a%#ly % +* r#in)' .ar#i%"larly as s$e (as !li)ed n ( and #$en # see Lady -ara$' ($ (as an "nd "!#ed !ea"#y' and al#$ ")$ +arried # -ir C$arles B"n!"ry' $ad +any ad+irers/ -ir C$arles s$e $ad $eard (as + re in#eres#ed in ra%in) #$an $is (i*e' and -ara$ (as &ery * nd * $er % "sin L rd 3illia+ G rd n and (as % ns#an#ly seen in $is % +.any/ -"%$ C "r# ) ssi. did n # in#eres# $er al#$ ")$ $er ( +en %$a##ered a! "# i# % ns#an#ly/ T$e nly +a##er #$a# % n%erned $er (as #$a# #$ere (as n +en#i n * #$e 1in)'s $a&in) an a##a%$+en# * r Lady -ara$/ -$e did %%asi nally $ear a ($is.er a! "# a 8"a2er )irl in ($ + Ge r)e $ad n%e !een in#eres#ed' and ddly en ")$ s$e % "ld n # s$r") #$a# aside as easily as s$e % "ld #$e a**air (i#$ -ara$ Lenn 0/ F r ne #$in) i# (as + re se%re#' and #$a# Ein i#sel* s"))es#ed i# (as + re # !e *eared/ E&ery ne 2ne( * #$e a##a%$+en# * r -ara$ and +any $ad re+ar2ed #$a# #$e 1in) s%ar%ely l 2ed a# -ara$ n #$e %%asi ns ($en i# (as ne%essary * r #$e+ # +ee#/ T$ey #al2ed * #$e 1in)'s &ir#"e and res.e%#a!ili#y/ H ( +any 2in)s ($ $ad all #$e .. r#"ni#ies in #$e 3 rld' $ad resis#ed #e+.#a#i ns and re+ained *ai#$*"l # #$eir (i&esG I# (as di**i%"l# # re%all ne/ E&en s "r ld 3illia+ * Oran)e $ad $ad $is +is#ress/ And i# (as n # as #$ ")$ Ge r)e (as !lessed (i#$ s"%$ a !ea"#i*"l *as%ina#in) (i*e ei#$er/ C$arl ##e si)$ed/ Ge r)e (as a ) d +an and a ) d $"s!and and s$e (as l"%2y and n%e a)ain // / .re)nan#/ T$ere ( "ld !e a li##le )a. !e#(een #$e !ir#$ * Fred and #$is %$ild/ I# (as ($a# s$e $ad neededD #$e #i+e !e#(een $er darlin) *irs#! rn and $is li##le !r #$er $ad !een # s$ r#/ N ( y "n) Ge r)e' already a li##le a"# %ra# * #$e n"rsery' !"# s !ea"#i*"l' and s !ri)$#' ( "ld !e #$ree years ld !y #$e #i+e #$e ne( !a!y a..eared and li##le Fred ( "ld !e #( / O$' s$e (as * r#"na#e indeed/ B"# s$e (is$ed #$a# #$e 1in)'s $eal#$ ( "ld i+.r &e/ He (as y "n) # $a&e #$ese &a)"e ail+en#s ($i%$ see+ed # ".se# $i+ s / In a +an * *i*#y r e&en * r#y #$ey ( "ld $a&e !een "nders#anda!leD !"# Ge r)e (as n # Marria)e in a +asB"e 9O: ye# #$ir#y/ I# (as #$e ( rries * s#a#e/ Dear Ge r)e' $e (as # % ns%ien#i "s/
B"# $ ( .leased $e (as # $ear #$a# #$ey +i)$# e0.e%# an #$er %$ild/ T$e 1in) (as e0#re+ely ".se#/ He .a%ed ". and d (n $is a.ar#+en#s/ He did n # (is$ # see any ne' !"# C$arl ##e (en# # $i+/ EGe r)e/ Y " +"s# #ell +e ($a# is (r n)/E Ge r)e l 2ed a# $er !lan2ly as #$ ")$ $e did n # 2n ( ($ s$e (as/ -$e # 2 $is ar+ and l 2ed in# $is *a%e/ EHanna$ ///E $e said/ EHanna$ ///E Her $ear# lea.ed and #$en see+ed # s# . * r a se% nd !e* reP i# ra%ed n/ He (as l 2in) a# $er s ddly' as #$ ")$ $e #$ ")$# s$e (ere an #$er .ers n/ And Hanna$ I T$a# na+e ($i%$ s$e $ad $eard ($is.ered !e* re/ Hanna$ Li)$# * #' #$e 8"a2er/ EGe r)e /// I !e) * y "' #ell +e ($a# is n y "r +ind/E His eyes see+ed # % +e in# * %"s/ He l 2ed + re li2e $i+sel*/ EC$arl ##e'E $e said/E EC$arl ##e' +y (i*e /// #$e 8"een/E E3$a# $as $a..ened' Ge r)eG Y " are ill/E EO$' yes' yes///E $e said/ Tray si# d (n/ I (ill %all #$e d %# rs/E He s$ 2 $is $ead !"# all (ed $er # lead $i+ # a %$air/
ECall n ne'E $e said/ T$en as #$ ")$ s.ea2in) in a da7e' E-$e is dead/ Hanna$ is dead/ T$is #i+e i# is #r"e/E C$arl ##e 2nel# a# $is *ee# and #a2in) $is $and l 2ed ". .leadin)ly in# $is *a%e/ EY " +"s# #ell +e'E s$e "r)ed and added: EI* i# (ill $el. y "/E He see+ed # % nsider #$is/ His !r ( (as (rin2led' $is eyes / (ild/
T$en $e s. 2e a li##le in% $eren#ly: EPer$a.s I s$ "ld #ell/ Be##er/ C$arl ##e' $' C$arl ##e/ I# (as (r n)/ I# (as (i%2ed/ I ne&er s$ "ld ///E -$e (ai#ed in !rea#$less an0ie#y/ 3$a# (as #$e se%re# * Hanna$ Li)$# * #G -$e +"s# 2n (/ EGe r)e'E s$e said' '.er$a.s y " s$ "ld lie d (n/E EI *eel di77y'E $e said/ EI %an s%ar%ely s#and/E -$e # 2 $i+ # #$e !ed%$a+!er and $e lay d (n ($ile 's$e sa# !eside #$e !ed $ ldin) $is $and/EC$arl ##e' y " are a ) B"een/E d (i*e /// a ) d
EI (an# # !e e&ery#$in) y " (is$ +e # !e' Ge r)e/E EAll #$ese years/ 3$a# did Hanna$ #$in2// /GE And #$en $e (as #ellin) #$e s# ry' s +e($a# in% $eren#ly' i# (as #r"e' !"# s$e sa( $i+ as a y "n) ! y * #$ir#een .assin) #$r ")$ -#/ Ja+es's Mar2e# and !ein) a(are * #$e !ea"#i*"l 8"a2er si##in) in #$e (ind ( * #$e linen dra.er's s$ ./ ET$e .e .le $ad )a#$ered # see "s /// +y )rand*a#$er' +y + #$er' +ysel* /// (e (ere all ) in) # #$e #$ea#reD and #$e linen dra.er $ad #a2en #$e !ales * linen *r + #$e (ind ( #$a# $is *a+ily +i)$# (a#%$ #$e .r %essi n .ass !y/ Hanna$ # ld +e #$a#/// a*#er(ards/E EYes' Ge r)e/E E-$e (as #$e + s# !ea"#i*"l ( +an I $ad e&er seen/E C$arl ##e (in%ed' !"# #$e .ress"re * $is $ # *in)ers n $er $and re+inded $er #$a# $ (e&er .lain s$e (as' $e needed $erD and $e #r"s#ed $er en ")$ # % n*ide in $er/ E- (e +e#/ I# (as arran)ed * r "s and I l &ed $er and s$e ! re +y %$ildren/E EC$ildren' Ge r)eG 3$ere are #$eyGE EBein) (ell %ared * r/ I a+ ass"red * #$is' !"# I d n # see #$e+
n (/ T$ey are )r (in) # ld/ I# ( "ld n # !e sa*e/ B"# I 2n ( #$ey are (ell %ared * r/ T$a# is #a2en ) d %are */E T$ere (as silen%e ($ile C$arl ##e #$ ")$# * $er li##le n"rsery and % +.ared i# (i#$ #$a# * an #$er .resided &er !y a ( +an /// #$e + s# !ea"#i*"l $e $ad e&er seen' a ( +an ($ +erely $ad # si# in a s$ . (ind ( # +a2e $i+ *all in l &e (i#$ $er and ris2 all s r#s * dan)er # !e (i#$ $er/ Very di**eren# #$a# +"s# $a&e !een *r + +arryin) a .lain .rin%ess ($ $ad !een %$ sen * r $i+/ B"# i# (as &er/ I# (as * #$e .as# and n ( $e (as 2in) (i#$ a B"een and #( s ns and an #$er %$ild n #$e (ay/ -$e # ld $i+ #$is )en#ly/ EYes' i# is &er' !"# i# $a"n#s +e' C$arl ##e/ I #$in2 * $er /// 3$a# +"s# s$e $a&e #$ ")$# * +e /// * r all (in) i#/// G And in +y $ear# I 2ne( s$e (asn'# dead/E -$e lis#ened # #$e in% $eren# *an#as#i% s# ry * $ ( $e $ad ) ne # #$e $ "se /// #$eir $ "se in Islin)# n /// and * "nd #$a# s$e (as n l n)er #$ere/ -$e and #$e %$ildren $ad disa..eared/ T$e s# ry #$ey $ad # ld $i+ (as #$a# s$e $ad died and !een !"ried and #$e %$ildren (ere !ein) #a2en %are */ ET$ey s$ (ed +e $er )ra&e' C$arl ##e/ B"# i# $ad an #$er na+e &er i#/ T$ey %$ea#ed +e/ T$ey # ld +e s$e (as dead /// and I 2ne( in +y $ear# #$a# s$e (as n #/ I# (as a ridi%"l "s s# ry/ T$ey $ad !"ried $er "nder an #$er na+e # a& id s%andal' #$ey said/ I s$ "ld $a&e as2ed B"es#i ns' !"# I didn'#' C$arl ##e // / !e%a"se I 2ne( in +y $ear# // / And I "nders# d ($a# i# ( "ld +ean/ I (as #$e 1in) and I $ad +arried #$e linen dra.er's nie%e/E EMarriedFE s$e %ried a)$as#/ He n dded/ E3e (en# #$r ")$ a * r+ * +arria)e/ -$e (as already +arried # Isaa% A0* rd' !"# s$e said #$a# (as n #r"e +arria)e and $e #$ ")$# s # * r $e $ad +arried a)ain/ I# (as ne&er % ns"++a#ed/ -$e ran a(ay a*#er #$e %ere+ ny /// ran a(ay # +e/E EMarriedFE re.ea#ed C$arl ##e/ EI# sa#is*ied $er/ -$e #$ ")$# s$e (as near dea#$/ I# (as a*#er #$e %$ild (as ! rn /// #$e las# ne /// and s$e *eared #$e (ei)$# * sin/
- I +arried $er // / and #$a# +ade $er $a..ier/ -$e (as n l n)er a*raid # die/E He $ad %l sed $is eyesD #$e #ellin) $ad e0$a"s#ed $i+ +en#ally and .$ysi%ally/ He see+ed # slee. and s$e sa# !y $is !ed' #$in2in): EMarried I - #$ey (en# #$r ")$ a * r+ * +arria)eFE C$arl ##e % "ld n # slee. * r #$in2in) * #$e s#ran)e % n*essi n $er $"s!and $ad +ade # $er/ 3$en s$e $ad #ried # !r a%$ #$e s"!4e%# a)ain $e $ad l 2ed a# $er % ldly as #$ ")$ $e did n # 2n ( ($a# s$e (as #al2in) a! "#/ A )rea# *ear %a+e # $er #$en/ 3as $e .re#endin) #$a# $e did n # 2n ( r $ad $e really !een "na(are * ($a# $e $ad said # $erG He (as a%#in) &ery s#ran)ely/ T$ere (ere #i+es ($en $e see+ed !e+"sed/ He $ad %$an)ed in #$e las# (ee2s/ C "ld i# !e #$e res"l# * #$e in* r+a#i n $e $ad re%ei&ed a! "# Hanna$ Li)$# * #'s dea#$G 3$ $ad # ld $i+G -$e i+a)ined a le##er arri&in) *r + Hanna$ $ersel*' !e))in) $i+ # l 2 a*#er #$eir %$ildren as s$e (as dyin)/ 3as #$a# n # ($a# any + #$er ( "ld d G And Ge r)e $ad a%#"ally ) ne #$r ")$ a %ere+ ny * +arria)e (i#$ Hanna$ Li)$# * #/ - #$a# (eddin) %ere+ ny !e, !e#(een $ersel* and Ge r)e in #$e C$a.el R yal .er* r+ed !y #$e Ar%$!is$ . * Can#er!"ry (as n # #$e *irs# Ge r)e $ad "nder) ne/ -$e #$ ")$# s$e *el# #$e %$ild + &e (i#$in $er and (i#$ #$a# a *ain#ness %a+e # $er' * r (i#$ #$e + &e+en# * #$e %$ild $ad % +e a #$ ")$#/ I* Ge r)e $ad !een +arried !e* re and #$a# +arria)e * $is $ad !een le)al' #$en $e (as n # +arried # $er' C$arl ##eD and li##le Ge r)e and Fred (ere ille)i#i+a#e and s (as #$e %$ild s$e %arried in $er ( +!/ -$e %l"#%$ed #$e #a!le/ N ' s$e #$ ")$#/ I# is i+. ssi!le/ T$a# % "ld n # !e #r"e /// n # * #$e 8"een * En)land/ B"# #$e d "!# .ersis#ed/ I# $a"n#ed $er/ I# see+ed # $er #$a# e&ery($ere s$e (en# Hanna$ Li)$# * # (as + %2in) $er/ EI (as $is #r"e (i*e/ - +e %$ild $idden a(ay s +e($ere in #$e % "n#ry is #$e #r"e 1in) * En)land' n # y "r li##le Ge r)e ($ + #$ey %all #$e Prin%e * 3ales/E
I# (as "n!eara!le/ -$e % "ld n # end"re i#/ -$e' C$arl ##e' Prin%ess * Me%2len!"r),-#reli#7' !r ")$# # En)land # !e #$e 1in)'s % n%"!ine' $er %$ildren !as#ards/ O$' n F I# (as a ni)$#+are/ Ye# $e $ad # ld $er * #$a# +arria)e/ My G d' s$e #$ ")$#' I s$all ne&er !e sa*e/ My %$ildren (ill ne&er !e sa*e/ In #$e years # % +e s +e y "n) +an % "ld .resen# $i+sel* # #$e G &ern+en#' # #$e Ar%$!is$ .' and say: EI a+ #$e #r"e 1in) * En)land/E T$ere ( "ld !e d %"+en#s /// -$e +"s# *ind "#/ -$e #ried # #al2 # Ge r)e/ EY " +"s# #ell +e #$e #r"#$/ 3e %ann # le# #$is +a##er res#/E EHanna$ is dead'E $e said/ EI $a&e e&iden%e * #$a# n (/ -$e (as n # !e* re' !"# s$e is dead n (/E EB"# y " (ere +arried # $er/E EI# (as n # a #r"e +arria)e/E E3$y n #G 3$y n #GE E-$e (as +arried !e* re/E EB"# s$e #$ ")$# #$a# (as n # a #r"e +arria)e/E EI# (as a# a Marria)e Mill ($i%$ (as ille)al/E ET$en ///E EI# (as de%lared ille)al' !"# #$e la( $ad n # !een en#ered in #$e s#a#"#e ! 2 a# #$a# #i+e/ I# (as a *e( + n#$s la#er/ T$a# (as ($y s$e #$ ")$# i# (as ille)al/E EI# *ri)$#ens +e/E ED n'# #$in2 * i#/ D n'# s.ea2 * i#/E EB"# ($a# i* i# (ere a #r"e +arria)eG T$en I a+ n # y "r (i*e/ 3$a# * "r s ns // / 3$a# * #$e+G 3$a# i* #$ey say #$a# Ge r)e' #$e Prin%e * 3ales' is a !as#ard GE
E-# .'E %ried #$e 1in)/ EI# is dri&in) +e +ad/E And s i# see+ed/ His d %# rs (ere an0i "s/ T$e ras$ $ad !r 2en "# n $is %$es# and $e $ad a *e&er/ T$ey ."r)ed $i+ and $e (as a li##le !e##er/ C$arl ##e (as $ ll (,eyed # / T$e .e .le * #$e C "r# said: ET$e 8"een is an0i "s a! "# #$e 1in)/ He %er#ainly see+s # $a&e a s#ran)e illness/E C$arl ##e #$ ")$#' (e +"s# d s +e#$in)/ I* (e (ere n # #r"ly +arried !e* re #$en (e +"s# !e +arried n (/ B"# $ (G I* #$ey ann "n%ed #$a# #$ey ( "ld !e +arried a)ain #$ere ( "ld !e i++edia#e ) ssi. and s%andal/ T$ se ($ $ad ( ndered a! "# #$e Hanna$ Li)$# * # s# ry ( "ld !e)in # s.ea2 * i# as a *a%#/ N #$in) % "ld !e + re dan)er "s/ C$arl ##e % "ld n # #$in2 %learly i* #$e 1in) (as in%a.a!le * d in) s / T$e na+e * Hanna$ Li)$# * # +"s# ne&er !e +en#i ned a# C "r# i* s$e % "ld $el. i#/ T$ se %$ildren +"s# ne&er 2n ( ($ #$eir *a#$er (as/ A )rea# (r n) +i)$# $a&e !een d ne # Hanna$ and $er %$ildren' and C$arl ##e and $ers' !"# silen%e (as #$e !es# (ay # ri)$# i#/ -$e +"s# s.ea2 # Ge r)e/ -$e +"s# dis% &er + reD s$e +"s# *ind a (ay "# * #$is di**i%"l#y i* n # * r $er (n sa2e * r #$a# * #$ se #( ! ys in $er n"rsery and #$e ne ($ ( "ld !e ! rn la#er #$is year/ Al ne in #$eir !edr + s$e said # $i+' EI +"s# #al2 * #$is/ I *ear i# ".se#s y "' !"# I $a&e "r %$ildren # #$in2 */E Ge r)e (as +"#e' $is *ea#"res se# in lines * a!4e%# +elan%$ ly/ E3$ .er* r+ed #$e %ere+ ny ($en y " +arried Hanna$ Li)$# * EDr/ 3il+ #'E $e said/ EDr/ 3il+ #FE T$e na+e (as n # "n*a+iliar/ He $ad !een ne * #$e C "r# %$a.lains/ -$e +"s# dis% &er + re * #$is +an/ 3$ile s$e . ndered #$is an idea %a+e # $er/ 3$a# i* s$e arran)ed an #GE
en#er#ain+en# /// a % "r# en#er#ain+en# and #$ere (as a +asB"e in ($i%$ #( .e .le (ere +arried/ I# % "ld see+ li2e a + %2 %ere+ ny' !"# #$ey % "ld say #$e ne%essary ( rds/ E&ery#$in) #$a# (as essen#ial % "ld !e .er* r+ed/ And #$e #( %$ie* .layers ( "ld !e #$e 1in) and 8"een/ I# (as *an#as#i%D !"# #$en s (as #$e ($ le s# ry/ A +asB"e // / ($en nei#$er s$e n r #$e 1in) %ared * r +asB"es/ 3$y n # a B"ie# %ere+ ny in #$e %$a.el a# 1e(G N / 8"ie# %ere+ nies $ad a (ay * !ein) dis% &ered/ T$a# ( "ld +a2e i# # seri "s/ A +asB"e (as #$e idea (i#$ e&ery ne l 2in) n /// and $ersel* and #$e 1in) and #$e .ries# // / dis)"ised in a d +in / T$e idea (as * r+in) s$a.e/ I# is #$e nly (ay' s$e #$ ")$#/ Dr/ 3il+ # s$ "ld !e #$e .ries#/ 3$ + else % "ld s$e #r"s#G He 2ne( * #$e +arria)e s #$ere* re #$ere ( "ld !e n ne else in #$e se%re#/ And #$en s$e % "ld !e s"re #$a# s$e (as +arried # #$e 1in)' i* nly a# #$is la#e da#e/ And i* Ge r)e and Fred (ere !as#ards' #$e ne( %$ild ( "ld n # !e/ EA *e#e/ A C "r# +asB"e I' T$e ( rds (ere ($is.ered in as# nis$+en#/ ET$e 8"een is !ein) )ay a# las#/ 3$ ( "ld $a&e !elie&ed i#/// and an #$er li##le ne n #$e (ay I' T$e 8"een $ad ann "n%ed #$a# s$e and #$e 1in) (ere de&isin) a s.e%#a%le in ($i%$ #$ey (ere ) in) # .lay a .r +inen# .ar#/ T$e #$e+e ( "ld !e #$e )l ri*i%a#i n * +arria)e/ ET$a# s "nds a li##le + re li2e #$e+'E )rinned Eli7a!e#$ C$"dlei)$ # #$e *ri& l "s Mar%$i ness/ EI'll s(ear #$ere'll !e .rayers and $y+ns * .raise/ And #$en (e s$all all $a&e # de%lare "rsel&es ready # * ll ( #$e ) d e0a+.le * % n4")al !liss se# !y #$eir Ma4es#ies/E -#ill' a *e#e (as a *e#e and e&ery ne a)reed #$a# any *e#e (as !e##er #$an n ne a# all/ T$e 1in) $ad !een 2ee.in) # $is a.ar#+en#s la#ely and (as seein) &ery li##le * .e .le' e&en $is +inis#ers/ T$ey * "nd $i+ a!s#ra%#ed and $is !e$a&i "r a li##le dd/ T$e Prin%ess D (a)er # ld L rd B"#e ($en $e %a+e # $er B"ie#ly in a %l sed %arria)e #$a# s$e (as an0i "s a! "# Ge r)e' ($ (as !e$a&in)
s#ran)ely/ -$e (as s"re #$is a!s"rd *e#e (as C$arl ##e's idea and #$a# #$ey ( "ld $a&e # !e e&en + re (a#%$*"l * $er/E E-$e is .re)nan#'E B"#e re+inded #$e Prin%ess' 'and .re)nan# ( +en )e# dd *an%ies/E T$e Prin%ess )r"n#ed/ E3e'll !e (a#%$*"l'E s$e said/ EMada+ C$arl ##e % "ld )e# "# * $and/E On #$e e&enin) * #$e *e#e #$ere (as a !anB"e# and dan%in)D and a #r ".e * dan%ers dressed as !rides and #$eir )r +s .er* r+ed !e* re #$e % +.any/ T$e $i)$li)$# * #$e e&enin) (as ($en #$e 1in) and 8"een s#andin) n a dais a.ar# *r + #$e res# * #$e % +.any a%#"ally (en# #$r ")$ a * r+ * +arria)e (i#$ ne * #$e % +.any dis)"ised as a .ries#/ T$ere (as s +e s"r.rise #$a# #$is (as % nsidered in ) d #as#e sin%e #$e ( rds * #$e +arria)e %ere+ ny (ere a%#"ally s. 2en/ EP r Ge r)e'E (as #$e % ++en#' '$e $as n $"+ "r a# all i* $e #$in2s #$is is #$e (ay # a+"se $is )"es#s/ As * r C$arl ##e' s$e's as !ad /// r e&en ( rse/ A d"ll .air/E T$e 1in) and 8"een sa# a.ar# *r + #$eir )"es#s ! #$ l 2in) s le+n/ Eli7a!e#$ C$"dlei)$ % ++en#ed: EN ( i* (e $ad #$e ld ."##in),#$e,.air,# ,!ed %ere+ ny #$a# ( "ld enli&en #$in)s a li##le/E B"# * % "rse #$ere (ere n s"%$ *ri& li#ies a# #$e C "r# * Ge r)e and C$arl ##e/ T$e dd #$in) (as #$a# #$ey s$ "ld $a&e #$ ")$# # en#er#ain #$e % +.any !y a + %2 +arria)e !e#(een #$e + s# s# lidly +arried % ".le in #$e 2in)d +/ T$e % +.any dan%ed and *eas#ed a)ain and * r) # #$e ddi#ies * #$e 1in) and 8"een/ And C$arl ##e a# leas# *el# % +* r#ed !y #$a# e&enin)'s en#er#ain+en#/ 3$en a *e( days la#er Mr/ Ge r)e Gren&ille %alled n #$e 1in) $e * "nd Ge r)e si##in) a# $is des2' $is $ead in $is $and' and $e re*"sed #
l 2 ". ($en Gren&ille en#ered/ EY "r Ma4es#y // /E !e)an Gren&illeD !"# s#ill #$e 1in) sa# #$ere/ EIs any#$in) (r n)GGe r)e l (ered $is $andsD $is *a%e (as &ery redD and s"ddenly $e !"rs# in# #ears/ EY "r Ma4es#y is ill/E Ge r)e did n # deny i#/ Gren&ille i++edia#ely sen# * r #$e 1in)'s d %# rs/ T$e d %# rs (ere in % ns"l#a#i n (i#$ Gren&ille and a *e( * #$e 1in)'s # . +inis#ers/ E3$a# ails $i+GE as2ed Gren&ille/ EHis +ind see+s # !e a**e%#ed/ He d es n # s.ea2 % $eren#lyD $e is &er% +e !y s +e s r# * +elan%$ ly' s +e "nna#"ral *ear * disas#er/E EG d G d'E %ried Gren&ille/
EY " d n'# +ean $e's +ad/E EHe is de%idedly dis#"r!ed'E said -ir 3illia+ D"n%an' ne * #$e %$ie* d %# rs/ ET$is is disas#er/ T$e Prin%e * 3ales is n # ye# #$ree/ I# (ill +ean a Re)en%y/E EC +e' sir/ Y " ) # *as#/ He $as a &i len# %$ill' and #$ere is a ras$ n $is %$es#/ T$is +ay !e #$e deliri"+ * .assin) *e&er/E Gren&ille l 2ed relie&ed/ EB"# #$is +"s# !e 2e.# a se%re# "n#il (e are s"re/E T$e d %# rs a)reed (i#$ #$isD and Gren&ille said #$a# ei#$er #$e 8"een r #$e Prin%ess D (a)er s$ "ld !e in* r+ed' and .er$a.s #$ey s$ "ld %$ se #$e Prin%ess D (a)er as #$e 8"een (as .re)nan#/ T$e Prin%ess (as s#"nned/ ET$is is #erri!le'E s$e %ried/
EGe r)e // / deran)ed // / and #$e Prin%e n # ye# #$ree years ld/ Lea&e +e/ I (ill see y " la#er/ I +"s# #$in2 a! "# #$is/E And as s n as s$e (as al ne s$e sen# an "r)en# +essa)e # L rd B"#e/
He %a+e a# n%e' and s$e # ld $i+ ($a# #$e d %# rs $ad # ld $er/ EHe $as !een a%#in) s#ran)ely la#ely/ 3$a# d es C$arl ##e sayGE EC$arl ##e d es n # 2n (/ T$e ne(s (as !r ")$# # +e and I $a&e )i&en rders #$a# s$e s$all n # !e # ld/E EB"# s$e is #$e 8"een/E T$e Prin%ess s$r"))ed $er s$ "lders/ EI# is !e##er #$a# s$e d es n # 2n (' "n#il (e $a&e de%ided ($a# s$ "ld !e d ne/ I $a&e said #$a# !e%a"se * $er % ndi#i n i# is !e##er * r $er # !e # ld #$a# #$e 1in) is s"**erin) *r + a %$ill and a *e&er and n ne !"# $is d %# rs +"s# !e (i#$ $i+ * r *ear i# is % n#a)i "s/E B"#e (as s#r"%2 !y $er %al+/ -$e did n # (as#e #i+e n sy+.a#$y * r #$e 1in)/ -$e (as i++edia#ely .lannin) ($a# e**e%# $is illness ( "ld $a&e n #$e Cr (n' and ($ ( "ld !e a# $and # !e% +e #$e . (er in #$e land/ T$e Prin%ess D (a)er (as de#er+ined #$a# s$e s$ "ld !e #$e ne/ T$ere* re #$e 8"een (as a +ena%e' and #$e 8"een s$ "ld !e 2e.# in #$e dar2/ EI s$all )i&e rders a# n%e'E s$e said' '#$a# C$arl ##e s$all n # !e # ld #$e na#"re * $is illnessD + re &er' I s$all ens"re #$a# C$arl ##e d es n # see $i+/E A# Ri%$+ nd (i#$ $er %$ildren C$arl ##e re%ei&ed a +essa)e *r + $er + #$er,in,la( ($i%$ # ld $er #$a# #$e 1in) (as s"**erin) *r + a &i len# %$ill and *e&er/ T$e d %# rs !elie&ed #$a# #$e 8"een s$ "ld n # &isi# $i+ as i# +i)$# !e in*e%#i "s and s$e $ad #$e %$ild s$e (as %arryin) # % nsider/ -$e ( "ld !e 2e.# in* r+ed/ C$arl ##e #$ ")$#: I# is all #$is an0ie#y/ T$e !i%2erin) +inis#ers' #$e #erri!le la+. ns a! "# $is + #$er and $er l &er/ B"# in $er $ear# s$e 2ne( i# (as lar)ely d"e # #$e Hanna$ Li)$# * # a**air/ B"# (e are +arried n (' s$e #$ ")$#/ And e&en i* Ge r)e and Frederi%2 are !as#ards #$e %$ildren (e $a&e in #$e *"#"re (ill n # !e/
D"rin) #$e (ee2s #$a# * ll (ed C$arl ##e (as in a s#a#e * an0ie#yD a# #i+es s$e #$ ")$# * i)n rin) #$e Prin%ess's rders and ) in) # see #$e 1in) # #ell $i+ n # # ( rry/ T$ey (ere +arried n ( * r #$a# ($i%$ $ad #a2en .la%e "nder #$e )"ise * a +asB"e (as a #r"e %ere+ ny/ -$e $ad Dr/ 3il+ #'s ass"ran%e n i#/ He +"s# * r)e# #$e .as#D $e +"s# ne&er ) # see $is s n !y Hanna$ Li)$# * #D $e +"s# * r)e# #$a# indis%re#i n * $is y "#$ and all ( "ld !e (ell/ -$e (en# # $er n"rsery # see #$e %$ildren/ Y "n) Ge r)e' a &ery $ands +e %$ild' (as already a(are * $is i+. r#an%e/ He 2ne( $e (as Prin%e * 3ales and $is n"rses (ere ind"l)en# # $i+ and $e $ad already !een in* r+ed #$a# $e ( "ld ne day !e 2in)/ He (as s !ri)$#' s .re% %i "s' s in#eres#ed in e&ery#$in) ,a .er*e%# ! y/ E3$ere is Pa.aGE $e as2ed/ E3$y d es $e n # % +e # see +eP' EHe (ill' +y darlin)/ As s is a!le/E n as $e
T$e li##le ! y #$ ")$# i# s#ran)e #$a# $is *a#$er s$ "ld !e s dila# ry in )i&in) $i+sel* #$e .leas"re * seein) #$e li##le Prin%e * 3ales ($ + e&ery ne ad red/ - +e($ere' #$ ")$# C$arl ##e' #$ere is an #$er ! y' ($ +ay !e %allin) $i+sel* #$e Prin%e * 3ales/ B"# n ' $e ( "ld n # dareF Hanna$ ( "ld $a&e seen # #$a#/ -$e $ad !een a sensi!le ( +an and s$e +"s# $a&e l &ed Ge r)e # )i&e $i+ ". as s$e did/ -$e #ried # s #$e $ersel*' !"# as #$e (ee2s .assed' s$e !e)an # *eel a..re$ensi&e a! "# #$e na#"re * Ge r)e's illness sin%e s$e (as n # all (ed # see $i+/ T$e 1in)'s $eal#$ i+.r &ed and C$arl ##e (as (i#$ $i+ a)ain/ -$e (as s$ %2ed !y #$e %$an)e in $i+/ His y "#$ $ad ) ne * r e&er/ He $ad a ner& "s (ay * s.ea2in)' re.ea#in) sen#en%es and as2in) i+.a#ien#ly E3$a#G 3$a#GE !e* re ne $ad #i+e # ans(er/ C$arl ##e #al2ed # $i+ * #$e %$ildren and #$a# % +* r#ed $i+ # s +e e0#en#/ -$e said n # a ( rd * #$e +asB"e and #$e %ere+ ny #$r ")$ ($i%$ #$ey $ad ) ne/ -$e de#er+ined #$a# ne&er a)ain i* s$e % "ld $el. i# ( "ld s$e +en#i n Hanna$ Li)$# * #'s na+e/ Hanna$ (as deadD C$arl ##e and Ge r)e $ad !een re+arried $ (e&er ddly and e&en #$ ")$ C$arl ##e re*"sed # ad+i# #$a# #$a# se% nd s#ran)e %ere+ ny $ad !een ne%essary s$e (as &ery relie&ed #$a# i# $ad #a2en .la%e/
Ge r)e B"**ered de.ressi ns/ He !elie&ed #$a# e&ery ne (as a)ains# $i+/ He (r #e # L rd B"#e: E&eryday I +ee# (i#$ s +e ins"l#/ I $a&e !een in a *e&er // / My &ery slee. is n # *ree *r + #$in2in) * #$e +en I daily see /// E0%"se #$e in% $eren%y * +y le##ers/ B"# a +ind "l%era#ed !y #$e #rea#+en# i# +ee#s (i#$ *r + all ar "nd i# is #$e #r"e %a"se * i#/ 3$en B"#e re%ei&ed #$is le##er $e (as dis#"r!ed/ In #$e *irs# .la%e #$e *a%# #$a# Ge r)e $ad (ri##en # $i+ see+ed # i+.ly #$a# $e $ad * r) ##en #$e !rea2 in #$eir *riends$i. and !elie&ed $i+sel* # !e !a%2 in #$e ld days * % n*iden%e/ He #al2ed # #$e Prin%ess a! "# i# and #$ey (ere &ery dis#"r!ed/ B"# d"rin) a + +en# * in#ense %lari#y #$e 1in) de%ided #$a# $e +i)$# a# s +e #i+e !e% +e "n*i# # ) &ern and #$a# i# (as ne%essary # !rin) in# * r%e a Re)en%y Bill/ He % ns"l#ed Bla%2,s# ne #$e a"#$ ri#y n la( ($ # ld $i+ #$a# a ne( A%# ( "ld n # !e ne%essary as #$e .resen# A%# deal# (i#$ all . ssi!ili#ies/ In #$e e&en# * $is dyin) r !e% +in) "na!le # ) &ern #$e Prin%ess D (a)er ( "ld a"# +a#i%ally !e% +e Re)en#/ Ge r)e said: EMy + #$er is n l n)er y "n)/E And $e #$ ")$#: -$e and L rd B"#e ( "ld r"le # )e#$er and nei#$er * #$e+ is %a.a!le * i#/ EN 'E $e (en# n' EI (is$ # in#r d"%e a ne( Re)en%y Bill and I (ill na+e +y Re)en# and i# s$all !e a se%re# "n#il I all ( i# # !e 2n (n/E Bla%2s# ne said #$a# #$is (as a +a##er * r $i+ # dis%"ss (i#$ $is +inis#ers and #$e 1in) $as#ily %alled #$e+ # )e#$er # #ell #$e+ * $is de%isi n/ A*#er +"%$ dis%"ssi n #$e Bill (as .assed ($i%$ ( "ld e+. (er #$e 1in)' in %ase * $is dea#$ r in%a.a%i#y' # na+e #$e Re)en#' li+i#in) #$e %$ i%e # #$e 8"een r +e+!ers * $is (n *a+ily/ T C$arl ##e li*e $ad !e% +e alar+in)/ -$e (as n # s"re ($a# (as ) in) # $a..en ne0#/ T$e illness * #$e 1in)' and $is s#ran)e !e$a&i "r ($i%$ % n#in"ed in#er+i##en#ly ( rried $er/ And s$e 2ne( #$a# in #$e s#ree#s #$ere (ere ($is.ers a! "# #$e 1in)'s s#ran)e +alady/
B"# as #$e (ee2s .assed $e )re( !e##erD and in A")"s# in B"%2in)$a+ H "se s$e )a&e !ir#$ # $er #$ird s n/ He (as %$ris#ened 3illia+D and as s$e $eld $i+ a)ains# $er and re4 i%ed in $is % +in) s$e # ld $ersel* #$a# n ne n ear#$ % "ld say $e (as n # #$e le)i#i+a#e s n * #$e 1in) and 8"een * En)land/ T$e r yal n"rsery In #$e n"rsery a# 1e(' Ge r)e rei)ned s".re+e/ A# * "r years ld $e (as .re% %i "s' %le&er' !ri)$#' a(are * $is i+. r#an%e/ He $eard #$e ser&an#s ($is.erin) a! "# #$e Prin%e * 3ales and $e 2ne( i# (as $i+sel*/ EOne day'E $e ! as#ed # $is !r #$er Frederi%2' EGe r)e #$e Prin%e (ill !e #$e 1in)/E P r Frederi%2 #ried # i+a)ine $ ( a ! y * * "r % "ld !e 2in) and (ear a %r (n/ 3 "ldn'# i# 2ee. sli..in) ** $is $eadG E-illy %$ild'E re# r#ed Ge r)e' EI'll $a&e a !i) $ead #$en/E EG d $el. "s'E said Lady C$arl ##e Fin%$' #$eir ) &erness/ EI#'s !i) en ")$ n (/E Y "n) Ge r)e (as seen s"rre.#i#i "sly # "%$in) $is $ead # see i* i# really (as !i) en ")$ # %arry #$e %r (n/ T$e ser&an#s' (a#%$in)' la")$ed # )e#$er/ EMas#er Ge r)e %an'# (ai#'E #$ey said/ EN # ye# *i&e and i+a)inin) $i+sel* #$e 1in) already/E B"# * % "rse #$ey all l &ed Ge r)e and did n # +ind $is i+.eri "s (ays ne li##le !i#/ He (as s $ands +e (i#$ $is ) lden $air' al+ s# red' and $is %le&er (ay * #al2in)' * r Ge r)e $ad ne&er #al2ed li2e a !a!y/ His !i) !l"e eyes l 2ed serenely n #$e ( rld' 2n (in) #$a# i# (as +ade * r $is !ene*i#/ ET$ere is n # +"%$ * $is *a#$er in $i+'E #$ey said/ Ge r)e en4 yed #$ se rare days ($en $e r de in# L nd n (i#$ $is .aren#s and #$e .e .le %$eered/ T$ere (ere al(ays s.e%ial %$eers * r Ge r)e/ He ( "ld ! ( and (a&e &ery s le+nly !e%a"se i# (as a d"#y * r yal#y )ra%i "sly # a%%e.# #$e .e .le's a%%la+a#i nD and #$e + re ($a# $is n"rses %alled ' ld *as$i ned' $e (as' #$e + re #$e .e .le li2ed i#/ He en4 yed (a#%$in) #$e )"ards *r + #$e (ind (s * -#/ Ja+es's/
EOne' #( ' ne' #( 'E $e ( "ld %all # #$e+D and #$ey ( "ld sal"#e r +ar%$ # $is rders/ E&ery! dy l &ed Ge r)e/ E3$y'E $e as2ed i+.eri "sly * Lady C$arl ##e' '%an'# (e li&e a# -#/ Ja+es's/ T$ere are n s ldiers $ere/E E1e( is !es# * r %$ildren'E re.lied Lady C$arl ##e/ EI a+ n # %$ildren/ I a+ #$e Prin%e * 3ales/E T$en s$e ( "ld 2iss $i+ and say $e (as n # ) in) # le# #$e+ * r)e# #$a#' (as $eG EC "ld y " * r)e#GE $e as2ed in%red"l "sly/ EN # (i#$ y " ar "nd' +y .re%i "s/E T$en $e ( "ld *eel &ery i+. r#an# "n#il s$e said: EN ( ea# ". y "r dinner and n + re .layin) a! "# (i#$ #$a# ni%e *is$/E EI li2e +y +ea# days !es#'E $e % n*ided/ EI d n'# d "!# i#'E re.lied Lady C$arl ##e/ EI li2e +ea# days # 'E ."# in Frederi%2' ($ al(ays li2ed ($a# Ge r)e li2ed/ E3ell' #$is is #$e +en" y "r Pa.a and Ma++a $a&e arran)ed * r y "' s (e +"s# 2ee. # #$a#' +"s#n'# (eG #$er(ise (e s$ "ld !e dis !eyin) #$e 1in)/E E3$en I'+ 2in) I'll ea# +ea# e&ery day/E E- s$all I'E e%$ ed Frederi%2/ E-illy/ Y "'ll ne&er !e 2in)/E Frederi%2 l 2ed as #$ ")$ $e (as ) in) # %ry/ P r li##le Fred' al#$ ")$ nly a year in #i+e se.ara#ed #$e+' Ge r)e see+ed # !e + re #$an #$a# year lder/ ENe&er +ind'E said Lady C$arl ##e' 'ea# ". #$is ni%e *is$ ins#ead/E Frederi%2 all (ed i# # !e s. n % n#e+.#" "sly/ ned in# $is + "#$ ($ile Ge r)e l 2ed
Hea&ens a! &e' #$ ")$# Lady C$arl ##e/ I* #$is is $ ( $e is a# * "r ($a#'ll $e !e li2e a# #en /// a# *i*#een r ei)$#een ($en $e % +es * a)eG T$e 1in) and 8"een (ere "nd "!#edly ri)$# # insis# #$a# #$e %$ildren li&ed si+.ly a# 1e(/ Ge r)e (as ."s$in) $is *is$ a! "# $is .la#e' !rea2in) i# in# li##le !i#s ($i%$ $e # ld Fred (ere s ldiers/ EI#'s *is$ n # s ldiers'E said Lady C$arl ##e' 'and # !e ea#en' n # .layed (i#$/ N ( ea# i# ". r I s$all $a&e # ) and see y "r Pa.a and Ma++a and #ell #$e+ #$a# y " are a na")$#y ! y ($ ( n'# ea# $is *is$/E Ge r)e l 2ed a# Lady C$arl ##e's n"rsery ) (n (i#$ % n#e+.#/ EPray'E $e said' 'are y " (ell dressed en ")$GE Lady C$arl ##e raised s$ %2ed eyes # #$e %eilin)/ EI s$ "ld $a&e #$ ")$#'E (en# n Ge r)e' '#$a# y "r ) (n ( "ld n # !e ) d en ")$ # &isi# #$e 1in) in/ 3$en I a+ 1in) EFis$ is # !e ea#en'E said Lady C$arl ##e/ E- I .ray y " #rea# i# as i# (as +ean# # !e #rea#ed/E T$e Prin%e (as s s#r"%2 (i#$ #$is !ser&a#i n #$a# $e s$ &elled #( + "#$*"ls * *is$ in# $is + "#$ ($ile $e % nsidered i#/ T$en $e re+ar2ed: EI li2e +ea# !es#/E Lady C$arl ##e (as silen#' #$in2in) #$a# #$e 1in) (as a li##le d )+a#i% a! "# #$e %$ildren's * d' * r $e (as s an0i "s #$a# #$ey s$ "ld n # )e# *a#/ He ( "ld % +e in# #$e n"rsery and say: ET +"%$ (ei)$# is n # ) * r #$e+' e$G 3$a#G T +"%$ *a# n # ) d * r #$e+/ 3$a#GE He $ad #al2ed in #$is dd (ay sin%e $is illness' re.ea#in) $is sen#en%es and ."##in) #$e+ in #$e * r+ * B"es#i ns ($i%$ (ere n # +ean# # !e ans(ered/ Per$a.s $e (as ri)$#' !"# Lady C$arl ##e ( "ld n # $a&e .ared all #$e *a# *r + #$e %$ildren's +ea#/ Brea2*as# (as a dis$ % n#ainin) #( #$irds +il2 and ne * #ea' n # &ery (ell s(ee#ened' and # as# (i#$ "# !"##er/ Dinner ($i%$ (as #a2en a#' #$ree in #$e a*#ern n and s"..er a# $al* .as# ei)$# % nsis#ed * s ".' "s"ally %lear and ne&er *a##y' lean +ea# I n +ea# daysJ (i#$ %lear )ra&y and )reens/ T$ey (ere en% "ra)ed # ea# as +"%$ * #$e )reens as #$ey % "ld' and ($en #$ey d
$ad *is$ #$ey (ere n # all (ed !"##er (i#$ i#/ T$ey ( "ld $a&e *r"i# #ar# *r + ($i%$ #$e .as#ry $ad !een re+ &ed s #$a# i# % "ld s%ar%ely !e %alled *r"i# #ar# a# all/ On T$"rsdays and -"ndays #$ey +i)$# ea# an i%e and %$ se #$e *la& "r/ I# (as a si+.le die# and i* any ne B"es#i ned #$e (isd + * i#' #$e 1in) ( "ld say: ET$ey l 2 $eal#$y n i#' e$G 3$a#G Are y " s"))es#in) #$e Prin%es are n # $eal#$y' e$G 3$a#GE And e&ery ne $ad # a)ree #$a# #$e li##le ! ys (i#$ #$eir .in2 *a%es and !ri)$# !l"e eyes did indeed l 2 $eal#$y/ EN ( % +e'E said Lady C$arl ##e' 'a*#er dinner (e are ) in) # &isi# #$e 1in) and 8"een/E Y "n) Ge r)e (as l 2in) a# $er ) (n and s$e said (i#$ a la")$: EHa&e n *ear/ I s$all %$an)e +y ) (n/E T$a# see+ed # % n#en# #$e ! y and $e #"rned $is a##en#i n # #$e .la#e * *r"i# .ie +in"s .ie%r"s# ($i%$ $ad !een .la%ed !e* re $i+/ C$arl ##e sa# in #$e (ind ( a# #$e L d)e (ai#in) * r #$e 1in)'s re#"rn/ EHe s$ "ld !e $ere s n'E s$e said # -%$(ellen!"r) in En)lis$' * r s$e $ad insis#ed #$a# #$ey al(ays s.ea2 En)lis$' !e%a"se i# (as #$e nly (ay * +a2in) any .r )ress in #$a# di**i%"l# lan)"a)e/ EHe (ill n # (is$ # !e la#e * r #$e %$ildren/E E3ill n # !e'E +"##ered -%$(ellen!"r) ($ s$ (ed $er % n#e+.# * r #$e lan)"a)e !y ($a# see+ed li2e deli!era#e +al#rea#+en#/ EI #$in2 #$e 1in) is l 2in) !e##er'E (en# n C$arl ##e' )a7in) an0i "sly a# -%$(ellen!"r)' !"# #$a# lady +erely )r"n#ed/ T$e 8"een .i%2ed ". $er e+!r idery/ T$e illness (as &er' and #$e 1in) (as (ell a)ainD nly i# $ad !een dis#ressin) ($ile i# las#ed/ I# (as *ri)$#enin) ($en .e .le ne 2ne( s"ddenly see+ed # l se #$eir .ers nali#ies' ($en #$ey )a7ed a# y " (i#$' "# re% )ni#i n/ -$e s$i&ered/ F r a #i+e s$e $ad #$ ")$# $e $ad l s# $is reas n/ Did $e #$in2 s # G He $ad (an#ed #$e Re)en%y Bill .assed #$r ")$ a*#er(ards' s #$e #$ ")$# +ay $a&e % +e in# $is +ind/ B"# $e is (ell n (' s$e #$ ")$#D e&en #$ ")$ -%$(ellen!"r) ( "ld n #
ad+i# i#/ All (as (ell/ T$ree ! ys in #$e n"rsery / and #$ere ( "ld !e + re %$ildren' s$e (as s"re/ H ( s$e I l n)ed * r a li##le )irlF Ne0# #i+e' s$e .r +ised $ersel*D and s$e * r) # #$e 1in)'s / illness/ - n i# ( "ld !e #i+e * r #$eir ) &erness # !rin) #$e #( elder ! ys # #$eir .aren#s/ T$e 1in) ( "ld re#"rn and #$ey ( "ld $a&e a .leasan# li##le *a+ily .ar#y' (i#$ y "n) Ge r)e s"r.risin) and deli)$#in) #$e+ !y $is .re% %i "s (ays and $is $eal#$y l 2s/ I* s$e % "ld * r)e# #$e 1in)'s illness and #$e slyness * #$e Prin%ess D (a)er in #ryin) # 2ee. $er in #$e dar2' s$e % "ld !e $a..y/ T$e 1in) (as (i#$ #$e 8"een ($en #$e Prin%es arri&ed (i#$ Lady C$arl ##e Fin%$/ EHa'E said #$e 1in)/ E- $ere is +y *a+ily' e$G 3$a#GE Prin%e Ge r)e l 2ed a# $is *a#$er (i#$ s le+n eyes/ E3$y d y " n # (ear y "r %r (n' Pa.aGE EI# is n # # !e ( rn ($en +y %$ildren % +e # see +e/E EB"# I ( "ld li2e # see i#/ I ( "ld li2e # (ear i#/E T$e 8"een la")$ed and l 2ed a# #$e 1in)' ($ s+iled/ -"%$ a .re% %i "s li##le *ell (/ T$ey % "ldn'# $el. !ein) .r "d * $i+/ EFrederi%2 (is$es # say s +e#$in)'E said #$e 8"een/ E3$a# is i#' +y .e#GE EI# // / i# // /E !e)an Frederi%2 and (as &er% +e (i#$ % n*"si n/ Y "n) Ge r)e l 2ed % n#e+.#" "sly a# $is !r #$er' !"# C$arl ##e said B"i%2ly: EFrederi%2 +eans #$a# i# is # !i) * r y "r li##le $ead' Ge r)e/ 3$y' i# ( "ld sli. &er y "r *a%e and y " ( "ldn'# !e a!le # see a #$in)/E EI ( "ldn'# +ind'E said Ge r)e/ EI'd *ed/E He s#re#%$ed "# $is $ands as #$ ")$ .layin) !lind +an's !"** and ran la")$in) r "nd #$e r +/
Lady C$arl ##e ($is.ered # Ge r)e' "neasily' and $e #"rned and )rinned a# $er' re+indin) $er !y a l 2 #$a# s$e $ad n . (er &er $i+ in #$e .resen%e * $is .aren#s/ ELady C$arl ##e is (arnin) y "' Ge r)e'E said #$e 1in)/ EY " +"s# !ey $er/ -$e is y "r ) &erness' e$G 3$a#GE E3$a#G 3$a#GE %ried y "n) Ge r)e and !e)an # la")$ and %a.er r "nd #$e r + s#ill *as#er/ ELady C$arl ##e' I .ray y " !rin) #$e Prin%e # +e'E said #$e 8"een/ Lady C$arl ##e %a")$# #$e ! y's $and and $e l 2ed a# $er +is%$ie& "sly and ($is.ered : E3$a#G 3$a#GE ET$e Prin%e'E said #$e 8"een % n&ersa#i nally # #$e 1in)' 'is a li##le # *"ll * $i)$ s.iri#s/E Frederi%2 (an#ed # say s +e#$in) and (as #"))in) a# $is + #$er's s2ir#s/ E3$a# is i#' +y .e#GE EA+iGE E3$a#'s #$a#GE as2ed #$e 1in)/ E3$a#G 3$a#GE %ried y "n) Ge r)e' al+ s# %$ 2in) (i#$ la")$#er/ ETell y "r Pa.a ($a# y " +ean' +y dear'E said #$e 8"een/ E-$all I $a&e s.iri#s # GE Frederi%2 (an#ed # 2n (/ EYes' +y dear' !"# n # s +any as Ge r)e ($i%$ (ill s$ ( #$a# y " !e$a&e !e##er #$an $e d es/E Y "n) Ge r)e (as as# nis$ed and Frederi%2 ela#ed/ T$e 8"een said: EN ( % +e $ere' Ge r)e' and #ell +e $ ( y " are )e##in) n (i#$ y "r less ns/E Ge r)e' a li##le s"!d"ed' ( nderin) a! "# $is $i)$ s.iri#s' lis#ened # Lady C$arl ##e #ellin) $is + #$er $ ( !ri)$# $e (as ($en $e a..lied $i+sel*/ T$e 1in) lis#ened )ra&ely and #$e li##le ! ys (ere a(are * #$e s le+ni#y * #$e %%asi n/
Ge r)e +"s# ( r2 $arder/ He +"s# lis#en # ($a# $e (as # ld/ He +"s# !ey $is ) &erness' $is n"rses' $is + #$er and *a#$er' * r $e (as a*#er all nly a li##le ! y/ EB"# Prin%e * 3ales'E $e # ld #$e+ slyly/ EY "r Pa.a is #$e 1in) and $e al(ays lis#ens # e&ery! dy' #$a# is ($y $e is a ) d 2in)/ Are y " ) in) # !e a ) d Prin%e * 3alesGE EI'd ra#$er !e a ) d 2in)'E said #$e irres. nsi!le Prin%e/
EY " +"s# *irs# !e a ) d .rin%e'E #$e 8"een # ld $i+D and lis#enin)' #$e 1in) *el# an e+ #i n risin) (i#$in $i+D s$e (as a ) d + #$er and ) d (i*eD and #$ere (as s +e#$in) a! "# $er ($i%$ +ade $i+ ( nder/ C "ld s$e !e .re)nan# a)ainG Praise !e # G d' $e $ .ed s / Bein) .re)nan# 2e.# $er % n#en#ed/ In !e#(een .re)nan%ies s$e (as in%lined # +eddle and #$a# (as s +e#$in) $e ( "ld n # $a&e' l a#$ as $e (as # dis#"r! #$e $ar+ ny * #$eir li*e/ N ' $e li2ed C$arl ##e # re+ain a# 1e( r Ri%$+ nd' a(ay *r + #$e C "r# e0%e.# * r #$ se %ere+ nies ($i%$ i# (as i+.era#i&e #$a# s$e a##endD #$en s$e 2e.# $er n se "# * a**airs and did n # +eddle/ He % "ldn'# # lera#e a +eddlin) ( +an/ 3 +en's +issi n in li*e (as # !ear %$ildren and C$arl ##e % "ld d #$a# &ery adeB"a#ely indeed/ Fi&e years +arried and #$ree ! ys # s$ ( and' i* $e (ere ri)$#' an #$er %$ild n #$e (ay/ N ne % "ld % +.lain a! "# #$a#/ Al#$ ")$' #$ ")$# Ge r)e )ri+ly' '#$ se +inis#ers * +ine ( "ld i* #$ey $ad a %$an%e/E He $ad #$e + s# in#ransi)en# se# * +inis#ers #$a# e&er .la)"ed any 2in)/ B"# Ge r)e (as !e)innin) # #$in2 #$a# $e (as %a.a!le * r"nnin) #$e % "n#ry's a**airs/ He )a&e a )rea# deal * #$ ")$# # #$e+ and n%e $e $ad % +e # a de%isi n $e s#"%2 # i#/ He $ad l s# #$a# d "!# * $is a!ili#yD and n%e $e +ade ". $is +ind $e (as %er#ain #$a# $e (as ri)$#/ 3$en #$e %$ildren $ad le*# $e said # C$arl ##e: EI $ad a n #i n #$a# .er$a.s y "'re in a &ery $a..y % ndi#i n n%e + re/E EI a+ n # %er#ain'E s$e # ld $i+/ EB"# I #$in2 ///E He .a##ed $er s$ "lders/ E3ell d ne'E $e said/ E3$a#GE
Mr/ Pi## *alls ".s#airs Mr/ Pi## lay in $is !ed' $is li+!s s(a#$ed in !anda)es' %"rsin) $is ) "#' !"# * r ($i%$ $e ( "ld !e leadin) #$e % "n#ry n (D n +an $ad s# ..ed $i+ d in) #$isD $is i+.la%a!le ene+y (as #$is a%%"rsed ) "#/ He l n)ed # !e !a%2 a# #$e $ead * a**airs !"# "n* r#"na#ely i# (as rarely #$a# $e (as (ell en ")$ # ) # #$e H "se * C ++ ns/ He (as s#ill a . (er #$ ")$D as l n) as $e li&ed #$e 1in) and $is ) &ern+en# ( "ld % n#in"e # !e a(are * $i+/ I# $ad al(ays !een s D $e re+e+!ered a l n) a) %%asi n ($en Ne(%as#le $ad % +e # see $i+ in #$is &ery r +D i# $ad !een (in#er and Ne(%as#le ($ (as al(ays ( rried a! "# $is $eal#$ $ad * "nd #$e r + # % ld * r $i+/ EAll &ery (ell * r y " in !ed'E $e $ad said/ EI'll %a#%$ +y dea#$ in #$e i%e $ "se/E And $e $ad ) # *"lly %lad in# Hes#er's !ed and ."lled #$e % &erle#s a! "# $is ears and $ad s#ayed #$ere ($ile #$ey #al2ed !"siness/ B"# Ne(%as#le (as n ( "# and #$e MarB"is * R %2in)$a+'s +inis#ry (as in/ And I $a&e n *ai#$ in i#' #$ ")$# Mr/ Pi##/ T !e in%a.a%i#a#ed' # 2n ( #$a# y "r )eni"s (as !ein) #$(ar#ed !y y "r (re#%$ed ! dy % "ld #$ere !e any#$in) + re *r"s#ra#in)G Pi## 2ne( $i+sel* # !e #$e +an ($ % "ld es#a!lis$ #$e )rea#ness * En)land and $e (as * r%ed # lie in $is !ed * r days a# a s#re#%$ r # ) # Ba#$ # #a2e #$e (a#ers' # li&e #$e li*e * an in&alid ($en $e l n)ed # !e a Pri+e Minis#er/ F r n #$in) s$ r# * #$e $ead * a**airs ( "ld !e * any "se # Pi##/ In $is !ed $e railed a)ains# ) &ern+en# +eas"resD !"# ($a# "se (as #$a# ($en #$e .ain * $is ) "# (as # )rea# # all ( $i+ # ) # #$e H "se * C ++ ns/ He (an#ed # !e #$ere ar)"in) a)ains# #$e -#a+. A%# ($i%$ Ge r)e Gren&ille' $is (n !r #$er,in,la(' $ad !r ")$# in ($en $e (as C$an%ell r * #$e E0%$eB"er/ Pi## (as a)ains# #$e -#a+. A%# ($i%$ (as ) in) # raise di**i%"l#ies (i#$ #$e A+eri%an C l nies/ He $ad (arned #$e $ "se * #$is !"# $e (as # si%2 a +an # ) in and *i)$# * r ($a# $e !elie&ed/ Pr #es#s $ad % +e #$i%2 and *as# *r + A+eri%a and #$ere (as % nsidera!le dissa#is*a%#i n #$ere (i#$ #$e $ +e % "n#ry/ Pi## "nders# d #$is/ He (an#ed # )e# #$a# -#a+. A%# re.ealed/ I* i# (ere n # $e % "ld see #r "!le/ 3$y s$ "ld En)land +a2e la(s * r A+eri%aG 3$y s$ "ld #$e C l nis#s !e e0.e%#ed # .ay #a0es # #$e
En)lis$ G &ern+en#G I# (as an a!s"rd i+. si#i n' said Pi##D and ne ($i%$ $e ( "ld d all in $is . (er # a! lis$/ He $ad #al2ed # Hes#er a! "# i#/ His (i*e (as a !rillian# ( +an ($ !ein) de& #ed # $i+ +ade $is en#$"sias+ $ers/ He (as % ns#an#ly a# l ))er$eads (i#$ $er !r #$ers n ( #$a# #$ey $ad !e% +e . li#i%iansD !"# in #$e early days ($en $e $ad !een a )"es# a# #$eir $ "se #$ey $ad all !een &era(ed !y $is )ras. * a**airs' !y $is . (ers * di&ina#i n ($i%$ Hes#er said (ere s".erna#"ral !e%a"se $e % "ld .r .$esy ($a# ( "ld $a..en i* s"%$ and s"%$ a #$in) (ere d ne/ He $ad la")$ed a# $er and # ld $er #$a# i# (as l n),si)$#edness ne * #$e + s# desira!le )i*#s in a . li#i%ian's li*e/ I# (as in *a%# a % +.le#e % n%en#ra#i n n #$e +a##er a# $and/ He $ad #$ese )i*#sD and #$a# (as ($y s$e #$ ")$# $e (as s +e s r# * s #$sayer/ T !e (i#$ Hes#er' # #al2 (i#$ Hes#er' #$a# (as #$e )rea#es# .leas"re in li*e // / N ' $e ( "ld !e $ nes#/ T$e )rea#es# + +en#s (ere ($en $e s# d ". in #$e H "se and s(ayed i# #$e (ay $e (is$ed i# # ) / B"# Hes#er (as #$e !al+ in $is li*e/ -$e (as #$ere n # nly # dress $is .ain*"l li+!s !"# # res# re $is .ride and a+!i#i n' a# + +en#s li2e #$is ($en $e !elie&ed #$a# $e' #$e )rea#es# . li#i%ian * $is day' (as !ein) de.ri&ed * $is !ir#$ri)$# !y $is ene+y' #$e G "#/ Hes#er %a+e in # #ell $i+ #$a# #$e Earl * N r#$in)# n $ad arri&ed and (as as2in) i* $e +i)$# see Pi##/ EN r#$in)# nFE Pi## s%ra+!led ". in !ed/ EHe % +es *r + #$e 1in)/E E- $e #ells +e/E EHe !rin)s s +e +essa)e // / s +e se%re# +essa)e' d "!#less/ Ge r)e is (eary * #$e R %2in)$a+ +inis#ry' !elie&e +e/ Hes#er' $e (an#s +e/ He al(ays $as (an#ed +e/ By G d' i* $e $ad n # !een "nder #$e in*l"en%e * #$a# * l B"#e ///E EB"# B"#e need n l n)er % n%ern y "/E EN ' #$e nly #$in) #$a# really % n%erns +e' Hes#er' is #$is a%%"rsed ) "#/ Y "'d !e##er !rin) N r#$in)# n ". a# n%e/E EI #$ ")$# I'd .re.are y "/E He n dded/
EB"# "n#il I 2n ( ($a# #$e 1in) (an#s * +e i#'s $ard # !e ready (i#$ +y re.ly/ B"# !rin) $i+ in' Hes#er/ Brin) $i+ in/E EY " ( n'# % ++i# y "rsel* # any#$in) ras$/E ERas$F 3$a#'s ras$GE EY " 2n ( y " are "n*i# 4"s# n ( # ) !a%2 #$ere/ Y " +"s# res# y "r *ee#/ Y " 2n ( #$a#/E EYes' Hes#er' I 2n ('E $e n dded )ri+ly/ EB"# le#'s see N r#$in)# n and $ear ($a# i# is $e $as % +e # say/E A%% +.anied !y Hes#er' R !er# Henley' *irs# Earl * N r#$in)# n' %a+e in# #$e !edr +/ O* +iddle $ei)$#' (i#$ *l rid % +.le0i n' $e (as B"i#e a $ands +e +an' !"# #$e si)ns * $ard drin2in) (ere a..aren#/ His lan)"a)e (as ."n%#"a#ed (i#$ !las.$e+ "s e0.ressi ns e0%e.# ($en $e (as in #$e % +.any * #$e 1in) ($ s#ran)ely en ")$ $ad an a**e%#i n * r $i+' and #( years r s !e* re $ad %rea#ed $i+ Vis% "n# Henley and Earl * N r#$in)# n/ N ( $e l 2ed (i#$ sy+.a#$y a# Pi## and )ri+a%ed/ EMy G d'E $e said/ EI 2n ( 4"s# $ ( y " *eel' 3illia+/ J"s# l 2in) a# y " !rin)s !a%2 #$e +e+ ry/E He l 2ed d (n a# $is le)s and s$ 2 $is $ead a# #$e+/ EI# (as #$e drin2 in +y %ase #$ey say/ N # y "rs' #$ ")$' 3illia+/ Y "rs (as an a%# * G d/ B"# i* I'd 2n (n #$a# #$ese le)s * +ine (ere ) in) # %arry a C$an%ell r I'd $a&e #a2en !e##er %are * #$e+ ($en I (as y "n)/E E-y+.a#$y *r + a *ell ( s"**erer'E +"r+"red Pi##' )lan%in) a# #$e le##er ($i%$ N r#$in)# n (as %arryin) and ($i%$ $e $ad n # ye# $anded # $i+/ EVery (el% +e/ B"# y " are n # a**li%#ed a# #$e + +en#/E ET$a# ld de&il ) "# $as )i&en +e a li##le res.i#e' 3illia+/ I $ .e # G d i#'ll !e #$e sa+e (i#$ y "/ 3$en y " read #$is le##er / y "'ll *eel !e##er I'll (arran#/E EFr + ///E
EY "'&e )"essed' 3illia+/ Fr + Ge r)e $i+sel*/ He's ) # n *ai#$ in R %2in)$a+'s %re( and !y G d' n r $a&e I/E Pi## $eld "# $is $and * r #$e le##er/ Ri%$+ nd' M nday = J"ly 9=;; Mr/ Pi##' Y "r &ery d"#i*"l and $ands +e % nd"%# #$e las# s"++er +a2es +e desir "s * $a&in) y "r #$ ")$#s n $ ( an a!le and di)ni*ied +inis#ry +ay !e * r+ed/ I desire #$ere* re y " (ill % +e * r #$is sal"#ary ."r. se # T (n/ I %ann # % n%l"de (i#$ "# e0.ressin) $ ( en#irely +y ideas % n%ernin) #$e !asis n ($i%$ a ne( Ad+inis#ra#i n s$ "ld !e ere%#ed' are % ns nan# # #$e .ini n y " )a&e n #$a# s"!4e%# in Parlia+en# a *e( days !e* re y " se# "# * r - +erse#s$ire/ I a+ % n&eyin) #$is #$r ")$ #$e %$annel * #$e Earl * N r#$in),# n as #$ere is n +an in +y ser&i%e n ($ + I s E #$ r ")$ly rely' and ($ I 2n ( a)rees (i#$ +e s .er*e%#ly in #$e % n#en#s * #$is le##er/ Ge r)e R/ Pi## l 2ed a# N r#$in)# n si)ni*i%an#ly/ Hes#er' (a#%$in)' sa( #$e l 2 and 2ne( ($a# i# +ean#/ 3illia+ l 2ed *i&e years y "n)erD #$e lines * .ain see+ed # $a&e !een +ira%"l "sly re+ &ed *r + $is *a%e/ EY " %an )"ess ($a# #$is +eans'E said 3illia+/ Hes#er %ried : ET$e 1in) is as2in) y " # * r+ a ) &ern+en#/E Her $"s!and $anded $er #$e le##er/ ET$a#'s ($a# i# +eans' ( "ld y " n # a)reeGE EGe r)e 2n (s $e %an'# d (i#$ "# y "' 3illia+'E ."# in N r#$in)# n/ EAnd y " 2n ( y " are n # (ell en ")$'E said Hes#er/ EMy dear' I 2n ( nly ne #$in)/ T$is is an .. r#"ni#y I %an'# resis#/E EB"# // /E ELis#en/ He $as % +e ea#in) "# * +y $and/ A ) &ern+en# n +y #er+s/ T$is is ($a# I (an#ed/ And n ( Ge r)e is as2in) * r i#/E EGe r)e is )r (in) ". I' said N r#$in)# n/
B"# Hes#er % n#in"ed # l 2 ( rried/ ' ENe&er *ear'E said $er $"s!and' '#$a# is #$e !es# .i%2,+e,". I % "ld $a&e $ad/E E- y " (ill (ri#e # #$e 1in)G said Hes#er/ E3i#$ "# delay/E Pi## (as ".D $ !!lin)' i# (as #r"e' !"# $is i+.r &e+en# (as +ira%"l "s/ T$is (as #$e li*e/ T$is (as ($a# $e (an#ed/ N ( .ar#i%"larly $e e0.lained # Hes#er/ Did s$e re+e+!er $ ( $e $ad )i&en En)land $er E+.ireG Had $e n # s# ..ed #$a# ridi%"l "s *li##erin) a(ay * +en and + ney in E"r .e and #"rned $is a##en#i n # #$e ( rld !ey nd #$e seasG 3ell' n ( #$ey (ere idlin) # l se #$e A+eri%an % l nies i* $e (ere n # #$ere # .re&en# i#/ EY "r !r #$er's +y dear Hes#er I re)re# # say i# ,!"# y "r !r #$er's iniB"i# "s -#a+. D"#y (ill !e #$e !e)innin) * i# all/ I didn'# !rin) A+eri%a in# "r E+.ire # l se i#/ B"# (e $a&e * ls * r r"lers' Hes#er' and #$a#'s #$e #r"#$ * i#/E He sa# d (n a# $is des2 and (r #e # #$e 1in)D $is s#yle (as *"ls +eD a# #$is + +en# $e ad+ired #$e 1in)/ -ir' Pene#ra#ed (i#$ #$e dee. sense * Y "r Ma4es#y's ! "ndless ) dness # +e' and (i#$ a $ear# &er*l (in) (i#$ d"#y and 7eal * r #$e $ n "r and' $a..iness * #$e + s# )ra%i "s and !eni)n - &erei)n' I s$all $as#en # L nd n as *as# as I . ssi!ly %anD $a..y % "ld I %$an)e in*ir+i#y in# #$e (in)s * e0.edi#i n' #$e s ner # !e .er+i##ed #$e $i)$ $ n "r # lay a# Y "r Ma4es#y's *ee# #$e . r !"# sin%ere **erin) * #$e s+all ser&i%es * Y "r Ma4es#y's + s# d"#i*"l s"!4e%# and + s# de& #ed ser&an#/ 3illia+ Pi## Ge r)e read 3illia+ Pi##'s le##er (i#$ )rea# .leas"re/ Pi## (as #$e )rea#es# . li#i%ian in #$e % "n#ry' !"# $e ne&er * r) # #$e res.e%# d"e # #$e 1in)/ T$ere (ere #i+es ($en Ge r)e *a%ed a #erri!le . ssi!ili#y and !e%a"se * #$is $e (is$ed # * r+ a s#r n) ) &ern+en# in %ase i# s$ "ld !e ne%essary # i+. se a Re)en%y/ His .er"sal * s#a#e .a.ers' $is % +.le#e dedi%a#i n # $is r le in li*e' $is a(areness #$a# $e $ad an e&er,in%reasin) 2n (led)e * s#a#e a**airs and #$a# s +any * $is +inis#ers $ad *ailed #$e % "n#ry' )a&e $i+ an i+.ressi n #$a# $e 2ne( as +"%$ as #$ey did' #$a# $e (as as
%a.a!le * ) &ern+en#/ T$e s$yness ($i%$ $ad !een d"e # $is + des#y in $is y "#$ disa..earedD $e $ad !e% +e s#"!! rn and n%e $e $ad +ade ". $is +ind # a &ie( $e * r%ed $i+sel* # !elie&e i# and %lin) # i# a# all % s#s/ He (as %er#ain n ( #$a# (i#$ Mr/ Pi##' and Mr/ Pi##'s %$ sen $en%$+en' $e and #$ey % "ld ) &ern #$e % "n#ry in #$e !es# . ssi!le +anner/ - $e (as deli)$#ed # re%ei&e Mr/ Pi##'s le##er/ Mr/ Pi## ( "ld s n !e (i#$ $i+ and in dis%"ssin) #$e ne( +inis#ry $e ( "ld * r)e# #$a# &a)"e na))in) *ear ($i%$ s *ar $e $ad !een "na!le # dis+iss en#irely/ I# $ad )i&en $i+ s"%$ a sense * inse%"ri#y # 2n ( #$a# ($en #$a# illness $ad !ese# $i+ $e $ad * r s +e (ee2s *ailed # !e $i+sel*/ He % "ld re+e+!er li##le * #$e+ !"# #$ey $ad e0is#ed/ He' Ge r)e #$e 1in)' $ad !een a . r %rea#"re ($ % "ld n # % n#r l $is (n +ind/ A #erri*yin) #$ ")$#/ B"# $e $ad arran)ed * r #$e Re)en%y and #$e !es# (ay * ens"rin) #$a# i# did n # $a..en a)ain (as # .re.are in %ase i# did/ Hanna$ (as deadD and $e need ne&er #$in2 * $er a)ain/ C$arl ##e (as $is (i*e and s$e (as a ) d ( +an/ -$e (as e0.e%#in) an #$er %$ild in -e.#e+!er and d"rin) $er .re)nan%ies s$e $ardly e&er #$ ")$# * any#$in) else !"# #$e % +in) %$ild/ C$arl ##e (as a ) d (i*e all #$a# $e (an#ed in a (i*e and $e $ad n #$in) # % +.lain * #$ere/ -$e a%%e.#ed #$e *a%# #$a# s$e +"s# li&e B"ie#ly and n # +eddle/ EI'll n # $a&e ( +en +eddlin)'E said #$e 1in) al "dD and #$en $e #$ ")$# * $is + #$er E($ $ad +eddled * r as l n) as $e % "ld re+e+!er/ EI# s$all s# .'E said Ge r)e al "d/ B"# #$ere (as L rd B"#e ($ + $e $ad $ad # )i&e ". * r a ($ile !"# ($ $ad %re.# !a%2 a*#er a #i+eD and #$a# (as all d"e # #$e Prin%ess D (a)er ($ se l &er $e (as/ I# (as as s"%$ rela#i ns$i.s ) a res.e%#a!le liais nD !"# Ge r)e ( "ld ne&er a..r &e * i#/ And an #$er #$in) #$a# ran2led (as #$a# * r s l n) $e $ad !elie&ed i# # !e a .la# ni% *riends$i.' and e&ery ne $ad !een a(are * #$e #r"e na#"re * #$a# liais n' e0%e.# Ge r)e/ B"#e $ad !een 2ind # $i+ in #$e .as#' !"# * r ($a# reas nG In #$e $ .e * . (er ($en Ge r)e %a+e # #$e #$r ne/ In #$a# + +en# Ge r)e +ade ". $is +ind/ He ( "ld ne&er #a2e L rd
B"#e's ad&i%e a)ain/ Ge r)e's + "#$ (as se# in #$e *a+iliar s#"!! rn lines ($en $e sa# d (n and (r #e # L rd B"#e # #ell $i+ * $is de%isi n/ 3$en $e re%ei&ed #$e 1in)'s % ++"ni%a#i n L rd B"#e (as as# nis$ed #$a# Ge r)e % "ld (ri#e # $i+ in s"%$ a (ay/ 3$en $e #$ ")$# * all #$e *riends$i. * #$e .as#' #$e .r #es#a#i ns * a..re%ia#i n' #$e rene(ed a**ir+a#i ns #$a# $e ( "ld ne&er $a..ily as%end #$e #$r ne "nless B"#e (as !eside $i+' i# (as "n#$in2a!le/ B"#e (as a+!i#i "s' Ge r)e $ad (ri##en' and $e (an#ed # * r+ a .ar#y (i#$ $i+sel* a# #$e $ead * i#/ M re &er $is ad&i%e in #$e .as# $ad !een sin)"larly "ns"%%ess*"l/ O$' n / I# % "ld n # !e #r"e I B"# i# (asD and ($en B"#e #ried # see #$e 1in) $e (as # ld an a"dien%e (as n # a# #$e #i+e . ssi!le/ Ge r)e $ad %$an)edD #$e a+ena!le ea)er y "n) ! y $ad disa..eared % +.le#elyD and in $is .la%e (as a 2in) a si+.le# n' * r $e ( "ld al(ays !e #$a#' !"# a +an ($ (as "na(are * $is (n inadeB"a%ies/ I .r #es# M(r #e B"#e # #$e 1in)C I % "ld s%ar%ely !elie&e +y eyes ($en I read y "r le##er/ I# is . ssi!le #$a# y " %ann # see #$e di**eren%e !e#(een +en se##in) ". # !e leaders * a .ar#y * r sedi#i "s r a+!i#i "s ."r. ses and +e/ I s$all ne&er !e in . li#i%s in any (ay' and I s$ "ld n # as2 any +an # * ll ( +e sin%e I $a&e l s# y "r r yal *a& "r/ B"# I +"s# insis# #$a# I a+ e&erlas#in)ly de& #ed # Y "r Ma4es#y/ And I end !y en#rea#in) +y dear Prin%e # * r)i&e +e * r #r "!lin) $i+ (i#$ s #edi "s a le##er/ B"# I #r"s# and .ray Y "r Ma4es#y (ill !elie&e #$a# I a+ + re de& #ed # y " #$an any +an in #$is % "n#ry e&er (as !e* re/ Ha&in) sealed #$e le##er and sen# a +essen)er ** (i#$ i#' L rd B"#e sa# d (n $ea&ily in $is %$air and leaned $is el! (s n $is #a!le/ His +ind (en# !a%2 # days l n) a) ' ($en #$a# #$er Prin%e * 3ales' Ge r)e's *a#$er' $ad !een ali&e' and ne rainy day a# #$e ra%es $e $ad !een !r ")$# in# #$e r yal #en# # .lay ($is# ($ile #$ey (ai#ed * r #$e rain # s# ./ T$a# $ad !een #$e !e)innin)D #$en $e $ad !een .ers na )ra#a (i#$ #$e *a+ilyD e&en #$e Prin%e * 3ales $ad !een * nd * $i+D and ($en $e $ad died i# (as #r"e B"#e $ad seen . ssi!ili#ies * in)ra#ia#in) $i+sel* (i#$ #$e si+.le y "n) ! y ($ (as des#ined # !e 2in) ($en $is a)ein) )rand*a#$er died/ T$en * % "rse #$e ! y's + #$er' #$e D (a)er Prin%ess * 3ales' $ad *allen in l &e (i#$ $i+/ 3$a# a $a..y si#"a#i n * r a -% ##is$ .eer' de!arred in s +any (ays
*r + .r + #i n si+.ly !e%a"se $e (as -% ##is$ and n # En)lis$' # *ind s"%$ *a& "r in $i)$ .la%esF And i# $ad % n#in"ed * r s +any yearsD #$ere (as a % sy d +es#i%i#y a! "# $is rela#i ns$i. (i#$ #$e Prin%ess' ($ (as as de& #ed .er$a.s e&en + re s # $i+ as $e (as # $erD and Ge r)e $ad #rea#ed $i+ as a *a#$er/ And n (/// i# $ad all %$an)ed/ He +"s# re. r# a# n%e # #$e Prin%ess * r s$e +i)$# #$r ( s +e li)$# n #$e +a##er/ As $e r de #$r ")$ #$e s#ree#s $e sa# (ell !a%2 in $is %arria)e/ T$e .e .le (ere sli)$#ly less $ s#ile n (' !"# #$ey s#ill #al2ed * #$e 4a%2! # and .e##i% a# and % "ld !e% +e **ensi&e/ I* #$ey +ade a ri #' as #$ey (ere % ns#an#ly #$rea#enin) # d ' and i# rea%$ed #$e 1in)'s ears' $e ( "ld !e + re a)ains# $i+ #$an e&er/ He +i)$# e&en * r!id $i+ # see #$e Prin%ess D (a)er/ O$' n ' s$e ( "ld ne&er all ( #$a#D and s$e s#ill $ad s +e in*l"en%e (i#$ #$e 1in)/ T$e Prin%ess re%ei&ed $i+ as (ar+ly as e&er/ E3$y are y " dis#"r!edGE s$e said/ EPlease #ell +e ($a# is (r n)/ C +e and si# $ere' !eside +e' +y dear/ I d n # li2e # see y " l 2 s ( rried/E T$e Prin%ess's ser&an#s $ad all dis%ree#ly disa..eared as #$ey $ad !een d in) * r years n #$e arri&al * $er l &erD and #$ey % "ld !e s"re * .ri&a%y/ EA + s# dis#"r!in) le##er *r + #$e 1in)/ He d es n # (is$ # see +e any + re/E EO$' n /E EI# is #r"e/ Here i# is/E T$e Prin%ess read i# and +ade %l"%2in) n ises/ EGe r)e is a * lFE s$e said,/ EHe (as al(ays and al(ays (ill !e/ He $as n idea $ ( # !e a 1in)/E EHe is de&el .in) #$ se ideas'E re# r#ed B"#e/ EHe n ( !elie&es $e 2n (s $ ( # !e a %er#ain 2ind * 2in) and' !y G d' $e is ) in) # !e #$a# 2ind * 2in)/ He $as )r (n &ery s#"!! rn/ He +a2es ". $is +ind and n%e i# $as !een +ade ". n #$in) n ear#$ (ill s$i*# $i+/ And /// $e $as #"rned a)ains# +e/E E- +e#$in) $a..ened # Ge r)e d"rin) #$a# illness * $is'E +"sed #$e Prin%ess/
EHe $as )r (n &ery dd/ T$a# a!r".# (ay * s.ea2in) // / I#'s al+ s# iras%i!le/ He (as ne&er li2e #$a# !e* re/ He (as ra#$er sl ( and e&en s#"##ered n ( and #$en/ T$e illness $as %$an)ed $is .ers nali#y' I *ear/ B"# .er$a.s $e (ill %$an)e a)ain and !e% +e + re li2e $is ld sel*/E B"#e s$ 2 $is $ead/
EI d n # #$in2 $e (ill/ He see+s # $a&e #a2en a )rea# disli2e # +e and ($en I #$in2 * #$e a**e%#i n $e n%e $ad * r +e ///E EMy dear' $e is "n)ra#e*"lD !"# (e $a&e ea%$ #$er/E EI (as a*raid #$a# $e +i)$# a##e+.# # s# . +y &isi#in) y "/E ET$a# is s +e#$in) I ( "ld ne&er all (/E B"#e s+iled and #"rnin) # $er e+!ra%ed $er (ar+ly/ B"# $e (as #$in2in)' a )rea# deal * #$e e0%i#e+en# $ad ) ne "# * #$e rela#i ns$i./ N ( #$ey (ere al+ s# li2e a s#aid ld +arried % ".le/ 3$en $e le*# #$e Prin%ess D (a)er L rd B"#e %alled n Miss Vansi##ar#' a y "n) lady * ) d *a+ily ($ $ad !een e0#re+ely .re##y and s#ill (as' al#$ ")$ s$e (as n l n)er y "n)/ B"# s$e (as s#ill +"%$ y "n)er #$an L rd B"#e' ($ (as &er *i*#y/ -$e re%ei&ed $i+ (i#$ .leas"re and (i#$ "# s"r.rise * r in *a%# $e $ad !een %allin) n $er * r s +e #i+e' *indin) $er % +.any a %$an)e a*#er #$a# * #$e Prin%ess D (a)er/ Miss Vansi##ar# (as $"+!le and ad+ired $i+ ($ le,$ear#edly/ -$e +ade n de+ands and #$a# (as &ery .leasan#/ Firs# #$ey $ad #al2ed and #$en i# see+ed s na#"ral #$a# #$ey s$ "ld !e% +e l &ers in a B"ie# ra#$er des"l# ry (ay' ($i%$ s"i#ed $er na#"re and L rd B"#e's de%linin) years/ He # ld $er #$a# #$e 1in) $ad #"rned a)ains# $i+ and s$e (as in%red"l "s #$a# #$e 1in) % "ld !e s la%2in) in )ra#i#"de/ -$e s #$ed $i+ and $e # ld $er #$a# #$e Prin%ess D (a)er (as as de& #ed # $i+ as e&er and #$a# #$eirs (as # s#r n) a rela#i ns$i. * r #$e 1in) # s# . i#' al#$ ")$ $e +i)$# #ry/ ($ EB"# I #r"s# #$e Prin%ess/ -$e ( "ld ne&er (is$ # .ar# *r + +e/
Miss Vansi##ar# .lainly ad red $i+ and $e # ld $er #$a# $e ( "ld s.ea2 # #$e Prin%ess' and ($en #$ere (as a &a%an%y in $er $ "se$ ld i# s$ "ld ) # Miss Vansi##ar#/ Miss Vansi##ar# s$i&ered (i#$ deli)$# a# #$e .r s.e%# * ser&in) #$e ( +an ($ * r s +any years $ad !een a (i*e in all !"# na+e' # #$e ( nder*"l L rd B"#eD and $e s #$ed #$e $"r# #$e 1in) $ad d ne $i+ !y !as2in) in $er ad+ira#i n and e0.lainin) # $er all #$e .erB"isi#es ($i%$ *ell in# #$e la.s * #$ se ($ ser&ed in r yal $ "se$ lds/ -$e ( "ld learn' * r $e ( "ld #ea%$ $er' $ ( # % +e !y #$ese re(ards/ 3$en $e le*# $er $e *el# !e##er' !"# ($en $e re#"rned # $is $ "se $is (i*e' #$a# + s# a%% ++ da#in) * ( +en' de+anded # 2n ( i* $e $ad !een &isi#in) Miss Vansi##ar#/ He ad+i##ed #$is (as s ' * r sin%e s$e $ad ne&er % +.lained * $is rela#i ns$i. (i#$ #$e Prin%ess D (a)er ($y s$ "ld s$e (i#$ Miss Vansi##ar#G B"# i# see+ed #$is (as di**eren#/ ET$is (ill $a&e # s# .'E s$e # ld $i+/ ET$is ( +an is n Prin%ess D (a)er/ T$is is B"i#e a di**eren# +a##er/E EI !elie&e y " are 4eal "s'E re.lied $is l rds$i./ EO* % "rse I'+ 4eal "s/E EO* #$is . r y "n) ( +an GE **er !"# $ersel*G 3i#$
EE0a%#ly/ 3$a# $as #$is . r y "n) ( +an # #$e Prin%ess D (a)er i# (as di**eren#/E
E3$a# a s rdid &ie('E $e % ++en#ed (i#$ dis#as#e/ B"# $is (i*e la")$ed a# $i+ and said #$a# s$e (as n # .re.ared # $a&e # lis#en # ) ssi. a! "# $er $"s!and and Miss Vansi##ar#/ L rd B"#e *el# +elan%$ ly/ Li*e $ad %eased # s+ile n $i+/ F "r days a*#er 3illia+ Pi## $ad re%ei&ed #$e 1in)'s le##er $e (as as2in) * r an a"dien%e (i#$ His Ma4es#y/ EBrin) $i+ in' !rin) $i+ in'E %ried Ge r)e/
ED n'# y " 2n ( I ( "ldn'# (is$ Mr/ Pi## # !e 2e.# (ai#in)' e$' e$GE - Mr/ Pi## %a+e $ !!lin) in and #$e 1in) l 2ed a# $i+ (i#$ e+ #i n/ T$e )rea#es# +is#a2e $e $ad e&er +ade' #$ ")$# Ge r)e' (as # all ( B"#e # .ers"ade $i+ # !anis$ Mr/ Pi##/ B"# Mr/ Pi## ! re n )r"d)es/ T$e 1in) as2ed a*#er $is *a+ily and )a&e ne(s * $is (n/ EY "n) Ge r)e is )r (in) + re !"+.#i "s e&ery day/ Frederi%2 is i+i#a#in) $is !r #$erD and I d "!# n # y "n) 3illia+ (ill !e #$e sa+e/ As y " 2n (' #$e 8"een is e0.e%#in) an #$er in -e.#e+!er' $aF 3ell' (ell' (e s$all s n $a&e a B"i&er*"l' e$G 3$a#GE Mr/ Pi##' ele)an# in s.i#e * $is a**li%#i ns' )ra%i "s and %ere+ ni "s' +ade a li##le s.ee%$ a! "# #$e !lessin)s * *a+ily li*e and added #$a# #$e r yal *a+ily se# an e0a+.le # all #$e *a+ilies in #$e land/ T$is .leased Ge r)e ($ se eyes *illed (i#$ #ears a# #$e #$ ")$# * $is and $is (i*e's &ir#"es and $ ( (ell #$ey *illed #$eir r les # #$e )l ry * En)land/ T$en #$e % n&ersa#i n #"rned n #$e reas n * r Mr/ Pi##'s !ein) in L nd n and #$e 1in) +ade i# &ery %lear #$a# $e .la%ed $i+sel* in Mr/ Pi##'s $ands/ He (as disa.. in#ed in #$e R %2in)$a+ +inis#ryD in *a%# e&er sin%e Mr/ Pi## $ad %eased # lead #$e G &ern+en# $e $ad !een disa.. in#ed/ Pi##'s eyes )lea+ed (i#$ #ri"+.$ ($en $e $eard #$is/ He $ad % +e .re.ared # % +.r +iseD n ( $e sa( #$a# #$ere ( "ld !e n need/ I# ( "ld !e as $e' Pi##' (is$ed i# # !e/ He # ld #$e 1in) #$a# $e ( "ld $a&e )rea# .leas"re in * r+in) a ) &ern+en# ($i%$ $e ( "ld s"!+i# # His Ma4es#y * r $is a..r &al/ Ge r)e (ar+ly s$ 2 $is $and and said : EI# is a )rea# relie*/ Y " "nders#and' e$G A )rea# relie*/E EI d "nders#and' -ir/ I #r"s# Y "r Ma4es#y (ill $a&e n reas n # re)re# y "r de%isi n/ Y "r Ma4es#y 2n (s *"ll (ell #$a# I s$all "se all +y . (ers # +a2e #$is +inis#ry a s"%%ess/E T$e 1in) said: EYes' yes' yes/ I $a&e ne&er d "!#ed #$a#' e$G 3$a#G
3$a#GE Mr/ Pi## ! (ed $i+sel* *r + #$e .resen%e/ T$e 1in) $ad %$an)ed and $e % "ld n # $el. *eelin) a li##le "neasy/ T$e B"i%2 (ay * #al2in) (i#$ #$e ine&i#a!le/ E3$a#G 3$a#GE (as already !ein) n #i%ed/ And #$e %$an)e $ad % +e (i#$ $is re%en# indis. si#i n // / #$a# +ys#eri "s illness ($i%$ n ne B"i#e "nders# d' and a! "# ($i%$ #$ere (ere s +any r"+ "rs/A Re)en%yG #$ ")$# Pi##/ He )ri+a%ed in(ardly/ -"**i%ien# "n# #$e day is #$e e&il #$ere */ He ( "ld deal (i#$ s"%$ a % n#in)en%y ($en and i* i# ar se/ In #$e +ean#i+e $e $ad %ar#e !lan%$e # * r+ a +inis#ry/ Pi## .resen#ed $is %$ i%e * a +inis#ry # #$e 1in) and i# (as a%%e.#ed/ T$e Firs# L rd * #$e Treas"ry (as #$e D"2e * Gra*# n a ra#$er re%2less %$ i%e .er$a.s' n # !e%a"se #$e D"2e la%2ed a!ili#y and % "ld n # !e #r"s#ed # s".. r# $i+' !"# !e%a"se * #$e li*e $e led/ Des%ended *r + C$arles II' Gra*# n $ad in$eri#ed +any * #$a# 2in)'s %$ara%#eris#i%s %$ie* * ($i%$ (as $is l &e * ( +en/ His e0is#in) liais n (as ne * #$e s%andals * #$e C "r#/ T$is (as (i#$ Nan%y Pars ns' a n # ri "s % "r#esan' #$e da")$#er * a B nd -#ree# #ail r ($ $ad *irs# li&ed (i#$ a 3es# Indian +er%$an# na+ed H r# n (i#$ ($ + s$e $ad ) ne # Ja+ai%aD Ja+ai%a did n # s"i# $er $ (e&er and s$e s n re#"rned # L nd n ($ere s$e # 2 +any l &ersD %$ie* * ($ + (as #$e D"2e * Gra*# n/ T$e D"2e's .en dallian%e (i#$ $er $e (as % ns#an#ly seen (i#$ $er a# #$e ra%es and in ."!li% .la%es $is de& #i n # $ rse ra%in)' $is ne)le%# * $is (i*e' #$e + #$er * $is #$ree %$ildren' +ean# #$a# $is a**airs (ere (idely 2n (n and dis%"ssed/ I# (as said !y H ra%e 3al. le' #$e (i# and ra% n#e"r' #$a# Gra*# n '. s#. ned #$e ( rld * r a ($ re and a $ rse ra%e' and $e (en# n # & i%e s +e . in#ed %ri#i%is+ / a)ains# ET$e D"2e * Gra*# n's Mrs/ H r# n' #$e D"2e * D rse#'s Mrs/ H r# n' e&ery! dy's Mrs/ H r# n/E And s"%$ (as #$e +an ($ + Pi## $ad %$ sen # !e Firs# L rd * #$e Treas"ry/ T$e L rd Presiden# (as #$e Earl * N r#$in)# nD #$e C$an%ell r * #$e E0%$eB"er Mr/ C$arles T (nsendD and #$e . si#i n * L rd Pri&y -eal Pi## reser&ed * r $i+sel*/ 3$en #$e ne(s (as "# #$ere (as re4 i%in) #$r ")$ #$e Ci#y/ B n*ires (ere li# in #$e s#ree#s/ T$e May r de%ided #$a# a !anB"e# in $ n "r * Mr/ Pi##' #$e Grea# C ++ ner' !e $eld a# #$e G"ild$all/ T$ere (as a )rea# deal * #al2 a! "# #$e .r s.eri#y ($i%$ Mr/ Pi## $ad !r ")$# # #$e Ci#y ($en $e $ad *irs# !e% +e Pri+e Minis#er/ Mr/ Pi## $ad !r ")$# an E+.ire # En)land and #$e Ci#y 2ne( #$a# E+.ires +ean# #rade and .r s.eri#y/
In #$e s#ree#s #$ey s$ "#ed * r Mr/ Pi##/ T$ey (ai#ed * r $is %arria)eD i* #$ey sa( i# #$ey )a#$ered r "nd i#' %$eerin)/ A )rea# (a&e * .#i+is+ s(e.# #$r ")$ L nd n/ EE&ery#$in) (ill !e all ri)$# n ('E i# (as said/ EMr/ Pi## is !a%2/E -e(in)' readin)' (al2in) a li##le in $er a.ar#+en#s a# 1e(' ) in) # see #$e %$ildren in #$eir n"rsery' re%ei&in) &isi#s *r + #$e+' #$e #ryin) + n#$s * .re)nan%y (ere .assin) sl (ly * r C$arl ##e/ T$ ")$' s$e #$ ")$#' I s$ "ld !e "sed # i# !y n (/ And #$ere (as ne !lessin): #$e + re %$ildren s$e $ad #$e easier i# !e%a+e # )i&e !ir#$ # #$e+/ -$e sa( li##le * $er $"s!and/ He (as %%".ied (i#$ #$e ne( Minis#ry and Mr/ Pi##/ 3$en $e did % +e # see $er s$e as2ed $i+ B"es#i ns' * r #$ere (as s +"%$ e0%i#e+en# a! "# #$a# +a##er #$a# #$e ne(s $ad % +e # 1e(/ -$e (an#ed # 2n ( ($a# $ad !r ")$# Mr/ Pi## !a%2 and ($a# $is #er+s $ad !een' !e%a"se s$e 2ne( #$a# $e $ad re#ired *r + #$e,*r n# !en%$ !e%a"se * s +e disa)ree+en# (i#$ #$e 1in) and #$e +a4 ri#y * $is +inis#ers/ 3$en Ge r)e %a+e # see $er #$ey (al2ed # )e#$er in #$e )ardens/ He (an#ed # 2n ( #$e +in"#es# de#ails/ He al(ays did/ 3$y $ad r ses !een .lan#ed #$ereG He ( "ld send * r #$e )ardeners and as2/ T$ey al(ays $ad #$eir ans(ers ready and (ere .re.ared * r $i+/ B"# ($en s$e as2ed $i+ a! "# ) &ern+en# a**airs $e )re( .in2 and $e said : EO$' s#a#e a**airs /// s#a#e a**airs/E EE&ery ne see+s s e0%i#ed a! "# #$is ne( #"rn/E E-$ "ldn'# #al2 s +"%$/ 3ai# and see' e$GE EMr/ Pi## +"s# $a&e +any ne( .lans/E ED n'# d "!# i#' d n'# d "!# i#/ N ( are y " #a2in) re)"lar e0er%iseG Ne%essary/ Very ne%essary' e$G Feelin) (ell are y "G Feel #$e $ea#' e$G 3$a#G 5s"al in #$e %ir%"+s#an%es' e$GE EI'+ as (ell as I al(ays a+ a# #$ese #i+es' !"# I s$ "ld li2e # 2n (///E
ETa2e %are/ D n'# ( rry y "r $ead a! "# +a##ers "#side y "r 2n (led)e/ N # ) d * r #$e %$ild/ N # ) d * r y "' e$G I #$in2 a .a#$ ( "ld !e ) d $ere/ 3$a# d y " #$in2' e$GE And s i# (en# n/ A# #i+es C$arl ##e *el# li2e a .ris ner a .a+.ered .ris ner ($ (as # $a&e all $er % +* r#s' + s# +a#erial #$in)s #$a# s$e as2ed * r' !"# ne&er $er *reed +/ I a+ li2e a B"een !ee in a $i&e/ I a+ l 2ed a*#er #$a# I +ay ) n !earin) +y y "n)/ A *e( days a*#er $e $ad * r+ed $is +inis#ry 3illia+ Pi## +ade ne * #$e )rea#es# +is#a2es * $is %areer/ He a%%e.#ed a .eera)e and !e%a+e Vis% "n# Pi## * B"r# n,Pynsen# in #$e C "n#y * - +erse#s$ire and Earl * C$a#$a+ in #$e C "n#y * 1en#/ 3$a# . ssessed $i+ # #a2e s"%$ a s#e. $is *riends % "ld n # !e s"re/ He (as s"**erin) a%"#ely *r + #$e ) "#D #$e *irs# e0%i#e+en# * !ein) in $arness a)ain (as (earin) **D $e 2ne( #$a# #$e ld ene+y G "# (as n # ) in) # all ( $i+ # %arry "# $is .lansD $e *el# ld and #iredD and as + s# * $is % llea)"es . ssessed $i)$,s "ndin) #i#les' i# see+ed nly ri)$# and .r .er #$a# $e' ($ $ad d ne s +"%$ + re in #$e ser&i%e * $is % "n#ry' s$ "ld $a&e ne # / In any %ase $e a%%e.#ed #$e #ides and !y d in) s l s# #$e ne ($i%$ $ad % "n#ed * r s +"%$ in #$e eyes * #$e .e .le/ He +i)$# n ( !e #$e Earl * C$a#$a+ !"# $e (as n l n)er #$e Grea# C ++ ner/ EIll"+ina#i ns * r +y L rd C$a#$a+FE %ried #$e .e .le * L nd n/ EA !anB"e# a# #$e G"ild$allF N # li2ely/ T$ey (ere # $ n "r Mr/ Pi##' n # C$a#$a+/ He's as sel*,see2in) as #$e res#/ He's n # #$ere # ser&e #$e % "n#ry and "s/ He's #$ere # )e# a *ine $andle # $is na+e and ($a# ) es (i#$ i#/E T$ere (as n en#$"sias+ n ( in #$e s#ree#s/ N Pi##/ T$e .e .le (ere s"llenly silen#/ E&ery ne (as % ++en#in) n #$e %$an)e/ L rd C$es#er*ield (r #e # $is s n: EHe $as $ad a *all ".s#airs and $as d ne $i+sel* s +"%$ $"r# #$a# $e (ill ne&er !e a!le # s#and n $is le)s a)ain/E ne %alled H"rra$ * r
B"# i# (as #$e s$re(d H ra%e 3al. le ($ s"++ed ". #$e . si#i n and . in#ed "# #$a# in a%%e.#in) #$e #i#le #$e ne( Earl $ad d ne + re $ar+ # #$e % "n#ry #$an # $i+sel*/ E3$ile $e $eld #$e l &e * #$e .e .le'E said H ra%e' 'n #$in) (as s * r+ida!le in E"r .e as $is na+e/ T$e #al ns * #$e li n (ere dra(n ($en $e (as n l n)er a(*"l in $is (n * res#/E A si%2 +an' dri&en al+ s# # dis#ra%#i n !y #$e .ain * $is ) "#' Pi## s ")$# # de*y ."!li% .ini n ($i%$ $ad .re&i "sly ($ le$ear#edly s".. r#ed $i+ and #ried # ) &ern (i#$ $is +inis#ry ($i%$ $ad !een +ade ". *r + ! #$ .ar#iesD !"# !e%a"se $e $ad se# 3$i)s and T ries' *riends and ene+ies # ( r2 # )e#$er and !e%a"se $e $i+sel* $ad r"ined $is (n ."!li% i+a)e !y $is #i#le' and %$ie*ly !e%a"se $e (as an e0#re+ely si%2 +an' $e (as d +ed # *ail"re/ Ed+"nd B"r2e (as la#er # des%ri!e #$e Minis#ry as 'a #essella#ed .a&e+en# (i#$ "# %e+en#D $ere a !i# * !la%2 s# ne and #$ere a !i# * ($i#eD .a#ri #s and % "r#iers' 2ind *riends and re."!li%ansD 3$i)s and T riesD #rea%$er "s *riends and .en ene+ies /// a &ery %"ri "s s$ (' !"# "##erly "nsa*e # # "%$ and "ns"re # s#and n/E T$a# year #$ere (as a !ad $ar&es# and C$a#$a+ (as !li)ed # lay an e+!ar) n #$e i+. r#a#i n * % rn/ I# (as a &ery "neasy sessi n and as #$e s"++er .assed in# a"#"+n' #$e ) "# !e)an # .la)"e $i+ + re #$an e&er/ In -e.#e+!er C$arl ##e + &ed # B"%2in)$a+ H "se # .re.are * r $er % n*ine+en#/ I# (as ne%essary * r #$e r yal %$ild # !e ! rn in L nd n' !"# n ( #$a# B"%2in)$a+ H "se $ad !e% +e s"%$ a . ."lar r yal residen%e' C$arl ##e need n # ) # #$a# )ri+ ld .ala%e * -#/ Ja+es's/ Al#$ ")$ s$e (as n # all (ed # +eddle' * % "rse' s$e 2ne( ($a# (as $a..enin)/ -$e $ad $eard #$a# Mr/ Pi## $ad !e% +e L rd C$a#$a+ and #$a# #$e .e .le (ere n # &ery .leased (i#$ $i+ !e%a"se * #$is/ H ( s$e (is$ed Ge r)e ( "ld % ns"l# $er/ 3$a# a .leas"re i# ( "ld !e i* #$ey % "ld #al2 . li#i%s # )e#$er/ A*#er all s$e (as n # e0a%#ly s#".id/ -$e (as nly i)n ran# !e%a"se s$e (as n # all (ed # learn/ -$e !elie&ed #$a# #$e Prin%ess D (a)er (as a# #$e ! ## + * #$e .l # # 2ee. $er a(ay *r + a**airs/ T$a# ( +an (as d (nri)$# 4eal "sD and s$e (as .leased # $ear #$a# $er l &er L rd B"#e (as "# * *a& "r (i#$ #$e 1in)' and #$a# Ge r)e see+ed a# las# # $a&e es%a.ed *r + $is + #$er's
a.r n s#rin)s/ 3$a# a !lessin) i# (as # !e a!le # "nders#and En)lis$/ N ( s$e % "ld )lean all s r#s * in#eres#in) % n&ersa#i n *r + $er ( +en/ Miss C$"dlei)$ (as really a + s# indis%ree# ( +an/ - +"%$ #$e !e##er' #$ ")$# C$arl ##e/ B"# n re*le%#i n s$e a)reed #$a# li*e in En)land (as &ery di**eren# *r + ($a# s$e $ad i+a)ined/ -$e $ad #$ ")$# s$e (as % +in) # En)land # r"le (i#$ $er $"s!andD and $ere s$e (as d in) s%ar%ely any#$in) !"# !ein) .re)nan# and !earin) %$ildren/ 3ell' s$e $ad $er #$ree ! ys' and ($en s$e #$ ")$# * #$e+ s$e % "ld n # $el. !ein) deli)$#ed (i#$ #$e+/ I# (as a*#er all s +"%$ + re )ra#i*yin) # !e a + #$er #$an a )rea# . li#i%ian' #$ ")$ s +e ( +en $ad +ana)ed # !e ! #$/ T$e lea&es n #$e #rees (ere !e)innin) # #"rn r"sse#/ -$e % "ld n # !e ! #$ered # as2 ($a# all #$e s$ "#in) in #$e s#ree#s (as a! "#/ T$e s$ r#a)e * % rnG T$e de*e%#i n * L rd C$a#$a+G I# all see+ed ra#$er "ni+. r#an# ($en a ne( li*e (as a! "# # !e)in/ I (an# a )irl #$is #i+e' s$e # ld Miss C$"dlei)$' and Miss C$"dlei)$ re.lied #$a# s$e (as s"re i# ( "ld !e a )irl/ I# (as #$e (ay Her Ma4es#y (as %arryin) and a*#er #$ree ! ys a )irl *#en * ll (ed/ And n @; -e.#e+!er C$arl ##e's %$ild (as ! rn/ A li##le )irl/ - s$e $ad $er (is$/ -$e (as %alled C$arl ##e A")"s#a Ma#ildaD and #$e 8"een' deli)$#ed' $a..y n ( # !e n #$in) !"# a + #$er' said #$a# #$e %$ild (as $er li##le Mi%$ael+as G se/ D +es#i%i#y a# 1e( Ge r)e $ad +ade ". $is +ind # !e a 2in) and #$ se a! "# $i+ $ad # learn # a%%e.# #$is *a%#/ T$e Prin%ess D (a)er $ad rel"%#an#ly released $er $ ld n $i+' al#$ ")$ s$e s#ill re*"sed # !elie&e #$a# s$e $ad l s# $er in*l"en%e &er $i+ en#irely/ -$e $ad #$ ")$# i# ( "ld !e en ")$ #$a# C$arl ##e s$ "ld !e .re&en#ed *r + "s"r.in) $er .la%eD #$is $ad !een easy # a%$ie&e * r C$arl ##e's a!ili#y # *"rnis$ #$e r yal n"rseries (as really .$en +enal/ I# see+ed #$a# n s ner $ad s$e !een deli&ered * ne %$ild #$an an #$er (as n #$e (ay/ A*#er C$arl ##e A")"s#a Ma#ilda' Ed(ard $ad * ll (edD and al+ s# i++edia#ely s$e (as .re)nan# a)ain/ N r did s$e see+ # s"**er *r + #$is % n#in"al %$ild!earin)D in *a%# s$e see+ed # #$ri&e
n i#/ E-$e (as in#ended * r i#'E said #$e Prin%ess D (a)er # L rd B"#e ($en $e %alled n $er/ EAnd I (ill )ran# $er #$isD s$e d es i# (i#$ re+ar2a!le s.eed and e**i%ien%y/E I# (as .leasan# # re*le%#' (as L rd B"#e's % ++en#' #$a# #$e 8"een % "ld .lease #$e Prin%ess D (a)er in s +e res.e%#s/ EO$' yes'E said #$e Prin%ess/ E-$e is adeB"a#e/ And as l n) as s$e d es n # a##e+.# # +eddle in . li#i%s I $a&e n % +.lain# # +a2e/E -$e s+iled !eni)nly/ -$e s#ill d #ed n #$is +an/ He (as as a $"s!and # $er and s$e (as a ( +an ($ needed a $"s!and/ -$e (as n # .r +is%" "sD s$e (as n # sens" "sD !"# s$e needed #$e % +.ani ns$i.' #$e a#, neness ($i%$ (as nly # !e * "nd / in a de& #ed $"s!andD and L rd B"#e $ad .r &ided #$a#' + re s #$an $er real $"s!and #$e Prin%e * 3ales $ad e&er d neD al#$ ")$ s$e $ad $ad n #$in) # % +.lain * in Frederi%2/ -$e $ad #a2en Miss Vansi##ar# in# $er $ "se$ ld re%en#ly' and #$e y "n) ( +an $ad +ade $ersel* &ery "se*"l in #$e ra#$er deli%a#e +a##er * sellin) $ n "rs/ -$e (as a + s# dis%ree# y "n) ( +anD and #$e Prin%ess D (a)er needed #$e li##le + ney #$ese sales !r ")$# in and % "ld n # * % "rse !e % n%erned in #$e s rdid !"siness * sellin)/ -in%e Miss Vansi##ar# (as a *riend * L rd B"#e's s$e 2ne( s$e % "ld a!s l"#ely rely n $er/ And i* L rd B"#e did &isi# $er re)"larly' #$ey ne&er !e#rayed in $er .resen%e #$a# #$ere (as any#$in) !e#(een #$e+ !"# #$e + s# .la# ni% *riends$i./ -$e l &ed L rd B"#e (i#$ a (i*ely de& #i nD #$ey $ad !een # )e#$er n ( * r +any years and s$e re)arded #$eir "ni n as a #r"e +arria)e/ Re%en#ly' $ (e&er' s$e $ad !een *eelin) a .ain*"l res#ri%#i n in $er #$r a# ($i%$ $ad alar+ed $er/ -$e $ad said n #$in) * i#' * r s$e (an#ed n d %# rs #ellin) $er s +e "n.leasan# #r"#$/ T$e #r "!le ( "ld %%"r and #$en s"!sideD !"# s$e (as % ns#an#ly a(are * i#D and s$e $ad "neasy s"s.i%i ns' $a&in) $eard * s"%$ sy+.# +s !e* re/ I* s$e (ere ) in) # die $ n # ye#' !"# .er$a.s in a year r s s$e
( "ld li2e # 2n ( #$a# L rd B"#e ( "ld $a&e s +e ne # % +* r# $i+D and ni%e' dis%ree#' B"ie# Miss Vansi##ar# ( "ld !e #$e &ery ne/ - *ar *r + dis% "ra)in) #$a# *riends$i.' s$e 2e.# Miss Vansi##ar# !eside $er/ Her l &e * r #$is +an' ($ $ad d +ina#ed $er #$ ")$#s * r s +any years' (as # dee.' # a!idin) # !e sel*is$/ In #$e +ean#i+e n ne n # e&en L rd B"#e +"s# )"ess * #$is #$in) ($i%$ (as #$ere in $er #$r a# and ($i%$ s$e *an%ied !e%a+e a li##le + re .ain*"l e&ery #i+e s$e (as +ade a(are * i#/ Ge r)e (as i+.ressin) $is .ers nali#y n #$e C "r# ($i%$ +any de%lared (as d"ll' dreary' "ni+a)ina#i&e and % +.le#ely de& id * #$e #ra..in)s * r yal#y/ T$ere (as n #$in) r yal a! "# Ge r)e n r a! "# C$arl ##e/ Ge r)e +i)$# $a&e !een a *ar+er' * r $e $ad a )rea# in#eres# in a)ri%"l#"reD C$arl ##e +i)$# $a&e !een any sB"ire's lady si##in) #$ere in $er % "n#ry $ "se !reedin),T$ere (as an #$er %$ara%#eris#i% ($i%$ (as !e)innin) # !e n #i%ed and ($i%$ (as % nsidered "n2in)ly: #$e 1in) (as % ns#an#ly % n%ernin) $i+sel* &er #ri*lin) s"+s * + neyD $e (an#ed # 2n ( #$e % s# * #$in)s and ( "ld *#en s$a2e $is $ead and say #$is and #$a# (as # % s#ly/ T$ey +"s# e% n +i7e/ Al#$ ")$ #$ere $ad !een +any % +.lain#s * e0#ra&a)an%e in 2in)s in #$e .as#' Ge r)e's %are*"lness (as e&en + re de.l red/ As * r C$arl ##e' s$e (as' said $er ladies,in,(ai#in)' !e% +in) d (nri)$# +ean/ In *a%# C$arl ##e (as % ns#an#ly !ein) as2ed # $el. $er *a+ily in Me%2len!"r)/ -$e $ad !e% +e #$e )rea# 8"een * En)land and i# (as i+a)ined #$a# s$e li&ed a li*e &ery di**eren# *r + #$a# ($i%$ s$e $ad 2n (n in $"+!le Me%2len!"r)/ T$is (as #r"eD and C$arl ##e (as .leased #$a# $er *a+ily s$ "ld !e a(are * #$is/ -$e as2ed #$e 1in)'s ad&i%e and $e + s# !ene*i%en#ly %a+e # $er *a+ily's assis#an%e/ Her eldes# !r #$er (as )i&en a .ensi nD an #$er !r #$er (as +ade G &ern r * Celle and an #$er )i&en a re(ardin) . s# in #$e Han &erian Ar+y/ C$arl ##e (as n # % nsidered +ean !y $er *a+ilyD !"# in $er (n a.ar#+en#s ,($ere s$e * ll (ed #$e 1in)'s $a!i# * s%r"#ini7in) a%% "n#s ,s$e (as %er#ainly % nsidered .arsi+ ni "s' a #rai# e&en + re "n. ."lar in r yal .e .le #$an in % ++ ners/ Ge r)e $ad de%ided # !rin) a + re reli)i "s (ay * li*e !a%2 # $is .e .le/ EI (is$ e&ery %$ild in +y D +ini ns # !e a!le # read $is Bi!le'E $e de%laredD and &ery s n $e (as e0.ressin) a desire #$a# #$e -a!!a#$ Day !e 2e.# $ lyD #$a# #$ere s$ "ld !e n en#er#ain+en#s n -"nday and #$a# #$r ")$ "# #$e % "n#ry #$ere s$ "ld !e -a!!a#$ Day O!ser&an%e/
T$is desire in $i+ (as in#ensi*ied ($en $e #$ ")$# * s%andals ($i%$ s"rr "nded $is *a+ily/ His !r #$er Ed(ard' (i#$ ($ + $e $ad !een s %l se d"rin) $is y "#$' $ad died a year r s a) ' !"# n # !e* re $e $ad s$ %2ed Ge r)e !y $is (ild li*eD $is #( !r #$ers 3illia+ * Gl "%es#er and Henry' ($ $ad !e% +e D"2e * C"+!erland sin%e #$e dea#$ * #$e Vi%# r * C"ll den' (ere % n#in" "sly %a"sin) s%andal #$r ")$ #$eir rela#i ns$i.s (i#$ ( +enD $is + #$er's liais n (i#$ L rd B"#e (as s#ill #al2ed * n #$e s#ree#sD le(d s n)s (ere s"n) a! "# B"#e's .r (ess in !ed and #$e Prin%ess D (a)er's de.enden%e n $i+/ Ja%2! and Pe##i% a# re+ained a (ell,2n (n ins"l#/ EI# is ne%essary'E said #$e 1in) # C$arl ##e n #$ se rare %%asi ns ($en $e #al2ed # $er * any#$in) a.ar# *r + #$e (ea#$er and %$ildren' '#$a# "r li&es are e0e+.lary/ 3e +"s# s$ ( #$e+' e$G Y " see #$a#' C$arl ##e/ 3$a#G Y " see (e +"s# !e !ey nd re.r a%$' e$GE C$arl ##e did seeD and s$e . in#ed "# #$a# (i#$ $er % ns#an# %$ild!earin) i# (as $ardly li2ely #$a# s$e % "ld !e any#$in) else/ Ge r)e re.lied #$a# $e $ad $is d"#ies as s$e $ad/ B"# al#$ ")$ $e (as de#er+ined # li&e a % +.le#ely &ir#" "s li*e $e % "ld n # $el. $is $ear# !ea#in) a li##le *as#er e&ery #i+e $e sa( a .re##y ( +an/ He (as dis#"r!ed ($en $e $eard #$a# -ara$ Lenn 0 $ad )i&en !ir#$ # a da")$#er ($ ' i# (as said' (as n # $er $"s!and's' !"# #$a# -ara$'s % "sin L rd 3illia+ G rd n (as #$e *a#$er/ E-$ %2in)F -$ %2in)FE said #$e 1in) and #$ ")$# (is#*"lly * -ara$' addin) # $i+sel*: EL"%2y es%a.e/ I (as (ell rid * #$a# ne/E B"# #$a# did n # .re&en# $is #$in2in) * $er/ H (e&er &ir#" "s a +an (as' and in#ended # % n#in"e # !e' $e % "ld n # $el. er #i% i+a)es % +in) in# $is +ind' +"%$ as $e #ried # s"..ress #$e+/ T$en #$ere (as Eli7a!e#$' Lady Pe+!r 2e' ($ + $e $ad al(ays ad+ired/ A !ea"#i*"l ( +an' #$is Eli7a!e#$' and n # &ery $a..ily +arried ei#$er/ T$e Earl $ad el .ed (i#$ a Miss 1i##y H"n#er s +e years !e* reD Ge r)e $ad !een &ery sy+.a#$e#i% and $ad d ne $is !es# # % +* r# Eli7a!e#$' *#en $ ldin) $er $and ($ile $e # ld $er #$a# i* $er $"s!and *ailed # a..re%ia#e $er' $e' Ge r)e' #$ ")$# $er ne * #$e l &elies# ( +en $e $ad e&er seen/ Eli7a!e#$ (as )ra#e*"l # $i+ and i* Ge r)e $ad !een sli)$#ly less &ir#" "s $e +i)$# $a&e !een $er l &er/ B"# #$e Earl $ad re#"rned and #$e +arria)e $ad !een .a#%$ed "./ Ye# $e *#en drea+ed * Eli7a!e#$ Pe+!r 2e/ #
T$ere (as Brid)e#' L rd N r#$in)# n's eldes# da")$#er a %$ar+in) )irl/ He $ad !een ra#$er * nd * $er # / C$arl ##e (as' $e ad+i##ed in $is *ran2er + +en#s' s &ery .lain and "ne0%i#in)/ B"# $e +"s# re+e+!er #$a# i# (as #$e d"#y * #$e 1in) # se# an e0a+.le # $is .e .leD s $e di&er#ed #$ese EII desires * r !ea"#i*"l ( +en in# s#ri%#er % n#r ls * r $is (n $ "se$ ld/ He $i+sel* sa( #$a# #$e -"nday O!ser&an%e (as 2e.#' and #$a# )a+!lin) s#a2es (ere n # # $i)$/ I# (as s n !ein) said #$a# $e (as a .e##y #yran# in $is $ "se$ ld !sessed !y #$e need # li&e &ir#" "sly and * r%e #$ers # d #$e sa+e/ He (as !ese# !y . li#i%al an0ie#ies/ He $ad s"**ered )rea# disa.. in#+en# &er C$a#$a+ ($ + $e $ad #$ ")$# ( "ld #a2e #$e $el+ as $e $ad in $is )rand*a#$er's day and )"ide #$e+ # .r s.eri#y/ B"# C$a#$a+ (as n # #$e sa+e +an #$a# 3illia+ Pi## $ad !een/ His #i#le (as li2e a %l a2 ($i%$ s"** %a#ed $is !rillian%e/ He $ad l s# #$e % n*iden%e * #$e .e .le' and $is in*ir+i#y $ad #a2en . ssessi n * $i+/ He 2e.# # $is $ "se in B nd -#ree# and lay in a dar2ened r + %"rsin) #$e ) "# ($i%$ $ad laid $i+ l (D &er% +e !y +elan%$ lia/ He 2ne( #$a# in $is .resen# % ndi#i n e&en i* $e % "ld $ !!le # #$e H "se $is +ind ( "ld n # !e s"**i%ien#ly aler# # )ra..le (i#$ #$e .r !le+s * s#a#e/ Ge r)e' ". # #$is #i+e' $ad a .a#$e#i% !elie* in C$a#$a+/ I* C$a#$a+ ( "ld !e #$e +an $e $ad n%e !een' #$e % "n#ry's a**airs ( "ld !e s#rai)$#ened "# and all ( "ld ) s+ #$ly/ B"# Lady C$a#$a+ (as % ns#an#ly (ri#in) # #$e 1in) #ellin) $i+ #$a# i* nly $er $"s!and's $eal#$ +a#%$ed $is de& #i n # His Ma4es#y and $is 7eal # ser&e $i+' L rd C$a#$a+ ( "ld !e (ai#in) n #$e 1in) a# #$is #i+e/ Mean($ile #$ere (as #r "!le (i#$ #$e A+eri%an C l nies ($ s !i##erly resen#ed in#er*eren%e *r + -#/ Ja+es's and (ere de%larin) #$a# #$ey % "ld n # and ( "ld n # s"!+i# # #a0a#i n i+. sed !y #$e Bri#is$ G &ern+en#/ En)land needed a Pi## a# #$is #i+e and Pi## $ad #"rned in# L rd C$a#$a+ and lay (ri#$in) n $is !ed/
All d"rin) #$e s"++er C$a#$a+ sa( n ne/ 3$ene&er any * $is % llea)"es in #$e G &ern+en# %alled' Lady C$a#$a+ ass"red #$e+ #$a# $er $"s!and (as # ill # !e seen/ T$ere (ere r"+ "rs as # $is reas ns * r $idin) $i+sel* a(ay/ Had $e B"arrelled (i#$ #$e 1in)G Had $e ) ne +adG Gra*# n s ")$# # % n#r l #$e .ar#y and *ailed/ C$a#$a+'s . li%y * re+ &in) #a0a#i n *r + #$e A+eri%an C l nies and es#a!lis$in) $ar+ ni "s rela#i ns (as &er#$r (n and T (nsend #$e C$an%ell r * #$e E0%$eB"er i+. sed #$ se #a0es/In $is dar2 r + C$a#$a+ lay a .$ysi%al and +en#al (re%2 ($ile $is (i*e s ")$# # 2ee. #$is *a%# a se%re# *r + #$e ( rld/ In $is l"%id + +en#s C$a#$a+ (is$ed a! &e all #$in)s # resi)n and (r #e # #$e 1in) #ellin) $i+ s '!"# Ge r)e ( "ld n # le# $i+ ) / EY "r na+e $as !een s"**i%ien# # ena!le +y ad+inis#ra#i n # .r %eed'E $e (r #e/ He (as de#er+ined #$a# ill as $e (as C$a#$a+ s$ "ld re+ain s#ensi!ly $ead * #$e G &ern+en#/ B"# #$is % "ld n # % n#in"eD and s +e #( years a*#er $e $ad #a2en **i%e C$a#$a+ insis#ed n re#irin) and deli&ered ". #$e -eal/ T$e 1in) (as s ( rried n re%ei.# * #$is #$a# $e .a%ed ". and d (n $is a.ar#+en# * r $ "rs/ T$e na+e * Pi## $ad !een a +a)i% ne # $i+ and $e %l"n) # #$e !elie* #$a# ($ile #$a# +an (as $ead * #$e G &ern+en# all ( "ld !e (ell/ He (as e0#re+ely an0i "s # se##le #$is ni))lin) !"siness * #$e C l nis#s and $e (as s"re #$a# Pi## % "ld $a&e d ne i# and #$a# $e (as #$e nly +an ($ % "ld/ B"# C$a#$a+'s resi)na#i n +"s# .er* r%e !e a%%e.#ed and Frederi%2 se% nd Earl * N r#$ !e%a+e Leader * #$e H "se/ N r#$ (as an ld *riend * Ge r)e's/ He $ad .layed (i#$ $i+ in #$e n"rsery ($en N r#$'s *a#$er $ad !een a.. in#ed $is ) &ern r/ Ge r)e re+e+!ered Frederi%2 N r#$'s .layin) in Addis n's Ca# ($en #$ey $ad !een &ery y "n) and a+a#e"r #$ea#ri%als $ad a+"sed #$e+ s +"%$/ Ge r)e $ad !een P r#i"s and $is sis#er A")"s#a' Mar%ia/ I# all %a+e !a%2 s %learlyD and i# (as .leasan# # #al2 &er #$ se days (i#$ Frederi%2 ($ $ad )r (n in# a (i##y +an/ He (as &ery ) d #e+.ered # ' as (ell as !ein) &ery li2e Ge r)e # l 2 a#D in *a%# ($en #$ey $ad !een y "n) #$ey % "ld $a&e !een !r #$ers/ T$e Prin%e * 3ales' ($en #$ey (ere ! ys' $ad said #$a# #$e li2eness (as s"s.i%i "s and 4 2ed (i#$ N r#$'s *a#$er #$a# ne * #$eir (i&es +"s# $a&e .layed #$e+ *alse/ T$e li2eness (as s#ill "nd "!#edly re+ar2a!leD and n # nly
#$a# N r#$ % "ld !e as !s#ina#e as Ge r)e $i+sel*' an #$er #rai# #$ey $ad in % ++ n/ He $ad #$e sa+e .r +inen# eyes ($i%$ in $is %ase (ere e0#re+ely s$ r#,si)$#edD $e $ad a (ide + "#$ and #$i%2 li.s and (i#$ $is .l"+. %$ee2s and $is eyes ($i%$ r lled a! "# '# n ."r. se' % ++en#ed 3al. le' $e l 2ed I3al. le a)ainJ li2e a !lind #r"+.e#er/ B"# Ge r)e did n # a)ree (i#$ #$ese "n2ind !ser&a#i ns/ He sa( Frederi%2 N r#$ as $is %$ild$ d *riend' s li2e $i+ in +any (ays #$a# #$e *riends$i. % "ld % +* r#a!ly % n#in"e/ I* $e % "ld n # $a&e C$a#$a+' N r#$ ( "ld d &ery (ell/ Ge r)e (as .re.arin) # re%ei&e C$ris#ian VII * Den+ar2 and N r(ay' $"s!and * Car line Ma#ilda/ T$e Prin%ess D (a)er (as deli)$#ed #$a# $er s n,in,la( (as % +in) # En)land' !"# de.l red #$e *a%# #$a# $e (as n # !rin)in) Car line Ma#ilda (i#$ $i+/ -$e (as (i#$ L rd B"#e dis%"ssin) #$is ($en ne(s (as !r ")$# # $er #$a# #$e 1in) (as des%endin) *r + $is % a%$ # %all n $er/ EO$' +y deares#'E s$e %ried' '$e $ad !e##er n # *ind y " $ere/E T$ey e+!ra%ed and .ar#ed and s$e (a#%$ed $er l &er disa..ear #$r ")$ #$e d r ($i%$ led # #$e se%re# s#air%ase !y ($i%$ $e ( "ld rea%$ #$e s#ree#/ E- di**eren#'E s$e si)$ed' '*r + #$e ld days' ($en (e (ere all # )e#$er' #$e #$ree * "s/ I %an'# #$in2 ($a# $as $a..ened # Ge r)e la#ely/ Bein) 2in) $as ) ne # $is $ead and $e's s"rr "nded !y #$e (r n) .e .le and (e s$all $a&e #r "!le/E -$e # "%$ed $er #$r a# and #$e #$ ")$# %a+e # $er #$en #$a# s$e +i)$# n # !e $ere # see i#/ Ge r)e %a+e 'in and )ree#ed $er as a**e%#i na#ely as e&er/ H (e&er +"%$ $e #ried # es%a.e *r + $er in*l"en%e s$e (as s#ill $is + #$er and $e (as # sen#i+en#al # * r)e# #$a#/ EMy deares# s n/ H ( ) li##le #ired' M #$er/E d i# is # see y " I' EY " are l 2in) a
EN nsense/ I#'s #$e li)$#/ I a+ &ery +"%$ l 2in) * r(ard # C$ris#ian's &isi#/E
ET$a# is ($a# I %a+e # #al2 # y " a! "#/ H ( s#ran)e #$a# $e s$ "ld n # !e !rin)in) Car line Ma#ilda (i#$ $i+/ A*#er all' i# is Car line Ma#ilda (e are really ea)er # see/E T$e Prin%ess s+iled/ Ge r)e (as s"%$ a *a+ily +an/ -$e (as .leased a! "# #$a# a# leas#/ EI $a&e $eard s#ran)e r"+ "rs *r + Frederi2s!er)/E Ge r)e n dded/ EY " #$in2 Car line Ma#ilda is "n$a..yGE EPer$a.s (e s$all !e a!le # #al2 # C$ris#ian/E ED y " #$in2 $e (ill lis#enGE EHe s$ "ld lis#en # $is + #$er,in,la( i* $e $as any % "r#esy/E EI ( nder ($e#$er $e $as/E T$e Prin%ess D (a)er si)$ed/ Nei#$er * $er da")$#ers $ad d ne &ery (ell/ P r A")"s#a +erely D"%$ess * Br"ns(i%2 and li&in) in #$a# $a#e*"l # (n in a . r s r# * ( den $ "se ($ile $er $"s!and's +is#ress *la"n#ed $er . si#i n "nder $er n se/ A *ine % +ed (n * r .r "d A")"s#aF 3$a# $ad !e% +e * $er s$ar. # n)"eG 3as i# any "se # $er in % .in) (i#$ #$is + s# indeli%a#e si#"a#i n ($i%$ $er ! # * a $"s!and insis#ed s$e a%%e.#G 3ell s$e $ad $er da")$#er n (' li##le Car line A+elia Eli7a!e#$' and #$e %$ild +"s# !e a % +* r# # $er' al#$ ")$ na#"rally s$e ( "ld $a&e .re*erred # $a&e a s n/ B"# ($a# #$a# %$ild ( "ld )r ( ". li2e in s"%$ a % "r# (as !ey nd #$e Prin%ess D (a)er's di&ina#i n/ As * r Car line Ma#ilda' $er . si#i n (as as !ad' * r B"i#e %learly C$ris#ian did n # $a&e +"%$ a**e%#i n * r $er #$er(ise ( "ld $e !e #ra&ellin) (i#$ "# $erG EHe see+s # !e a (ea2,(illed y "n) +an *r + ($a# I $ear'E said #$e Prin%ess D (a)er/ EI d (is$ $e (as !rin)in) y "r sis#er s #$a# I % "ld $ear *r + $er (n li.s ($a# is $a..enin) &er #$ere/E EI *ear y " ( "ld n # !e % +* r#ed/ 3$a#GE EO$' y " +ean C$ris#ian's s#e.,!r #$er/ T$ere's n d "!# #$a# $is + #$er (ill !e (is$in) # see $i+ in$eri#/E
Ge r)e n dded )ri+ly/ He *el# s res. nsi!le * r $is sis#er's (el*are and $e $ad *#en (is$ed #$a# #$ey $ad n # $"rried Car line Ma#ilda in# +arria)e/ Fi*#een (as s y "n)D and $e li2ed # $a&e as +any +e+!ers * $is *a+ily ar "nd $i+ as . ssi!le/ C n#in"ally s$ %2ed as $e (as a# #$e (ild li*e $is !r #$ers ind"l)ed in' $e ( "ld .ar#i%"larly $a&e en4 yed $a&in) a y "n) sis#er' ($ + $e % "ld ad&ise and n ($ + $e % "ld d #e/ B"# . r li##le Car line Ma#ilda $ad !een sen# *ar *r + $ +e # a y "n) !ride)r + a (ea2' diss l"#e y "n) +an' + re in#eres#ed in s +e * $is +ale a##endan#s #$an in $is y "n) !ride' and in #$e s#ran)e land s$e (as % n*r n#ed !y #$is "n* r#"na#e s%ene/ And #$ere (as a/ s#e.+ #$er,in,la( (i#$ a s n ($ + na#"rally s$e ( "ld (is$ # in$eri#/ EP r li##le Car line Ma#ilda'E +"sed Ge r)e/
EI ( nder i* I s$all !e a!le # #al2 # C$ris#ian/E Ge r)e (as !#"se' #$ ")$# $is + #$er/ Did $e really !elie&e #$a# #$is li##le .er&er# ( "ld lis#en # $i+ 4"s# !e%a"se $e (as 1in) * En)landF EI $a&e $eard #$a# C$ris#ian $as #a2en C "n# & n H i%2 as $is *a& "ri#e n (/E Ge r)e *l"s$ed and l 2ed s$ %2ed/ EI#'s all s "n.leasan#/ 3$a#G B"# Car line Ma#ilda $as $er s n' li##le Frederi%2' s ///E E- 'E said #$e Prin%ess D (a)er )ri+ly' ' "r diss l"#e C$ris#ian is a# leas# %a.a!le * !e)e##in) a %$ild/E EI really *ind #$is s dis#as#e*"l' I *ind i# + s# dis#as#e*"l'E said Ge r)e/ EI s$all d +y !es# # +a2e #$is 2n (n # C$ris#ian/E B"# ($en C$ris#ian arri&ed Ge r)e sa( $ ( i+. ssi!le i# (as # +a2e any i+.ressi n n #$e y "n) +an/ He sen# * r L rd 3ey+ "#$ and as2ed $i+ # % ns"l# #$e Danis$ a+!assad r as # ($a# ( "ld !es# .lease #$e y "n) 1in) and # as2 * r ideas n $ ( # en#er#ain $i+/ 3$en 3ey+ "#$ re#"rned # Ge r)e $e said $e $ad $ad a &ery dire%#
ans(er/ ET$e (ay # en#er#ain #$e 1in) * Den+ar2 is # a+"se $i+'E (as #$e ans(er/ EAnd #$e (ilder and + re .er&er#ed #$e en#er#ain+en# #$e + re $e (ill !e a+"sed/E ET$is is + s# "n.leasan#' e$G 3$a#GE said #$e 1in)D and 3ey+ "#$ a)reed #$a# i# (as/ I# (as i+. ssi!le * r Ge r)e # *eel any a**e%#i n * r $is !r #$er,in,la(/ T$e &ery si)$# * #$e y "n) +an dis)"s#ed $i+/ I* $e $ad seen $i+ !e* re #$e +arria)e $e ( "ld ne&er $a&e a)reed # i#' !"# Car line Ma#ilda $ad !een +arried !y .r 0y/ T$ere (as n d "!# * $is %$ara%#er/ He (as n # nly .er&er#ed' $e (as de.ra&edD and i# see+ed # !e $a&in) i#s e**e%# n $is (i#s/ He (as s"rr "nded !y % "r#iers ($ se +ain d"#y i# (as # .raise and )l ri*y $i+D and #$e &isi# de.ressed Ge r)e' .ar#i%"larly ($en $e learned #$a# C$ris#ian s.en# $is #i+e in #$e !r #$els * L nd n in ($i%$ all 2inds * "nna#"ral s.e%#a%les $ad !een arran)ed * r $is en#er#ain+en#/ Ge r)e de%ided #$a# $e ( "ld n l n)er a##e+.# # en#er#ain $is !r #$er,in,la(' s $e (en# d (n # 1e( # !e (i#$ C$arl ##e and #$e %$ildren * r a ($ile/ EI %ann # $el. re+indin) +ysel* $ ( * r#"na#e (e are' e$G 3$en I #$in2 * ($a# a li*e +y . r sis#er is leadin) in Den, +ar2 /// and A")"s#a is n # +"%$ !e##er ** in Br"ns(i%2/ 3e $a&e !een l"%2y' e$G 3$a#GE C$arl ##e a)reed #$a# #$ey $ad/ -$e (as .re)nan# a)ain' and #$a# year )a&e !ir#$ # $er se% nd da")$#erD s$e %alled $er A")"s#a - .$ia/ -$e n ( $ad si0 %$ildren a*#er se&en years * +arria)e/ I# (as .leasan# # see #$e n"rseries s *"llD !"# s$e (as !e)innin) # *eel #$a# s$e ( "ld li2e a li##le res.i#e' i* nly * r a *e( years/ Mean($ile #$a# in&e#era#e #r "!le+a2er' J $n 3il2es' (as )e##in) a li##le ! red (i#$ e0ile and (as #$in2in) n s#al)i%ally * $ +e/ 3$en $e $ad arri&ed $e $ad * "nd i# + s# di&er#in) # !e (el% +ed as $e (as !y #$e li#erary ( rld * Paris/ In #$e H #el de -a0e $e $ad $eld
$is li##le % "r# and la#er ($en $e # 2 ". residen%e in R"e -#/ Ni%aise $e $ad #$a# e0%i#in) and +"%$,s ")$#,a*#er % "r#esan C rradini # li&e (i#$ $i+ and s$are $is e0ile/ T$is $e $ad * "nd &ery +"%$ # $is #as#e' and a*#er a s$ r# residen%e in Paris #$ey $ad #ra&elled # )e#$er # R +e and Na.les' and i# (as in #$e la##er %i#y #$a# $e +e# $is *ell ( % "n#ry+an Ja+es B s(ell and #$ey' *indin) #$ey . ssessed si+ilar #as#es' + s#ly * r ( +en and li#era#"re' )rea#ly en4 yed ea%$ #$er's % +.ani ns$i./ 3il2es $ad #$en in#ended # (ri#e a His# ry * En)land !"# ($en C rradini le*# $i+ * r an #$er l &er $e l s# in#eres# in #$e .r 4e%# and re#"rned # Paris # l 2 a# a l d)in) in #$e R"e des -ain#s Peres/ H +esi%2ness !e%a+e + re a%"#eD i* $e $ad !een a!le # +a2e + ney (i#$ $is li#erary e** r#s i# ( "ld $a&e !een di**eren#D and s ( "ld i# $a&e !een i* C rradini $ad n # deser#ed $i+/ T$ese #( *a%# rs # )e#$er +ade $i+ de%ide #$a# $e did n # (is$ # li&e a+ n) #$e Fren%$/ He (as .inin) * r #$e s#ree#s * L nd n' * r #$e % **ee and %$ % la#e $ "ses' * r #$e #a&erns and $is li#erary *riendsD $e (an#ed # !e in #$e #$i%2 * #$e *i)$#' # li&e dan)er "sly' # send "# $is s%andal s$ee#s and a(ai# #$e % nseB"en%es/ And $e (an#ed + ney/ T$ere (as $is !el &ed da")$#er Mary # ed"%a#e/ -$e (as #$e nly .ers n in #$e ( rld $e %ared a! "# and $e (an#ed # )i&e $er all #$a# $e !elie&ed $er ( r#$y *' ($i%$ (as a ) d deal/ Gri+ly $e (al2ed #$e s#ree#s * Paris and drea+ed * L nd n/ His ")ly *a%e $ad %eased # !e % +i%alD i# (as nly +elan%$ ly' and #$a# +ade $is sB"in# l 2 + re alar+in) and n # +is%$ie& "s a# all' nly sinis#er/ EI +"s# )e# !a%2'E $e # ld $i+sel*/ EI'll die * +elan%$ ly $ere/E He (ai#ed a&idly * r ne(s *r + L nd n/ Pi## (as !a%2 // / C$a#$a+ n (/ O$' * l * a +an # #$in2 #$e #i#le * Earl % "ld )i&e $i+ a )rea#er na+e #$an Pi##/ And Gra*# n (as (i#$ $i+/ N ( #$ere (as a +an ($ +i)$# )i&e $i+ a $el.in) $and/ He didn'# #r"s# C$a#$a+ ($ $ad (as$ed $is $ands * $i+ ($en $e (as in #r "!leD 3il2es (as n # ) in) # as2 *a& "rs * #$a# +an/ B"# Gra*# n (as a di**eren# +a##er/ Gra*# n +i)$# d s +e#$in)/ He re#"rned # L nd n and #$ere (r #e # Gra*# n' ($ i++edia#ely (en# # see C$a#$a+/ T$is $a..ened !e* re C$a#$a+ $ad s$"# $i+sel* a(ay and (as s"**erin) *r + #$a# +ys#eri "s illness ($i%$ r !!ed $i+ * $is
+en#al . (ersD and C$a#$a+'s ad&i%e # Gra*# n (as n # # !e% +e in& l&ed (i#$ Mr/ 3il2es/ - ' dis.iri#ed' 3il2es re#"rned # Paris' !"# (i#$in a year $e (as !a%2 a)ain in L nd n and ren#ed a $ "se a# #$e % rner * Prin%es C "r# in 3es#+ins#er/ Ge r)e (as dis#"r!ed ($en $e re%ei&ed a le##er *r + J $n 3il2es/ T$e 1in) (as a# B"%2in)$a+ H "se ($i%$ $e en4 yed &ery +"%$ ($en $e % "ld n # )e# # 1e( r Ri%$+ nd/ B"# ($en 3il2es's ser&an# arri&ed (i#$ #$e le##er #$e .ea%e * B"%2in)$a+ H "se (as de*ini#ely dis#"r!ed/ E3$a# d es #$is +an (an#' e$GE Ge r)e de+anded * $i+sel*/ ETr "!le' e$G 3$a#G Here $e % +es a*#er +a2in) a n"isan%e * $i+sel* // / O")$# # $a&e s#ayed in Fran%e/ Be##er ) !a%2 as s n as . ssi!le/E And $e (as .e#i#i nin) * r a .ard n' (as $eG And a*#er #$a# $e'd !e (an#in) % +.ensa#i nF 3il2es +i)$# (an# # !e in L nd n' !"# L nd n did n # (an# $i+ a# leas# #$e 1in) didn'# and #$ere +"s# !e a ) d +any * $is +inis#ers ($ didn'# ei#$er/ Ge r)e !"rned #$e le##er and #ried # * r)e# #$e #r "!les +e *ell (/ As i* 3il2es (as #$e 2ind # all ( $i+sel* # !e * r) ##en I He 2e.# B"ie# "n#il #$e ne0# )eneral ele%#i n and #$en $e s"ddenly a..eared a# #$e $"s#in)s' as2in) #$e .e .le * L nd n # ele%# $i+ # re.resen# #$e+/ He *ailed (i#$ L nd n !"# $e did s"%%eed in )e##in) in a# Middlese0/ N ( #$e #r "!le s#ar#ed/ T$e ne( +e+!er * r Middlese0 (as an "#la(D $e $ad !een sen#en%ed # e0ileD $e $ad re#"rned # En)land (i#$ "# .er+issi nD !"# n !ly $e s"rrendered $i+sel* # #$e 1in)'s Ben%$ and (as % ++i##ed # .ris n/ Cr (ds )a#$ered in #$e s#ree#s # see $i+ #a2en #$ere/ He (as in $is ele+en#' #$e %en#re * a##ra%#i n n%e + re 3il2es' (i#$ $is (i%2ed,l 2in) *a%e' $is sinis#er sB"in# and $is %ries * *reed +/ E-"%$ +en'E said #$e 1in)' '% "ld des#r y #$e .ea%e * na#i ns/E T$e Ci#y (as in a #"r+ il/ Pe .le .araded #$e s#ree#s s$ "#in) : EFree 3il2es/ 3il2es * r Li!er#y/E T$ey ( "ld $a&e res%"ed $i+ and *reed $i+ n $is (ay # .ris n !"# $e $ad n desire # !e *reed/ He (is$ed
# ) # .ris n * r $e reali7ed #$a# ($ile $e (as #$ere $e ( "ld $ ld #$e sy+.a#$y * #$e .e .leD $e ( "ld !e 3il2es' i+.ris ned * r s.ea2in) $is +ind/ His .ris n (as in -#/ Ge r)e's Fields and * r days %r (ds a%%"+"la#ed #$ere # #al2 * 3il2es and de+and $is releaseD #$e )rea# # .i% * % n&ersa#i n #$r ")$ #$e %i#y (as J $n 3il2es/ I# (as ne%essary # %all "# #$e #r .s # dis.erse #$e + ! and ($en $e $eard #$is 3il2es %$"%2led (i#$ deli)$#' * r n #$in) % "ld $a&e .leased $i+ !e##er/ 3$en' a*#er a + n#$ in .ris n' $e (as sen#en%ed # a year and #en + n#$s' i+.ris n+en#' a *ine (as i+. sed and $e a..ealed a)ains# #$is in ! #$ #$e C ++ ns and #$e L rds/ 3il2es I 3il2esF 3il2esF He d +ina#ed #$e s%ene/ E&ery ne (as dis%"ssin) #$e ri)$#s and (r n)s * $is %ase/ T$e )rea# !a##le # 2 .la%e in .rin#/ T$ere (ere ar#i%les (ri##en "nder #$e .se"d ny+ * J"ni"s in a .eri di%al s".. r#ed !y #$e 3$i)s' ($ile Dr/ -a+"el J $ns n +ade s +e($a# d"ll a. l )ies * r #$e G &ern+en#/ I# (as 3il2es ($ (as e+er)in) *r + #$e % n*li%# as #$e &i%# r and ($en $e !r ")$# a %ase a)ains# L rd Hali*a0 $e ( n and re%ei&ed $ea&y da+a)es/ T$"s ($en $e $ad ) ne # .ris n $e $ad !een .enniless' !"# $e e+er)ed % +* r#a!ly **/ T$e 1in) (as dee.ly % n%erned !y al+ s# e&ery#$in) ar "nd $i+/ N #$in) (as as $e $ad !elie&ed i# (as ) in) # !e/ He $ad (an#ed # !e #$e ) d 1in) s"rr "nded !y % n#en#ed s"!4e%#sD and d"rin) #$is (eary year #$ere $ad !een n # nly #r "!le (i#$ $is +inis#ers and #$e 3il2es % n#r &ersy' !"# e&ery + n#$ #$e si#"a#i n !e#(een En)land and #$e A+eri%an C l nies (as )r (in) + re and + re #ense/ E&en a# 1e( Ge r)e % "ld n # es%a.e *r + 3il2es/ I# (as n # #$a# $e dis%"ssed #$e +an (i#$ C$arl ##e/ A# 1e( li*e (en# n as $e $ad de%ided i# s$ "ld' % +.le#ely s$"# a(ay *r + #$e "#side ( rld/ T$e 8"een (as na#"rally .re)nan#' and ne0# s.rin) ( "ld )i&e !ir#$ # $er se&en#$ %$ild' and as s$e (as s#ill in $er early #(en#ies i# see+ed $ardly li2ely #$a# s$e ( "ld s# . a# se&en/ T$e Prin%e * 3ales (as n ( se&en years ld' !ri)$# and + re .re% %i "s #$an e&erD $e (as al(ays lis#enin) # ) ssi. and re.ea#in) i# # $is .aren#s # s$ ( #$e+ #$a# $e (as (ell in #$e s(i+ * a**airs/ He
!"llied and a# !es# .a#r ni7ed $is y "n)er !r #$ers and (as indeed #$e li##le 1in) * #$e n"rsery/ He ne&er *ailed # re+ind any ne ($ dared # re.ri+and $i+ #$a# a*#er all $e (as #$e Prin%e * 3alesD !"# $is $ands +e l 2s' $is !ri)$# in#elli)en%e' and $is *#en en)a)in) +anners ( n $i+ )rea# a**e%#i n and $e (as na#"rally ad red !y #$e n"rses and +aids * $ n "r/ E&en #$e 8"een % "ld n # $el. s. ilin) $i+ a li##le/ He (as $er *irs#! rn' a si)n # #$e res# * #$e ( rld #$a# al#$ ")$ s$e +i)$# !e a .lain and insi)ni*i%an# li##le ( +an' a# leas# s$e % "ld .r d"%e a %$ar+in) s n/ T$e .e .le did n # li2e $er/ -$e (as a(are * #$a#/ -$e ( "ld ne&er * r)e# dri&in) #$r ")$ Ri%$+ nd (i#$ #$e 1in) !eside $er ($en a ( +an ran ". # #$e %arria)e and !e)an # %"rse $er/ I# (as $ rri!le # !e +ade a(are * s"%$ $a#red and # ( nder ($a# ne $ad d ne # !e #$e %a"se * i#/ EG !a%2 ($ere y " !el n)' y " %r % dile/E T$ey $a#ed $er !e%a"se s$e (as a * rei)ner' !e%a"se s$e (as ")ly/ -$e (as s+all and #$in and $er + "#$ +ade $er l 2 li2e a %r % dile' i# (as #r"e/ -$e ad+i##ed # #$e rese+!lan%e ($en s$e $ersel* l 2ed in #$e )lass/ T$e ( +an $ad #a2en ** $er s$ e and #$r (n i# a# $er/ I# $ad narr (ly +issed $er *a%e and $i# #$e ".$ ls#ery * #$e %arria)e/ EG !a%2/ G !a%2 ($ere y " !el n)' y " Ger+an ( +an I' A s%ene/ T$e %arria)e s# ..in)/ T$e G"ards arres#in) #$e . r %rea#"re ($ ' #$ey said' (as +ad/ -$e % "ld $a&e !een se&erely ."nis$ed !"# ! #$ #$e 1in) and 8"een de%ided a)ains# #$a#/ B"# #$e "nreas nin) $a#red * a + ! (as a *ri)$#enin) #$in)' s +e#$in) * ($i%$ s$e s".. sed all 2in)s and B"eens (ere +ade a(are a# s +e #i+e/ B"# in $er r +s a# 1e( s$e *el# a .leasan# se%"ri#yD i# (as as #$ ")$ s$e (ere (ra..ed r "nd in a % % n ($i%$ .r #e%#ed $er *r + #$e ( rld/ 3$en s$e $ad *irs# % +e # En)land s$e $ad i+a)ined $ersel* r"lin) En)land (i#$ #$e 1in)D n ( s$e 2ne( s$e ( "ld ne&er !e all (ed # d #$a#/ T$ere* re s$e ( "ld r"le $er (n $ "se$ ld a# 1e( // / dear li##le 1e( // / ($ere (i#$ $er %$ildren s$e % "ld li&e s$"# a(ay *r + #$e "n.leasan#ness * #$e ( rld/ N # * r $er # da!!le in . li#i%s as #$e Prin%ess D (a)er $ad d ne !"# nly a*#er $er $"s!and's dea#$/ -$e ( "ld % n#en# $ersel* (i#$ r"lin) $er (n $ "se$ ld/
And r"le s$e did' #a2in) an in#eres# in #$e s+alles# de#ails/ F ll (in) #$e 1in)'s lead s$e +"s# s#"dy #$e $ "se$ ld a%% "n#sD s$e (an#ed # 2n ( $ ( e&ery .enny (as s.en#/ -$e !e%a+e *as%ina#ed !y e% n +ies ($i%$ did n # endear $er # #$e +e+!ers * $er $ "se$ ld/ Al!er#' $er $airdresser ($ + s$e $ad !r ")$# (i#$ $er *r + Me%2len!"r)' (as ne ($ (as in re& l#/ He %a+e # $er ne day and said : EMada+' I (is$ # re#"rn # Me%2len!"r)/E -$e (as as# nis$ed/ Lea&e En)land' #$is )rea# and e0.andin) % "n#ry' * r a li##le d"2ed +F Al!er# +"s# $a&e #a2en lea&e * $is senses/ EN ' Mada+'E (as #$e ans(er' EI % "ld *ind a + re l"%ra#i&e . s# in #$e $ "se$ ld * #$e D"2e' I a+ s"re/ My s2ill is s"%$ #$a# I s$ "ld !e (el% +ed #$ereD and i* Y "r Ma4es#y ( "ld all ( +e # re#ire *r + y "r ser&i%e n a .ensi n ///E EA .ensi nFE T$e 8"een (as $ rri*ied/ M re + ney )i&en a(ay/ -$e % "ld n # !ear # % n#e+.la#e i#/ Al!er# . in#ed "# sadly #$a# #$e e0.e%#a#i ns (i#$ ($i%$ $e $ad % +e # En)land $ad n # +a#eriali7ed/ ET$a# is *#en #$e %ase (i#$ +any * "s'E s$e # ld $i+' and #$a# (as #$e end * #$e +a##er/ Al!er# (as n # ) in) # !e all (ed # lea&e/ T$e ladies,in,(ai#in) said s$e (as !e% +in) li2e a +iserly ld % "n#ry ( +an +eas"rin) "# #$e .reser&es *r + #$e s#ill,r +D and a(are * #$eir $ s#ili#y s$e !e%a+e + re and + re a"# %ra#i%' al#$ ")$ ! (in) # #$e 1in)'s (ill in all #$in)s/ -$e $ad +ade a r"le #$a# all $er ladies s$ "ld !"y En)lis$ ) ds/
EI +ysel*'E s$e # ld Lady C$arl ##e Fin%$' 's$all (ear an En)lis$ ni)$#dress/E -$e s+iled/ ET$e 1in) is .leased ($en I d / And' Lady C$arl ##e' I e0.e%# y " # d #$e sa+e/E Lady C$arl ##e' ($ li2ed # %$ se $er (n %l #$es' (as a li##le de*la#ed' !"# (in) # $er . si#i n in #$e n"rseries % "ld d n #$in) !"# !ey/
EAnd #$e %$ildren's %l #$es s$ "ld !e En)lis$ # /E ET$en Y "r Ma4es#y ( "ld (is$ +e # #$e+/E rder ne( En)lis$ %l #$es * r
EG d $ea&ens' n / 3$a# a (i%2ed (as#eF Only ($en #$e #i+e % +es' Lady C$arl ##e/E Lady C$arl ##e s+iled/ Li2e #$er ladies * #$e C "r# s$e li2ed # #ease #$e 8"een' (i#$ "# $er 2n (in) i#' * % "rse/ C$arl ##e as2ed * r #$e lis#s * #$e %$ildren's %l #$es # !e !r ")$# # $er #$en/ Ea%$ ! y $ad si0 *"ll dress s"i#s a year !esides se&eral rdinary s"i#s * r rdinary day (earD n%e a * r#ni)$# #$ey $ad ne( s$ es' and ne( $a#s as #$ey (ere reB"ired/ ET$e Prin%e * 3ales see+s # (ear a )rea# +any $a#s/E EHe en4 ys .layin) !all (i#$ #$e+' Y "r Ma4es#y/E EO$' #$e (i%2ed (as#eF He +"s# !e s# ..ed/E B"# e&en C$arl ##e (as .leased a# $er s n's $i)$ s.iri#s/ EAnd 3illia+'s s$ es I Ed(ard's # I -"rely #$ey %ann # need s +any .airsG A .air * r s.rin) and a"#"+n s$ "ld !e adeB"a#e/E ET$ey $a&e a .assi n * r 2i%2in) s# nes' Y "r Ma4es#y/ And i* #$ey %an *ind any#$in) # 2i%2 #$ey (ill 2i%2 i#/E ET$en #$ey +"s# !e * r!idden # d s ' #$e na")$#y li##le #$in)s/ 3$ere d #$ey learn s"%$ $a!i#sGE EFr + #$e Prin%e * 3ales' Y "r Ma4es#y/E I# al(ays %a+e !a%2 # #$e Prin%e * 3ales/ EHe is a r )"e'E said $is + #$er a**e%#i na#elyD !"# s$e d #ed n $i+ # s"%$ an e0#en# #$a# s$e % "ld e&en * r)e# # !e s$ %2ed !y #$e e0#ra&a)an%e $e %a"sed/ -"%$ .leasan# days a# dear li##le 1e(' (ai#in) * r $er # !e ! rn' !earin) #$e+' $a&in) #$e .leas"re * seein) an #$er li##le *a%e in #$e n"rsery/ And * % "rse #$e 1in) %a+e *#en # es%a.e *r + s#a#e a**airs' * r a
li##le res.i#e s"%$ as $e l &ed/ T$ere (ere #i+es ($en C$arl ##e ( "ld $a&e li2ed # reas n (i#$ $i+' # as2 $i+ ($y $e % "ld n # dis%"ss a**airs (i#$ $er/ H ( in#eres#in) i# ( "ld $a&e !een i* $e $ad/ I# (as n # #$a# s$e (as +ee2 !y na#"re' *ar *r + i#D !"# s$e % "ld n # * r)e# #$ se #erri*yin) (ee2s * $is illness ($en $e $ad (andered in $is +ind and $ad !een yes' s$e $ad # ad+i# i# s +e($a# deran)ed' ($en #$e Prin%ess D (a)er and L rd B"#e $ad s ")$# # 2ee. $er a(ay *r + $i+ a * re#as#e * ($a# $er li*e ( "ld !e li2e i* e&er s$e l s# $i+/ - +e#i+es ($en Ge r)e's eyes see+ed # !e% +e + re .r +inen# #$an e&er' ($en $is s.ee%$ !e%a+e + re ra.id and (as ."n%#"a#ed e&en + re li!erally #$an "s"al !y #$ se in#er+ina!le E3$a#s'' a #erri!le *ear %a+e # $er #$a# Ge r)e +i)$# a)ain s"**er #$e sa+e s r# * illness ($i%$ $e $ad e0.erien%ed #$a# s.rin)/ N ' 1e( +ean# re*")e # $i+ as i# did # $er/ T$ere $e .layed #$e % "n#ry )en#le+anD #$ere $e +ade $is !"## ns and ins.e%#ed #$e *ar+s and #al2ed a! "# #"rnin) s +e * #$e .ar2 in# ara!le land' s".er&ised #$e %$ildren's ed"%a#i n' die#' #$eir (ardr !es' #$eir $ "se$ ld/ T$a# (as ($en $e (as $a..ies# dealin) (i#$ #$e li##le #$in)s * li*e ($i%$ # $i+ (ere * #$e "#+ s# i+. r#an%e/ EPlen#y * e0er%ise'E $e ( "ld say' 'and .len#y * *res$ air' e$G And n # &erl adin) (i#$ * d/ 3$a#G Ve)e#a!les/ G d * r y "/ And ne&er (ine/ Ma2e s"re #$e %$ildren )e# lean +ea#/E He $i+sel* * ll (ed #$ese r"les ($i%$ $e laid d (n * r #$e %$ildren' * r $e (as %er#ain #$ey (ere ne%essary * r all/ 3$ile #$e 3il2es #r "!le (as a# i#s $ei)$# and #$ere (ere ri #s in -#/ Ge r)e's -B"are "#side #$e 4ail' #$e 1in) %a+e # 1e( * r a li##le res.i#e/ C$arl ##e ($ $ad lis#ened # $er ( +en #al2in) * 3il2es as indeed e&ery ne (as ($ $ad $eard #$e ser&an#s ($is.er #$e +an's na+e *#en ($en #$ey (ere "na(are #$a# s$e % "ld $ear' +en#i ned $i+ # #$e 1in) ($i%$ !r ")$# * r#$ "n"s"al indi)na#i n in His Ma4es#y/ E3$y' C$arl ##e'E $e said' EI #$ ")$# y " 2ne( #$a# I % +e $ere # es%a.e *r + #$ese #ires +e +a##ers/ Didn'# y "G Didn'# y "' e$G 3$a# .ea%e a+ I # )e# i* I a+ # $a&e n #$in) !"# 3il2es in -#/ Ja+es's and n #$in) !"# 3il2es a# 1e(' ($a#G 3$a#GE C$arl ##e said #$a# #$a# +an's na+e see+ed # !e n all li.s s s$e s".. sed i# (as na#"ral i# s$ "ld !e n $ers' # /
EN # a# 1e(/ I % +e # 1e( # )e# a(ay *r + all #$a#/ N # +"%$ "se % +in) $ere # *ind 3il2es (ai#in) * r +e' e$GE T s #$e $i+ C$arl ##e as2ed i* $e ( "ld %are # ) in# #$e %$ildren's $ "se # see #$e+ dine/ T$ey ( "ld !e 4"s# si##in) d (n # dinner and deli)$#ed d "!#less # see #$eir *a#$er/ T$is s"))es#i n res# red #$e 1in)'s ) d $"+ "r and # )e#$er $e and #$e 8"een le*# #$e +ain $ "se a# 1e( and (al2ed #$e li##le dis#an%e # #$e s+all ne %%".ied !y #$e %$ildren/ C$arl ##e (as ri)$#D #$e %$ildren (ere 4"s# si##in) d (n # #$eir +eal' Lady C$arl ##e Fin%$ .residin)/ C$arl ##e n #ed #$a# i# (as a *is$ day and #$a# #$ere (as n #$in) n #$e #a!le ($i%$ #$e 1in) $ad laid d (n s$ "ld n # !e ea#en !y $is *a+ily/ T$e %$ildren )ree#ed #$eir .aren#s (i#$ .leas"re and %ries * deli)$# *r + li##le Ed(ard ($i%$ (ere e%$ ed !y li##le C$arl ##e ($ $ad nly 4"s# !e% +e ld en ")$ # 4 in #$e )r ". a# #$e #a!le/ T$e y "n)es#' A")"s#a - .$ia' (as na#"rally n # .resen#/ T$e Prin%e * 3ales +ade an ann "n%e+en# ($i%$ $e +ade e&ery *is$ day (i#$ "# *ail #$a# $e li2ed +ea# and ($en $e (as 2in) $e ( "ld ea# i# e&ery day/ ET$en'E said #$e 1in)' 'y " (ill !e a &ery *a# 2in)/E EFa##er #$an y " GE as2ed Ge r)e/ EA )rea# deal *a##er /// s *a# #$a# y " ( n'# !e a!le # + &e a! "# e0%e.# in a %arria)e/ Y " ( "ldn'# li2e #$a# ( "ld y "G E$G E$GE EYes' I ( "ld'E said #$e Prin%e * 3ales/ EB"# I #ell y " y " ( "ld n #/E EI ( "ld'E said #$e Prin%e * 3ales al+ s# s"llenly/ EI $a#e *is$/ I (an# +ea#/E T$e 8"een l 2ed a# Lady C$arl ##e Fin%$ ($ re+ar2ed #$a# #$e Prin%e * 3ales see+ed # * r)e# $e (as in #$e .resen%e * #$e 1in) and 8"een/
EI didn'# * r)e#/ H ( % "ld I * r)e# ($en #$ey are $ere/E ET$e Prin%e * 3ales * r)e#s $is +anners' i# see+s/ 3$a#GE said #$e 1in)' l 2in) s *ier%ely a# Lady C$arl ##e #$a# s$e *l"s$ed/ EI d n'# * r)e# #$e+'E #$e Prin%e . in#ed "#/ EI d n'# al(ays "se #$e+/E T$e 8"een #ried n # # s+ile' !"# #$e ! y 2ne( !y #$e #(i#%$in) * $er li.s #$a# $e (as !ein) as a+"sin) as e&er and $e (en# n i+.eri "sly: EAnd i* I d n'# (an# # "se #$e+' I ( n'#/E EPer$a.s'E said #$e 1in)' s#ill l 2in) a# Lady C$arl ##e' '#$e Prin%e * 3ales s$ "ld !e reB"es#ed # lea&e #$e r + "n#il $e %an *ind #$e +anners $e $as +islaid/ E$G 3$a#GE Li##le Ed(ard !e)an # l 2 "nder #$e #a!le as #$ ")$ $e #$ ")$# +anners (ere s +e#$in) ($i%$ #$ey s$ "ld !e (earin) r %arryin) in #$eir . %2e#s/ Frederi%2 ($ al(ays * ll (ed $is eldes# !r #$er said: EI ( n'# ea# *is$ ei#$er/E ET$en'E said #$e 1in)' 'y " +ay lea&e #$e #a!le and y "r !r #$er +ay ) (i#$ y "/ Y " "nders#and +e' e$GE E8"i#e'E said #$e Prin%e * 3ales $a")$#ily/ EC +e' Fred/E T$e #( ! ys (en# (i#$ )rea# di)ni#y # #$e d #$ey disa..eared : EI ne&er % "ld a!ide *is$/E r and #$e Prin%e said as
ET$e y "n) ."..ies'E said #$e 1in) ($en #$e d r s$"# n #$e+ and 3illia+ # ld $is .aren#s a! "# $is ne( ."..y and #$e 8"een ans(ered !ri)$#ly' #ryin) # .re#end #$a# $er #( eldes# s ns $ad n # !een dis+issed in dis)ra%e/ EI (ill s.ea2 # #$e+ la#er'E said #$e 8"een % +* r#a!ly/ EY "n) Ge r)e $as s"%$ $i)$ s.iri#s and Fred (ill * ll ( $i+ in e&ery#$in)/E T$e 1in) )r"n#edD $e (as already ( r2in) "# in $is +ind *res$ arran)e+en#s in& l&in) + re dis%i.line in #$e n"rsery/ T$ey sa# (i#$ #$e y "n)er %$ildren "n#il #$ey *inis$ed #$eir dinner' and ($en #$ey $ad !een # #$eir n"rsery #$ey sa# n # )e#$er and #$e
1in) #al2ed in a ra#$er e0%i#ed +anner a! "# y "n) Ge r)e/ EB"# I $a&e $eard #$a# $e learns B"i%2ly and is &ery !ri)$# indeed a# $is less ns/E EHe +"s# learn $"+ili#y'E re.lied #$e 1in)/ ET$a# +"s# !e #a")$# $i+/ Y " a)ree' e$ G Y "'d ad+i# $e (as s$ (in) s +e arr )an%e/ Y " ( "ldn'# a..r &e * #$a#' e$G 3$a#GE EHe $as &ery $i)$ s.iri#s and #$a# is n !ad #$in)/ I #$in2 #$a# n #$e ($ le (e s$ "ld !e ra#$er .r "d * $i+/E T$e 1in) n dded' and said $e ( "ld ( r2 "# ne( r"les * r #$e %$ildren's $ "se$ ldD and $e ( "ld see #$a# #$e Prin%e * 3ales (as #a")$# a li##le + re $"+ili#y/ He ( ndered $ ( #$ey (ere )e##in) n (i#$ #$eir +"si%/ T$ey +"s# l &e +"si%/ He $ad * "nd + re .leas"re in +"si% #$an any #$er en#er#ain+en#/ He !elie&ed #$a# Handel (as ne * #$e !es# * +"si%ians and $e (an#ed #$e ! ys and #$e )irls in #i+e # !e *a+iliar (i#$ $is ( r2s/ 3$e#$er #$ey $ad in$eri#ed $is l &e * +"si% r n # #$ey (ere # !e +ade # li2e i# /// 4"s# as #$ey ( "ld !e +ade # li2e lean +ea# and *is$ ($en i# (as n # #$eir day * r +ea#/ T$e d r * #$e r + (as %a"#i "sly .enedD #$e 8"een #"rned s$ar.ly' !"# #$e 1in) $ad n # $eard/ C$arl ##e sa( Frederi%2's *a%e' ra#$er red' $is !l"e eyes ali)$# (i#$ ."r. se and !e$ind $i+ #$e #aller *i)"re * #$e Prin%e * 3ales/ -"ddenly Frederi%2 s$ "#ed: E3il2es and N"+!er F r#y Fi&e * re&er/E T$e 1in) lea.ed # $is *ee#/ T$ere (as a s "nd * s%a+.erin) *ee# and r"s$in) # #$e d r Ge r)e sa( $is elder s ns disa..ear ". #$e s#air%ase/ C$arl ##e %a+e and s# d !eside $i+/ T$en Ge r)e !e)an # s+ileD C$arl ##e s+iled # / T$en #$ey (ere ! #$ la")$in)/ E- y " see'E said #$e 8"een de+"rely/ EY "r Ma4es#y %ann # )e# a(ay *r + 3il2es e&en a# 1e(/E T$e %$ildren s$ "ld !e +ade a(are * #$eir ."!li% d"#y' said #$e 1in)D and n ne % "ld deny #$a# $e (as a de& #ed *a#$er/ T )i&e #$e+ an
in#eres# and # #a2e #$eir +inds *r + #$eir (n .e##y i+. r#an%e $e rdered #$a# a + del *ar+ !e +ade a# 1e( and #$ere #$ey % "ld $a&e #$eir (n ani+als and *eel as #$e 1in) said 'a res. nsi!ili#y # (ards #$e+'/ T$e 1in) !elie&ed #$a# ($a# (as en#ran%in) # $i+ +"s# !e # $is %$ildrenD and i# (as $e ($ # 2 + re .leas"re in #$e + del *ar+ #$an $is s ns did/ 3$en $e (as a# 1e( $e ( "ld ) # see $ ( #$e +il2in) (as )e##in) n and #a2e a #"rn (i#$ #$e !"##er +a2in)/ EC +e' Ge r)e'E $e ( "ld say/ EC +e' Fred/ Y " are n # .rin%es a# #$is + +en#/ Y " are *ar+ers/ 5nders#and' e$G 3$a#'s #$a#G Y "'d ra#$er !e a .rin%e' Ge r)e/ I'&e n d "!#/ I'&e n d "!#/ B"# y " (ill $a&e # learn # a..re%ia#e #$e 4 ys * ( r2in) #$e land' ! y/E F r #$e + s# .ar# #$e ! ys did en4 y .layin) (i#$ #$eir *a#$er/ T$ey (ere * nd * #$e ani+alsD !"# n ne * #$e+ s$ (ed #$e s2ill #$e 1in) $ad in dealin) (i#$ #$e+/ T$e 1in) $ad de%ided #$a# n e&ery T$"rsday 1e( s$ "ld !e #$r (n .en # #$e ."!li% s #$a# #$ey % "ld (ander a! "# #$e )r "nds and #$e *ar+' and see #$e %$ildren a# .lay/ T$ey ( "ld (a#%$ #$e )a+es * %ri%2e# and r "nders a# ($i%$ #$e elder Prin%es e0%elledD and #$e Prin%e * 3ales al(ays en4 yed an a"dien%e/ T$e a%# * #$r (in) 1e( .en # #$e .e .le .r &ed # !e a ) d ne' * r #$e 1in)'s . ."lari#y !e)an # rise a)ain and ($a#e&er else (as said * $i+ all a)reed #$a# $e (as a ) d *a#$erD and ($en $e +e# any * $is s"!4e%#s (anderin) &er $is la(ns $e al(ays !e$a&ed (i#$ #$e "#+ s# % "r#esy and ne&er e0.e%#ed #$e+ # #rea# $i+ as a 1in)/ He (as a !i# d"ll' #$ey saidD and #$ere (as n #$in) e0%i#in) a! "# $is C "r#D !"# $e (as a ) d $"s!and and *a#$er and #$a# (as rare in 1in)s/ B"# #$is +in)lin) (i#$ #$e ."!li% % "ld !e %arried # *ar and ($en Ge r)e de%ided #$a# $e (is$ed #$e %$ildren # $ ld a C "r# * #$eir (n #$ere (as s +e %ri#i%is+ * #$is/ Y "n) Frederi%2 ($ (as a# #$is #i+e se&en $ad ($en nly a *e( + n#$s ld !een )i&en #$e #i#le * Bis$ . * Osna!r"%2' ($i%$ a+"sed #$e la+. nis#s s +"%$ #$a# #$e %$ild (as al(ays re.resen#ed in Bis$ .'s re)alia ($en $e a..eared in %ar# ns as $e did % ns#an#ly sin%e $e $ad re%ei&ed #$is #i#le/ A# #$e re%e.#i n #$e *i&e eldes# %$ildren s# d n a dais ($ere #$ey re%ei&ed #$e % +.any in #$e "#+ s# s le+ni#y/ T$e Prin%e * 3ales'
(earin) #$e Order * #$e Gar#er' l 2ed .ar#i%"larly 4a"n#y and y "n) Frederi%2' #$e y "#$*"l Bis$ .' ( re #$e Order * #$e Ba#$/ T$e %ere+ ny (as s"!4e%#ed # #$e "#+ s# ridi%"le ($i%$ deli)$#ed #$ se n !le+en ($ ' (i#$ #$eir (i&es' $ad !een !li)ed # ! ( !e* re s"%$ y "n) %$ildren/ T$e %ar# nis#s (ere !"syD e0a+.les * #$eir ( r2 (ere $anded r "ndD and #$e Prin%e * 3ales (as dra(n *lyin) a 2i#e ($ile a 3$i) di)ni#ary ! (ed l ( !e* re $i+/ I# (as a +is#a2e' Ge r)e reali7edD and $e (as &ery s"s%e.#i!le # #$e *eelin)s $e ar "sed in $is s"!4e%#s/ B"# e&en #$ ")$ #$is %ere+ ny !r ")$# #$e 4eers * #$e (ri#ers and ar#is#s' e&ery ne (en# n ad+i##in) #$a# #$e 1in) (as a ) d *a#$er and % nsiderin) #$e s#a#e * #$e % "n#ry and #$a# $e (as #$ere* re &er($el+ed !y an0ie#ies !r ")$# a! "# !y #$e $ s#ili#ies !e#(een $is +inis#ers and #$eir ine.#i#"de in s l&in) #$e na#i n's a**airs' $e s#ill $ad #i+e # s".er&ise $is %$ildren's ed"%a#i n/ Ge r)e (as a *a+ily +an/ -%andal a# $ +e A *a+ily' #$ ")$' % "ld .r &e a $ea&y lia!ili#y/ Ge r)e $ad l n) 2n (n #$a# $is !r #$ers (ere %rea#in) s%andal !y #$e li&es #$ey led/ De.l rin) #$is' Ge r)e re+inded $i+sel* #$a# #$is *a"l# in #$e+ % "ld # s +e e0#en# !e !la+ed n #$eir ".!rin)in)/ ea)er $ad #$eir + #$er !een # s$ield #$e+ *r + % n#a+ina#i n !y #$e (i%2ed ( rld #$a# s$e $ad 2e.# #$e+ s$"# a(ay "n#il #$ey (ere # ld # ) n leadin) #$e s$el#ered li&es s$e $ad arran)ed * r #$e+/ And #$e res"l#F As s n as #$ey (ere *ree #$ey !e)an li&in) li2e li!er#ines' des.era#ely' *e&eris$ly #ryin) # +a2e ". * r l s# #i+e/ T$ere $ad !een Ed(ard' #$e % +.ani n * $is %$ild$ d' ($ $ad !een $is *a& "ri#e !r #$er/ 3$en #$ey (ere ! ys #$ey $ad s$ared % n*iden%es and i# (as # Ed(ard #$a# Ge r)e $ad # ld #$e s# ry * $is l &e * r Hanna$ Li)$# * #' and i# (as Ed(ard ($ $ad said #$a# $e ( "ld al(ays s#and !eside $is !r #$er in e&ery#$in) $e did/ B"# ($en Ed(ard !r 2e *ree * +a#ernal res#rain# $e $ad )i&en &en# # s"%$ le%$ery #$a# Ge r)e % "ld n l n)er *eel #$e sa+e a**e%#i n * r $i+D and Ed(ard $ad %$ided $is !r #$er * r $is .r"dery/ I# $ad !r 2en s +e * #$e lin2s ($i%$ ! "nd #$e+ # )e#$er' !"# #$e a**e%#i n $ad s#ill !een #$ere/ Ge r)e (as a**e%#i na#e !y na#"re and #$e l &e * r a !r #$er % "ld n # !e s easily des#r yed/ Ed(ard D"2e * Y r2 $ad ) ne # sea and' ($en as$ re a# M na% ' $e $ad a##ended a !all' %a")$# a %$ill and died/ T$a# $ad !een a s$ %2 # Ge r)e' e&en #$ ")$ s +e * $is a**e%#i n $ad
(aned/ He % "ld n # * r)e# #$e *riends$i. * #$eir ! y$ !een &ery sad * r a l n) #i+e &er Ed(ard's dea#$/
d and $e $ad
N ( $e (as # re%ei&e a *res$ s$ %2' #$is #i+e #$r ")$ #$e y "n)er * #$e #( !r #$ers ($ re+ained # $i+' Henry #$e D"2e * C"+!erland/ Y "n) C"+!erland %a+e # Ge r)e ne day in an a!4e%# + d s "n"s"al (i#$ $i+ #$a# Ge r)e )"essed s +e#$in) (as &ery (r n)/ He s n dis% &ered $ ( (r n)/ C"+!erland said: EI $a&e !een a * l' Ge r)e/E And #$e *a%# #$a# $e %alled $i+ !y $is C$ris#ian na+e (as an indi%a#i n # #$e 1in) #$a# $e (as a..ealin) # $i+ as a !r #$er/ Ge r)e re.lied : ED esn'# s"r.rise +e/ I'&e $eard #ales * y "r d in)s *r + #i+e # #i+e/ 3$a# $a&e y " !een ". # n (' e$G 3$a#GE EI#'s L rd Gr s&en r' Ge r)e/E E3ell' (ell' (ell' ($a# * $i+' e$G ($a#G Ge# n/E EHe's s"in) +e * r da+a)es/E E-"in) a +e+!er * #$e r yal *a+ilyF He %an'# d #$a#/E E3ell' Ge r)e' $e is #$rea#enin) # d i#/E EOn ($a# )r "nds' e$GE C"+!erland $esi#a#ed and l 2ed s$ee.is$/ E3ell' y " see' I (as &ery * nd a# ne #i+e * Lady Gr s&en r/E EY " idi #F Y " y "n) * lF And n ( ($a#GE
EHe $as !r ")$# a %ase a)ains# +e * r #$e sed"%#i n * Lady Gr s&en r/E EB"# #$is is n # #r"e'E %ried #$e 1in)' 2n (in) *"ll (ell #$a# i# (as/ C"+!erland n dded +isera!ly/ EI# +"s# !e s# ..ed/E EI#'s # la#e/ T$e %ase is a! "# # !e $eard/ I ."# ** #ellin) y "
!e%a"se I 2ne( $ ( s$ %2ed y "'d !e/ Y "'re s"%$ a .r"de' Ge r)e/ Y " ne&er "nders#and #$ese #$in)s/E EO$' ) a(ay'E said #$e 1in)/ E3$a# is #$e "se * +y #ryin) # se# an e0a+.le ($en +y (n *a+ily "nder+ine e&ery#$in) I d GE C"+!erland ($eedled: ET$ere's n #$in) dd a! "# i#' Ge r)e/ M s# .e .le slee. (i#$ s +e ne else's (i*e a# s +e #i+e/E T$e 1in) *l"s$ed s%arle#/ EGe# "#FE $e said/ And C"+!erland (en#' de4e%#ed !"# nly a li##le/ T$e 1in) $ad # 2n ( #$a# #$is %ase (as .endin) and $e $ad *el# i# ( "ld !e !e##er i* $e (ere #$e ne *irs# # !rea2 #$e ne(s/ T$e ($ le * L nd n (as $i)$ly a+"sed !y #$e .r %eedin)s/ T$e D"2e * C"+!erland $ad !e% +e &ery ena+ "red * Henrie##a' Lady Gr s&en r' and $ad s ")$# # sed"%e $er/ -$e $ad all (ed $ersel* # !e sed"%edD and n ( $er $"s!and in *a%# ne * #$e !i))es# ra2es in L nd n $ad de%ided # +a2e %a.i#al * #$e a**air/ A*#er all $e s$ "ld e0.e%# !i) da+a)es *r + a r yal d"2e/ And s $e $ad !r ")$# #$e %ase and Lady Gr s&en r $ad 2e.# C"+!erland's le##ers ($i%$ (as e0%eedin)ly .ra%#i%al * $er and s $el.*"l # $er $"s!and's %ase/ T$e le##ers (ere read in C "r#D ill s.el# and "n)ra++a#i%al' #$ey (ere a ! n # #$e la+. nis#s/ All L nd n 2ne( ($a# $a..ened ($en a diss l"#e r yal d"2e' ($ (as %learly n s%$ lar' ."rs"ed an eB"ally diss l"#e n !le( +an ($ (as n #$in) l a#$/ T$e Prin%ess D (a)er (as de.ressed a! "# #$e a**airD r .er$a.s i# (as s +e#$in) else ($i%$ de.ressed $er/ -$e % "ld n l n)er de%ei&e $ersel*/ T$ere (as s +e#$in) &ery (r n) (i#$ $er #$r a#/ -$e *el# lis#less a# #i+es and nly (an#ed # s$"# $ersel* in $er a.ar#+en#s and !e al ne/ Her )rea# desire (as #$a# n ne s$ "ld 2n ( #$a# #$ere (as any#$in) (r n) (i#$ $er/ T$ere (ere #i+es ($en s$e (as in )rea# .ainD #$en s$e ( "ld s #$e $ersel* (i#$ a li##le .i"+ ($i%$ ( "ld l"ll $er # slee.' and a*#er a res# s$e ( "ld *eel !e##er/ Her )rea# de#er+ina#i n # $ide #$is #$in) *r + e&ery ne a! "# $er a%#ed as a 2ind * %r"#%$' and al#$ ")$ +any .e .le #$ ")$# s$e (as l 2in) #ired a# #i+es #$ey ."# #$is d (n # $er in%reasin) years/ -$e (as 4"s# .as# *i*#y n # s &ery ld really and
ye# !y n +eans y "n)/ I# (as "nders#anda!le' s$e ar)"ed (i#$ $ersel*' #$a# %%asi nally s$e s$ "ld $a&e ne * $er !ad days/ -e%re#ly s$e (as a(are #$a# #$is T$in) in $er #$r a# (as a 2illerD s$e $ad 2n (n #$ers ($ $ad s"**ered *r + i#/ I# (as s$e )"essed a #"+ "r ($i%$ ( "ld )rad"ally )r ( + re +ali)nan# as i# s"%2ed #$e li*e *r + $er/ B"# n # ye#/ N # e&en L rd B"#e s$ "ld 2n (/ And ($en i# (as &er #$ere ( "ld !e Miss Vansi##ar# # % +* r# $i+/ -$e (as )lad * #$a# ( +an's e0is#en%e/ -$e ( "ld n # re)re# lea&in) $i+ s +"%$ i* s$e % "ld lea&e $i+ in sa*e $ands/ -$e (as + re .$il s .$i%al' + re sel* e0.l ra#i&e #$an s$e $ad !een !e* re/ -$e s+iled s +e#i+es a# $er re*le%#i n in a +irr r and ($en $er *a%e l 2ed !a%2 a# $er n l n)er * r%ed in# &i#ali#y' !"# s$ (in) #$e .ain #$a# (as )na(in) a(ay inside $er' s$e ( "ld ($is.er # $ersel* : EI %an see #$a# I #r"ly l &e #$a# +an/E And s$e (e.# a li##le * r #$e .as# #$ se )l ri "s days ($en #$ey $ad *irs# +e# in #$e #en#' and $ ( dis%ree# and 2ind and a##en#i&e $e $ad !een' 2ee.in) $is dis#an%e "n#il #$a# day ($en a*#er Fred's dea#$ i# see+ed ri)$# and .r .er * r #$e+ # !e% +e l &ers/ EN +an (as e&er l &ed + re'E s$e +"r+"redD and s$e #$ ")$# $ ( s#ran)e i# (as #$a# s$e ($ $ad !een a!le # !e s"%$ a +ild and d %ile (i*e # Frederi%2' ($ $ad ne&er )rea#ly %ared * r $er %$ildren Ge r)e s$e $ad (a#%$ed &er (i#$ s"%$ de& #i n +ainly !e%a"se $e (as # !e #$e 1in) s$ "ld $a&e $ad s"%$ sin)le,+inded .assi na#e de& #i n # **er # ne +an/ T$ere (ere s +e ( +en .er$a.s ($ +ade !e##er (i&es #$an + #$ers/ -$e (as ne * #$e+/ And n ( Ge r)e $ad + &ed a(ay *r + $er/ He n l n)er % n*ided/ -$e $ad al(ays "r)ed $i+ # !e a 2in) in *a%# #$a# $ad !een #$e #$e+e s$e $ad % n#in"ally .ressed n $i+ and n (' in $is (ay' '$e $ad !e% +e a 2in)/ He de& #ed $i+sel* # s#a#e a**airsD $e +ade de%isi nsD $is +inis#ers 2ne( #$a# #$ey $ad # 2ee. in $is ) d )ra%es/ T$a# (as' a*#er all' !ein) a 2in)/ And #$ere (as #r "!le/ C$a#$a+ a si%2 +anD and #$ese #$er +inis#ersG EP *FE said A")"s#a and #$ ")$# $ ( +"%$ !e##er L rd B"#e ( "ld $a&e *illed #$e r le * Pri+e Minis#er/ He $ad )i&en ". !"# #$a# (as !e%a"se e&ery ne (as a)ains# $i+' s$e ass"red $ersel*/ -$e ( "ld n # !elie&e #$a# $e % "ld n # $a&e !een as % +.e#en# .er$a.s *ar + re #$an
C$a#$a+ /// i* $e $ad $ad a %$an%e/ Tr "!le e&ery($ere and n ( Henry' #$is silly s n * $ers' $ad # +a2e +a##ers ( rse !y !ein) in& l&ed in #$is + s# "nsa& "ry %ase/ T$ey (ere la")$in) a# $i+ in #$e s#ree#s/ T$ey (ere .ryin) in# $is in#i+a#e li*e/ He $ad !e#rayed #$e se%re#s * $is !ed%$a+!er/ I# (as dis)"s#in)/ And * % "rse #$e .e .le re&elled in i#D and as #$ey la")$ed &er C"+!erland and Lady Gr s&en r #$ey ( "ld re+e+!er #$e D (a)er Prin%ess and L rd B"#e/ T$ere ( "ld !e + re 4a%2! #s and .e##i% a#s # !e seen in #$e s#ree#s' s$e 2ne(/ B"# i# (as s .e##y' s $"+ilia#in)' s re& l#in)/ B"# #$e .ain (as !e)innin) # na) a)ainD and s$e 2ne( *r + e0.erien%e #$a# i# % "ld B"i%2ly !e% +e s &er($el+in) #$a# i# s"!+er)ed all else/ -$e )r .ed * r $er !ed and lay d (n/ T$e .ain (as %lai+in) $erD #$ere (as n #$in) !"# #$e .ain/ T$e .as# diss l&ed' #a2in) a+!i#i n (i#$ i#/ T$e Prin%ess D (a)er 2ne( #$a# #$e .ain (as dri&in) $er *r + #$e s%ene * a%#i n and #$a# ($a#e&er $a..ened in #$e *"#"re s$e ( "ld $a&e n .ar# in i#/ Henry %a+e # see #$e 1in) a)ain/ He (as &ery de4e%#ed !e%a"se #$e % "r# $ad )i&en 4"d)+en# a)ains# $i+/ E3ellGE said #$e 1in)/ E3$a# is i#GE ETen #$ "sand . "nds da+a)es * r Gr s&en r/E E3$a#FE EAnd #$ree #$ "sand % s#s/ T$ir#een #$ "sand in all/E E3ell' y "'ll $a&e # .ay i#/ 3$a#GE EGe r)e' I $a&en'# #$e + ney/E EHa&en'# #$e + neyG -$ "ld $a&e #$ ")$# * #$a# !e* re y " s#ar#ed #$is // / #$is // / *r li%/ T$ir#een #$ "sand . "ndsFE T$e 1in) see+ed # !e s#r"%2 s.ee%$less (i#$ #$e dis#ress * i#/
EI#'ll $a&e # !e .aid'E said C"+!erland/ EO#$er(ise #$ere (ill !e a +i)$#y s%andal/E EY " s$ "ld $a&e #$ ")$# * i# !e* re y " s#ar#ed n #$is *r li%/ Y " s$ "ld $a&e % nsidered i#' y " idi #/ Y " y "n) * l/ 3$ere are (e ) in) # *ind #$is + ney' e$' ($a#G Y " #ell +e/ D y " #$in2 I a+ ) in) # *ind i# * r y "' e$G Ge# "#' and d n'# le# +e $ear any + re * #$is +a##er/ Y " $ear' +e e$GE T$ere (as n #$in) C"+!erland % "ld d !"# re#ire' !"# $e re#"rned s$ r#ly a*#er (i#$ $is !r #$er 3illia+ D"2e * Gl "%es#er/ Gl "%es#er (as sy+.a#$e#i% (i#$ C"+!erland/ He % "ld $ardly !e any#$in) else/ His (n a+a# ry ad&en#"res (ere in*la++a!le en ")$ # !"rs# a# any + +en# in# a r arin) s%andal/ He ( "ld ) (i#$ $is !r #$er' $e said' and # )e#$er #$ey ( "ld #ry # .ers"ade #$e 1in) #$a# $e +"s# $el. .ay Gr s&en r's da+a)es r #$e *a+ily ( "ld !e in disre."#e/ Ge r)e sa( #$e . in# * #$is/ He (as (eary * #$e a**air/ I# (as n "se ar)"in)/ He (an#ed # #al2 i# &er (i#$ s +e ne' !"# $e ( "ld n # d s (i#$ C$arl ##e/ He $ad n (is$ # s"lly $is (i*e's ears (i#$ s# ries * #$is s r#/ I# (as B"i#e dis)"s#in)/ N ' $e +"s# de%ide #$is +a##er al ne' and a*#er +"%$ #$ ")$# $e %a+e # #$e % n%l"si n #$a# #$e !es# (ay "# * #$is indeli%a#e si#"a#i n (as # .ay #$e da+a)es as B"i%2ly as . ssi!le/ In *a%#' al#$ ")$ $e did n # %are # ad+i# #$is' #$e l ss * #$e + ney $"r# $i+ e&en + re #$an #$e s%andal/ 3an# nly # #$r ( a(ay #$ir#een #$ "sand . "nds * r #$e .leas"re * slee.in) (i#$ ne ( +an see+ed # $i+ n # nly %ri+inal !"# %ri+inal * lly/ 3$a# a! "# #$e * lly * +arryin) Hanna$ Li)$# * % ns%ien%e' al(ays a# $is el! ( #$ese days/ A# leas# I (as res.e%#a!le/ I +arried $er/ Ha' $aF said $is % ns%ien%e/ 3$a# C"+!erland $as d ne is n # $al* as s$ %2in) r .er$a.s as %all "s as ($a# y " did # Hanna$ Li)$# * #/ And ($a# * -ara$ Lenn 0G Y " ."!li%ly 4il#ed #$a# )irl !e%a"se y " $adn'# #$e % "ra)e # insis# n +arryin) $er in #$e *a%e * .. si#i n *r + B"#e and y "r + #$er/ One +"s# n # !la+e y "n) +en and ( +en # +"%$' $e % n%ededD and ( ndered $ ( $e % "ld .r %"re #$e #$ir#een #$ "sand . "nds ($i%$ %learly +"s# !e * "nd/ He de%ided # % ns"l# L rd N r#$/ #G as2ed $is
N r#$ %a+e # see $i+ a# n%e and (as n # s"r.rised #$a# #$e 1in) (is$ed # % ns"l# $i+ a! "# C"+!erland's +isde+ean "r/ Dear Fred N r#$F #$ ")$# #$e 1in)D $e $ad n # %$an)ed &ery +"%$/ T$ere $e sa# .. si#e #$e 1in)' * r Ge r)e ( "ld $a&e n * r+ali#y !e#(een $i+sel* and s"%$ an ld *riend' .ar#i%"larly n an %%asi n li2e #$is' and $e l 2ed s li2e Ge r)e #$a# i# (as al+ s# li2e )a7in) in# a +irr r/ N r#$'s !"l)in) eyes r lled s$ r#si)$#edly a! "# #$e r EMy #( !r #$ers $a&e !een # see +e'E said #$e 1in)/ EY " 2n ( a! "# #$is dis#ressin) la(,s"i# and #$a# #$ey $a&e * "nd * r Gr s&en r/ T$e + ney $as # !e .aid in a (ee2 and I d n # see $ ( s lar)e a s"+ as #$ir#een #$ "sand . "nds %an !e .r &ided in s s$ r# a #i+e/ I .ray y "' +y dear N r#$' #ell +e ($a# %an !e d ne a! "# i#/E N r#$'s eyes see+ed # * %"s n #$e 1in)' !"# $e % "ld n # see $i+ %learly/ He s$ 2 $is $ead and #$e *les$ n $is %$ee2s (a))led in a +anner ($i%$ +i)$# $a&e see+ed % +i%al # s +e' !"# #$e 1in) did n # n #i%e i#/ ET$e + ney +"s# !e * "nd'E $e said a# las#/ EOr'E added #$e 1in)' 'i# (ill !rin) + re dis$ n "r n #$e *a+ily' e$GE ET$a# ( "ld !e s ' sir/ I !elie&e His Hi)$ness is n l n)er #$e lady's l &er/E EI'+ n # s"r.rised'E s#"##ered #$e 1in)/ ET$is is en ")$ # ."# any ne **/ 3$a#G Brin)in) a %ase // / dra))in) #$e *a+ily' #$e r yal *a+ily' sir' #$r ")$ #$e la( % "r#s/ And $a&e #$e &erdi%# ) a)ains# a r yal d"2eF - +e#i+es I #$in2 #$ey en4 y .la)"in) "s' e$G 3$a# d y " #$in2/ 3$a#GE N r#$ said #$a# #$e D"2e's re."#a#i n (as n # ) d/ He already $ad a ne( +is#ressD $e $adn'# e&en (ai#ed * r #$e %ase # !e se##led/ EMrs/ H r# n' (id ( * a Der!ys$ire sB"ire/ A &ery *as%ina#in) ( +an' sir' s I'&e $eard/ 3al. le says $er eyelas$es are a yard l n) and s$e $as #$e + s# a+ r "s eyes in #$e ( rld/E +/
ET$en G d $el. $i+/E ET$a# s%andal+ n)er 3al. le says s$e % "ld $a&e #"rned #$e D"2e's $ead i* $er las$es $ad nly !een #$ree,B"ar#ers * a yard l n)/E N r#$ #i##ered/ EG ssi.'E $e (en# n/ E- +"%$ ) ssi./ N # ) d a# all * r #$e *a+ily' sir/ 3e +"s# se##le #$is a**air (i#$ "# delay * r #$e s ner i#'s se##led #$e s ner i#'s * r) ##en/ And Y "r Ma4es#y (ill d "!#less *eel in%lined # s.ea2 # His Hi)$ness' # . in# "# $is d"#y # #$e -#a#e' sir' *r + ($i%$ $e +"s# n # !e all (ed # di&er)e s *ar a)ain // / n #' I'+ s"re Y "r Ma4es#y (ill a)ree (i#$ +e' * r eyelas$es #( yards l n)/E EI#'s #r"e' N r#$/ A!s l"#ely #r"e/ I'll s.ea2 # #$e y "n) idi #/ And #$e + ney' e$' ($a#GE EFr + #$e Ci&il Lis#/ T$ere's n T$e 1in) si)$ed (i#$ relie*/ ET$ir#een #$ "sand . "ndsFE $e +"r+"red/ EB"# as y " say' N r#$' #$ere's n #$er (ay/E #$er (ay/E
Fa+ily s%andals (ere in #$e air and !y an dd B"ir2 * *a#e ne * ll (ed B"i%2ly n an #$er/ T$ere (as &ery dis#"r!in) ne(s *r + Den+ar2/ 3$en Ge r)e read #$e le##ers $e % "ld s%ar%ely !elie&e #$e+D $e se# "# (i#$ all $as#e # $is + #$er' * r $e *el# #$a# i# (as # $er nly #$a# $e % "ld #al2 * #$is #erri!le disas#er # #$e *a+ily/ 3$en s$e $eard #$a# #$e 1in) (is$ed # see $er' #$e Prin%ess D (a)er $as#ily ar se *r + $er !ed/ -$e did n # %all $er ( +en !"# $ersel* .ain#ed $er *a%e # #a2e a(ay #$e s#rained l 2 and sall ( #in)e * $er s2in ($i%$ (as )r (in) + re and + re a..aren# e&ery day/ 3$en s$e re%ei&ed #$e 1in) s$e (as relie&ed # see #$a# $er %$an)in) l 2s (en# "nn #i%ed/ Per$a.s #$is (as !e%a"se $e (as $i+sel* in a s#a#e * e0#re+e a)i#a#i n/ EM #$er'E $e %ried' e+!ra%in) $er' '#$ere is #erri!le ne(s *r + Den+ar2/E
T$e Prin%ess D (a)er *el# $er #$r a# !e)in # #$r !' !"# s$e said %al+ly : ENe(s' Ge r)eG 3$a# is i#GE ET$ey $a&e arres#ed Car line Ma#ilda/E EArres#ed #$e 8"eenF On ($a# %$ar)esGE ETreas n and ad"l#ery/E EI#'s i+. ssi!leFE EN ' + #$er/ I $a&e .r * * i#/ I#'s in #$ese le##ers/ T$ere is ne *r + Car line Ma#ilda $ersel*/ -$e is a .ris ner near Elsin re' and s$e *ears * r $er li*e/E ET$ey ( "ldn'# dare/E E-$e is *ar a(ay/ And y " 2n ( ($a# C$ris#ian is/E ET$e &illain "s li##le .er&er#'E %ried A")"s#a' $er & i%e $ars$ (i#$ *ear/ 3$a# (as $a..enin) # $er *a+ilyG T$a# $ rri!le %ase nly 4"s# &er and $ere (as Car line Ma#ilda a%%"sed * ad"l#ery /// and #reas n/ ET$ey say #$ey $a&e * "nd e&iden%e * a .l # a)ains# #$e 1in) !e#(een Car line Ma#ilda and a +an na+ed -#r"ensee/ T$ey are sayin) * "l #$in)s a)ains# Car line Ma#ilda and -#r"ensee/ T$ey $a&e ! #$ !een arres#ed/ T$ey say i# (ill !e #$e #rai# r's dea#$ * r -#r"ensee and . ssi!ly Car line Ma#ilda/ 3$a# s$ "ld (e d ' e$' ($a#GE EI#'s !ar!ar "s'E ($is.ered #$e Prin%ess D (a)er/ E-$e is in #$eir $ands /// a .ris ner/ My li##le sis#erF 3e s$ "ld ne&er $a&e all (ed $er # ) / Be##er *ar i* s$e $ad s#ayed $ere // / and ne&er +arried a# all/ T$ere is A")"s#a in Br"ns(i%2 /// I s$"dder # #$in2 ($a# is $a..enin) #$ere/ B"# #$is /// #$is is + ns#r "s' e$ GE E3e %ann # all ( $er # re+ain a .ris ner' Ge r)e/ I#'s an ins"l# # "r *a+ily/E ET$a#'s #r"e/ 3e'll $a&e # s# . i#/ H ( dare #$ey I My sis#er's li*e is in dan)er s #$ey #ell +e/ T$ey (ill #a2e $er "# and e0e%"#e $er /// !ar!ar "sly I 3$a# %an (e d ' e$ G 3$a# %an (e d ($a#' ($a#' ($a#
// / - +e#i+es I *eel as #$ ")$ I'+ ) in) +ad/E EGe r)e I F r G d's sa2e' d n'# say #$a#/E F r a se% nd r s #$ey l 2ed a# ea%$ #$er in $ rr r and #$en #$e Prin%ess D (a)er said &ery B"ie#ly: E3e +"s# *ind a (ay # sa&e Car line Ma#ilda/ I #$in2 Ge r)e #$a# #$is is a +a##er ($i%$ y " (ill $a&e # lay !e* re y "r +inis#ers/E Ge r)e n dded/ He $ad $ad # %all in N r#$ and "se #$e Ci&il Lis# # e0#ri%a#e Henry *r + $is s%andal' !"# #$is (as a +a##er !e#(een na#i ns/ T$is (as a *ar + re seri "s and dan)er "s a**air/ -%andal a!r ad Fr + #$e (ind ( * $er .ris n n #$e - "nd near Elsin re' Car line Ma#ilda % "ld see #$e li)$#s * C .en$a)en/ T$e %i#y (as en *e#e # %ele!ra#e $er d (n*all' s s$e $ad !een # ld/ +"%$ (as s$e $a#ed/ And n # + re #$an I $a#e #$e+ /// all * #$e+' s$e #$ ")$#/ B"# Ge r)e (ill % +e and #a2e +e a(ay/ T$ey (ill $a&e # re+e+!er #$a# I a+ #$e sis#er * #$e 1in) * En)land and $e is a ) d 2in)D $e l &es $is *a+ilyD $e ( "ld ne&er deser# $is li##le sis#er/ O$ .lease' Ge r)e' send B"i%2ly/ -$e %l sed $er eyes # s$"# "# #$e si)$# * #$ se )aris$ ill"+ina#i ns and #$ ")$# * $ +e/ 1e( and Ri%$+ ndD Ha+.# n and 1ensin)# nD B"%2in)$a+ H "se * ($i%$ C$arl ##e (as s .r "d/ L"%2y C$arl ##e' ($ $ad !een +arried # a s#ran)er 4"s# as s$e $ad' !"# #$a# s#ran)er (as Ge r)e #$e deares# and 2indes# * +en/ O$' Ge r)e' send B"i%2ly/ Ta2e +e a(ay *r + $ere/ Brin) +e $ +e/ E&ery#$in) $ad ) ne (r n) sin%e s$e le*# $ +eD e&ery#$in) ( "ld !e ri)$# n%e s$e (as !a%2/ Her + #$er ( "ld s% ld $erD s$e ( "ld !la+e $erD !"# s$e ( "ld ans(er !a%2/ 3$a# * y "' M #$er' y " and L rd B"#e/ 3$y s$ "ldn'# I $a&e a l &er # G I $ad # d s +e#$in)D and I $a#ed #$e 1in) and -#r"ensee (as s %le&er' s $ands +e' s s2il*"l' e&ery#$in) #$a# C$ris#ian (as n #/ 3$en $er + #$er $ad % +e # see $er #( ,years a) s$e 2ne( #$a# #$e Prin%ess D (a)er (as .re.ared # re+ ns#ra#e (i#$ $er/ B"# s$e $ad )i&en $er n .. r#"ni#y/ J $n Frederi%2 -#r"ensee $ad !een % ns#an#ly in $er % +.any #$en and #$ey $ad #a2en a +is%$ie& "s deli)$# in ne&er all (in) #$e Prin%ess D (a)er # $a&e a ( rd al ne (i#$ $er da")$#er/ E&en ($en #$e Prin%ess as2ed i#' s$e' Car line Ma#ilda $ad )i&en rders #$a# #$ey (ere # !e
% ns#an#ly in#err".#ed/ EF r i*'E s$e $ad said # J $n Frederi%2' 's$e !e)ins # s% ld +e * r +y *riends$i. (i#$ y "' I s$all n # !e a!le # .re&en# +ysel* as2in) a! "# $ers (i#$ B"#e/ Far !e##er * r *a+ily rela#i ns i* #$e s"!4e%# * "r e0#ra,+ari#al rela#i ns$i.s are n # all (ed # !e !r ")$# "./E T$a# (as in #$e %are*ree daysD #$e Prin%ess D (a)er $ad ) ne $ +e dissa#is*ied and Car line Ma#ilda and $er l &er $ad % n#in"ed # en4 y li*e/ H ( $ad i# all s#ar#edG O$' G d' s$e #$ ")$#' #$ se a(*"l days ($en I arri&ed and sa( #$is #$in) #$ey $ad )i&en +e * r a $"s!and/ 3$a# %an #$ey e0.e%# * a )irl * *i*#een' #a2en *r + $er $ +e # a s#ran)e land' $anded # a s#ran)e +an ($ is li##le + re #$an a l"na#i%' e&en .ar#ed *r + #$e *e( a##endan#s s$e $ad !r ")$# (i#$ $er and s"rr "nded !y #$ers ($ se lan)"a)e s$e d es n # *"lly "nders#andF H ( % "ld I $a&e deal# (i#$ #$e si#"a#i n I * "ndG C$ris#ian $as !een % +.ared (i#$ #$e E+.er r Cali)"la and I d n'# *ind #$e des%ri.#i n (ildly e0a))era#ed/ And (ai#in) * r +e (as J"liana Maria' +y $"s!and's s#e.+ #$er' ($ $ad a s n * $er (n' Frederi%2' and na#"rally s$e ( "ld *eel s +e resen#+en# # (ards +e and s$e +"s# $ .e #$a# I ( "ld !e !arren s #$a# $er s n ( "ld in$eri# #$e #$r ne/ And as i* #$a# (ere n # en ")$ #$ere (as - .$ia Ma)dalena #$e 8"een D (a)er' (id ( * C$ris#ian's )rand*a#$er' B"ie# and d"ll' (a#%$in) e&ery#$in) (i#$ #$ se ld !r din) eyes * $ers/ 3$a# a si#"a#i n * r a y "n) ine0.erien%ed )irl # *ind $ersel* inF And ($en C$ris#ian $ad #a2en C "n# & n H i%2 # !e $is % ns#an# % +.ani n' day and ni)$#' a.. in#in) $i+ Mars$al * #$e C "r# s #$a# $e % "ld !e in % ns#an# a##endan%e' s$e $ad *el# "#ra)ed/ H ( dared #$ey +arry $er # s"%$ a +anF B"# #$ey $ad +ana)ed # $a&e a %$ild/ -$e $ad $er li##le Frederi%2 ($ (as s +e % ns la#i nD !"# s$e (as # y "n) # !e s$"# a(ay and +erely .lay #$e + #$er in a $ s#ile C "r#/ T$ se #( ( +en J"liana Maria and - .$ia Ma)dalena $ad ."# #$eir $eads # )e#$er and %l"%2ed &er #$e de%aden# !e$a&i "r * C$ris#ian and insis#ed n $is #a2in) a +is#ress/ B"# i# (as & n H i%2 ($ $ad all #$e in*l"en%e (i#$ C$ris#ian and $e #ried # r"n n # nly C$ris#ian's $ "se$ ld !"# $ers/ He $ad s"%%eeded in $a&in) dis+issed ld Fra" & n Plessen ($ $ad !een $er Mis#ress * #$e R !es/ -$e $ad n # *el# any )rea# a**e%#i n * r Fra" & n Plessen ($ $ad !een + s# se&ere in $er %ri#i%is+' !"# n ( s$e reali7ed $ ( i+. r#an# #$a# %ri#i%is+' and #$e
ad&i%e ($i%$ (en# (i#$ i#' (ereD and #$a# $ad Fra" & n Plessen s#ayed (i#$ $er' s$e +i)$# n # !e ($ere s$e (as # day/ H ( s$e $ad ra)ed ($en C$ris#ian $ad ) ne n $is #ra&els and $ # #a2en $er (i#$ $i+/ T$e idea * $i+ in En)land $ad # r+en#ed $erD a (a&e * #erri!le $ +esi%2ness %a+e &er $er a# #$a# #i+e and s$e $a#ed $er $"s!and' $a#ed $er li*e and & (ed #$a# s$e ( "ld n # !e #rea#ed in #$is (ay/ On $is #ra&els C$ris#ian $ad #a2en (i#$ $i+ a y "n) .$ysi%ian na+ed J $n Frederi%2 -#r"ensee and $ad * "nd $i+ # !e a &ery ) d .$ysi%ian indeed' (i#$ #$e res"l# #$a# n $is re#"rn' -#r"ensee re+ained in #$e r yal ser&i%e/ A# *irs# Car line Ma#ilda $ad disli2ed $i+ as s$e disli2ed all #$ se ($ (ere $er $"s!and's *riends/ -$e $ersel* s"**ered *r + ill $eal#$ n ( and #$enD s$e $ad $er *a+ily's #enden%y # ."# n (ei)$# and !elie&ed s$e $ad a # "%$ * dr .sy/ -$e 2e.# # $er a.ar#+en#s and C$ris#ian * r s +e dd reas n s"ddenly !e%a+e in#eres#ed in $er/ 3$en $e %a+e # $er a.ar#+en#s and * "nd $er lyin) n $er !ed' $e as2ed ($a# ailed $er and s$e said #$a# s$e #$ ")$# i# +i)$# !e dr .sy/ EI s$all see ne * #$e d %# rs'E s$e added/ EI'll send -#r"ensee'E C$ris#ian # ld $er/ EI d n'# (an# #$a# +an near +e/E EHe's #$e !es# d %# r in Den+ar2/E EI d n'# #$in2 s and I (ill de%ide n +y (n d %# r/E EY "'ll $a&e -#r"ensee'E said C$ris#ian #$rea#enin)ly/ T$is (as #y.i%al * $i+/ 3$y s$ "ld $e $a&e %ared ($a# d %# r s$e $adG Did $e %are * r $erG Cer#ainly n #/ He +erely (an#ed # ) a)ains# $er (is$es/ C$ris#ian s#r de "# * $er a.ar#+en# and s$e sen# * r ne * $er ( +en and # ld $er # %all a d %# r * $er %$ sin)/ -$e ( "ld s$ ( C$ris#ian #$a# s$e $ad n in#en#i n * !endin) # $is (ill n e&ery %%asi n/ I* $e sen# -#r"ensee !"# * % "rse i* $e +e# & n H i%2 n #$e (ay *r + $er a.ar#+en#s $e ( "ld .r !a!ly * r)e# all a! "# $er and $er need * r a d %# r ,#$a# +an ( "ld *ind an #$er d %# r
a##endin) $er/ T$e d r * #$e a.ar#+en# .ened and #$ere (as -#r"ensee/ An)rily s$e de+anded ($a# $e (an#ed/ He ! (ed and said $e %a+e n #$e 1in)'s % ++and/ EI d n # (is$ ///E s$e !e)an/ ET$e 1in) (is$es #$a# I a##end y "' Mada+/E Tears * + r#i*i%a#i n *illed $er eyesD e&ery ne ( "ld !e lis#enin)/ -$e (as li2e a sla&e' * r%ed # !ey #$e 1in)'s (ill/ EC +e'E said -#r"ensee' 'all ( +e # e0a+ine y "/ I s(ear I (ill "se all +y s2ill # +a2e y " (ell a)ain/E T$ere (as a +a)ne#is+ a! "# #$e +an/ -$e $ad # ad+i# i# n #$a# *irs# %%asi n/ He s$ (ed #$e "#+ s# a##en#i n ($ile s$e #al2ed * $er ail+en# and i# (as #$e *irs# #i+e sin%e s$e $ad % +e # Den+ar2 #$a# any ne $ad +ade $er *eel s i+. r#an#/ 3$en $e r se # ) $e said : E3i#$ Y "r Ma4es#y's .er+issi n I (ill % +e and see y " la#er in #$e day/ 3e (ill see ($a# e**e%# #$e in#+en#s $a&e $ad #$en/E -$e * "nd s$e (as (ai#in) ea)erly * r $is re#"rn/ T$ey $ad n # !e% +e l &ers i++edia#ely/ T$e deadly a##ra%#i n (as #$ere * r $er' !"# s$e (as n # s"re #$a# $e (as a(are * $er *eelin)s * r $i+/ 3$en s$e (as !e##er s$e # ld $er ( +an #$a# -#r"ensee (as a ( nder*"l d %# r' a +ira%"l "s $ealerD $e $ad n # nly %"red $er $e $ad !r ")$# $er "# * $er de.ressi nD $e $ad dis.elled $er $ +esi%2ness % +.le#ely' * r ($y s$ "ld s$e (an# # !e in a .la%e ($ere -#r"ensee (as n #/ He &isi#ed $er *#enD $e # ld $er #$a# s$e ( "ld !e (ise # % +e # s +e "nders#andin) (i#$ $er $"s!and/ -$ "ld s$e n # a%%e.# $i+ as $e (as/ Le# $i+ $a&e *riends li2e #$e C "n# & n H i%2' !"# s$e s$ "ld li&e n a+i%a!le #er+s (i#$ $i+/ -$e lis#ened # $i+ and sin%e C$ris#ian did #$e sa+e #$ere (as a sli)$# i+.r &e+en# in #$e rela#i ns$i. !e#(een #$e 1in) and #$e 8"een/ 3$en a s+all . 0 s%are %a+e # C .en$a)en -#r"ensee in %"la#ed #$e Cr (n Prin%e and #$e .era#i n (as an a!s l"#e s"%%ess/ -#r"ensee (as n ( ins#alled in $is (n a.ar#+en#s a# #$e C$ris#ians!er) Pala%e' and #$ere $e and Car line Ma#ilda $ad !e% +e l &ers/
In #$ se *irs# days #$ey $ad !een re%2less/ Car line Ma#ilda (as in l &eD and #$e ($ le ( rld (as %$an)ed/ -$e n l n)er railed a)ains# #$e *a#e ($i%$ $ad !r ")$# $er # Den+ar2/ -$e ( "ld n # !e any($ere else #$an Den+ar2/ Le# C$ris#ian $a&e $is *riends/ 3$a# did s$e %areG Her ( +en's a##i#"de # (ards $er (as !e% +in) *"r#i&eD s$e %a")$# #$e+ e0%$an)in) sly s+iles/ On%e ($en -#r"ensee (as % +in) *r + $er !ed%$a+!er in #$e early + rnin) $e $ad $eard a d r B"ie#ly s$"#/ He said: E3e are !ein) (a#%$ed/E T$en #$ey (ere %are*"l/ E3$ 2n (s'E said -#r"ensee' '($a# * r+ C$ris#ian's re&en)e ( "ld #a2eGE EHe d esn'# (an# +e/E EHe +i)$# n # (an# any ne else # $a&e y "/E - * r a ($ile #$ey +e# less *reB"en#ly' !"# #$is s#a#e * a**airs Car line Ma#ilda de%lared # !e "nend"ra!le and &ery s n #$ey (ere +ee#in) + re *reB"en#ly #$an e&er' and sin%e i# (as n # . ssi!le # 2ee. #$eir rela#i ns$i. a se%re#' #$ey did n # a##e+.# # / T$e ($ le C "r# (as a(are * #$e na#"re * #$e *riends$i. !e#(een -#r"ensee and #$e 8"een/ B"# -#r"ensee (as + re #$an a s2illed d %# r and a .ra%#ised l &erD $e (as an a+!i#i "s +an/ His )rea# ai+ (as . li#i%al . (er/ He (as already da!!lin) in . li#i%sD #$e 1in)'s *eelin) * r $i+ and #$e 8"een's de& #i n' allied # $is (n a!ili#y # .l #' )a&e $i+ $i)$ $ .es * s"%%ess/ He en&isa)ed Den+ar2 r"led !y a Re)en# 8"een (i#$ $i+sel* #$e . (er !e$ind #$e #$r neD and # d #$is i# ( "ld !e ne%essary # $a&e #$e 1in) s$"# ". as a l"na#i%/ C$ris#ian (as s$ (in) si)ns * +en#al ins#a!ili#y' s i# (as n # an i+. ssi!le drea+/ -#r"ensee's . (er $ad )r (n ra.idlyD $e $ad "nder+ined #$e G &ern+en#D and all #$e #i+e $e (as ( r2in) # (ards #$a# ) al ($i%$ (as # r"le Den+ar2/ T$e 1in) (as al+ s# as +"%$ "nder $is s.ell as Car line Ma#ilda (asD #$is (as e&iden# ($en C "n# & n H i%2 *ell *r + *a& "r/ 3$ else !"# -#r"ensee % "ld $a&e !r ")$# #$a# a! "#G T$e +an *as%ina#ed #$e r yal .air eB"ally/ He !e%a+e Mas#er * ReB"es#s and la#er a Ca!ine# Minis#erD and * ll (in) n #$a# $is rise (as s ra.id #$a# i# (as said #$a# an rder *r + $i+ %arried + re (ei)$# #$an ne *r + #$e 1in)/ He # 2 #$e #i#le * C "n#D $e *illed #$e %a!ine# (i#$
$is (n %rea#"resD $e $ad %li+!ed ($ere $e (is$ed # ' !"# $is . li#i%al a+!i#i n ( "ld ne&er !e en#irely sa#is*ied "n#il $e (as # all in#en#s and ."r. ses #$e r"ler * Den+ar2/ He $ad n # #a2en in# % nsidera#i n #$e .e .le's rea%#i n/ 3$ (as #$is ad&en#"rerG #$ey $ad as2ed/ 3$a# ri)$# $ad $e # se# $i+sel* ".G A/d %# r ($ $ad .leased #$e 1in) and !e%a"se #$e 1in) (as a near i+!e%ile and #$e 8"een a (an# n $e ( "ld r"le #$e land I 3e s$ "ld $a&e seen #$e disas#er' #$ ")$# Car line Ma#ilda/ T$e (ri#in) n #$e (all (as &ery .lain/ Had C$ris#ian seen i#G One % "ld ne&er #ell ($a# .ene#ra#ed $is %l "ded +ind/ B"# $e $ad !een 2inder # $er sin%e -#r"ensee $ad !e% +e $er l &er/ He s$ (ed n !4e%#i n # #$eir in#i+a%yD in *a%# a# #i+es s$e $ad !elie&ed $e en% "ra)ed i#/ He $ad # ld $er #$a# #$ey s$ "ld $a&e an #$er %$ild and #$is (as #r"e/ - s$e $ad sa%ri*i%ed $ersel*' s#ayed a(ay *r + $er l &er' !een a (i*e # C$ris#ian "n#il s$e !e%a+e .re)nan# a)ain/ I# (as a*#er #$is #$a# s$e n #i%ed #$e %$an)e in -#r"ensee/ His %aresses (ere +e%$ani%al/ He (as % n%erned (i#$ . (er' n # (i#$ a ( +an/ Na#"rally e&ery ne (as s"s.i%i "s a# #$e !ir#$ * li##le L "isa A")"s#a/ ET$e 1in)'sGE as2ed #$e .e .le .enly/ EOr -#r"en,see'sGE D"rin) #$ se *irs# + n#$s a*#er #$e %$ild's !ir#$ s$e $ad n # %ared s dee.ly #$a# -#r"ensee (as n l n)er $er arden# l &er/ -$e $ad $er !a!y' and #$e %$ild' (i#$ li##le Frederi%2' a!s r!ed $er/ -$e $ad !e)"n # #$in2 #$a# (i#$ $er %$ildren s$e % "ld !e $a..ies# and s$e (as !e)innin) # s"s.e%# #$a# -#r"ensee's dee. *eelin)s $ad !een + re * r #$e 8"een #$an #$e ( +an/ -$e s$ "ld $a&e !een .re.ared/ Ri #s in #$e s#ree#s/ Le(d .la%ards a! "# #$e 8"een and $er l &er/ And in #$e C "r# .l #s # re+ &e -#r"ensee/ He (as + re l n),si)$#ed #$an s$e (as' and sa( #$e dan)er % +in)/ -$e re+e+!ered #$e %%asi n ($en $e %a+e # $er and # ld $er #$a# $e !elie&ed $e s$ "ld lea&e #$e % "n#ry/
E3$y GE s$e $ad de+anded/ E3 "ld y " deser# +e GE T$a# !r ")$# * r#$ .r #es#a#i ns * de& #i n/ He ( "ld ne&er lea&e $er ($ile s$e needed $i+' !"#/// ET$en y " (ill s#ay $ere'E s$e # ld $i+ % lly/ ET$ere are (ild r"+ "rs'E $e re.lied/ ET$ey are sayin) #$a# y " and I in#end # ."# #$e 1in) a(ay' # se# ". a Re)en%y and #a2e % n#r l # )e#$er/E E3ell'E s$e $ad re.lied' 'are #$ey (r n)GE He % "ld n # "nders#and $er/ -$e (as n l n)er $is de& #ed +is#ress/ -$e $ad re+e+!ered' sin%e #$e !ir#$ * $er %$ild' #$a# s$e (as a B"een/ He (as res. nsi!le * r #$e %$an)e in #$eir rela#i ns$i.' s$e # ld $ersel*/ Had $e ne&er s$ (n d"rin) #$a# .eri d ($en $e #$ ")$# $e % "ld d (i#$ "# $er #$a# l &e * r $er $ad i#s r #s in #$e . (er s$e % "ld !rin) # $i+' s$e ( "ld n # $a&e %$an)ed/ I# (as $ardly li2ely #$a# J"liana Maria ( "ld s#and !y and d n #$in)/ -$e $ad $er (n s n Frederi%2 # % nsider/ - +e #i+e !e* re s$e $ad ) ne # Fredens! r) *r + ($ere s$e (a#%$ed e&en#s a# C "r# (i#$ )rea# % n%en#ra#i n/ -$e (as s"rr "nded !y s".. r#ersD and #$ere s$e $ad .l ##ed/ In #$e C$ris#ians!er) Pala%e a +as2ed !all (as !ein) $eld/ Car line Ma#ilda and -#r"ensee (ere dan%in) # )e#$er ($en #$e % ns.ira# rs en#ered/ C ns.ira# rsF T$ey ( "ld %all #$e+sel&es #$e .a#ri #s/ T$eir s%$e+es $ad +a#"red in #$e a.ar#+en#s * J"liana MariaD and #$e .e .le (ere (i#$ #$e+/ -#r"ensee (as arres#ed/ -$e sa( $i+ %arried ** "nder $er eyesD !"# s$e $ad n # !elie&ed #$a# #$ey ( "ld dare # "%$ $er/ -$e $ad %ried : EI a+ #$e 8"een/ Ta2e y "r $ands *r + +e/E B"# #$ey # 2 n $eed * $er rders and s#r"))lin) s$e (as %arried a(ay and n ne in #$e )rea# $all a##e+.#ed # .re&en# #$is "#ra)e/ Her *irs# #$ ")$#s (ere * r $er %$ildren/ -$e !e))ed n # # !e .ar#ed *r + #$e+/ T$ey $ad !e% +e + re i+. r#an# # $er #$an any#$in) else/ T$e )"ards % nsidered and a# len)#$ $er li##le da")$#er (as !r ")$# #
$er/ Her s n Frederi%2 (as n # all (ed # see $erD $e (as #$e Cr (n Prin%e and !el n)ed # #$e s#a#e/ B"# a# leas# s$e $ad L "isa/ And s #$ey $ad !r ")$# $er # #$e .ris n n #$e - "nd and #$e days * %a.#i&i#y $ad !e)"n/ 3$a# (as $a..enin) in C .en$a)en' in Frederi2s!er)' in L nd n' s$e ( nderedD and $er #$ ")$#s d(el# n L nd n/ Ge r)e ( "ld $ear ($a# (as $a..enin) # $er and $e ( "ld ne&er all ( #$ese .e .le # #rea# a sis#er * $is in #$is (ay/ -$e $ad (an#ed # s%rea+ a# #$e+ : ED y " reali7e #$a# I a+ #$e sis#er * #$e 1in) * En)landGE B"# s$e $ad re+ained silen#/ -$e ( "ld )e# +essa)es # $i+D and $e ( "ld ne&er deser# $er/ Pe .le +i)$# la")$ a# Ge r)e' say $e (as si+.le' res.e%#a!ly ! "r)e is' !"# $e (as 2ind and $e ( "ld ne&er deser# $is sis#er/ 3$a# *ri)$#enin) days s$e end"red in .ris n ($en s$e $ad $eard ne(s * -#r"ensee's #rialD ($en #$ey # r#"red $i+ and "nder # r#"re $e % n*essed # $is in#ri)"e (i#$ $er all #$e de#ails' #$e .ri&a#e in#i+a#e de#ailsD and s$e 2ne( #$a# #$ey did n # (is$ # in%ri+ina#e $i+ nly' !"# $er/ T$ey (an#ed # #a2e $er "# * #$is .ris n # $er e0e%"#i n/ T$ey (an#ed # $"+ilia#e $er' # 2ill $er/ And #$ey $ad !r ")$# # $er $er l &er's % n*essi n/ Is #$is #r"eG #$ey de+anded/ And s$e re)arded #$e+ silen#ly/ I# (as #r"e/ -$e $ad l &ed #$is +anD #$ere $ad !een a #i+e ($en n #$in) in #$e ( rld $ad !een i+. r#an# # $er !"# $i+D and n ( #$ey $ad $i+ "nder res#rain#D #$e .enal#y * r $is sins (as $ rri!le dea#$/ -$e $ad %ried: ET$e *a"l# is +ine/ I #a2e #$e !la+e/E And #$a# $ad .leased #$e+D #$a# (as ($a# #$ey $ad (an#ed $er # say/ - #$ey $ad !r ")$# #$eir %ase a)ains# $erD s$e (as # !e di& r%ed *r + #$e 1in)D $er l &er (as # die /// !ar!ar "sly/ And $ersel*G 3$a# * $ersel*G -$e $ad (ai#ed * r ne(s * $er l &er's dea#$/ T$ere (as n ne(sD and ne A.ril day s$e (as &er% +e !y a #erri!le +elan%$ lyD and s$e said # $ersel* : ET$is is #$e day/E La#er s$e $eard #$a# s$e (as ri)$#/ -$e s$"ddered # #$in2 * #$e # r#"rin) * #$a# n%e $ands +e ! dyD s$e % "ld n # s$"# "# * $er +ind #$e #$ ")$# * $is % r.se/ Arid $ersel*/ 3$a# * $ersel*G Her nly $ .e lay (i#$ Ge r)e/
Ge r)e .a%ed ". and d (n $is + #$er's a.ar#+en#/ E3$a# d y " #$in2 #$ey (ill d # '$er' e$' ($a#G Are #$ey .lannin) # e0e%"#e $er as #$ey did -#r"enseeGE E3e %ann # all ( i#'E said #$e Prin%ess D (a)er/ EN ' (e (ill $ # all ( i#/ Car line Ma#ilda/E Ge r)e's eyes )re( s *#/ His li##le sis#er ($ (as s !ri)$# and .re##y/ - +e#$in) +"s# !e d ne # sa&e $er/ EI (ill s.ea2 # N r#$'E $e said/ E3e +"s# delay n l n)er/ 3$ 2n (s ($a# #$ese Danes (ill d ne0#/ 3e +"s# .r &e # #$e+ #$e +i)$# * En)land' e$GE EH ( I (is$ #$is +arria)e $ad ne&er #a2en .la%e/E EAnd II' a)reed Ge r)e/ EB"# ($a# %an (e d G Can (e lea&e "r ( +en "n+arried // / s.ins#ers' e$G 3$a#G N # a ) d .r s.e%# * r #$e+/ And s *e( Pr #es#an# s &erei)ns in E"r .e/E EN ne % "ld !e ( rse #$an #$is C$ris#ian/ A l"na#i%' Ge r)e/ N #$in) + re/ My . r' . r da")$#er/E T$e Prin%ess D (a)er $ad !e% +e a li##le + re sen#i+en#al sin%e s$e *el# s ill/ N ( s$e (as #$in2in) * Car line Ma#ilda' $er y "n)es#' #$e . s#$"+ "s %$ild * #$e Prin%e * 3ales/ -$e re+e+!ered s (ell #$ se + n#$s ($en s$e $ad a(ai#ed #$e %$ild's !ir#$ and dear L rd B"#e $ad !een (ai#in) # / 3$en Car line Ma#ilda $ad % +e in# #$e ( rld' #$e Prin%ess D (a)er $ad %eased # + "rn * r $er $"s!andD #$en s$e $ad #"rned $a..ily # L rd B"#e/ T$is $ad $a..ened all #$ se years a) D and n ( #$is da")$#er * $ers (as in )rea# #r "!leD and s$e *el# # ill # lis#en' # %are as s$e s$ "ld $a&e d ne/ EI (ill s.ea2 # N r#$'E Ge r)e (as sayin)/ E3e %ann # all ( #$ese .e .le # * r)e# #$a# #$eir B"een is "r sis#er/ -$e +"s# !e #rea#ed (i#$ #$e res.e%# d"e # #$e Cr (n/E T$e Prin%ess D (a)er n dded' and Ge r)e n #i%ed $er lis#lessness * r #$e *irs# #i+e/ -$e (as di**eren#D in #$e s.rin) li)$# $er *a%e l 2ed sall ( and ra&a)ed/
EY " are ill'E $e said s"ddenly/ EN /// n /// n 'E s$e .r #es#ed/ ET$is $as ".se# y "' I *ear/E EYes'E s$e ans(ered/ Le# i# ) a# #$a#/ -$e (as n # ) in) # ad+i# # Ge r)e $ ( ill s$e (as/ -$e (as ) in) n *i)$#in) # #$e end/ T$e ne(s *r + Den+ar2 (as !ad/ T$ere (ere s#r n) .ini ns #$ere #$a# #$e 8"een deser&ed #$e sa+e *a#e as -#r"ensee' s ($y s$ "ld s$e n # s"**er i#G T$e Danis$ a+!assad r *a%ed #$e 1in) and $is +inis#ers/ He s$ "ld n # * r)e#' #$ey re+inded $i+' #$a# #$e 8"een * Den+ar2 (as an En)lis$ .rin%ess/ EMy ) &ern+en# ( "ld ne&er # lera#e #$e e0e%"#i n * an En)lis$ .rin%ess'E said #$e 1in)/ T$e ans(er %a+e *r + #$e Danis$ C "r# #$a# #$ey ( "ld se##le #$eir (n a**airs (i#$ "# $el. *r + En)landD and as a res"l# a sB"adr n (as rdered # sail * r Den+ar2/ N ( #$e Danes (ere alar+ed and 4"s# as di.l +a#i% rela#i ns !e#(een #$e #( % "n#ries (ere a! "# # !e !r 2en **' #$ey e0.ressed a %$an)e * a##i#"de/ T$e 8"een s$ "ld !e di& r%edD #$ey ( "ld n # #a2e $er li*e' !"# s$e s$ "ld !e e0iled *r + Den+ar2/ T$e sB"adr n (as n # sen# # Den+ar2D !"# #$e . si#i n de+anded s +e a%#i nD #$ere* re #( *ri)a#es and a sl . (ere rdered # Elsin re # +a2e s"re #$a# #$e 8"een (as all (ed # lea&e Den+ar2 in sa*e#y/ Ge r)e $ad dis%"ssed #$e a**air a# )rea# len)#$ (i#$ $is + #$er/ Car line Ma#ilda $ad !een )"il#y * ad"l#eryD #$ey +"s# re+e+!er #$a#/ T$ey % "ld n # !la+e #$e Danis$ G &ern+en# en#irely * r i#s #rea#+en# * $er/ -$e $ad ad+i##ed #$a# -#r"ensee $ad !een $er l &erD $e $ad .aid #$e .ri%eD #$ey +"s# n # de+and a *ree .ard n * r Car line Ma#ilda +erely !e%a"se s$e (as an En)lis$ .rin%ess/ B"# #$ey ( "ld re+e+!er #$a# s$e (as #$e 1in)'s sis#erD #$ere* re #$e Na&y +"s# +a2e #$is )es#"re # #$e Danes #$a# #$ey +i)$# n # * r)e# #$e e0al#ed ran2 * #$e En)lis$ .rin%ess/ T$e Danes $ad n (is$ * r #r "!le (i#$ En)land/ All #$ey (an#ed (as # !e rid * Car line Ma#ilda/ I# (as en ")$ #$a# s$e (as di& r%ed and
e0iled al#$ ")$ #$e Bri#is$ a+!assad r did s"%%eed in )e##in) $er a .ensi n * a! "# L??? . "nds a year/ - i# (as ) d!ye # Den+ar2/ Car line Ma#ilda (as (ee.in) !i##erly/ N # #$a# s$e %ared # lea&e #$is land in ($i%$ s$e $ad 2n (n s"%$ #e+.es#" "s years/ -$e des.ised $er $"s!andD s$e $ad !een disa.. in#ed in $er l &erD and all #$a# (as le*# # $er (as $er %$ildren/ And #$is (as $er ."nis$+en#D s$e (as # !e .ar#ed *r + #$e+/ Frederi%2 I L "isa I T$ey (ere n l n)er $ers/ T$ey !el n)ed # #$e s#a#e * Den+ar2/ And s$e (as # !e e0iled !y a *rea2 * * r#"ne in #$e %as#le * Celle/ I# (as a# Celle #$a# $er )rea#,)rand+ #$er' - .$ia D r #$ea #$e #ra)i% 8"een * Ge r)e I' $ad li&ed $er $a..y %$ild$ dD and . r - .$ia D r #$ea's li*e $ad r"n n si+ilar lines # #$a# * Car line Ma#ilda' * r +arried # #$e % arse and in% nsidera#e Ge r)e I' s$e $ad #a2en a l &er' !een dis% &ered' $er l &er $ad !een !r"#ally +"rdered' $er %$ildren #a2en *r + $er' and s$e e0iled # s.end #$e res# * $er li*e in s li#"de/ -$e re+ained in e0ile * r + re #$an #(en#y years' I !elie&e' #$ ")$# Car line Ma#ilda/ I .ray i# (ill n # !e s l n) * r +e/ And s ended Car line Ma#ilda's li*e in Den+ar2' as' $er %$ildren #a2en *r + $er' $er l &er l s# # $er * r e&er' s$e +ade $er 4 "rney # (ards Celle/ T$e Prin%ess D (a)er #a2es $er lea&e T$e *a+ily #r "!les (ere n # &er/ I# (as $ardly li2ely #$a# C"+!erland ( "ld learn $is less nD n s ner $ad #$e Gr s&en r s%andal died d (n #$an $e %a+e # $is !r #$er in a + d * s +e#$in) !e#(een % n#ri#i n and #r"%"len%e and # ld $i+ #$a# $e $ad s +e#$in) * i+. r#an%e # #ell $i+/ EY " (ill $ear * i# s ner r la#er'E $e # ld Ge r)e' 'and I ( "ld ra#$er y " $eard i# *irs# *r + +y (n li.s/E Ge r)e's s.iri#s san2/ He % "ld see *r + $is !r #$er's e0.ressi n #$a# i# ( "ld !e s +e#$in) ($i%$ ( "ld n # .lease $i+/ EY "'d !e##er #ell' e$GE EI/// I a+ +arried/E EMarried'E s.l"##ered Ge r)e/ EB"# // / !"# i#'s i+. ssi!le/ H ( /// %an #$a# !eGE
EY "r Ma4es#y s$ "ld 2n (/ Y " #a2e y "r a#$ !e* re #$e .ries# and ///E C"+!erland (as l 2in) sly' re+indin) Ge r)e * #$a# %ere+ ny $e $ad "nder) ne (i#$ Hanna$ Li)$# * #/ Ge r)e said: EY " $ad !e##er #ell +e #$e ( rs#/E E-$e's !ea"#i*"l/ I ( "ld $a&e +ade $er +y +is#ress !"# s$e ( "ld $a&e n ne * #$a#/ Marria)e r n #$in) /// s i# (as +arria)e/E E3$ is s$eGE as2ed Ge r)e/ EMrs/ H r# n/ Y "'&e $eard * $er/ T$ere's !een .len#y * s%andal a! "# "s/ 3id ( * a Der!ys$ire sB"ire/ L rd Irn$a+'s da")$#er/E EB"# #$is is /// i+. ssi!le/ Y " %ann # +arry a ( +an li2e #$a#FE EI $a&e' !r #$er/ T$a#'s ($a# I'+ #ellin) y "/ I# is . ssi!le /// !e%a"se i# $as !een d ne/E EY " /// idi #/E EI #$ ")$# y " ( "ld say #$a#/E Ge r)e re+e+!ered $earin) #$e ) ssi./ T$e lady (i#$ #$e eyelas$es a yard l n)/ And $is !r #$er (as a * l/ One ( "ld $a&e #$ ")$# #$a# $a&in) !een %a")$# &er Gr s&en r's (i*e $e ( "ld $a&e !een + re %are*"l/ B"# n / N r#$ $ad .r &ided #$e 9>'??? da+a)es * r #$a# a**air // / and as s n as i# (as se##led' #$is y "n) idi # $ad ) ne ** and % ++i##ed an #$er .ie%e * * lly/ 3 "ld $e ne&er learnG Ge r)e (as really an)ry/ He #$ ")$# $ ( $e $ad sa%ri*i%ed l &ely -ara$ Lenn 0 * r .lain C$arl ##e !e%a"se $e #$ ")$# i# (as $is d"#y and $ere (as $is !r #$er li&in) (i#$ n res#rain# ($a#s e&er' !e% +in) in& l&ed in ne s%andal and #$en .l"n)in) s#rai)$# in# #$e ne0#/ He said : EI/// I (ill n # re%ei&e $er // / n r y "/ Y " "nders#and/ E$G 3$a#GE C"+!erland li*#ed $is s$ "lders and a%%e.#ed $is dis+issal/ Old Ge r)e ( "ldn'# 2ee. i# ".' $e 2ne(/ He (as # ) d,$ear#ed and $e $a#ed B"arrels/ He'd )i&e (ay in #i+e 4"s# as $e $ad &er #$e Gr s&en r %ase/ T$e Prin%ess D (a)er as2ed #$e 1in) # % +e and see $er/ -$e did n #
*eel eB"al # +a2in) #$e 4 "rney # $i+' !"# s$e did n # (is$ $i+ # 2n ( i#/ -$e (as &ery ( rried a! "# $er *a+ily/ Her s ns (ere (ildD #$ere (as n d "!# a! "# #$a#/ Her da")$#er A")"s#a (as &ery dissa#is*ied (i#$ $er li*e in Br"ns(i%2 and ($a# A")"s#a's da")$#er ( "ld )r ( ". li2e s$e dared n # #$in2/ I# +"s# !e a &ery s#ran)e $ "se$ ld (i#$ $er *a#$er .ayin) + re a##en#i n # $is +is#ress #$an # $er + #$erD and $ ( ( "ld .r "d A")"s#a rea%# # #$a#G And #$en Car line Ma#ilda ($ se %ase (as #$e ( rs# * all and did n # !ear #$in2in) */And n ( #$is ne(s a! "# Henry Frederi%2/ O$' ($a# a * l/ 3 +en ( "ld !e $is d (n*allD and n ( $e $ad !een %a")$# !y #$is siren (i#$ #$e l n) eyelas$es/ H ( li2e $i+ # !e %a")$# !y eyelas$es/ He (as (i#$ "# sense and (i#$ "# di)ni#y/ -$e $eard #$a# $e (as e0#re+ely % arseD $is nly %"l#"ral in#eres# !ein) in +"si%/ B"# #$e ($ le *a+ily s$ared #$a# in#eres#/ And n ( /// #$is disas#r "s +arria)e/ 3$en #$e 1in) %a+e # $er s$e sea#ed $ersel* (i#$ $er !a%2 # #$e li)$# #$a# $e +i)$# n # see #$e ra&a)es .ain $ad +ade n $er *a%e/ Ge r)e (as # n #i%e/ indi)nan# a! "# #$is ne( #"rn in #$e *a+ily's a**airs #
He said: EY " (is$ed # s.ea2 a! "# Henry Frederi%2 I d n'# d "!#' M #$er' e$GE EI#'s a s rry !"siness/E EI ( n'# re%ei&e #$e+/E ET$a# %an'# "nd #$e +is%$ie*D and .er$a.s i# is n # (ise // /E Ge r)e's + "#$ (as se# al n) #$e s#"!! rn lines (i#$ ($i%$ s$e $ad n ( !e% +e *a+iliar/ EI s$all n # re%ei&e #$e+'E $e saidD and s$e 2ne( #$a# #$a# (as an end * #$e +a##er/ -$e #ried a)ain #$ ")$/ EFa+ily B"arrels ne&er did any ) d/ In #$e las# #( rei)ns #$ey (ere disas#r "s # #$e *a+ily and +ade i# a la")$in) s# %2 # #$e .e .le/ 3e d n # (is$ #$a#/E ETr"e'E a)reed #$e 1in)' '!"# I ( n'# re%ei&e #$e+/E He ( "ld %$an)e' * % "rse/ He (as n # &indi%#i&e/ -$e 2ne( ($a# i# ( "ld !e/ T$e
% ".le ( "ld n # !e re%ei&ed * r a ($ile and #$en all ( "ld !e * r)i&en/ B"# i# (as n "se #ellin) Ge r)e #$a# in $is .resen# + d/ -$e %$an)ed #$e s"!4e%#/ EGe r)e' #$ere s$ "ld !e s +e .r &isi n a)ains# #$is s r# * #$in)/E E3$a# .r &isi n % "ld (e #a2eGE EY " % "ld +a2e a la( #$a# r yal .ers ns ( "ld n # !e all (ed # +arry (i#$ "# #$e s &erei)n's % nsen#/E EHaF T$ey ( "ld +arry (i#$ "# i#/ Can y " i+a)ine Henry Frederi%2 % +in) # +e # as2 +y .er+issi nG E$G 3$a#G N / He ( "ld +arry *irs# and #ell +e a*#er(ards/ T$a# is #$e res.e%# I )e# *r + +y !r #$ers/E E3$a# I +ean is' Ge r)e' #$a# y " % "ld .ass s +e Marria)e A%#/ T$en i* any ne * #$e *a+ily +arried (i#$ "# y "r % nsen# #$e +arria)e ( "ld !e in&alid/E ET$e Parlia+en# ( "ld ne&er .ass s"%$ a la(/E EI #$in2 y " s$ "ld % nsider i#' Ge r)e/E B"# $is + "#$ (as se#/ ET$e Parlia+en# ( "ld n # $a&e i#'E $e said/ And s$e *el# #$e .ain !e)innin) # na) and ($en #$a# $a..ened s$e $ad n . (er # d any#$in)' !"# (ill i# # lea&e $er/ T$e %$an)e in #$e Prin%ess D (a)er (as n ( s a..aren# #$a# s$e % "ld n l n)er $ide i#/ EI *ear'E said Ge r)e' '#$a# #$is s%andal * #$e Gr s&en rs and Car line Ma#ilda's #ra)edy $as ".se# y " *ar + re #$an any#$in) e&er $as !e* re' e$GE EI *ear i# $as'E re.lied #$e Prin%ess D (a)er' ready # ad+i# any#$in) !"# #$a# $er illness $ad a .$ysi%al %a"se/ L rd B"#e %a+e # see $erD $e (as dis#ressed a# #$e %$an)e in $er' and i+.l red $er # see #$e d %# rs/ EMy dear'E s$e ans(ered/
EO* ($a# "seG I $a&e n #$in) * ($i%$ # % +.lain/ I a+ (ell en ")$ really/ I# is 4"s# #$ese *a+ily #r "!les/E EMy deares#'E re.lied B"#e' 'y " s$ "ld see #$e .$ysi%ians/ T$ere +i)$# !e s +e#$in) #$ey % "ld d /E EN 'E s$e ans(ered/ EI s$all !e all ri)$# &ery s n/ I# is 4"s# #$ese *a+ily s%andals/ I $a&e all (ed #$e+ # a**e%# +e # dee.ly/E I# (as "seless # #ry # .ers"ade $er/ -$e $ad +ade ". $er +ind/ 3$en s$e (as al ne' s$e l 2ed a# $ersel* in #$e +irr r and #ried # see #$is na))in) !"rnin) #$in) ($i%$ (as in $er #$r a#/ -$e #$ ")$# * $er $"s!and's + #$er $er ind +i#a!le + #$er,in,la( 8"een Car line ($ $ad !een a**li%#ed (i#$ an in#ernal r".#"re ($i%$ s$e #$ ")$# indeli%a#e and $ad s"**ered in silen%e e&en as s$e' A")"s#a' (as s"**erin) n (' ($ile s$e de%lared # #$e ( rld #$a# #$ere (as n #$in) (r n) (i#$ $er and re*"sed # see #$e d %# rs/ -$e $a#ed illness' 4"s# as 8"een Car line $ad d ne' and s$e ( "ld n # re% )ni7e i#s e0is#en%e/ B"# #$ere %a+e #$e day ($en i# % "ld n l n)er !e $idden/ -$e lay n $er !ed "na!le # .r #es# and #$ey !r ")$# #$e d %# rs # $er/ T$ey B"i%2ly dis% &ered #$e T$in) in $er #$r a# and #$ey )a&e #$eir )ra&e &erdi%# # #$e 1in)/ EA %an%er in #$e #$r a#' Y "r Ma4es#y/E EAnd #$ere is $ .e /// e$G 3$a#GE EN ' Y "r Ma4es#y/ T$ere is n #$in) #$a# %an !e d ne/ Her Hi)$ness %ann # $a&e +any + re (ee2s le*# # $er/E Ge r)e (as $ear#!r 2en/ His *a+ily *eelin) $ad al(ays !een s#r n)D and *r + $is %$ild$ d s$e $ad !een #$ere # )"ide $i+/ E&en n ( $e ( "ld $ear $er s#r n) & i%e !rea2in) in n $is drea+s: EGe r)e' !e a 2in)/E EE&ery#$in) #$a# I a+ I (e # $er'E $e # ld C$arl ##e' and C$arl ##e' ) d (i*e #$a# s$e (as' (e.# (i#$ $i+/ L rd B"#e and #$e 1in) (ere %l se a)ain in a s$ared )rie*/ B"#e $ad !een (r n)D $e $ad !een i++ ral' !"# $e $ad l &ed #$e Prin%ess/ He $ad
!een as a $"s!and # $er and $er $a..iness $ad !een %en#red n $i+/ A# s"%$ a #i+e ne % "ld n # all ( ne's res.e%#a!ili#y # in#r"de n ne's dee.er *eelin)s/ EI %ann # !elie&e #$a# s$e (ill lea&e "s'E %ried #$e 1in)/ EH ( %an any#$in) !e #$e sa+e (i#$ "# $er GE 3$en s$e re%ei&ed &isi# rs' #$e Prin%ess s#ill (en# #$r ")$ a .re#en%e #$a# #$ere (as n #$in) seri "sly (r n) (i#$ $er/ T$e .$rase: E3$en I a+ (ell// /E (as % ns#an#ly n $er li.s/ B"# #$ey 2ne( and s did s$e #$a# s$e ne&er ( "ld !e (ell/ -$e !r ded a! "# #$ se #( +en ($ + s$e ( "ld lea&e !e$ind $er and ($ s$e !elie&ed ( "ld s"**er #$r ")$ $er a!sen%e/ B"#e $e ( "ld )rie&e * r $erD !"# Miss Vansi##ar# ( "ld % +* r# $i+D and $e $ad $is *a+ily and Lady B"#e (as a ) d sensi!le ( +an/ He ( "ld n # !e le*# en#irely al ne/ And Ge r)eG Ge r)e (as a *"lly,)r (n 2in) n ( and $e n l n)er % n*ided in $is + #$er/ Ge r)e $ad $is ad&isers and $ ( *#en #$ey ad&ised $i+ # * llyF B"# s$e s$ "ld n # )rie&e # +"%$ a# lea&in) Ge r)e * r $e did n # #a2e % "nsel (i#$ $er n (/ C$arl ##eG -$e *el# )"il#y a! "# C$arl ##e/ C$arl ##e +i)$# $a&e !een a $el. # $er $"s!and/ -$e (as n # a s#".id ( +an/ B"# s$e ne&er ( "ld n (/ -$e $ersel* and dear L rd B"#e $ad de%ided ($a# . si#i n C$arl ##e s$ "ld %%".y a! "# #$e 1in) ($en s$e *irs# arri&ed in En)land and #$ey and $er % ns#an# %$ild!earin) $ad +ade i# i+. ssi!le * r $er # in*l"en%e $i+ in #$e s+alles# (ay/ - n ( $e s# d al ne a+ n) $is +inis#ers/ Ge r)e' ($ (as )r (in) + re and + re a(are * s#a#e a**airsD Ge r)e ($ sa( $i+sel* as #$e 1in) ($ ( "ld r"le $is % "n#ryD ($ (as de&el .in) a )r (in) !s#ina%yD ($ !elie&ed #$a# $e 2ne( !es#/ Tr "!le' #r "!le' #$ ")$# #$e Prin%ess A")"s#a/ T$e *a+ily )r (in) ". and %a"sin) s%andal/ T$ere (ere ($is.erin)s a! "# $er s ns and s$e did n # 2n ( $ ( #r"e #$e s# ries (ere n r ( "ld s$e n (/ B"# s$e did * resee #r "!le (i#$ #$e *a+ily ($ see+ed # $a&e a )eni"s * r )e##in) in# i# al#$ ")$ #$ey $ad a )eni"s * r n #$in) else/ Tr "!le' s$e #$ ")$#/ B"# I s$all n # !e $ere/ I# (as all r "nd #$e #$r ne/ I# (as !re(in) in A+eri%a/ 3as Ge r)e s#r n) en ")$ # $ ld i# **G 3as N r#$ s#r n) en ")$ # )"ide $i+G -$e did n # 2n (/ All s$e 2ne( (as #$a# s$e ( "ld n # !e #$ere # see/
Her ( +en dressed $er # re%ei&e #$e 1in) and #$e 8"een/ Per$a.s' s$e #$ ")$#' #$e las# #i+e/ An #$er .resen#i+en# #$a# #$e end (as near/ T$e .ain in $er #$r a# (as al+ s# "nend"ra!le/ ELe# +e n # !e#ray i# # #$e+'E s$e .rayed/ Her ( +en %a+e in # #ell $er #$a# #$e 1in) and 8"een $ad already arri&ed/ -$e (as as# nis$ed/ I# (as s "nli2e Ge r)e # !e ei#$er # early r la#e/ He (as al+ s# as .re%ise a! "# #i+e as $is )rand*a#$er $ad !een/ Ge r)e %a+e in' # 2 $er $and and 2issed i# *er&en#ly/ EY " are early' Ge r)e' +y deares# s n/E EI +is# 2 #$e #i+e'E lied Ge r)e/ He #$ ")$#: -$e is dyin) and s$e (ill n # ad+i# i#/ O$' +y !ra&e + #$er ($ $as li&ed * r +e/ T$e Prin%ess D (a)er e+!ra%ed C$arl ##e + re (ar+ly #$an "s"al/ P r C$arl ##e' ($ $ad !een s$"# "# deli!era#ely/ I# (as a +is#a2e' #$ ")$# #$e Prin%ess/ Did I #$in2 #$a# I (as i++ r#al' #$a# I ( "ld ) n * re&er' s #$a# $e $ad n need * s +e ne # #a2e +y .la%eG -$e sa# ! l# ".ri)$# n $er %$air #ryin) # % n%en#ra#e n ($a# #$ey (ere sayin)/ And Ge r)e sa# !eside $er' a .ain in $is $ear# !e%a"se $e 2ne( $e (as ) in) # l se $er and #$a# #$is % "ld (ell !e #$e las# #i+e #$ey sa# # )e#$er li2e #$is/ He % "ld $a&e (e.#' !"# $e 2ne( #$a# ( "ld dis#ress $erD and $e (an#ed # #ell $er #$a# $e l &ed $er' #$a# s$e (as $is deares# + #$er and $e ( "ld ne&er * r)e# $er %are * r $i+/ B"# $e dared n # say #$ese #$in)s * r s$e ( "ld n # (is$ i#D and $ ( +"%$ + re .ain*"l i# (as # si# #$ere !eside $er .re#endin) #$a# all (as (ell/ 3$en $er s n and da")$#er,in,la( $ad le*# $er #$e Prin%ess D (a)er % lla.sed n # $er !ed/ I %ann # lie # #$e+ +"%$ l n)er' s$e #$ ")$#/ -$e (as ri)$#/ -$e % "ld n # $ ld ** #$e d %# rs n (/ -$e (as # ill * r .re#en%e/ -$e (as a(are * #$e 1in) a# $er !edsideD s$e sa( $is eyes (ide (i#$ )rie*' $is li.s #(i#%$ (i#$ e+ #i n/
EFare(ell' +y )
d s n Ge r)e'E ($is.ered #$e Prin%ess D (a)er/
EO$' deares# and !es# * + #$ers // /E ans(ered Ge r)e/ He #"rned in des.air # #$e d %# rs/ EIs #$ere n #$in) // / n #$in) #$a# %an !e d ne' e$G N #$in) // / n #$in)/ E$G 3$a#GE T$e d %# rs s$ 2 #$eir $eads/
T$ere (as n #$in)/ Gl "%es#er's se%re# +arria)e Ge r)e % "ld n # n ( *ind s la%e e&en a# 1e(/ He +issed $is + #$er dee.ly and $e #$ ")$# * $er % ns#an#ly/ He *el# #$a# all $is !r #$ers and sis#ers (ere alien # $i+D and $e (as a sen#i+en#al +anD $e $ad (an#ed # !elie&e #$ey (ere s"%$ a $a..y *a+ily/ He % "ld n # !ear # #$in2 * Car line Ma#ilda' &ir#"ally a .ris ner in e0ile' $er ."nis$+en# * r en#erin) in# an ad"l#er "s in#ri)"e ($i%$ s$e +ade n a##e+.# # deny/ Indeed $ ( % "ld s$e' (i#$ #$e e&iden%e a)ains# $erG And #$is (as $is li##le sis#er/ T$e ne(s *r + Br"ns(i%2 (as s rdid and "n.leasan#' al#$ ")$ $e !elie&ed $is sis#er A")"s#a +ade #$e !es# * i# and a# leas# did n # add # $is $"+ilia#i n !y "ndi)ni*ied % nd"%#/ B"# $e $ad ne&er l &ed A")"s#aD #$a# year * seni ri#y $ad al(ays !een !e#(een #$e+/ 3$en #$ey (ere y "n) s$e $ad !"llied $i+D and ($en #$ey (ere lder $ad s$ (n $er resen#+en# !e%a"se al#$ ")$ s$e (as #$e *irs# ! rn $e (as #$e ! y/ And n ( C"+!erland's dis)ra%e*"l +arria)e/ And as * r 3illia+' D"2e * Gl "%es#er' #$e nly #$er !r #$er le*# # $i+' #$ere (ere ($is.ers a! "# $is li*e # ($i%$ Ge r)e assid" "sly %l sed $is eyes/ C$arl ##e (as a % +* r#/ -$e ne&er %a"sed $i+ #$e sli)$#es# s%andal/ T$ere s$e (as %al+ly in #$e !a%2)r "nd' se(in)' .rayin)' li&in) #$e B"ie# d +es#i% li*e and !ein) $e $ad # ad+i# i# e0%essi&ely d"ll/ N # #$a# s$e s$ "ld e&er 2n ( #$a# $e #$ ")$# #$a#/ N # #$a# $e ( "ld !e#ray !y a l 2 #$a# $e #$ ")$# *#en * -ara$ Lenn 0 and (an#ed # $ear all a! "# #$e s%andal s$e (as %rea#in)' !earin) an #$er +an's %$ild and r"nnin) ** and lea&in) $er $"s!and/ -$e $ad n ( le*# $er l &er and (as' $e $eard' li&in) B"ie#ly a# G d( d H "se "nder #$e .r #e%#i n * $er !r #$er' #$e D"2e * Ri%$+ nd/ - +e#i+es $e i+a)ined #$a# Ri%$+ nd !la+ed $i+ * r ($a# $ad $a..ened # -ara$/ T$ere (ere *#en #i+es ($en $e #$ ")$# Ri%$+ nd (en# "# * $is (ay # .la)"e $i+/ B"# $e *el# #$a# a! "# +any .e .le/ Ye# %%asi nally #$ere (ere #i+es' #$ ")$ $e *el# (ell and $is +ind (as li&ely' ($en $e (as a li##le a*raid * #$a# .erse%"#i n +ania ($i%$ $ad !een (i#$ $i+ s s#r n)ly a#
#$e #i+e * #$a# *ear*"l illness' n ($i%$ e&en n ( $e did n # li2e # d(ell/ B"# $e s#ill #$ ")$# * -ara$ // / l n)in)ly // / and * ( +en li2e Eli7a!e#$ Pe+!r 2e/ A$' #$ere (as a !ea"#yF 5ns"%%ess*"lly +arried ! #$ * #$e+D and $e s".. sed $is +arria)e (i#$ C$arl ##e ( "ld !e %alled a s"%%ess/ I# $as # !e' $e # ld $i+sel* des.era#ely/ I $a&e # se# an e0a+.le/ B"# in $is *an%y $e #$ ")$# * #$er ( +en/ I# (as as *ar as $e ( "ld e&er .r )ress in in*ideli#y/ He +"s# se# #$a# e0a+.le' + re es.e%ially !e%a"se #$ere (as s"%$ li%en%e in $is C "r#/ T$ere (as Eli7a!e#$ C$"dlei)$' #$a# ld *riend * $is ($ $ad $el.ed $i+ # ."rs"e $is rela#i ns$i. (i#$ Hanna$ Li)$#,* #/ H ( )ra#e*"l $e $ad !een #$enF B"# ( "ld $e $a&e !een (iser n # # $a&e #a2en #$a# ad&i%eG O$' i# (as easy # !e (ise a*#er #$e e&en#/ B"# a# #$a# #i+e Eli7a!e#$ C$"dlei)$ $ad (is$ed # .lease $i+ and #$a# (as ($y s$e,$ad a%#ed as s$e $ad/ Eli7a!e#$ $ad !een %rea#in) a %er#ain a+ "n# * s%andal/ -$e $ad #ra&elled (idely in E"r .e' $ad !e% +e a %l se *riend * 1in) Frederi%2 in BerlinD and ($en $er $"s!and A")"s#"s Her&ey as2ed $er * r a di& r%e !e%a"se $e (is$ed # +arry s$e $"rried $ +e/ I# $ad !een a %"ri "s %ase/ Eli7a!e#$ (as ear # +arry #$e D"2e * 1in)s# n ($ se +is#ress s$e $ad !een D s +any years' and ($en i# (as n # . ssi!le # arran)e #$e di& r%e' de%lared #$a# s$e $ad ne&er really !een +arried' and n ( s$e $ad ) ne #$r ")$ a * r+ * +arria)e (i#$ #$e D"2e * 1in)s# n/ I# (as all &ery % +.li%a#ed' #$ ")$# #$e 1in)D and $e did n # (is$ # $ear * i#/ He did n # (is$ # see Eli7a!e#$ !e%a"se s$e re+inded $i+ * Hanna$ Li)$# * #' - $e (as .leased # ."s$ $er # #$e !a%2 * $is +ind' !"# $er s#ran)e !e$a&i "r did "nderline #$e li%en#i "sness * $is C "r# ($i%$ $e (as #ryin) # % +!a#/ All #$ese ( +en $e ad+ired (ere ad&en#"resses' i# see+edD and #$e ad+ira!le ne (as C$arl ##e C$arl ##e (i#$ $er li##le ! dy' #$e .lain *a%e' #$e (ide + "#$ ($i%$ #$e la+. nis#s li2ened # a %r % dile's/ C$arl ##e' $is (i*e/ - .lain' s ) d' s d"ll/ - $e +"s# % ++i# $is in*ideli#ies in drea+s and in reali#y re+ain C$arl ##e's ) d $"s!and/ He )a&e e&iden%e * #$is/ Eli7a!e#$ $ad !een ! rn as als $ad !een Ernes# A")"s#"s !rin)in) #$e # #al ". #
ei)$#/ Fi&e ! ys and #$ree )irlsD and #$ey $ad n # ye# !een +arried #en years I N ne % "ld d "!# #$a# #$ey (ere d in) #$eir d"#y/ B"# $e (as dee.ly dis#"r!ed a! "# $is !r #$ers and $e 2e.# re+e+!erin) $is + #$er's in4"n%#i ns # )e# a la( .assed ($i%$ ( "ld .re&en# r yal .ers na)es +arryin) (i#$ "# #$eir s &erei)n's % nsen#/ He #$ ")$# * #$ se *i&e ! ys and #$ree )irls and sin%erely $ .ed #$a# #$ey ( "ld n # !rin) $i+ as +"%$ #r "!le as #$eir a"n#s and "n%les $ad/ And #$in2in) * #$is $e de%ided #$a# $is + #$er (as ri)$# and #$a# s +e#$in) s$ "ld !e d ne/ T$e 1in) (as .re.arin) a +essa)e ($i%$ ( "ld !e deli&ered # $is Parlia+en#: His Ma4es#y' !ein) desir "s' *r + .a#ernal a**e%#i n # $is (n *a+ily and an0i "s % n%ern * r #$e *"#"re (el*are * $is .e .le' and #$e $ n "r and di)ni#y * $is Cr (n' #$a# #$e ri)$# * a..r &in) all +arria)es in #$e r yal *a+ily I($i%$ e&er $as !el n)ed # #$e 1in)s * #$is Real+ as a +a##er * ."!li% % n%ernJ +ay !e +ade e**e%#"al' re% ++ends # ! #$ $ "ses * Parlia+en# # #a2e in# #$eir seri "s % nsidera#i n ($e#$er i# +ay n # !e (ise r e0.edien# # s"..ly #$e de*e%#s * #$e la( n ( in !ein)' and !y s +e ne( .r &isi n + re e**e%#"ally # )"ard #$e des%endan#s * $is la#e Ma4es#y 1in) Ge r)e II I #$er #$an #$e iss"e * Prin%esses ($ +ay $a&e +arried r +ay $erea*#er +arry in# * rei)n *a+iliesJ *r + +arryin) (i#$ "# #$e a..r !a#i n * His Ma4es#y' $is $eirs and s"%%ess rs/ 3$en #$is +essa)e (as deli&ered # #$e #( H "ses i# (as re%ei&ed (i#$ $ s#ili#y/ C$a#$a+' n ne * $is rare a..earan%es in #$e H "se * L rds' $ !!led in' s(a#$ed in !anda)es' # #$"nder a)ains# #$e A%#/ ENe( *an)led and i+."den#'E $e %ried/ O#$ers said: ET$is s$ "ld !e %alled EAn A%# # en% "ra)e F rni%a#i n and Ad"l#ery in #$e Des%endan#s * Ge r)e IIIE/E L rd N r#$ %a+e # see #$e 1in) and s$ EI# is + s# "n. ."lar' Y "r Ma4es#y/E EI a+ s"re i# is ri)$#'E de%lared Ge r)e !s#ina#ely/ 2 $is $ead &er #$e Bill/
ET$is +"s# ) #$r ")$/E T$e .. si#i n % n#in"ed/ I# (as %alled a (i%2ed a%#D !"# #$e 1in) (as de#er+ined/ He (r #e # L rd N r#$: I d e0.e%# e&ery ner&e # !e s#rained # %arry #$e Bill #$r ")$ ! #$ H "ses (i#$ a !e% +in) *ir+ness' * r i# is n # a B"es#i n ($i%$ i++edia#ely rela#es # #$e ad+inis#ra#i n !"# .ers nally # +ysel*' and #$ere* re I $a&e a ri)$# # e0.e%# a $ear#y s".. r# *r + e&ery ne in +y ser&i%e and s$all re+e+!er de*a"l#ers/ T$e las# .$rase (as +in "s/ Al#$ ")$ #$is (as a % ns#i#"#i nal + nar%$y #$e 1in) %arried )rea# (ei)$#' $a&in) #$e . (er # a.. in# +inis#ers/ T$ere (ere s +e #$ ")$ ($ .. sed $i+/ One * #$ese (as C$arles Ja+es F 0' a y "n) +an ($ (as already !e)innin) # +a2e $i+sel* 2n (n in #$e H "se/ - n * L rd H lland' ne.$e( * -ara$ Lenn 0' $e (as a +an * &er. (erin) .ers nali#y/ He s# d *ir+ly a)ains# #$e Marria)e A%# and resi)ned !e%a"se * i#/ A .la)"e n y "n) F 0/ #$ ")$# #$e 1in)/ His (n + #$er' da")$#er * #$e D"2e * Ri%$+ nd' $ad r"n a(ay *r + $ +e # +arry Henry F 0/ A +isallian%e' #$ ")$# #$e 1in)/ One % "ld see #$e (ay #$a# y "n) +an's +ind ( r2ed/ B"# $e (as an)ry (i#$ Mr/ F 0/ He ( "ld re+e+!er $i+/ T$e Bill $ad a s# r+y .assa)e and % "ld n # !e .assed #$r ")$ e0a%#ly as #$e 1in) (is$ed/ I# (as a+ended/ T$e % nsen# * #$e - &erei)n s$ "ld nly !e ne%essary "n#il #$e .ar#ies (ere #(en#y,si0 years * a)e' a*#er ($i%$ a +arria)e +i)$# #a2e .la%e "nless Parlia+en# !4e%#ed/ A year's n #i%e * #$e .r . sed allian%e +"s# !e )i&en/ M di*ied as #$e Bill (as #$ere (ere s#ill s# r+s * .r #es#D !"# e&en#"ally i# (as .assed (i#$ a +ea)re +a4 ri#y/ N s ner $ad #$e Marria)e Bill !een .assed #$an Ge r)e re%ei&ed a % ++"ni%a#i n *r + $is !r #$er 3illia+ Henry D"2e * Gl "%es#er/ 3illia+ Henry $ad a % n*essi n # +a2e/ -i0 years !e* re $e $ad +arried and !e%a"se $e !elie&ed #$a# #$e 1in) ( "ld n # a..r &e * $is +arria)e ,$e $ad 2e.# i# se%re#/ N (' * % "rse' #$a# #$e Marria)e Bill $ad !een .assed' $e +"s# % +e "# in# #$e .en/ And #$e ( +an $e $ad +arried (as Lady 3alde)ra&e' #$e (id ( * #$eir #"# r ($ + Ge r)e $ad s in#ensely disli2ed/ T$a# (as n # all/ Lady 3alde)ra&e (as' in #$e 1in)'s .ini n' + s# "ns"i#ed # !e #$e (i*e *
a r yal d"2e/ -$e (as #$e ille)i#i+a#e da")$#er * -ir Ed(ard 3al. le and $er + #$er (as said # $a&e !een a +illiner I Ge r)e (as ( "nded n # nly !y #$is + s# "ns"i#a!le +arria)e !"# !y #$e *a%# #$a# * r si0 years $is !r #$er $ad 2e.# i# se%re# *r + $i+/ ET$e * lF T$e idi #FE $e s$ "#ed/
ET$ey $a&e n sense // / #$ese !r #$ers * +ine/ T$ey #$in2 * n #$in) // / n #$in) !"# #$e )ra#i*i%a#i n * #$eir senses/ T$ey d n'# l 2 a$ead/ T$ey * r)e# #$ey are r yal and #$ey all ( #$e+sel&es # !e %a")$# !y ad&en#"resses/E C$arl ##e' $earin) #$e ne(s' !e%a"se i# s.read ra.idly #$r ")$ #$e C "r#' #ried # % +* r# $er $"s!and/ EA# leas# (e se# a ) d e0a+.le'E s$e re+inded $i+/
He l 2ed a# $er // / .lain li##le C$arl ##e' #$e + #$er * $is n"+er "s .r )eny/ He $ad $ad # a%%e.# $erD ($ile $is !r #$ers %$ se #$ese *as%ina#in) sirens ($ se "ns"i#a!ili#y +ean# #$ey +"s# !e d "!ly desira!le' !e%a"se e&en $is re%2less !r #$ers ( "ld n # !e #ra..ed in# +arria)e "nless #$ey (ere/ T$e + re $e #$ ")$# * #$e+' #$e + re $is li.s #i)$#ened' and #$e + re an)ry $e !e%a+e/ ET$ey s$all n # !e re%ei&ed a# /C "r#'E $e said/ T$en $e (as sad' #$in2in) * #$e ld days/ EGl "%es#er (as +y *a& "ri#e !r #$er a*#er Ed(ard died/ 3e (ere *#en # )e#$er and ($en $e (as y "n) $e (as s seri "s/E C$arl ##e n dded/ EB"# #$a# (as nly !e%a"se $e % "ld n # !e any#$in) else/E EHe (as a ) d reli)i "s ! y /// and s (as Ed(ard /// ($en (e (ere all # )e#$er in #$e s%$ lr +/E EB"# #$ey l s# #$eir seri "sness (i#$ #$eir *reed +/E EA +adness see+ed # . ssess #$e+'E !e)an Ge r)e' and (as silen# s"ddenly/ T$a# ( rd ($i%$ $is + #$er $ad al(ays $a#ed # $ear n $is li.sF N ' n /// $e #$ ")$# /// a (ildness/ He (en# n: EA re%2less
desire # *ind .leas"re // / e&ery($ere/ I# see+s as #$ ")$ #$ey #$ ")$# #$ey $ad s +"%$ # +a2e ". * r/ I %an'# "nders#and +y !r #$ers/ 3$y d #$ey $a&e # !e$a&e in #$is (ayGE C$arl ##e % "ld n # say/ Her e0.ressi n (as .ri+/ -$e (as !e% +in) &ery li2e $er $"s!and/ EI s$all n # re%ei&e #$e+'E said Ge r)e/ EI s$all n # a%%e.# #$is +arria)e/ I# +ay $a&e !een en#ered in# !e* re #$e Marria)e A%# !"# I s$all n # a%%e.# i# all #$e sa+e/ 3$y s$ "ld I' e$G 3$a#GE B"# a *"r#$er le##er %a+e *r + Gl "%es#er/ His (i*e (as e0.e%#in) a %$ild/ He $ .ed #$is ( "ld in*l"en%e #$e 1in) # a%%e.# #$e+/ 3$en Ge r)e read #$is $e #$re( i# n # $is #a!le/ His !r #$ers (ere ) in) # !e * r%ed # reali7e #$eir res. nsi!ili#y/ He $ad $ad # +a2e sa%ri*i%esD s s$ "ld #$ey/ His *a+ily $ad dis.leased $i+ and $e (as disa.. in#ed in #$e+ all/ He re+e+!ered $ ( $e $ad ad red L rd B"#e and $ ( $e $ad !een #$e las# ne # "nders#and #$e rela#i ns$i. !e#(een #$a# n !le+an and $is + #$er/ N ' $e (as n # ) in) # !e d".ed any + re/ T$ey ( "ld $a&e # "nders#and #$a# $e (as #$e 1in) and $e +ade #$e de%isi ns/ And ($y s$ "ld $is !r #$ers en4 y #$e .leas"res * +a#ri+ ny (i#$ #$ese *as%ina#in) ( +en ($ile $e #$e 1in) $ad % ns#an#ly # #$in2 * $is d"#yG He (r #e # $is !r #$er #$a# a*#er #$e !ir#$ * #$e %$ild $e ( "ld $a&e #$e +arria)e as (ell as #$e !ir#$ 'enB"ired in# '/ T$is enra)ed Gl "%es#er ($ re.lied #$a# $e +"s# $a&e an i++edia#e enB"iry' and i* #$e 1in) ( "ld n # a)ree (i#$ #$is $e ( "ld #a2e #$e %ase .ers nally # #$e H "se * L rds/ 3$a# % "ld Ge r)e d G He (as $e++ed in !y #$e r"les and re)"la#i ns * % ns#i#"#i nal + nar%$y/ His . (er (as li+i#edD la(s % "ld !e .assed (i#$ "# $is (ill/ I# (as . ssi!le * r #$e L rds # de%lare #$e +arria)e &alid (i#$ "# $is % nsen#/ T$ere (as n #$in) # !e d ne/ He )a&e (ay/ He a%%e.#ed Gl "%es#er's +arria)eD !"# #$a# did n # +ean Gl "%es#er ( "ld !e (el% +e a# C "r#/ He ( "ld n # re%ei&e $is
!r #$erD and 8"een C$arl ##e de%lared #$a# s$e $ad n in#en#i n * re%ei&in) #$e +illiner's da")$#er/ Gl "%es#er la")$ed a# #$e+' and (i#$ $is (i*e se# a! "# ind"l)in) $is *a& "ri#e $ !!y: #ra&el/ - #$e Gl "%es#ers #ra&elled all &er #$e C n#inen# and #$e C"+!erlands en4 yed li*e a# $ +eD and nei#$er * #$e+ %ared #$a# #$ey (ere n # re%ei&ed a# C "r#/ T$e C "r# (as d"ll in any %ase/ 3$a# else % "ld i# !e' .resided &er !y Ge r)e and C$arl ##eG Ge r)e s.en# + re and + re #i+e (i#$ $is *a+ily/ His %$ildren en%$an#ed $i+/ T$e + del *ar+' #$e )a+es * %ri%2e#' #$e (anderin) #$r ")$ #$e % "n#ry lanes #$a# (as #$e li*e * r $i+/ B"# $e 2ne( in $is $ear# #$a# $e ( "ld n # $ ld "# a)ains# $is !r #$ers/ He % "ld n # * r)e# $ ( %l se #$ey $ad all !een in #$e s%$ lr +/ In d"e % "rse $e ( "ld re%ei&e #$e+D $e ( "ld !e 2ind # #$eir (i&esD !e%a"se ($a#e&er #$ey $ad d ne #$ey (ere $is !r #$ers and $e (as a &ery sen#i+en#al +an/ L ss * sis#er' % l ny and s#a#es+an Harassed !y *a+ily #r "!le' Ge r)e (as n less #r "!led !y a**airs * s#a#e/ T$e si#"a#i n !e#(een $is ) &ern+en# and #$e A+eri%an C l nis#s (as )r (in) + re and + re #ense/ T$e Eas# India C +.any (as in di**i%"l#ies and #$e G &ern+en# (as * r%ed n # nly # s"!sidi7e i# !"# # )i&e i# a + n . ly # e0. r# #ea # A+eri%a/ Pre&i "sly #$eir B $ea #ea $ad !een !r ")$# # En)land ($ere a d"#y * ne s$illin) in #$e . "nd (as le&ied n i#/ Al#$ ")$ #ea ($i%$ en#ered #$e A+eri%an C l nies (as #a0ed' #$e #a0 (as +"%$ l (er #$an #$a# in En)land' !ein) nly #$ree.en%e ins#ead * a s$illin)' ($i%$ +ean# #$a# #$e C l nis#s (ere )e##in) #$eir #ea a# $al* #$e .ri%e * #$e En)lis$/ T$is (as n # #$e iss"e a# s#a2e' ($i%$ (as #$a# #$e A+eri%ans re*"sed # !e #a0ed r ) &erned !y #$e M #$er C "n#ry/ I# &i la#ed #$eir ri)$#s' #$ey insis#ed' and #$ere (ere +e+!ers * #$e Bri#is$ G &ern+en# ($ a)reed (i#$ #$e+' n #a!ly C$a#$a+/ Disas#er (as #$rea#enin)' !"# nei#$er #$e 1in) n r L rd N r#$ % "ld see #$isD #$ey la%2ed #$e &isi n # ."# #$e+sel&es in #$e .la%e * #$e % l nis#s and (ere !ein) dra))ed *ar#$er and *ar#$er in# a disas#er ($i%$ (as all #$e + re # !e de.l red !e%a"se i# (as "nne%essary/
T$a# #$e % l nis#s (ere in a *i)$#in) + d (as a..aren# ($en a .ar#y * y "n) +en' dis)"ised as M $a(2 Indians' ! arded a &essel !el n)in) # #$e Eas# India C +.any and ($i%$ (as %arryin) a % nsi)n+en# * B $ea #ea # #$e &al"e * 9O'??? . "nds and #i..ed i# in# B s# n $ar! "r/ I# (as a si)n * r dis rder # !rea2 "# #$r ")$ "# #$e A+eri%an C l nies/ Ge r)e and L rd N r#$ dis%"ssed #$e +a##er # )e#$er and de%ided #$a# a *ir+ $and (as needed/ T$ere +"s# !e n % n%ilia# ry +eas"res/ T$ se * #$e .as#' #$ey a)reed' (ere res. nsi!le * r ($a# (as $a..enin) n (/ T$ere (as a s# r+ * .r #es# in #$e G &ern+en#/ C$arles Ja+es F 0 (as "sin) $is % nsidera!le #alen#s # .. se L rd N r#$/ C$a#$a+' (ra..ed in *lannel' arri&ed # +a2e a .r #es# in ($i%$ $e %ried: ELe# #$e M #$er C "n#ry a%# li2e an a**e%#i na#e .aren# # (ards a !el &ed %$ild' .ass an a+nes#y n #$eir y "#$*"l err rs' and %las. #$e+ n%e + re in $er ar+s/E N r#$ ra)ed a)ains# #$e *ee!le % nd"%# * #$e O.. si#i n and a )rea# .r !le+ *a%ed #$e G &ern+en#: # )i&e #$e C l ny inde.enden%e in #$e $ .e #$a# i# ( "ld re+ain l yal # #$e Cr (n' r # * r%e i# # re+ain s"!ser&ien# # #$e M #$er C "n#ry !y * r%e * ar+s/ N r#$ and #$e 1in) %$ se #$e se% nd al#erna#i&e' and i# (as de%ided # send Lie"#enan# General T$ +as Ga)e # s"!d"e #$e % l nis#s/ He # ld #$e 1in) #$a# #$e % l nis#s ( "ld !e li ns i* #$ey (ere la+!s' !"# #$a# i* #$ey #$e+sel&es (ere res l"#e #$e % l nis#s ( "ld !e &ery +ee2/ T$is +is% n%e.#i n (as n # .r &ed "n#il # la#e' and Ge r)e (as s n (ri#in) # N r#$: ET$e die is n ( %as# and #$e C l nies +"s# ei#$er s"!+i# r #ri"+.$/ I d n # (is$ # % +e # se&erer +eas"res' !"# (e +"s# n # re#rea#/E T$e die (as indeed %as#D and Ge r)e (as a! "# # % ++i# #$a# err r * 4"d)e+en# ($i%$ (as # $a"n# $i+ * r #$e res# * $is li*e/ T$en #$ere (as a *"r#$er #ra)edy/ In $er e0ile a# Celle Car line Ma#ilda $ad se##led d (n # an # "n% +* r#a!le e0is#en%e/ I# (as a relie* # !e *ree * #$e Danis$ C "r# and n # # $a&e # see C$ris#ian' #$a# $"s!and ($ dis)"s#ed $er and $ad !e% +e al+ s# a l"na#i% !y n (/ All s$e re)re##ed (as #$e l ss * $er %$ildren and * r #$e+ s$e did .ine/ Ne(s (as' $ (e&er' !r ")$#
# $er * #$e+ *r + #i+e # #i+e and s$e #ried # +a2e #$e !es# * li*e/ Re+e+!erin) #$e ld days ($en #$ey $ad all .ra%#ised a+a#e"r #$ea#ri%als s$e arran)ed * r a #$ea#re # !e % ns#r"%#ed in #$e %as#leD and #$is (as d ne/ T$ere s$e )a#$ered # )e#$er a li##le !and * a%# rs and #$ey .er* r+ed .lays in ($i%$ Car line Ma#ilda # 2 a .r +inen# .ar#/ -$e ( "ld #ell #$e+ * $er %$ild$ d ($en $er *a+ily $ad all en4 yed a+a#e"r #$ea#ri%als and $ ( L rd B"#e' ($ $ad !een al+ s# li2e a *a#$er # #$e+ * r s$e $ad ne&er 2n (n $er (n' $a&in) !een ! rn a*#er $is dea#$ $ad !een s %le&er a# s#a)e,+ana)in) and a%#in)' in *a%# e&ery#$in) % n%erned (i#$ #$e #$ea#re/ -$e read a )rea# deal and (as &isi#ed *#en' !y .e .le ($ %a+e *r + En)land/ T$ey !r ")$# $er ne(s *r + $ +e ($i%$ s$e (el% +ed/ Her resi)na#i n ended ($en s$e re%ei&ed a &isi# ne day *r + a y "n) En)lis$+an' a Mr/ 3ra0all' ($ (as )ay' $ands +e and in sear%$ * ad&en#"re/ I# (as .leasan# # $a&e s"%$ a %$ar+in) and a+"sin) y "n) +an a# $er C "r# and ($en $e # ld Car line Ma#ilda #$a# $e !elie&ed #$ere (ere +any .e .le in Den+ar2 ($ ( "ld (el% +e $er !a%2' #$ey ."# #$eir $eads # )e#$er # #ry # ( r2 "# a s%$e+e # !rin) a! "# $er re#"rn/ Car line Ma#ilda (as n # %er#ain #$a# s$e (is$ed # ) D !"# s$e (as nly #(en#y,#$ree and al#$ ")$ s$e $ad ."# n a )rea# deal * (ei)$# s$e (as s#ill a##ra%#i&eD s$e (as s *air #$a# $er $air (as al+ s# ($i#e and $er eyes' s li2e Ge r)e's' (ere !l"e and s.ar2lin)/ -$e (as a##ra%#ed # Mr/ 3ra0all and $is de& #i n )a&e $er )rea# .leas"re' s s$e * "nd $ersel* dra(n + re and + re in# $is s%$e+es/ T$ey ( "ld si# # )e#$er in #$e Fren%$ )arden (i#$in #$e %as#le )r "nds' and #al2 * #$e days ($en s$e ( "ld a)ain + "n# #$e #$r ne * Den+ar2/ EI# (ill !e ( nder*"l'E s$e # ld Mr/ 3ra0all' '# see +y %$ildren a)ain/ Li##le Frederi%2 +"s# +iss +e and L "isa /// s$e (ill n # re+e+!er' !"# s$e (ill $ear #ales * +e // / .er$a.s "n.leasan# #ales/ T$ey (ill #"rn $er a)ains# +e/E ET$ey (ill n # d #$a#'E Mr/ 3ra0all ass"red $er' '!e%a"se y " are ) in) # !e #$ere (i#$ #$e+ /// !e* re l n)/E I# (as s .leasan# # !as2 in Mr/ 3ra0al's ad+ira#i n and drea+ * #$e
*"#"re #$a# s$e ( ndered ($y s$e $ad e&er !een % n#en# # re+ain in e0ile/ T$ey #al2ed % ns#an#ly * #$e )l ry #$a# ( "ld !e $ers ($en s$e (as !a%2 in $er ri)$#*"l .la%e/ -$e ( "ld s#ar# a)ainD s$e ( "ld !e #$e )rea# 8"een * #$e DanesD and ($en $er li##le Frederi%2 r"led s$e ( "ld !e !eside $i+/ I# (as a &ery all"rin) .i%#"re /// .leasan# # i+a)ine' e0%i#in) # #al2 */ - +e#i+es ($en s$e (as al ne' #$ ")$' s$e #$ ")$# * #$e %$ar+s * Celle' * $er deli)$#*"l Fren%$ )arden' * $er #$ea#re' * #$e li##le ( rld * ($i%$ s$e (as #$e %en#re/ A.ar# *r + #$e *a%# #$a# s$e (as se.ara#ed *r + $er %$ildren s$e % "ld $a&e !een .er*e%#ly $a..y $ere/ -$e #$ ")$# * En)land ($ere s$e /$ad led an e0#re+ely s$el#ered li*e' s$"# a(ay *r + *"n' 2e.# !e$ind #$e s%enes !y a s#ern + #$er/ Her + #$er (as dead n (' !"# s$e $ad $eard #$a# #$e En)lis$ C "r# (as d"ll/ -$e $ad ne&er )rea#ly %ared * r C$arl ##e ($ $ad al(ays see+ed s insi)ni*i%an#/ -$e l &ed Ge r)e' * % "rse' !"# $e (as s%ar%ely #$e + s# e0%i#in) .ers n in #$e ( rld/ T$a# (as En)land/ And #$en Den+ar2/ E0%i#in)' yes' ($en s$e and -#r"ensee $ad !een l &ersD !"# ($a# $ad !een #$e end * #$a#G -$e s$i&eredD s$e $ad % +e ra#$er near # l sin) $er li*e/ B"# s$e (as y "n) and s$e did n # (an# # !e li2e $er )rea#,)rand+ #$er and s.end #(en#y years in e0ile/ 3$en s$e ne0# sa( Mr/ 3ra0all s$e . in#ed "# # $i+ #$a# #$eir .lan % "ld n # . ssi!ly s"%%eed "nless #$ey $ad + ney' and #$e nly .la%e ($ere #$ey % "ld $ .e * r #$a# (as *r + En)land/ EMy !r #$er'E s$e said' 'is #$e nly ne ($ % "ld $el. "s/ I* $e )a&e $is a..r &al # #$is s%$e+e I ( "ld !e ready # a%# (i#$ "# delay/E Mr/ 3ra0all l 2ed dis+ayed' !"# $e $ad # a)ree #$a# s$e (as ri)$#/ I* #$e .lan (ere # s"%%eed' #$ey ( "ld need + ney/ EAnd y " #$in2 y "r !r #$er ( "ld $el. "sGE -$e (as #$ ")$#*"l/ 3 "ld Ge r)e $el.G Ge r)e (as 4"s# a li##le +ean' !"# (as #$a# &er #$e s+all $ "se$ ld +a##ersG As * r C$arl ##e' s$e $ad #$e re."#a#i n * !ein) a +iser' !"# C$arl ##e (as n # in& l&ed in #$is/ -$e' . r insi)ni*i%an#: %rea#"re' $ad n say in any#$in)/ -$e did n # really !elie&e any#$in) ( "ld % +e * #$e a**airD i# (as s +e#$in) # drea+ a! "# as ne sa# in #$e s.rin) s"ns$ine in #$e
Fren%$ )arden/ Mr/ 3ra0all said $e ( "ld ) # L nd n # see i* $e % "ld arran)e an in#er&ie( (i#$ #$e 1in)' ($i%$ $e (as s"re $e ( "ld !e a!le # d ($en #$e 1in) 2ne( $e $ad % +e *r + $is sis#er/ T$en $e ( "ld as2 Ge r)e * r $is $el. and ($en #$ey $ad i#' #$ey ( "ld ) #ri"+.$an#ly a$ead (i#$ #$eir .lan/ EPray d #$a#'E said Car line Ma#ilda/ EAnd I (ill a(ai# y "r re#"rn (i#$ #$e ) d ne(s/E
- Mr/ 3ra0all le*# * r L nd n and Car line Ma#ilda (ai#ed' (i#$ "# any )rea# en#$"sias+' * r $er !r #$er's res. nse/ T$e 1in)'s eB"erry s# d !e* re $i+/ EA )en#le+an' Y "r Ma4es#y' ($ as2s an a"dien%e/ He says $is na+e is 3ra0all and #$a# $e % +es *r + #$e 8"een * Den+ar2/E Ge r)e's e+ #i ns (ere in re& l#/ T$ere $ad !een s +"%$ #r "!le already' #$a# $e $ad % +e # e0.e%# n #$in) else *r + $is rela#i ns/ Car line Ma#ilda (i#$ s +e reB"es#/ He % "ld )"ess ($a# #$a# reB"es# ( "ld !e/ -$e (as #ired * $er e0ileD s$e (an#ed # re#"rnE # Den+ar2 r # % +e # En)land/ -$e (as #ired * li&in) in #$e s$ad (s/ B"# nly #$ere (as s$e sa*e/ -$e (as $is li##le sis#er #$ ")$' and $e re+e+!ered $er as a %$"!!y !a!y and a*#er(ards as #$e li##le )irl (i#$ #$e !ri)$# eyes and ea)er s+ile ($ (as al(ays %la+ "rin) * r a .ar# in #$e *a+ily .lays/ He s+iled * ndly/ B"# s$e (as n # #$e sa+e/ -$e $ad !e% +e #$e ( +an ($ $ad ind"l)ed in an ad"l#er "s in#ri)"e and ($ $ad nearly in& l&ed $er % "n#ry in (ar/ T$e s%andal * $er !e$a&i "r $ad s(e.# #$r ")$ E"r .e/ EN ' n 'E said Ge r)e/ EI* .e .le (ill n # learn res#rain#' #$ey +"s# #a2e #$e % nseB"en%es/E He $ad $ad # res#rain $is i+."lsesD $e $ad $ad # )i&e ". Hanna$' )i&e ". -ara$ and +arry C$arl ##e/ O#$ers $ad # +a2e sa%ri*i%es/ His + "#$ (as .ri+ly se#/
EI d n # 2n ( Mr/ 3ra0all'E $e said' 'and I %ann # see $i+/E B"# as "s"al $is % ns%ien%e ( "ld n # le# $i+ res#/ Car line Ma#ilda's *a%e (as % ns#an#ly !e* re $i+/ He 2e.# #$in2in) * #$e day s$e $ad !een ! rn ($en $e $ad *irs# seen $er and $is + #$er $ad said: EY " +"s# #a2e %are * y "r li##le sis#er al(ays' Ge r)e' * r re+e+!er s$e $as n *a#$er/E And $e $ad & (ed $e ( "ld #a2e %are * $er/ He as2ed ne * $is )en#le+en,in,(ai#in) # see Mr/ 3ra0all and *ind "# ($a# $e (an#ed/ He lis#ened # #$e .lan/ His $el. and + ney (as needed # !rin) Car line !a%2 # Den+ar2/ 3$a# a %$ild s$e (as I Did s$e n # "nders#and #$a# s$e +i)$# !e as2in) $i+ # in& l&e $is % "n#ry in (arG Had $e n # en ")$ #r "!lesG His #( !r #$ers $ad +ade "nsa#is*a%# ry +arria)esD #$ey (ere n # re%ei&ed a# C "r# !e%a"se * #$isD and #$e e#ernal A+eri%an B"es#i n (as in $is +ind day and ni)$#/ EMr/ 3ra0all s$ "ld !e # ld #$a# E#$ere is n #$in) En)land %an d "n#il #$e 8"een * Den+ar2 is se%"rely !a%2 n #$e #$r ne * Den+ar2/ I* s$e (ere' (e ( "ld s".. r# $er/ Y " #$in2 y " %an +a2e $i+ "nders#and' e$G 3$a#GE And Mr/ 3ra0all' !ein) #$e + s# .#i+is#i% * )en#le+en' s#ayed n in L nd n $ .in) #$a# #$e 1in) ( "ld %$an)e $is +ind/ Car line Ma#ilda (ai#ed lis#lessly in Celle * r #$e re#"rn * 3ra0all/ -$e )"essed #$a# Ge r)e ( "ld d n #$in)/ Ge r)e did n # a..r &e * #$e s%$e+eD $e 2ne( i# (as d +ed # *ail"re ri)$# *r + #$e s#ar#/ One + rnin) in May s$e ar se early and sa# a# $er (ind ( l 2in) "# &er #$e )ardens/ T$e #rees (ere in !"d and s +e (ere already s$ (in) a )li+.se * #iny lea&es/ O$' s$e #$ ")$#' i# is &ery !ea"#i*"l $ere in Celle/ One * $er ( +en %a+e # $er (i#$ an e0.ressi n $al* s$ %2ed' $al* e0%i#ed/ EMada+'E s$e said' ' ne * #$e .a)es is dead/E EDeadF 3$ere is $eGE EHe is in #$e .a)es' r +/E
Car line Ma#ilda (en# s#rai)$# #$ere and l 2ed a# #$e y "n) ! y ($ (as lyin) n a % "%$/ -$e s$i&ered and #"rned a(ay/ EH ( did i# $a..enGE E3e d n # 2n (' Y "r Ma4es#y'E (as #$e ans(er/ E3e %an nly !elie&e i# +"s# $a&e !een s +e#$in) $e a#e/E EHa&e #$e d %# rs !een %alledGE EYes' Y "r Ma4es#y/ T$ey say i# +ay (ell !e s +e#$in) $e $as ea#en/E EP r %$ild'E s$e said' and li)$#ly # "%$ed $is * re$ead/
-$e % "ld n # )e# $i+ "# * $er +ind/ - +e#$in) $e a#eG - +e#$in) #ain#ed' !y a%%iden# r !y desi)n G H ( % "ld ne !e s"reG P r %$ild/ 3$a# $ar+ $ad $e d ne any neG
-$e lay in $er !edD $er ( +en $ad % +e # $el. $er dress/ EN ne(s *r + En)land #$enGE s$e as2ed/ EN ne' Y "r Ma4es#y/E EI d "!# n # (e s$all s n $a&e Mr/ 3ra0all (i#$ "s'E s$e said/
T$ey dressed $er $airD #$ey ."# n $er ) (nD and s$e (en# (al2in) in #$e Fren%$ )arden/ One +"s# #a2e a li##le e0er%ise/ Ge r)e $ad al(ays said #$a# #$e *a+ily $ad a #enden%y # *a#ness' and $ ( ri)$# $e (as/ -$e (as !e)innin) # *eel #$e in% n&enien%e * # +"%$ (ei)$#D i# +ade ne s !rea#$less/ 3$en s$e %a+e in *r + #$e )arden s$e *el# a li##le "n(ellD s s$e re#ired # $er a.ar#+en#s and lay d (n/ Her #$r a# *el# $ # and dry/ Her ( +en %a+e in and (ere alar+ed a# #$e si)$# * $erD #$e ri%$ % l "r ($i%$ (as %$ara%#eris#i% * $er *a+ily $ad le*# $er %$ee2sD s$e l 2ed ddly di**eren#/ EI a+ a li##le "n(ell'E s$e said/ EMada+e' s$ "ld (e %all #$e d %# rsGE -$e' s$ 2 $er $ead/
EI# is li2e a red $ # &i%e )ras.in) +y #$r a#/E T$ey did n # say #$a# #$e li##le .a)e ($ $ad died re%en#ly $ad % +.lained * #$e sa+e sy+.# +s/ 3$en s$e all (ed #$e d %# rs # % +e # $er #$ey sa( a# n%e #$a# s$e (as &ery ill/ Ge r)e (as a ( rried 2in)/ E&en#s (ere n # ) in) as $e and N r#$ $ad !elie&ed #$ey s$ "ld in N r#$ A+eri%a/ He re)arded #$e O.. si#i n's a##i#"de as li##le s$ r# * #reas n/ I# (as #$eir % n#in"al $aran)"in) * #$e G &ern+en# and disa)ree+en# (i#$ i#s A+eri%an . li%y ($i%$ )a&e $ear# # #$e C l nis#s/ C$a#$a+ (as +a2in) a n"isan%e * $i+sel* in #$e L rds/ E3e s$all !e * r%ed'E $e de%lared' '"l#i+a#ely # re#ra%#/ Le# "s re#ra%# ($ile (e %an' n # ($en (e +"s#/E 3i#$dra( #$e #r .s *r + A+eri%aG
EI+. ssi!leFE said N r#$/ EI+. ssi!leFE e%$ ed #$e 1in)/ C$a#$a+' C$arles F 0 and Ed+"nd B"r2e (ere a)ains# #$e 1in) and #$e G &ern+en#/ J $n 3il2es' ($ $ad !e% +e L rd May r * L nd n' dre( ". a .e#i#i n (i#$ #$e Li&ery * #$e Ci#y s"))es#in) #$a# #$e 1in) dis+iss $is ) &ern+en# !e%a"se #$ey (ere res. nsi!le * r #$e e0is#in) !ad rela#i ns !e#(een #$e C "n#ry and A+eri%a/ Ge r)e' ($ $ad al(ays $a#ed 3il2es' re# r#ed #$a# ($en $e (an#ed ad&i%e $e ( "ld ) # $is ) &ern+en# * r i#/ Mean($ile #$e % n*li%# (as ) in) *r + !ad # ( rse/ Ga)e' as C ++ander in C$ie*' $ad a##e+.#ed # sei7e #$e % l nis#s' ar+s a# C n% rd and (as de*ea#ed a# Le0in)# n' and s$ r#ly a*#er #$ere * ll (ed #$e disas#er * B"n2ers Hill/ And i# (as ($ile Ge r)e (as # r+en#ed and dis#ressed !y #$is alar+in) e&en# #$a# ne(s (as !r ")$# # $i+ *r + Celle/ 3$en $e read #$e le##er $e s#ared a# i# and #ears *illed $is eyes/ His sis#er Car line Ma#ilda /// dead I I# % "ld n # !e/ -$e (as nly #(en#y,* "r years ld/ I# (as #r"e s$e $ad li&ed #$r ")$ a )rea# deal
!"# s$e (as li##le + re #$an a %$ild/ He B"es#i ned #$e +essen)er/ EH (' e$G Tell +e/ H ( did i# $a..en /// ($a#GE T$ere (as li##le # #ell/ T$e 8"een $ad *allen si%2 * an a**li%#i n in $er #$r a# and in a *e( days s$e $ad died/ EB"# s$e (as s#r n) // / s$e (as $eal#$y // / and s y "n)/E O$' yes' s$e (as y "n) # die/ H ( % "ld i# $a&e $a..enedG He $eard #$e s# ry * #$e .a)e ($ $ad died' . ssi!ly #$r ")$ ea#in) 's +e#$in)'/ Had Car line Ma#ilda died * r #$e sa+e reas nG N ne % "ld say/ N ne % "ld !e s"re/ P r ill,*a#ed Car line
Ma#ilda ($ $ad li&ed s B"ie#ly in #$e $ear# * $er *a+ily and #$en * r a *e( &i len# years as 8"een * Den+ar2/ EI# is all #r "!le'E said Ge r)e/ E- +e#i+es I *eel as #$ ")$ I a+ ) in) +ad/E E&ery ne a# C "r# (as #al2in) a! "# #$e #rial * Eli7a!e#$ C$"dlei)$/ Ge r)e (as $ rri*ied a# ($a# $ad !een "n* lded/ T$is (as #$e ( +an ($ + $e $ad re)arded as $is *riendD and $ere s$e (as e0. sed in #$e % "r#s as #$e + s# s%$e+in) * ad&en#"resses/ 3$a# a de&i "s % "rse s$e $ad #ra&elledF Her li*e (as ne l n) #an)le * lies/ 3$en s$e $ad !een li&in) a# C "r# as s.ins#er Eli7a!e#$ C$"dlei)$ s$e $ad in *a%# !een +arried # #$e H n "ra!le A")"s#"s J $n Her&ey/ T$ere $ad e&en !een a %$ild * #$e "ni n' ($ ' .er$a.s * r#"na#ely' $ad died/ Eli7a!e#$ $ad !een "ns"re ($e#$er s$e ( "ld a%2n (led)e $er +arria)e # Her&ey "n#il $is "n%le' #$e Earl * Bris# l' ($ se $eir $e (as' $ad !een n #$e . in# * dyin)/ T$en s$e $ad C nsidered i# ( "ld n # !e s"%$ a !ad #$in) # !e% +e C "n#ess * Bris# lD !"# !e* re #$e Earl $ad died s$e $ad !e% +e #$e +is#ress * #$e D"2e * 1in)s# n and $ad de%ided #$a# s$e ( "ld ra#$er !e #$e D"%$ess * 1in)s# n #$an #$e C "n#ess * Bris# l/ Be%a"se s$e did n # (is$ # s"**er #$e s%andal * a di& r%e s$e $ad .re#ended $er +arria)e # Her&ey $ad n # #a2en .la%e and ($en #$ere (as an .. r#"ni#y * +arryin) #$e D"2e * 1in)s# n s$e $ad d ne s ' * r%in) Her&ey # silen%e n #$eir +arria)e/
D"rin) $er s.ell as D"%$ess * 1in)s# n Eli7a!e#$ $ad Ha"n#ed $er . si#i nD ne * $er +any e0#ra&a)an%es $ad !een # !"ild a +ansi n in 1ni)$#s!rid)e ($i%$ (as 2n (n as 1in)s# n H "se/ T$e D"2e' ($ (as +any years lder #$an Eli7a!e#$' did n # l n) s"r&i&e #$e +arria)eD and $e le*# $is * r#"ne # Eli7a!e#$ n % ndi#i n #$a# s$e re+ained a (id ( sin%e $e *eared #$a# $er &as# * r#"ne +i)$# a##ra%# ad&en#"rers/ T$is %a"sed s +e a+"se+en# a+ n) #$ se ($ 2ne( Eli7a!e#$ * r #$e !i))es# ad&en#"ress * #$e+ all/ Eli7a!e#$' $ (e&er' (as n # sa#is*ied (i#$ #$e arran)e+en# and #$e s# ry * $er re+ar2a!le ad&en#"res ( "ld ne&er $a&e !een 2n (n $ad n # $er la#e $"s!and's ne.$e(' n in* r+a#i n $e $ad re%ei&ed *r + an e0,+aid * Eli7a!e#$'s' !r ")$# a %$ar)e * !i)a+y a)ains# Eli7a!e#$ ($i%$' i* .r &ed' ( "ld +ean #$a# s$e $ad ne&er !een #$e D"2e's #r"e (i*e/ Eli7a!e#$ ($ $ad !een #ra&ellin) in I#aly en4 yin) $er (eal#$ (as * r%ed # % +e $ +e # *a%e #$e %$ar)es/ -$e (as a ( +an ($ (as in #$e #$i%2 * ad&en#"re e&en in R +e ($ere s$e $ad di**i%"l#y in !#ainin) #$e + ney s$e needed *r + #$e En)lis$ !an2er "n#il s$e .r d"%ed a .is# l and * r%ed $i+ # s"..ly i#/ N #$in) i# see+ed (as # "#ra)e "s * r Eli7a!e#$ # d / And n ( #$e #rial (as en#er#ainin) #$e ($ le * L nd n/ T$ere (as Eli7a!e#$ #$e y "n) ad&en#"ress' ($ se . r#rai# !y -ir J s$"a Reyn lds $ad deli)$#ed L nd n !e* re $er arri&al' ($i%$ *a%# $ad de%ided $er # lea&e De& ns$ire and see2 $er * r#"ne in #$e %a.i#al %i#y/ T L nd n s$e $ad % +e' * "nd a .la%e in #$e $ "se$ ld * #$e Prin%ess D (a)er' a##ra%#ed #$e in#eres# * #$e 1in) Ge r)e II se%re#ly +arried Her&ey' de%ided s$e $ad +ade a +is#a2e' des#r yed #$e %$"r%$ re)is#erD and #$en ($en #$ere $ad !een a . ssi!ili#y * Her&ey's !e% +in) Earl * Bris# l' * r)ed a ne( s$ee# in #$e re)is#er # re.la%e #$e ld ne s$e $ad des#r yed/ T$en de%idin) #$a# 1in)s# n $ad + re # **er $er s$e i)n red $er +arria)e (i#$ Her&ey and +arried #$e D"2e/ T$is (as Eli7a!e#$ C$"dlei)$' #$e s.ar2lin) &i&a%i "s +aid, *,$ n "r ($ $ad !e*riended Ge r)e ($en Prin%e * 3ales' ($ $ad learned #$e se%re# * Hanna$ Li)$# * #' ($ $ad "sed i# # !la%2+ail #$e Prin%ess D (a)er and L rd B"#e and n ( *a%ed a %$ar)e * !i)a+y/ N ( nder e&ery ne (as #al2in) a! "# Eli7a!e#$ C$"dlei)$D i# (as *ar + re in#eres#in) #$an all #$e dreary % n#r &ersy a! "# #$e A+eri%an C l nies/
B"# #$e 1in) % "ld n # es%a.e *r + #$e A+eri%an .r !le+D $e % "ld n # slee. * r #$in2in) * i#/ He )re( + re and + re s#"!! rnD $e ( "ld n # )i&e (ay # #$ese re!elsD $e (as n # ) in) # !e !r (!ea#en/ T$e *a%# #$a# s +any in $is (n 2in)d + !elie&ed $is . li%y and #$a# * N r#$ # !e (r n) +ade $i+ s#and + re *ir+ly !e$ind $is %$ie* Minis#er/ EI a+ e&er ready'E $e said' '# re%ei&e addresses and .e#i#i ns' !"# I a+ #$e 4"d)e ($ere/E T$a# (as #$e %r"0 * #$e +a##er/ He (as ) in) # !e #$e 4"d)e/ He (as 1in) Ge r)e and $e (as ) in) # r"le/ F r years $is + #$er $ad said # $i+: Ge r)e' !e a 2in)/ 3ell' n ( $e (as #$e 1in)D and $e (as ) in) # s$ ( i#/ He n l n)er $ad #$e !lind *ai#$ in C$a#$a+ #$a# $e n%e $ad $ad/ T$ere $ad !een a #i+e ($en $e $ad !elie&ed #$a# i* Pi## ( "ld * r+ a ) &ern+en# all ( "ld !e (ellD #$e .e .le $ad !elie&ed i# # D !"# Pi## $ad !e% +e C$a#$a+ and C$a#$a+ (as a . r in&alid' a +an ($ s"**ered %r"elly *r + #$e ) "# and ($ ' i# (as said' $ad n%e l s# $is reas n #$r ")$ $is illness/ L s# $is reas nF T$e 1in) s$i&ered a# #$e #$ ")$#D and #ried n # # re+e+!er #$a# .eri d * $is (n li*e ($en $is !rain $ad !e% +e a li##le %r (ded/ T$a# (as .as#/ I# s$ "ld ne&er $a..en a)ainD !"# i# $a"n#ed $i+ li2e a )rey )$ s#' al(ays ready # lea. "# a# $i+ and # r+en# $i+ a# "n)"arded + +en#s/ N ( ($en $e s. 2e * C$a#$a+ $e %alled $i+ #$a# '.er*idi "s +an'' '#$a# #r"+.e# * sedi#i n'' * r #$ere (ere #i+es ($en C$a#$a+ in #$e H "se * L rds #$"ndered $is disa..r &al * #$e G &ern+en# (i#$ all #$e *ire ($i%$ $ad !el n)ed # #$e Grea# C ++ ner/ C$a#$a+ (as n ( "r)in) #$e 1in) a# all % s#s # ."# an end # #$e s#ri*e in A+eri%a' # s# . #$is !ar!ar "s (ar a)ains# ' "r !re#$ren'/ He (an#ed e&ery ..ressi&e A%# .assed sin%e 9=;> # !e re.ealed/ L rd N r#$' ($ li2e #$e 1in) $ad !e% +e dee.ly a**e%#ed !y #$e s#r"))le' (an#ed # re#ire' !"# Ge r)e ( "ld n # all ( #$is/ In #$is % n*li%# (i#$ A+eri%a' Ge r)e de%lared' $e $ad #$e +a4 ri#y * En)lis$+en !e$ind $i+D $e (as s#"!! rnD $e $ad +ade ". $is +ind #$a# (ea2ness (as disas#er/ He s$"# $is eyes # +ili#ary l ssesD $e $ad se# $i+sel* n a % "rse * a%#i n and $e !elie&ed i# ( "ld !e * lly # )i&e i# "./ I# ( "ld !e % ns#r"ed as (ea2ness and #$ey % "ld n # a** rd # !e (ea2/ He 2e.# $earin) $is + #$er's & i%e rin)in) in $is ears: EGe r)e' !e a 2in)/E
I# (as alar+in) # learn #$a# A+eri%ans (ere &isi#in) #$e C "r# * Fran%e and #$e Fren%$ (ere **erin) $el. in all * r+s' s$ r# * de%larin) (ar' and #$a# #$ere (ere +any Fren%$+en ($ (ere "r)in) L "is QVI # ) as *ar as #$a#/ N r#$ (as in a .ani%/ He l n)ed # es%a.e *r + #$e s# r+ ($i%$ $e $ad $el.ed # raise/ En)land needed a s#r n) +an n ( and #$ere (as ne ($ + #$e Fren%$ *eared a! &e all #$er En)lis$+en/ 3illia+ Pi## $ad !r ")$# $"+ilia#i n and disas#er # #$eir % "n#ryD $e $ad sna#%$ed Canada' A+eri%a and India *r + #$e+F $e $ad +ade En)land a * r%e # !e re%2 ned (i#$/ And Pi## (as s#ill in #$e *ield * a%#i n e&en #$ ")$ $e +asB"eraded "nder #$e na+e * C$a#$a+/ N r#$ s ")$# # in#r d"%e #( Bills ($i%$ $e !elie&ed ( "ld (in #$e a..r &al * ! #$ En)land and A+eri%a/ In #$e *irs# #$e ri)$# * #$e En)lis$ Parlia+en# # #a0 A+eri%ans ( "ld !e relinB"is$edD in #$e se% nd a % ++issi n ( "ld !e se# ". # ad4"s# all di**eren%es/ C$arles F 0 s".. r#ed #$is Bill' !"# s +e +e+!ers * #$e O.. si#i n (ere a)ains# i#/ N r#$ $ad s$ (n $i+sel* # !e #$e ene+y * A+eri%a' #$ey said' and #$e A+eri%ans ( "ld !e # .r "d # a%%e.# s"%$ **ers *r + $i+/ Ge r)e $i+sel* %l"n) # $is desire # re+ain s#r n)' !"# $e did n # .. se N r#$'s .r . salsD ye# N r#$ a)ain a##e+.#ed # )i&e ". #$e seals and s#e. in# #$e !a%2)r "nd/ He (r #e # #$e 1in) in* r+in) $i+ * #$is desire/ EL rd N r#$ *eels #$a# ! #$ $is +ind and ! dy )r ( e&ery day + re in*ir+ and "na!le # s#r"))le (i#$ #$e $ards$i.s * #$ese ard" "s #i+es/E B"# Ge r)e ( "ld n # le# $i+ ) / His )rea# desire (as # 2ee. N r#$ as $ead * $is G &ern+en#' * r $e ( "ld ne&er a..r a%$ C$a#$a+ a)ain/ C$a#$a+' (a#%$in) #$e (ay e&en#s (ere s$a.in) (as n ( seein) $i+sel* n%e + re as #$e ne +an ($ % "ld !rin) $is % "n#ry "# * #$e + rass * disas#er in# ($i%$ s$e $ad *allen/ I# (as C$a#$a+ ($ $ad !r ")$# A+eri%a # En)landD $ ( ri)$# #$a# i# s$ "ld !e C$a#$a+ ($ s$ "ld $eal #$e !rea%$ !e#(een #$e #( % "n#ries/ He % "ld n # a)ree #$a# A+eri%a s$ "ld !e all (ed # de%lare $er Inde.enden%e/ He % "ld n # !ear # le# A+eri%a ) / He de.l red #$e *a"l#y s#a#es+ans$i. ($i%$ $ad !r ")$# a! "# #$is disas#r "s si#"a#i n/ B"# $e (as %er#ain #$a# i# (as n # # la#e/
He $ !!led in# #$e H "se * L rds' $is le)s en%ased in *lannel' s".. r#ed !y $is s n and $is s n,in,la(/ EI re4 i%e'E $e %ried' (i#$ a re#"rn * $is ld *ire' '#$a# #$e )ra&e $as n # %l sed &er +e s #$a# I %an raise +y & i%e a)ains# #$e dis+e+!er+en# * #$is an%ien# and + s# n !le + nar%$y/EPressed d (n as I a+' I a+ li##le a!le # $el. +y % "n#ry a# #$is .eril "s 4"n%#"re' !"# ($ile I $a&e sense and +e+ ry I (ill ne&er % nsen# # de.ri&e #$e r yal **s.rin) * #$e H "se * Br"ns(i%2' #$e $eirs * #$e Prin%ess - .$ia' * #$eir *aires# in$eri#an%e///E His & i%e *al#ered a li##le and #$en #$e ld . (er ran) "#/ EI a+ n #' I % n*ess' (ell in* r+ed * #$e res "r%es * #$is 2in)d +' !"# I #r"s# i# $as s#ill s"**i%ien# # +ain#ain i#s 4"s# ri)$#s' #$ ")$ I 2n ( #$e+ n #/ B"# any s#a#e is !e##er #$an des.air/ Le# "s +a2e ne e** r# and i* (e +"s# *all' le# "s *all li2e +en/E He sa# d (n in $is sea# $el.ed !y #$e +e+!ers * $is *a+ily/ T$e D"2e * Ri%$+ nd re.lied #$a# i# (as n # .ra%#i%al # 2ee. #$e A+eri%an C l nies/ T$ey % "ld n # $ ld #$e+ and # % n#in"e # a##e+.# # ( "ld (ea2en #$e % "n#ry s#ill *"r#$er and +a2e an a##a%2 !y Fran%e . ssi!le/ T$e % "n#ry (as n # .re.ared * r (ar/ C$a#$a+ r se and .r #es#ed n%e + re a)ains# #$e dis+e+!er+en# * #$is an%ien# and + s# n !le + nar%$y/ T$e #$rea# * Fren%$ in&asi n +ade $i+ la")$/ He #"rned &i len#ly # #$e D"2e * Ri%$+ nd and #$en s"ddenly $e s(ayed and ( "ld $a&e *allen $ad $is s n n # %a")$# $i+ in $is ar+s/ T$e de!a#e ended and Pi## (as %arried "# # a near!y $ "se in D (nin) -#ree#/ T$ere (as n d "!# #$a# $e (as &ery ill/ A *e( days la#er $e e0.ressed a (is$ # ) # $is !el &ed $ "se a# Hayes and $e (as #a2en #$ere/ ' In #$ree (ee2s $e (as dead/ T$e ! dy * #$e Grea# C ++ ner lay in s#a#e * r #( days and (as !"ried in #$e n r#$ #ranse.# a# 3es#+ins#er A!!ey/ ET$a#'E said #$e .e .le'E is #$e end * Pi##' ne * #$e )rea#es# * En)lis$ s#a#es+en/E B"# #$is (as n # B"i#e #$e #r"#$/ T$e %$ie*
+ "rner (as #$e dead +an's se% nd s n' $is *irs#! rn !ein) a!r ad/ His s n (as 3illia+ Pi##' na+ed a*#er $is *a#$erD $e (as nine#een and $e (as de#er+ined # !e as )rea# a . li#i%ian as #$e *a#$er $e + "rned/ - #$e )rea# s#r"))le $ad % +e # an end (i#$ i)n +ini "s de*ea# * r #$e 1in) and $is % "n#ry/ Ge r)e 2ne( #$is $"+ilia#in) +e+ ry ( "ld $a"n# $i+ * r #$e res# * $is li*eD and $e (as ri)$#: i# did/ O*#en $e (as $eard # +"r+"r: EI s$all ne&er lay +y $ead n +y las# .ill ( in .ea%e as l n) as I re+e+!er +y A+eri%an C l nies/E In #$e +ean#i+e C$arl ##e $ad s.en# #$e )rea#er .ar# * $er #i+e !ein) .re)nan#/ Ernes# $ad !een ! rn in J"ne 9==9D A")"s#"s in Jan"ary 9==>D Ad l.$"s in Fe!r"ary 9==AD Mary in A.ril 9==;D - .$ia in N &e+!er 9===D and O%#a&i"s in Fe!r"ary 9==:/ - /#$a# !y #$e year 9=O? #$ey $ad #$ir#een %$ildren/ And a# #$e !e)innin) * #$a# year n ne (as &ery s"r.rised # learn
#$a# C$arl ##e (as .re)nan# a)ain/ T$e Prin%e * 3ales Fire &er L nd n T$e 1in)'s eldes# s ns (ere )i&in) $i+ )rea# %a"se * r alar+' .ar#i%"larly #$e Prin%e * 3ales/ In #$e .as# $e $ad l 2ed # $is *a+ily * r % +* r# and * "nd i#/ T$a# (as ($en #$ey (ere %$ildren/ Alas' %$ildren )r ( ".D and i# see+ed # !e a #radi#i n in #$e *a+ily #$a# #$e Prin%e * 3ales s$ "ld !e a# en+i#y (i#$ #$e 1in)/ E3$y s$ "ld $e' * #$e ($ le *a+ily' $a&e #"rned "# s G e$GE $e de+anded * #$e 8"een/ B"# s$e % "ld n # #ell $i+/ P r C$arl ##e $ad $ad n .. r#"ni#y # learn any#$in)/ In #$e nine#een years #$a# s$e $ad !een in En)land s$e $ad !een 2e.# as a .ris ner a B"een !ee in $er %ell' ne&er all (ed # 2n ( #$e se%re#s * . li#i%s' ne&er as2ed an .ini n/ T$ey $ad +ade * $er a 8"een M #$er' n #$in) elseD and #$ey $ad 2e.# $er &ery !"sy a# #$a#/ -$e ad red $er eldes# s nD $e $ad !een #$e 1in) * #$e n"rsery and (ell $e $ad 2n (n i#/ 3i#$ $is ri%$ % l "rin)' $is !l"e eyes and ) lden $air' $e (as !ea"#i*"lD and i* $e (as a li##le (ild i# (as ($a# e&ery ne e0.e%#ed * s"%$ a li##le %$ar+er/ Lady C$arl ##e Fin%$ $ad de%lared $i+ # !e a $and*"l' and ( rse s#ill $e %arried $is !r #$er Frederi%2' ($ (as a year y "n)er #$an $e (as' al n) (i#$ $i+/ B"# #$e y "n) Ge r)e $ad !een *"ll * %"ri si#yD $e
$ad s$ (n an a.#i#"de * r learnin) ($i%$ deli)$#ed $is *a#$er' ($ $ad ne&er $i+sel* !een ) d (i#$ $is ! 2s/ Y "n) Ge r)e' in #$e se%l"si n * #$e B (er L d)e a# 1e(' $ad s$ (n ) d .r +ise/ T$ere (as n #$in) else # d !"# learn' s $e learned/ He $ad a ) d 2n (led)e * #$e %lassi%s' s. 2e se&eral lan)"a)es' % "ld dra( and .ain# (i#$ a %er#ain a+ "n# * #alen# and see+ed a&id * r learnin)/ Hi)$ s.iri#ed' yes/ Mis%$ie& "s' %er#ainly/ Leadin) $is !r #$ers in# #r "!le' i# $ad # !e ad+i##ed/ EHe is s"%$ a ! y'E said $is + #$er * ndly and indeed ( ndered $ ( s"%$ a .lain %rea#"re as $ersel* % "ld $a&e .r d"%ed s"%$ a ( nder/ Li*e a# #$e B (er L d)e $ad !een %are*"lly laid "# !y #$e 1in)/ T$e %$ildren's d +ain (as n # # !e % n#a+ina#ed !y #$e C "r#/ in*l"en%ed $ad Ge r)e !een !y $is + #$er #$a# $e $ad +ade #$e $ "se$ ld * $is %$ildren al+ s# a re.li%a * #$a# ($i%$ $e $ad 2n (n as a ! y/ He did n # .a"se # % nsider #$e % nd"%# * $is !r #$ers ($i%$ $ad !r ")$# s"%$ an0ie#y in# $is li*eD n r Car line Ma#ilda's "n$a..y e0.erien%es in Den+ar2/ E&en $e $i+sel* $ad !r 2en "# &er #$e Li)$# * # a**air and $e % "ld s easily $a&e ) ne a)ains# $is elders and +arried -ara$ Lenn 0/ He did n # % nne%# #$e (ildness * $is !r #$ers (i#$ #$eir seB"es#ered %$ild$ d/ And n ( $ere (as y "n) Ge r)e #$rea#enin) # !e as di**i%"l# # % n#r l as Ge r)e's !r #$ers $ad !een i* n # + re s / I# (as n # . ssi!le' na#"rally' # 2ee. #$e Prin%e * 3ales a# B (er L d)e ($en $e (as ei)$#een' #$a# #i+e ($en .rin%es (ere % nsidered # !e * a)e/ He ( "ld de+and a $ "se$ ld * $is (n and inde.enden%e and i* $e did n # de+and i#' #$e .e .le ( "ld * r $i+/ T$ey $ad al(ays 2n (n #$a# $e (as (il*"lD $e $ad s$ (n #$a# in #$e s%$ lr +/ He $ad s(a))ered !e* re $is !r #$ers and sis#ersD $e $ad !"llied $is #"# rs' slyly re+indin) #$e+ #$a# #$ey $ad !e##er !e %are*"l and n # * r)e# #$a# ne day $e ( "ld !e 2in)/ B yis$ness' #$ey $ad %alled i#/ On $is ei)$#een#$ !ir#$day $e $ad !een )i&en $is (n es#a!lis$+en# in B"%2in)$a+ H "se/ N ( $e s$ (ed $ ( really #r "!les +e $e % "ld !e/ He $ad #as#e * r l ( % +.any and li2ed # r a+ #$e s#ree#s (i#$ a !and * *riends as !ad as $i+sel* in% )ni# ' ) in) in# #a&erns and % **ee $ "ses' #al2in) a! "#
#$e . li#i%s * #$e day/ He ( "ld e0#ri%a#e $i+sel* *r + any di**i%"l#y !y !la#an# lyin) i* #$e 1in) sa( *i# # re.r a%$ $i+D and .er$a.s + s# alar+in) * all' $e dran2 # +"%$/ T$e 1in)' a!s#e+i "s and ."ri#ani%al' (as &ery s$ %2ed/ EY " (ill )r ( *a# i* y " drin2 r ea# # EI#'s a *ailin) in #$e *a+ily/E T$e Prin%e .re#ended # !e i+.ressed and (as la")$in) ". $is slee&eE/ M s# )rie& "s * all (as #$a# $e $ad n res.e%# * r $is *a#$er/ He daren'# ann "n%e #$is ye#' !"# i# (as #$ere !e#(een #$e+ and #$e 1in) 2ne( i#/ And ($a# % "ld $e say # #$e Prin%e * 3ales' $is s n' ($ (as d "!#less ea)er n ( # s#e. in# $is s$ esG M re &er' #$e 1in) (as )r (in) + re and + re "n. ."lar/ La+. ns (ere %ir%"la#ed a! "# $i+/ T$ere (ere %ar# ns re.resen#in) $i+ in #$e + s# ridi%"l "s si#"a#i ns/ I# (as $"+ilia#in) .ar#i%"larly as #$e Prin%e * 3ales (as s . ."lar/ He nly $ad # a..ear in #$e s#ree#s # $a&e a %r (d %$eerin) $i+/ E3$a# a $ands +e *ell ( I' %ried #$e .e .leD and #$ey # ld #$e+sel&es i# ( "ld !e di**eren# ($en $e (as 2in)/ G ne ( "ld !e #$e d"ll ld C "r# .resided &er !y ld Ge r)e ($ ne&er did any#$in) # a+"se #$e+ in $is .ri&a#e li*e e0%e.# ) # !ed (i#$ ld C$arl ##e and .r d"%e + re and + re %$ildren # !e an e0.ense n #$e -#a#e/ And $ere (as y "n) Ge r)e' already indi%a#in) $ ( di**eren# i# (as ) in) # !e ($en $e %a+e # #$e #$r ne/ I# ( "ld !e li2e #$e days * C$arles II a)ain/ A +erry En)land ($ere #$ere (as a !rillian# C "r# and a 2in) ($ ( "ld !e ". # all s r#s * )ay ad&en#"res # a+"se $is .e .le/ EI# %a"ses +e )rea# % n%ern'E said #$e 1in) # C$arl ##e/ E3$a# d y " #$in2 * i#' e$ G 3$a# GE EHe'll se##le d (n'E C$arl ##e ass"red $er $"s!and/ EHe is s y "n) and a*#er all $e is nly 4"s# e0.erien%in) *reed +/E EE0.erien%in) *iddles#i%2s I' re# r#ed #$e 1in)/ C$arl ##e (as really + re % n%erned a! "# li##le O%#a&i"s ($ (as n # as s#r n) as #$e #$ers/ T$e $eal#$ * $er %$ildren $ad ne&er !e* re +"%$'E $e # ld $is s n/
!een a )rea# %a"se * r an0ie#yD n # nly $ad s$e !een a!le # !reed !"# # !reed s#r n) %$ildren/ B"# O%#a&i"s $ad !een a li##le si%2ly *r + !ir#$ and #$ ")$ s$e +i)$# $a&e #$ir#een #$e #$ ")$# #$a# s$e +i)$# l se ne * #$e+ #erri*ied $er/ -$e $ad learned n # # ar)"e (i#$ $er $"s!and #$ ")$' s s$e did n # +a2e any + re a##e+.# # de*end Ge r)eD * ndly s$e (en# n !elie&in) #$a# $e ( "ld 'se##le d (n'/ C$arl ##e (as se(in) ($en #$e 1in) !"rs# in# $er a.ar#+en#/ His !l"e eyes l 2ed as #$ ")$ #$ey ( "ld . . "# * $is $ead and #$e &eins s# d "# a# $is #e+.les/ C$arl ##e dis+issed $er ( +en $as#ily/ 3$en #$e 1in) l 2ed li2e #$is s$e (as al(ays re+inded * #$a# #erri!le illness * $is/ Li2e $i+ s$e (as % ns#an#ly dreadin) a re#"rn * i#/ EI $a&e s +e s$ %2in) ne(s // / + s# s$ %2in) /// I % "ld s%ar%e !elie&e +y ears/ H ( l n) $as #$is !een ) in) nG I d n # 2n (/ I# is a &ery de)radin) #$in) // / yes' #$a# is ($a# I ( "ld %all i# /// de)radin)/ I (ill n # $a&e i#/ I (ill ."# a s# . # i#/ T$is %ann # !e all (ed # ) n' e$/ 3$a#G 3$a#G 3$a#GE He (as #al2in) s ra.idly #$a# s$e (as #erri*ied/ I# (as s li2e #$a# #$er %%asi n/ EI .ray y " !e sea#ed and #ell +e ($a# is dis#ressin) y "/E EI#'s #$a# s n * "rs /// #$a# Ge r)e /// #$a# Prin%e * 3ales/ I d n'# 2n ( ($a# $e #$in2s $e is d in)/ N sense * .la%e /// n sense * di)ni#y' e$G 3$a#G 3$a#G T$ere is #r "!le /// #r "!le // / e&ery($ere and $e $as # add # i#/ 3$a# are (e ) in) # d a! "# i#' e$G e$GE EI !e) * Y "r Ma4es#y # #ell +e ($a# $as $a..ened/E EHe's !een # #$e .lay // / !een # Dr"ry Lane and $e's * "nd a ( +an #$ere /// an a%#ress /// 3$a# d es $e #$in2 $e's d in) a# $is a)e' e$' ($a# GE Ge r)e .a"sed/ He $ad !een a! "# * "r#een ($en $e $ad *irs# seen Hanna$ Li)$# * #D $e $ad n # !een +"%$ lder ($en $e $ad arran)ed #$a# s$e s$ "ld deser# $er $"s!and i++edia#ely a*#er $er +arria)e # $i+ /// # % +e a(ay # #$a# $ "se a# Islin)# n # !e (i#$ $i+/ T$a# (as di**eren#/ T$a# (as n # *la"n#in) $is in*a#"a#i n/ T$a# (asn'#
se##in) #$e ($ le # (n #al2in)/ T$a# (as se%re# // / &ery se%re#/ I# (as di**eren#' said Ge r)e # $i+sel*' e$G e$G e$G 3$a#G EG in) # #$e .lay///E e%$ ed C$arl ##e/ EYes' e&ery ni)$# # see #$is' #$is // / %rea#"re/ And $e $as *allen in l &e (i#$ $er/ Calls $er $is dear Perdi#a/ -$e's !een .layin) in 3in#er's Tale r s +e s"%$/ -$a2es.eare/ Cann # see ($y #$ere is s"%$ a *"ss * r $is .lays/E EB"# ($a# * #$e Prin%e GE EMa2in) a * l * $i+sel* &er #$is a%#ress/ -e##in) $er ". in an es#a!lis$+en#/ I#'s ) # # s# .' I #ell y "/ Can'# ) n/ Pe .le #al2in)/ Pe .le (ill #al2/ He's #$e Prin%e * 3ales // / T$e ( +an's an a%#ress /// an ad&en#"ress // / la")$in) a# $i+/ Older #$an $e is /// +a2in) a *ine * l * $i+ and e&ery ne la")$in) a# $i+ !e$ind $is !a%2/ He $as # !e +ade # see' e$G 3$a#GE EPer$a.s i* I s. 2e # $i+/E Ge r)e l 2ed a# $is (i*e % n#e+.#" "sly/ C$arl ##e s.ea2 # #$a# y "n) !ladeF 3$a# a $ .e #$a# s$e % "ld +a2e an i+.ressi n n $i+/ 3$en $ad C$arl ##e e&er +ade an i+.ressi n n any neG All s$e % "ld d (as !e a .e##y #yran# in $er (n $ "se$ ld ($ere s$e $ad #$e a"#$ ri#y # dis+iss a +aid i* s$e (an#ed # / A l # * ) d C$arl ##e's s.ea2in) # $i+ ( "ld d F EI s$all s.ea2 # $i+'E de%lared Ge r)e/ T$e Prin%e % "ld n # i)n re $is *a#$er's s"++ ns/ He s(a))ered in l 2in) &ery $ands +e in $is ela! ra#e e+!r idered (ais#% a# and !"%2s2in !ree%$es/ E0#ra&a)an#F #$ ")$# #$e 1in)/ H ( +"%$ in de!# is $eG T$a#'ll !e #$e ne0# #$in)/ Cards' #ail rs and ( +en/ 3$y s$ "ld +y s n !e li2e #$isG Ge r)e s+iled ins len#ly a# $is *a#$er/ EY "r Ma4es#y reB"es#ed a &isi# *r + +e/E EReB"es#ed' e$G 3$a#G I 2n ( n #$in) * reB"es#s/ I % ++anded y " # % +e $ere/ D y " "nders#and' e$G 3$a#GE T$e 1in) (as $ea#ed' #$e Prin%e in%redi!ly % l/ He did n # %are/ T$ere (as n #$in) #$e 1in) % "ld d # $i+/ He e&en $ad $is *riends in
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Li*e (as a #ra)edy and a disa.. in#+en#/ I# (as as #$ ")$ Hanna$ and -ara$ %a+e # + %2 $i+/ I# % "ld $a&e !een di**eren#/ A# *irs# $e #ried # s$"# "# * $is +ind #$e er #i% i+a)es #$a# %r (ded in# i#/ T$en $e +ade n a##e+.# # d s / He sa# #$in2in) * ($a# +i)$# $a&e !een/ Very s$ r#ly a*#er(ards #$e s$ r#% +in)s * #$e Prin%e * 3ales (ere * r) ##en in a disas#er ($i%$ #$rea#ened # lay (as#e #$e ($ le * L nd n and 3es#+ins#er/ E&er sin%e Ge r)e's ass %ia#i n (i#$ Hanna$ Li)$# * # $e $ad *el# #$e need * r # leran%e in reli)i "s +a##ers and al#$ ")$ $e *a& "red 8"a2ers .ar#i%"larly $e (an#ed # !e re+e+!ered as #$e 1in) "nder ($ + reli)i "s *reed + $ad !een en% "ra)ed/ En)land (as *ier%ely Pr #es#an# and $ad !een e&er sin%e #$e rei)n * Mary I' ($en #$e -+i#$*ield *ires $ad s$ %2ed #$e % "n#ry/ T$e $is# ry * En)land +i)$# $a&e !een di**eren# i* Ja+es II $ad n # !e% +e a Pa.is#/ T$en $e ( "ld $a&e % n#in"ed # rei)n and $is s n a*#er $i+' and #$e H "se * Han &er ( "ld ne&er $a&e !een 2n (n in En)land/ Ge r)e (as 1in) !e%a"se $is an%es# rs $ad !een Pr #es#an#s/ T$e la(s a)ains# Ca#$ li%s (ere "n4"s#' $e $ad al(ays % nsidered/ Ca#$ li%s % "ld n # $ ld landD Ar+y **i%ers % "ld n # !e Ca#$ li%sD #$e s n * a Ca#$ li% ($ !e%a+e a Pr #es#an# % "ld %lai+ $is *a#$er's .r .er#yD Ca#$ li% reli)i "s ser&i%es (ere **i%ially ille)al' al#$ ")$ * r +any years #$ey $ad !een $eld and n ne $ad #a2en any a%#i n/ T$ere $ad !een n )rea# reli)i "s *er& "r in En)landD #$e na#"ral i+."lse (as # ) ne's (ay and le# #$ers d #$e sa+e/ O%%asi nally +in ri#ies s"**ered a li##le and Ge r)e $ad n se&eral %%asi ns s$ (n $is desire # .r #e%# #$e+/ He $ad !e)"n !y .r *essin) $is *riends$i. * r #$e 8"a2ers and ($en #$ere $ad !een %er#ain % ++en# a! "# #$is $ad e0#ended $is !ene& len%e # #$er se%#s/ T( years .re&i "sly #$e Ca#$ li% Relie* Bill (as !r ")$# !e* re Parlia+en#' (as .assed #$r ")$ ! #$ H "ses (i#$ "# +"%$ ."!li%i#y' and Ge r)e $ad &ery (illin)ly )i&en i# $is si)na#"re/ All ( "ld $a&e !een (ell !"# * r L rd Ge r)e G rd n' ($ a# #$ir#y years ld (as (ea2' "n!alan%ed and $ad a )r"d)e a)ains# li*e/ He (as a y "n)er s n * #$e D"2e * G rd nD and $is !r #$er' 3illia+ $ad !een #$e l &er * -ara$ Lenn 0 ($i%$ $ad !r ")$# $i+ in# s +e .r +inen%e !e%a"se * -ara$'s early rela#i ns$i. (i#$ #$e 1in)/
He $ad $ad a % ++issi n in #$e Na&y' !"# !e%a"se $e (as n # )i&en a s$i. * $is (n $e resi)ned/ He (as a s#ran)e +an' *ana#i%ally reli)i "s ($ile leadin) a li*e * de!a"%$ery/ -i0 years .re&i "sly $e $ad en#ered Parlia+en# ($ere $e s ")$# # +a2e a na+e * r $i+sel* as $e $ad in #$e Na&y/ He (as &ery $ands +e and a ) d s.ea2er' !"# $e la%2ed s +e#$in) ($i%$ (as essen#ial # s"%%ess/ He % "ld )r ( $ys#eri%alD $e (as *#en #$e ( rse * r drin2 and i# (as 2n (n #$a# $e *#en s.en# $is ni)$#s in #$e !r #$els/ N ne (as &ery +"%$ a(are * $i+/ 3$en $e r se # s.ea2 in #$e H "se +any +e+!ers ( "ld sli. "#/ He (as #$ere !e%a"se * $is *a+ilyD and $e (as n #$in) n $is (n/ T$is ran2led and l 2in) a! "# $i+ * r a (ay * %allin) a##en#i n # $i+sel*' $e * "nd i# in #$e Ca#$ li% Relie* Bill/ He $i+sel* (as a Pr #es#an# and $ad .. sed #$e Bill' !"# $is li##le .r #es# (as B"i#e "ni+. r#an#/ Or (as i#G 3ell' #$ey ( "ld see/ He $i# n a (ay * +a2in) #$e+ #a2e n #i%e * $i+' and $e !e%a+e *ana#i%ally &er4 yed a# #$e res"l# * $is e** r#s/ Firs# $e $ad 4 ined #$e Pr #es#an# Ass %ia#i n * En)land ($i%$ (as deli)$#ed # (el% +e a l rd in# i#s +ids#' and i# (as a &ery s$ r# s#e. * r L rd Ge r)e !e#(een 4 inin) and !e% +in) i#s Presiden#/ In -% #land #$e - %ie#y (as &ery s#r n) and #$ere $ad !een s +e dissensi n a%r ss #$e ! rder ($en #$e Relie* Bill (as .assed' #$e Pr #es#an# Ass %ia#i n ". #$ere $a&in) en% "ra)ed i#s +e+!ers # ri # in ne r #( # (ns/ N ( i* L rd Ge r)e % "ld !rin) a! "# #$e a! li#i n * #$e Ca#$ li% Relie* A%# r' *ailin) #$a#' ($i. #$e Pr #es#an#s * L nd n # s"%$ a *"ry #$a# #$ey ( "ld !e$a&e as #$ se in -% #land' $e ( "ld !e *a+ "s/ N N ne % "ld la")$ a# $i+ #$en' n ne % "ld #$in2 $i+ insi)ni*i%an#/ ne % "ld say #$a# i* $e (ere n # a G rd n $e ( "ld !e n ($ere/
T$ere* re $e ( "ld s#ar# a%#i ns ($i%$ ( "ld +ean $is na+e ( "ld !e re+e+!ered in #$e $is# ry ! 2s * # + rr ( ($ile #$e Pr #es#an#s * # day %lai+ed $i+ as #$e $er ($ $ad sa&ed #$e+ *r + #$e Ca#$ li% #$rea#/ Ha&in) a +issi n' L rd Ge r)e (as inde*a#i)a!le/ His dar2 li+. $air *ell a! "# $is earsD $is .ale s2in (as da+. (i#$ #$e s(ea# * e0er#i nD #$e *ana#i% l 2ed "# *r + $is (ild eyes as $e (en# # #$e ne(s.a.er
**i%es # inser# ad&er#ise+en#s #$a# #$e .e .le +i)$# 2n ( $e (as ( r2in) n #$eir !e$al*/ He $ad,a .e#i#i n * r #$e Re.eal * #$e Ca#$ li% Relie* A%# ($i%$ $ad !een si)ned !y #$ "sandsD and any ne ($ (an#ed a % .y * #$e .e#i#i n and #$e si)na#"res % "ld )e# i# a# #$e &ari "s s#a#ed .la%es/ Mean($ile in #$e H "ses * Parlia+en# $e as2ed * r #$e Re.eal * #$e A%#D $e de%lared #$a# $e (as s.ea2in) * r #$ "sands and #$a# #$e G &ern+en# ( "ld !e ill ad&ised # i)n re $i+/ T$e G &ern+en# i)n red $i+/ G rd n #$en (r #e a l n) .a+.$le# and as2ed * r an a"dien%e (i#$ #$e 1in)' and ($en Ge r)e re%ei&ed $i+ G rd n insis#ed n readin) #$e .a+.$le# # $i+/ T$e 1in) lis#ened and #$en !e%a+e #ired * #$e e0%i#ed *ana#i% ($ (en# n & i%in) ar)"+en#s (i#$ ($i%$ $e % "ld n # a)ree/ Ge r)e ya(ned si)ni*i%an#ly' !"# G rd n (en# n/ Ge r)e l 2ed a# $is (a#%$' !"# i* G rd n n #i%ed $is s &erei)n's i+.a#ien%e $e )a&e n si)n/ A# las# Ge r)e % "ld !ear i# n + re/ ELea&e i#'E $e said/ EI (ill read #$e res# +ysel*/E G rd n % "ld d n #$in) !"# re#ire a# #$a#' !"# $e (as n # % n#en# ($en $e $eard n + re *r + #$e 1in)/ He de+anded #$er in#er&ie(s d"rin) ($i%$ $e $aran)"ed #$e 1in)' # ld $i+ #$a# +any Pr #es#an#s (en# s *ar as # !elie&e #$e 1in) (as a Pa.is#' and de+anded s +e#$in) !e d ne/ T$e 1in)' ( rried !y #$e % nd"%# * #$e Prin%e * 3ales' $is !r #$ers' #$e $eal#$ * O%#a&i"s' #$e e&er .resen# s"!4e%# * A+eri%a' dis+issed $i+ a)ain/ B"# $e (as dis#"r!ed/ He sen# * r N r#$/ EI !e)in # #$in2 #$is +an G rd n is !en# n s#irrin) ". #r "!le' e$G ($a#GE EY "r Ma4es#y' #$e +an is a ! rn a)i#a# r/E EHe's sayin) #$ey s"s.e%# +e * !ein) a Pa.is#/ 3$a#G D esn'# $e 2n ( +y *a+ily $a&e al(ays !een s#ern Pr #es#an#s/ T$e +an's a * l/E
EA * l' sir' !"# a dan)er "s ne/ He is $a&in) +ee#in)s/ His * ll (ers are e&ery($ere/ T$ey're a * r+ida!le ! dy/E EI d n'# #$in2 #$e Pr #es#an#s are s *ier%e &er #$eir reli)i n' e$GE E-ir' I $a&e $ad +y ser&an#s a# $is +ee#in)s/ I#'s n # s +"%$ a +a##er * reli)i n/ He a##ra%#s #$e + ! and #$e + ! is )lad * an .. r#"ni#y # +a2e #r "!le/E EBe##er *ind a (ay * s# ..in) $i+/E N r#$ a)reed #$a# #$is (as an e0%ellen# idea/ N r#$' (i#$ $is )eni"s * r #a2in) #$e (r n) a%#i n' a##e+.#ed # !ri!e L rd Ge r)e' .r +isin) $i+ + ney and a . s# in Parlia+en# i* $e ( "ld lea&e #$e Pr #es#an# Ass %ia#i n/ L rd Ge r)e's eyes )lea+ed/ M ney I He didn'# (an# + ney/ His *a+ily $ad + ney/ A . si#i n in Parlia+en# ($i%$ $e ( "ld n # !e all (ed # $ ldG He $ad ne&er !een a!le # $ ld any . si#i n/ 3$a# L rd Ge r)e (an#ed (as *a+eD and n ( $e sa( #$a# i# ( "ld !e $is/ N r#$ +"s# !e a*raid * $i+ i* $e a##e+.#ed # !ri!e $i+/ T$a# s$ (ed $ ( . (er*"l $e (as/ L rd Ge r)e (as a +an in# 0i%a#ed (i#$ $is (n . (er/ T$ey $ad ne&er lis#ened # $i+ in Parlia+en#/ 3ell' #$ey s$ "ld see #$a# #$ere (ere s +e ($ (ere nly # ready # lis#en/ He le*# N r#$ and (en# $ +e # .lan $is ne0# a%#i n/ A *e( days la#er a n #i%e a..eared in #$e P"!li% Ad&er#iser/ All +e+!ers * #$e Pr #es#an# Ass %ia#i n (ere # asse+!le in -#/ Ge r)e's Fields/ T$ere #$ey ( "ld $ ld a rally and de%ide n s +e .lan * a%#i n/ Me+!ers s$ "ld (ear a !l"e % %2ade # dis#in)"is$ #$e+ *r + #$e s.e%#a# rs/ I# (as a s(el#erin) $ # day/ 3$en L rd Ge r)e arri&ed a# -#/ Ge r)e's Fields $e (as deli)$#ed # see ($a# a %r (d (as already #$ere/ T$ere (ere #$ "sands * !l"e % %2ades and +any (i#$ "# #$e+' * r #$e L nd n %r (d % "ld ne&er resis# a s.e%#a%le and *r +' all .ar#s * #$e %i#y #$ey $ad % +e # see #$e *"n/ L rd Ge r)e (as %$eered (ildly' and $is eyes )lea+ed (i#$ sa#is*a%#i n/ T$is (as ($a# $e needed/ He addressed #$e asse+!ly #ellin) #$e+ #$a# $e (as ) in) # Parlia+en# (i#$ $is .e#i#i n #$a# #$e Ca#$ li% Relie* A%# +i)$# !e re.ealed/
T$is s#a#e+en# (as a..la"dedD li##le !ands * .e .le *r + #$e Ass %ia#i n +ar%$ed r "nd #$e *ields sin)in) $y+nsD and in d"e % "rse #$ey ran)ed #$e+sel&es in# an rderly .r %essi n # +ar%$ # #$e H "ses * Parlia+en#/ On #$e (ay #$ey (ere 4 ined !y +any "# * r s +e s. r#/ T$e %r (d !e)an # )e# nas#y/ T$is (ill s$ ( #$e+' #$ ")$# L rd Ge r)e/ He (as % n*iden# #$a# a*#er #$is sessi n * Parlia+en# #$e A%# ( "ld !e re.ealed and $e ( "ld !e #$e $er * #$e day and #$e years # % +e/ He ( "ld !e Pri+e Minis#er * r $e ( "ld $a&e #$e s".. r# * #$e .e .le/ He sa( a )l ri "s *"#"re !e* re $i+/ T$e %r (d s"r)ed a! "# #$e en#ran%e * #$e H "se/ - +e %arried !anners dis.layin) #$e ( rds EN P .ery'/ As #$e Minis#ers !e)an # arri&e #$e + ! 4eered a# #$e+' #$re( re*"se a# #$e+' and # re ** #$eir 4a%2e#s and $a#s/ N ne (as $"r#' $ (e&er/ G rd n (as a li##le disa.. in#ed * r' dis$e&elled as #$ey (ere' #$e +e+!ers s$ (ed n *ear * #$e + ! "#side' and ) in) in# #$e H "se $e .resen#ed $is .e#i#i n/ T$is (as se% nded !"# % +.le#ely de*ea#ed' * r #$ere (ere nly nine & #es in i#s *a& "r/ G rd n (as alar+ed/ I# (as in $is . (er # in%i#e #$e + ! # &i len%e !"# i* $e did s $e ( "ld !e )"il#y * #reas nD ye# i* $e did n # $is .e#i#i n ( "ld !e dis+issed and #$a# (as #$e end * #$e +a##er/ He le*# #$e H "se and s. 2e # #$e .e .le/ EHis Ma4es#y is a ) d and )ra%i "s 1in)'E $e said' 'and ($en $e $ears #$a# #$e .e .le are s"rr "ndin) #$e H "se $e (ill % ++and $is Minis#ers # re.eal #$e Bill/E He (en# !a%2 # #$e H "se and (as as2ed i* $e in#ended # !rin) $is *riends in/ I* $e did' ne +e+!er (arned $i+' dra(in) $is s( rd' $e ( "ld #$r"s# i# in# L rd Ge r)e's ! dy * r a s#ar#/ L rd Ge r)e )re( .ale/ He (as e0%i#ed !y &i len%e !"# nly ($en i# (as dire%#ed a)ains# #$ersD i# (as !e%a"se $e s *eared i# #$a# $e li2ed # #$in2 * #$ers s"**erin) i#/ He #"rned and (en# "# n%e + re # s.ea2 # #$e + !/ He $ad #$e . (er # + &e #$e+ and #$ey !e)an # dis.erse/
Ge r)e $ad ) ne # 1e( # see #$e 8"een/ -$e (as n # as (ell as s$e "s"ally (as d"rin) .re)nan%ies/ Per$a.s' $e #$ ")$#' i# is #$e an0ie#y &er O%#a&i"s/ Her % n*ine+en# (as d"e in -e.#e+!er s s$e $ad #$ree + n#$s # ) / EY " are *eelin) #$e $ea#' e$GE $e said/ EI# $as !een s $ #' !"# &ery .leasan# $ere/ B"# n # s .leasan# in L nd n' I daresay/ And I $ear #$a# #$ere $as !een #r "!le/E ETr "!le' e$G 3$a#G 3$a# #r "!leG 3$ said #$ere (as #r "!leGE ET$is a**air * #$e Ca#$ li%s/ I $eard #$e ( +en #al2in) * i#/E E3 +en #al2 # +"%$/ -$ "ldn'# lis#en/ Be##er ) and see O%#a&i"s/ Been !e##er $as $e' e$GE EI *an%y $e $as !een a li##le !e##er'E said C$arl ##e/ 3$y ( n'# $e #al2 # +e' s$e #$ ")$#G A+ I a * l #$a# I a+ n # s".. sed # "nders#andGE A !r d +areG A B"een !eeG A % ( * r !reedin)G Is #$a# #$e (ay $e sees +eG -$e (as !e)innin) # disli2e $i+/ In #$e !e)innin) s$e $ad #$ ")$# $i+ s ) d' * r $e $ad ne&er !een "n2ind/ Or (as i# "n2ind # #rea# $er as $e $adG His + #$er $ad s#ar#ed i# !"# i# $ad ) ne n sin%e $er dea#$/ -$e $ad n # )rea#ly %ared !e%a"se #$ere (ere al(ays #$e %$ildren' !"# n ( #$ere (as #$is #r "!le (i#$ Ge r)e' and #$ey (ere sayin) #$a# Frederi%2 (as al+ s# as !ad/ Frederi%2 (as #ea%$in) Ge r)e # )a+!le and Ge r)e (as #ea%$in) Frederi%2 # #i..le/ And nei#$er * #$e+ e&er %a+e # see $er/ T$ey des.ised $er as #$ey des.ised #$eir *a#$er .er$a.s e&en + re/ O%#a&i"s (as slee.in) B"ie#ly and l 2ed a li##le !e##er/ ET$e 1e( air is ) d * r $i+'E said #$e 1in)/
EMa2e s"re $e d esn'# )e# # +"%$ ri%$ * d' e$G Plen#y * &e)e#a!les/ N # +"%$ +ea#' and *res$ air/ T$a#'s #$e !es#' e$' ($a#GE T$ey (ere in#err".#ed !y a +essen)er *r + L rd N r#$/ T$e 1in) s$ "ld re#"rn a# n%e' * r ri #in) $ad !r 2en "# all &er L nd n/
C$arl ##e said : EGe r)e' a# s"%$ a #i+e I s$ "ld !e (i#$ y "/E EY "' e$G 3$a#G N nsense/ Ne&er $eard s"%$ n nsense/ 3$a# * #$e %$ild' e$G Ne0# #$in) (e'll !e $earin) y "'ll $a&e $ad a +is%arria)e' e$GE I# (as al(ays #$e sa+e/ -$e (as al(ays 2e.# "# * a**airs/ Ge# n (i#$ #$e !reedin)/ Lea&e s#a#e +a##ers # #$e 1in) and $is +inis#ers/ -$e al+ s# $a#ed $i+ as s$e (a#%$ed $i+ lea&e/ T$e %$ild + &ed (i#$in $er/ T$ree + n#$s and #$en an #$er !ir#$ and a)ain and a)ain/ N F -$e ( "ld re!el/ -$e * "nd n .leas"re in $er rela#i ns (i#$ #$e 1in)/ -$e ne&er $ad/ -$e s+iled )ri+ly' i+a)inin) $is % ++en# i* $e $ad $eard $er say #$a#/ EPleas"re' e$G 3$y .leas"reG I#'s * r #$e .r %rea#i n * %$ildren' e$G 3$a#GE Fires (ere s.rin)in) ". all &er L nd n/ T$ere (as an +in "s red li)$# in #$e s2y !y ni)$#/ T$e + ! $ad ) ne +ad/ T$ese (ere n #' said N r#$' #$e +e+!ers * #$e Pr #es#an# Ass %ia#i nD #$is (as #$e ra!!le' #$e s%"+' #$a# ele+en# in e&ery !i) %i#y ($i%$ is ready # % +e # #$e s"r*a%e ($en e+ #i ns ! il "./ T$ese (ere #$e #$ie&es and #$e &a)a! nds' #$e 4ail!irds' #$e %ri+inals/ T$ey !"rned' #$ey l #ed and s$ "#ed EN P .ery' (i#$ "# 2n (in) ($a# i# +ean#/ T$e $ "ses * (ell,2n (n Ca#$ li%s (ere #$e *irs# #ar)e#s/ Me+!ers * Parlia+en# (ere #$e ne0#D and * % "rse #$e .ris ns/ Ne()a#e (as !"rned # #$e )r "ndD Cler2en(ell Pris n (as !r 2en in# and .ris ners released # s(ell #$e #$r n)/ T$ere (as +"rder in #$e s#ree#s/ Ge r)e re+ained in -#/ Ja+es's/ T$e + ! $ &ered' "n%er#ain/ T$e )"ard (as d "!led and #$e 1in) ne&er $esi#a#ed # s$ ( $i+sel*' !"# +ade a . in# * +in)lin) (i#$ #$e s ldiers and #al2in) # #$e+ and !rin)in) re*res$+en#s # #$e+ d"rin) #$e ni)$# (a#%$es/ B"# s +e#$in) ( "ld $a&e # !e d ne/ L rd N r#$ dis%"ssed #$is (i#$ #$e 1in)/ EA%#i n is needed (i#$ "# delay'E said #$e 1in)/
E3e dare n # le# #$is % n#in"e/ I# )r (s ( rse/ 3$a# d y " say' e$GE EA%#i n' yes' sir' !"# ($a# a%#i nGE E3e $a&e an ar+y/ 3e +"s# "se i#/E N r#$ (as a)$as#/ EFire n #$e .e .le' sirGE EFire n #$e+ r le# #$e+ des#r y #$e %a.i#al/E L rd N r#$ (as $ rri*ied/ He le*# #$e 1in) # % ns"l# #$e Ca!ine#/ Ge r)e' ($ $ad al(ays $a#ed !l ds$ed * any s r#' (as #$ ")$#*"l/ T$a# $e s$ "ld !e #$e ne # as2 $is s ldiers # *ire n $is (n s"!4e%#s (as a!$ rren# # $i+/ T$e + !' $e #$ ")$#/ P r del"ded %rea#"res/ N sense/ Led a(ay/ B"# I $a&e +y Ci#y # #$in2 */ T$ey're !en# n des#r"%#i n/ T$ey $a&e # !e s# ..ed/ He (as n # a +an # s$ir2 #$e "n.leasan#/ 3$a# $ad # !e d ne $ad # !e d ne and i* i# +ean# 2illin) a *e( * $is s"!4e%#s # sa&e +any + re' $e ( "ld !e ready # )i&e #$e rder/ EFire'E (as #$e rder' 'i* .ea%e*"l +e#$ ds are ine**e%#i&e/E All $ "se$ lders (ere # %l se #$eir d rs and 2ee. (i#$in/ T$e s ldiers $ad a ri)$# # *ire (i#$ "# a(ai#in) rders/ T$e res"l# * #$is rder (as # B"ell #$e ri #s/ In a &ery s$ r# #i+e #$e %i#y (as B"ie#/ T$ree $"ndred ri #ers $ad !een 2illedD s +e $ad died * drin2in) # +"%$ .il*ered liB" r' #$ers $ad !een !"rned # dea#$' $a&in) in a dr"n2en s#". r *allen in# #$e *la+es ($i%$ #$ey #$e+sel&es $ad .r & 2ed/ B"# #$e #err r (as &er/ One $"ndred and nine#y,#( ri #ers (ere % n&i%#ed' #(en#y,*i&e * ($ + (ere e0e%"#ed/ And L rd Ge r)e G rd n (as #a2en # #$e T (er n a %$ar)e * $i)$ #reas n/ T$e 1in) (as &er% +e (i#$ +elan%$ ly/ He $ad )i&en rders # *ire n $is (n s"!4e%#s and +any $ad l s# #$eir li&es/ T$e Dean * -#/ Pa"l's re+ar2ed #$a# #$e 1in) !y rderin) #$e s ldiers # *ire n #$e + ! $ad sa&ed #$e %i#ies * L nd n and 3es#+ins#er/ T$is (as #r"e' !"# Ge r)e (as n ne #$e less )rie&ed/
And all #$r ")$ #$a# $ # s"++er $e (as sadD !"# $e did re4 i%e in -e.#e+!er ($en an #$er s n (as ! rn/ T$ey %alled $i+ Al*red/ Alas' $e (as deli%a#e li2e O%#a&i"s/ E3e s$all $a&e # #a2e )rea# %are * #$is li##le ne' e$GE said #$e 1in)/ EPer$a.s (e $a&e $ad # +any'E re.lied #$e 8"een (i#$ "n"s"al s.iri#D
and #$e 1in) re)arded $er ddly/ Dear Mrs/ Delany C$arl ##e sa# a# $er #a!le ($ile $er ( +en %"rled and %ra.ed $er $air/ N #$in) #$ey d (ill +a2e +e !ea"#i*"l' s$e #$ ")$#/ -%$(ellen!"r) s# d s".erin#endin)D Miss Pas%al ($ $ad !e% +e Mrs/ T$iel2e (as #$e ne ($ really did #$e ( r2/ T$ey $ad !r ")$# #$e ne(s.a.ers # $er' * r s$e li2ed # read #$e+ ($ile $er $air (as d ne' !"# s$e % "ld n # % n%en#ra#e n #$e+ #$is + rnin)/ -$e (as #$in2in) * Al*red/ He $ad l 2ed &ery (an las# ni)$# and s$e (as &ery an0i "s a! "# $i+' !"# #ryin) $ard n # # s$ ( $er an0ie#y/ -$e did n # (an# #$e %$ildren # 2n (/ E3e n ( ready * r de . d(erin)'E said -%$(ellen!"r) in $er a#r %i "s En)lis$ ($i%$ C$arl ##e (as s"re s$e % "ld $a&e i+.r &ed $ad s$e #ried/ EYes' yes/E -$e ."# d (n #$e .a.er and (en# in# $er %l se#/ 3$ile s$e (as #$ere #$e 1in) %a+e in/ He l 2ed dis#ra")$# and s$e 2ne( #$a# $e $ad $ad s +e ne(s * #$eir %$ild/ His $ands (ere #re+!lin) (i#$ e+ #i n/ EC$arl ##e'E $e said' ' "r . r darlin) %$ild/E
And s$e dis+issed #$e ( +en #$a# #$ey +i)$# !e al ne # )e#$er/ EY " $a&e ne(s GE s$e as2ed/ ET$e d %# rs say #$a# $e %ann # li&e #$r ")$ #$is day/E -$e (as !i#in) $er li.s' #ryin) # $ ld !a%2 #$e #ears/ EMy deares# C$arl ##e'E said #$e 1in)' '$e is "r !a!y and (e l &e $i+ dearly' e$G B"#/// (e $a&e #$e #$ers///E
-$e n dded and #$e 1in) # 2 $er $and and 2e.# i# in $is/ And a*#er a ($ile #$ey r se and (en# # #$e r + in ($i%$ #$eir %$ild lay dyin)/ Ge r)e s$"# $i+sel* in $is s#"dy/ T$ere (as n #$in) $e % "ld d !"# (ai#/ He #$ ")$# * li##le Al*red' s #r"s#in)' s"%$ a ) d !a!y/ He $ad #$e inn %en%e * a %$ild ($ relies n $is .aren#s and $as n # ye# learned $ ( # .la)"e #$e+/ T$e Prin%e * 3ales (as )r (in) #ired * Mrs/ R !ins n and s$e (as )i&in) $i+ #r "!le/ T$rea#enin) #$is and #$a#/ -$e ( "ld $a&e # !e .aid ** $ea&ily/ A less n # $i+' e$G -er&e $i+ ri)$#/ Tea%$ $i+ ($a# s"%$ ( +en are/ I# (as ne&er li2e #$a# (i#$ Hanna$/ -$e $ad +ade n de+ands/ T$an2 G d $e $ad n # ) # $i+sel* in# #$e s r# * #r "!le ($i%$ s"rr "nded #$e Prin%e * 3ales/ B"# $is #$ ")$#s n ( (ere (i#$ li##le Al*red ($ $ad li&ed l n) en ")$ # +a2e #$e+ l &e $i+' s #$a# $is .assin) ( "ld !e a !i##er )rie*/ He sa# d (n and (r #e # $is %$a.lain' #$e Bis$ . * 3 r%es#er' !e%a"se $e * "nd s +e relie* in (ri#in): ET$ere is n .r !a!ili#y and indeed' s%ar%e a . ssi!ili#y' #$a# +y y "n)es# %$ild %an s"r&i&e #$e day/ 1n (in) y " are a%B"ain#ed (i#$ #$e #ender *eelin)s * #$e 8"een's $ear#' % n&in%es +e #$a# y " (ill !e "neasy #ill a..rised #$a# s$e is %allin) #$e nly s lid assis#an# "nder a**li%#i n' reli)i n' # $er assis#an%e/E I# (as #r"e/ C$arl ##e (as a reli)i "s ( +an and *ai#$ ( "ld %arry $er #$r ")$ #$is #rial and all #$ers/ And $e # +"s# rely n reli)i n/ He needed $el./ A**airs * s#a#e (ere $ea&y n $i+/ He ( "ld ne&er * r)e# #$ se *ear*"l days * #$e G rd n Ri #s/ G rd n $ad !een #ried * r #reas n las# year and !e%a"se * $is &ery ) d ad& %a#e' $ad !een a%B"i##ed/ T$an2 G d $e $ad a%#ed (i#$ .r +.#i#"de &er #$a# a**air' al#$ ")$ $e $ad !een # rn (i#$ d "!#s as # #$e ad&isa!ili#y a! "# %allin) "# #$e s ldiery # *ire n #$e .e .le/ I# (as an e0a+.le * $ ( ne +"s# al(ays d ne's d"#y' $ (e&er "n.leasan#/ T$e %ares * $is *a+ily (ei)$ed $ea&ily ". n $i+D $e (as ne&er s"re ($en $e (as ) in) # $ear *,s +e *res$ es%a.ade * #$e Prin%e * 3ales r $is !r #$ers/ And n ( #$ere (as #$is illness * #$e y "n)es# %$ild ($i%$ #$e d %# rs $ad # ld $i+ ( "ld !e *a#al/
T$e d %# rs (ere ri)$#/ -$ r#ly a*#er #$e 1in) $ad (ri##en #$a# le##er # #$e Bis$ . * 3 r%es#er' li##le Al*red (as dead/ T$e 1in) .a%ed ". and d (n $is a.ar#+en#s/ His $ead (as a%$in)' $is #$ ")$#s (ere ($irlin)/ EG d (ill ne&er *ill +y %". * s rr ( s *"ll #$a# I %ann # !ear i#' $e ($is.ered/ ET$a#'s #r"e/ I# +"s# !e #r"e/E B"# $is +ind (as *illed (i#$ d "!#s/ Ge r)e's )rea# $a..iness (as (i#$ #$e y "n)er +e+!ers * $is *a+ily/ He .re*erred' $e said' # $ear n #$in) * #$e Prin%e * 3ales' * r $e (as &ery disa.. in#ed in #$a# y "n) +an ($ see+ed # !e * #$e .ini n #$a# #$e +anner in ($i%$ #$e $eir # #$e #$r ne s$ "ld s.end $is #i+e (as a# ! 0in) ! #$s' ra%e #ra%2s and )a+in) $ "ses and' in #$e % +.any * #$e + s# i++ ral .e .le/ A ne( C "r# (as !ein) raised a! "# #$e Prin%e/ I# (as a C "r# ($i%$' i# (as "ni&ersally said' (as ($a# a C "r# s$ "ld !e/ 3$ (an#ed a s#aid *a+ily es#a!lis$+en# % nsis#in) * !a!ies and d"ll d +es#i%i#yG 3$ (an#ed a .lain li##le B"een ($ (as rarely seen and didn'# !e$a&e li2e a B"een' al#$ ")$ #$ se ($ ser&ed $er $ad li##le # say a)ains# $er e0%e.# #$a# s$e (as .arsi+ ni "s (i#$in $er $ "se$ ld and !e$a&ed li2e s +e i+. &eris$ed lady * #$e +an r ra#$er #$an #$e 8"een * En)land/ 3$ (an#ed a 2in) ($ ne&er )a&e !alls and !anB"e#sD ne&er r de a+ n) $is .e .le s.ar2lin) (i#$ )e+sD ($ ne&er .r &ided #$e+ (i#$ a s%andalD and #$e nly e0%i#e+en# $e $ad )i&en #$e+ (as ($en $e (as ill s +e years a) and r"+ "r $ad i# #$a# $e $ad !een +en#ally deran)edG N ' #$e Prin%e * 3ales $ad #$e l 2 * r yal#y' #$e +anner * r yal#y/ Fl rid' $ands +e' already !e)innin) # s$ ( si)ns * % r."len%e n # "n.leasan# in #$e y "n) s.lendid' (i#$ #$e + s# .er*e%# +anners' (i#$ (i# and a s.iri# * ad&en#"reF Already $e $ad s%andali7ed #$e C "r# &er $is a**aire (i#$ Mrs/ R !ins nD and $e % "ld !e seen dri&in) a %arria)e (i#$ #$e .air * #$e *ines# $ rses ". Ri%$+ nd Hill n a s.ar2lin) + rnin) # %all n an #$er lady l &e/ I# (ill !e di**eren# ($en #$e Prin%e * 3ales is 2in)' i# (as said/ T$ere ( "ld !e e0#ra&a)an%esD #$ere (ere already de!#s' i# (as ($is.ered' +assi&e de!#s/ B"# #$e Prin%e (as ( r#$ i#/ T$ere (as n #$in) d"ll a! "# #$e Prin%e * 3ales/
B"# #$e 1in) (as .er.e#"ally an0i "s and #$a# +ade $is #$ ")$#s ($irl and $is $ead a%$e/ 3$en any ne %a+e # $i+ n a +a##er * i+. r#an%e $is *irs# #$ ")$# (as: d es i# % n%ern #$e Prin%e * 3ales G N ' #$e 1in)'s $a..iness (as (i#$ #$e li##le nes and $e % "ld s%ar%ely !ear # #ear $i+sel* a(ay *r + #$e $ear# * $is *a+ily/ 3$a# 4 y # see #$e+ in #$eir li##le dra(in) r +' %"r#seyin)' .layin) #$eir +"si% r lis#enin) # i#/ Ge r)e $ad insis#ed #$a# #$ey all !e #a")$# # l &e +"si%/ His *a& "ri#e (as #$e li##le Prin%e O%#a&i"s' .er$a.s !e%a"se $e (as n # s s#r n) as #$e #$ersD and n ( #$a# li##le Al*red (as dead $e (as #$e !a!y/ T$e *a+ily (as a# 3inds r' ($i%$ (as e&en *ar#$er *r + -#/ Ja+es's #$an 1e( and Ge r)e (as )lad # !e #$ere in #$e 8"een's L d)e ($ere #$ere (as s"%$ a $a..y *a+ily a#+ s.$ere/ 3ai#in) n #$e 8"een (as Eli7a!e#$ Pe+!r 2e' ($ + $e $ad 2n (n sin%e s$e (as se&en#een/ He # $ad !een se&en#een a# #$a# #i+e and $ad )rea#ly ad+ired $er/ He $ad !een &ery s rry ($en $er $"s!and $ad r"n a(ay (i#$ 1i##y H"n#erD $e $ad (an#ed # % +* r# dear Eli7a!e#$/ Pe+!r 2e $ad re#"rned # $er and 1i##y H"n#er $ad +arried and *aded "# * #$e .i%#"re/ P r Eli7a!e#$F N # a &ery $a..y li*e' Ge r)e "sed # #$in2/ B"# ne * #$e + s# !ea"#i*"l and %$ar+in) ( +en $e $ad e&er 2n (n/ He li2ed $er # !e #$ere' .ar# * #$e d +es#i% !a%2)r "nd/ -$e (as s#ill l &ely and $e al(ays #$ ")$# C$arl ##e l 2ed .ar#i%"larly .lain !eside Eli7a!e#$/ In #$e 8"een's dra(in) r + #$e %$ildren (ere )a#$ered and #$ere (as Eli7a!e#$ (ai#in) n C$arl ##e and #$a# ( +an -%$(ellen!"r) '(i#$ ($ + I % "ld (ell d (i#$ "#'' #$ ")$# #$e 1in)/ B"# . r C$arl ##e' $e s".. sed' +"s# $a&e s +e say in #$e +ana)e+en# * $er (n $ "se$ ld/ - s$e 2e.# $er/ T$e 8"een (as sayin): EI (an# Y "r Ma4es#y # +ee# Mrs/ Delany/E An ld lady (as +a2in) $er %"r#seyD s$e $ad !ri)$# in#elli)en# eyes and (as %learly &ery a(are * #$e $ n "r d ne # $er' *irs# # !e re%ei&ed in #$e 8"een's dra(in) r + and #$en # !e .resen#ed # #$e 1in)/ T$e 1in) sa# d (n and did Mrs/ Delany #$e *"r#$er $ n "r * reB"es#in) $er # si# (i#$ $i+/ T$ere (as an air * ) dness a! "# #$e ld lady ($i%$ a..ealed # $i+/ -$e $ad !een !r ")$# # #$e 8"een's n #i%e !y #$e D"%$ess * P r#land ($ (as &ery * nd * $er' and #$e 8"een $ad re%ei&ed $er n + re #$an ne %%asi n/ -$e $ad n #$is day as2ed #$e 8"een # a%%e.# ne * $er
*l (er .ie%es ($i%$ s$e !elie&ed (ere B"i#e ri)inal' and #$e 8"een $ad )ra%i "sly a%%e.#ed i#/ EPer$a.s'E said #$e 8"een # ne * $er ladies' EHis Ma4es#y ( "ld li2e # see #$e s.e%i+en * Mrs/ Delany's ( r2 ($i%$ s$e $as .resen#ed # +e/E EY "r Ma4es#y is + s# )ra%i "s'E said #$e ld lady/ EI *ear I (as &er .res"+.#" "s in **erin) #$is l (ly #ri!"#e * +y $"+!le d"#y and earnes# )ra#i#"de/E C$arl ##e ($ $ad #a2en # #$e ld lady said #$a# s$e * "nd #$e ( r2 deli)$#*"l/ Here i# (as/ 3 "ld #$e 1in) )i&e $is .ini nG T$e 1in) e0a+ined #$e s.e%i+en ($i%$ % nsis#ed * .ie%es * % l "red .a.er * all s$a.es s#"%2 n # a .lain .ie%e * .a.er +a2in) a + sai% * deli)$#*"l s$a.es and % l "rs/ Ge r)e (as al(ays in#eres#ed in #$er .e .le's ( r2 and #$e si+.ler i# (as #$e + re i# deli)$#ed $i+/ He (an#ed # 2n ( $ ( #$e ( r2 (as d ne and insis#ed #$a# Mrs/ Delany e0.lain # $i+ in de#ail/ T$ere (as n #$in) Mrs/ Delany en4 yed + re #$an #al2in) * $er ( r2 and C$arl ##e (a#%$ed #$e+ !eni)nly' lis#enin) # Ge r)e's % n#in"al B"es#i ns IE$G 3$a#G 3$a#GJ I# (as all s #$in) and na#"ral' al#$ ")$ s$e (as al(ays (a#%$in) #$a# $e did n # s#ar# # s.ea2 # ra.idly/ Al(ays $er +ind (en# !a%2 # #$a# #$er and + s# *ear*"l %%asi n/ B"# $e $ad !een (ell * r s l n) n (' s .er$a.s s$e need n # ( rry any + re/ I* Ge r)e (ere ill /// #$ere (as #$e Prin%e/ -$e #$ ")$# * $i+ l n)in)ly/ 3$y did $e n # % +e # see $er n (G He ( "ld al(ays !e $er *a& "ri#eD s$e re+e+!ered e&ery de#ail * $is %$ild$ d and n ( // / (ell .er$a.s i# (as * r#"na#e #$a# $e did n # % +e and see $er' * r #$e 1in) +i)$# !e #$ere and #$e Prin%e did ".se# $i+ s / ET$ese *l (er .ie%es are deli)$#*"l'E said #$e 1in)/ EI #$in2 #$ey are &ery %le&er' ($a#G Li##le !i#s * .a.er' e$GE He #"rned # C$arl ##e and e0.lained in de#ail #$e .r %ess * #$e .a.er + sai% $e $ad 4"s# learned *r + Mrs/ Delany/ T$e ld lady (as *l"s$ed (i#$ .leas"re/ -$e %learly ad red #$e 1in) and $e $ad #a2en $er # $is $ear# i++edia#ely/ He (as %allin) $er
already '+y dear Mrs/ Delany/E T$e %$ildren %a+e in # .ay #$eir res.e%#s # #$eir .aren#s and Mrs/ Delany (as in&i#ed # s#ay/ Ge r)e s( .ed n O%#a&i"s/ EAnd $ ( is +y s n' e$G Glad # see $is .a.a' e$G 3$a#G 3$a#GE EVery )lad' Pa.a'E said #$e %$ild/ EAnd n ( I +"s# .resen# y " # Mrs/ Delany ($ +a2es %le&er .a.er + sai%s/ Per$a.s y " +i)$# as2 $er # s$ ( y " #$e ne s$e $as .resen#ed # #$e 8"een' e$G And #ell y " $ ( i# is d ne' e$' ($a#GE O%#a&i"s (as !r ")$# # Mrs/ Delany and !ein) deli)$#ed !y #$e ne%2la%e s$e (as (earin) s#re#%$ed "# # # "%$ i#/ Mrs/ Delany &er% +e (i#$ e+ #i n' 2issed #$e %$ild's $andD and Ge r)e # s$ ( ($a# a *an%y $e $ad #a2en # #$is ( +an said : E1iss $is %$ee2' Mrs/ Delany/ 1iss $is %$ee2/E And #$is s$e did (i#$ #ears in $er eyes/ EN (' Mrs/ Delany' #$e %$ildren (ill .er* r+ * r y "/ F r #$is is #$e % n%er# $ "r/ N ( are (e ready' e$G I $ .e y " $a&e in%l"ded s +e Handel in #$e .r )ra++e/ T$ere is n % +. ser # +y +ind # % +.are (i#$ $i+' Mrs/ Delany/ I #r"s# $e is a *a& "ri#e * y "rs' e$G ($a#GE Mrs/ Delany (as ready # +a2e any *a& "ri#es * #$e 1in) and 8"een $ers/ And in #$e se% nd dra(in) r + #$e % n%er# (as $eld a *a+ily a**air/ Li##le Prin%e Ernes#' nine years ld' %arryin) a %$air al+ s# as !i) as $e (as * r Mrs/ Delany # si# n/ T$e 1in) sa# !a%2 lis#enin) # $is li##le da")$#ers sin)in) # )e#$er/ 3$a# a %$ar+in) s%eneF T$ere (as dear Eli7a!e#$ Pe+!r 2e' .ensi&e and !ea"#i*"l' !eside #$e 8"een and dear Mrs/ Delany s $a..y # !e $ n "red' s"%$ a ) d and l yal s"!4e%#/ 3$a# a .i#y' +"sed #$e 1in) *lee#in)ly ( nderin) ($a# #$e Prin%e * 3ales (as d in) a# #$is + +en#' #$a# ne's %$ildren %ann # al(ays re+ain y "n)/ B"# e&en #$e y "n) %an %a"se dis#ress/ Nine + n#$s a*#er #$edea#$ * Prin%e Al*red' li##le O%#a&i"s (as #a2en seri "sly ill/
T$is (as an e&en )rea#er #ra)edy #$an #$e l ss * Al*red' * r O%#a&i"s (as * "r years ld and #$e + s# l &ely and %$ar+in) * #$e %$ildren/ T$e 1in) $ad ad red $i+ and $ad s.en# $ "rs .layin) )a+es (i#$ $i+ in #$e n"rseries/ ET$is is + re #$an I %an !ear'E $e said # #$e 8"een/ P r C$arl ##eF -$e s$ared #$ se sen#i+en#s/ -$e (as .re)nan# a)ain and (as n # *eelin) as (ell as s$e "s"ally didD and #$e an0ie#y % n%ernin) O%#a&i"s (as #erri!le/ 3$en #$e li##le ! y died #$e 1in) % "ld s%ar%ely % n#ain $is )rie*D $e s$"# $i+sel* in# $is r + and ( "ld see n ne/ B"# ($en $e e+er)ed $e (as !&i "sly resi)ned/ EMany ( "ld re)re# #$a# #$ey $ad e&er $ad s s(ee# a %$ild sin%e #$ey (ere * r%ed # .ar# (i#$ $i+/ I d n # *eel #$a#/ I a+ #$an2*"l # G d * r $a&in) )ra%i "sly all (ed +e # en4 y s"%$ a %rea#"re * r * "r years/E He (en# # C$arl ##e and re.ea#ed #$ese sen#i+en#s # $er/ EY " +"s# a)ree (i#$ +e' +y dear/E And C$arl ##e did $er !es#/ A *e( + n#$s la#er s$e )a&e !ir#$ # a da")$#er/ T$ey %alled $er A+eliaD s$e (as a li##le *rail !"# l &ely' and s$e did +"%$ # +a2e #$e 1in) * r)e# $is )rie* * r Al*red and O%#a&i"s/ M re and + re did #$e 1in) see2 #$e re*")e * $is *a+ily/ Only in #$e $ear# * i# (i#$ $is y "n) %$ildren ar "nd $i+ % "ld $e !e $a..y/ N r#$ $ad resi)ned a *a%# ($i%$ $ad )rea#ly ".se# #$e 1in)D C$arles Ja+es F 0 (as +a2in) a n"isan%e * $i+sel* and (as allyin) $i+sel* + re and + re %l sely (i#$ #$e Prin%e * 3alesD y "n) 3illia+ Pi##' C$a#$a+'s se% nd s n' (as +a2in) $i+sel* $eard in Parlia+en#D and #$e 1in) (as *a& "rin) y "n) Pi## !e%a"se $e (as #$e ene+y * F 0/ 3$en Pi## (as a.. in#ed Firs# L rd * #$e Treas"ry and C$an%ell r * #$e E0%$eB"er #$ere (as derisi&e la")$#er #$r ")$ #$e C ++ ns' * r Pi## (as n # #$en #(en#y,*i&e years ld/ Pi## (as n $is +e##le/ He (as ) in) # s$ ( #$ese ld * ls ($a# a y "n) +an % "ld d / He $ad $is *a#$er's #radi#i n !e$ind $i+ and $e %arried (i#$ i# all #$e % n*iden%e and % "ra)e * y "#$/ Ge r)e !elie&ed in #$is y "n) +an/ He 2ne( #$ere ( "ld !e n li. ser&i%e # r yal#y' !"# Ge r)e did n # see2 #$a#/ He (an#ed a +an * .rin%i.les a# #$e $ead * a**airs ($ ( "ld !rin) !a%2 $ nes#y in# ) &ern+en#/ Ge r)e (an#ed a .ea%e*"l e0is#en%e/ He 2ne( #$a# $e needed #$is/ He $ad !een a(are * %er#ain *ailin)s in $is $eal#$ ! #$ .$ysi%al and +en#al and $e (as *#en ( rried/ Le# #$e
la+. n (ri#ers say #$a# #$e % "n#ry (as in a s%$ l! y's %are' $e #r"s#ed #$a# s%$ l! y and !e%a"se * #$is *el# $e % "ld es%a.e + re and + re *#en # #$e .leasan# d +es#i%i#y * $is .ri&a#e li*e ($i%$ (as ($a# $e needed and indeed ($a# $e +"s# $a&e/ He dared n # #$in2 # (ards ($a# disas#ers #$e Prin%e * 3ales +i)$# !e $eadin)/ He n ( $ad a .la%e in #$e H "se * L rds and $ad already )i&en $is & #e in s".. r# * F 0/ He (as de% ra#in) Carl# n H "se a# )rea# e0.enseD $e $ad dis% &ered #$e &ir#"es * Bri)$# n ($ere $e $ad s#ar#ed # !"ild a *an#as#i% Pa&ili n' and ( rs# * all #$ere (ere r"+ "rs #$a# $e $ad **ered +arria)e # a Ca#$ li% (id (' Mrs/ Maria Fi#7$er!er#/ T$e 1in) s$"# $is earsD $e did n # (an# # 2n ( ($a# #$e Prin%e * 3ales (as d in)/ He *el# ill ($en $e % n#e+.la#ed #$is s n * $isD i# +ade $i+ di77yD i# +ade $i+ #al2 e&en # $i+sel* a# a )rea# ra#e/ I# alar+ed $i+/ N ' $e (an#ed # )e# d (n # #$e % "n#ry/ I# (as 3inds r $e *reB"en#ed n (/ T$ere $e $ad *ar+s # ins.e%#D $e ( "ld ride and (al2 a! "# #$e % "n#ryD $e % "ld % +e $ +e and .lay (i#$ #$e %$ildren/ His )rea#es# $a..iness (as in Ba!y A+elia' #$e + s# ad ra!le * %rea#"res/ He l &ed #$a# %$ild/ N # #$a# $e did n # l &e all #$e %$ildren' !"# #$e ad ra!le )irl ($ $eld "# $er ar+s # $i+ ($en $e %a+e near $er (as' $e ad+i##ed se%re#ly' $is *a& "ri#e/ T$e D"%$ess * P r#land died s"ddenly and ($en #$e 8"een # ld $i+ * #$is $e i++edia#ely #$ ")$# * $is dear *riend Mrs/ Delany/ EF r'E $e said' EI d n # 2n ( $ ( +"%$ s$e relied n #$e D"%$ess' !"# I d n # !elie&e dear Mrs/ Delany is s % +* r#a!ly .la%ed as I % "ld (is$/ 3$a# d y " #$in2' e$G 3$a#GE T$e 8"een said #$a# s$e #$ ")$# . % +* r#a!ly .la%ed/ r Mrs/ Delany (as n # &ery
ET$en'E re.lied #$e 1in)' '(e +"s# d s +e#$in) a! "# i#' e$G 3$a#G Can'# all ( #$a# dear lady # !e in di**i%"l#ies/E He $ad #$e ans(er/ -$e s$ "ld $a&e a li##le $ "se all $er (n and i# s$ "ld !e a# 3inds r s #$a# $e % "ld %all n $er any #i+e $e (is$ed/ And s$e s$ "ld $a&e an ann"i#y * #$ree $"ndred . "nds a year s #$a# s$e need $a&e n an0ie#y/ 3asn'# #$ere a nie%e' a Miss P r#' r s +e neG -$e s$ "ld % +e and li&e (i#$ $er/ He ( "ld !"sy $i+sel* # see #$a# e&ery#$in) (as as i# s$ "ld !e/
T$is (as #$e s r# * #as2 $e en4 yed/ I# did n # ( rry $i+ in #$e leas#D i# nly s#i+"la#ed $i+/ He ( "ld see a! "# s# %2in) #$e $ "se/ ELe# $er 2n ('E $e said # #$e 8"een' '#$a# s$e is # !rin) n #$in) # 3inds r !"# $ersel*' $er %l #$es and $er nie%e/ N ( le# +e see ($a# (ill s$e (an#' e$G 3$a#G N ( #$e *"rni#"re/ Lea&e i# # +e /// lea&e i# # +e ///E He sa( # e&ery#$in)/ Pla#e' linen' %$ina' )lass' (ine in #$e %ellars and #$ere (as e&en s(ee#+ea#s and .i%2les in #$e s#ill,r +/ I# (as a s#ran)e #as2 * r a 2in)D !"# n ne (as s"r.rised/ A 2in) ($ (en# r "nd # #$e *ar+s n $is es#a#e and $el.ed +a2e #$e !"##er (as %a.a!le * any#$in)/ 3$en Mrs/ Delany arri&ed a# #$e li##le $ "se ($i%$ #$e 1in) $ad .re.ared i# (as # *ind Ge r)e $i+sel* n #$e #$res$ ld (ai#in) * r $er/ EN ('E $e said' '#$is is y "r $ +eFE And $e (as s e0%i#ed $e % "ld n # (ai# # s$ ( $er r "nd/ He (as %learly %$ar+ed (i#$ $is ( r2 and $e 2e.# s$ "#in) e0%i#ed B"es#i ns a# $er/ EY " li2e #$is' e$G 3$a#G T$ere is e&ery#$in) y " (an#' e$GE Mrs/ Delany' (i#$ #ears in $er eyes' #$an2ed His Ma4es#y/ 3$a# $ad s$e d ne # deser&e s"%$ ! "n#y *r + #$e !es# 2in) in #$e ( rldG T$ere (ere #ears in Ge r)e's eyes # / E&en#s li2e #$is )a&e $i+ #$e )rea#es# $a..iness/ I# # 2 $is +ind ** #$e e0.l i#s * #$e Prin%e * 3ales' ($i%$' $ (e&er +"%$ $e #ried # * r)e# #$e+' insis#ed n !#r"din) in# $is #$ ")$#s/ Fanny B"rney Miss B"rney a# C "r# In #$e li#erary %ir%le ($i%$ Mrs/ Delany $ad *reB"en#ed in L nd n s$e $ad +ade #$e a%B"ain#an%e * Miss Fanny B"rney a y "n) lady ($ (as en4 yin) a )rea# deal * *a+e !e%a"se * a n &el ($i%$ s$e $ad (ri##en %alled E&elina/ T$e iden#i#y * #$e (ri#er $ad !een 2e.# se%re# and $ad in#ri)"ed s +e * #$e + s# (ell,2n (n .e .le in #$e li#erary ( rld * L nd n' a+ n) #$ese (as -a+"el J $ns n and Mrs/ T$rale/ Fanny (as an a+"sin) and %le&er )irl' and n ( #$a# s$e $ad a $ "se in 3inds r Mrs/ Delany as2ed $er # &isi# $er #$ere/
Fanny (as deli)$#ed # % +e' * r s$e (as &ery * nd * Mrs/ Delany' !"# s$e did % n*ess #$a# s$e (as a li##le alar+ed * r s$e 2ne( n ($a# #er+s $er *riend (as (i#$ #$e r yal *a+ily' and i# (as al+ s# %er#ain #$a# s$e ( "ld a# s +e #i+e +ee# #$e 8"een r .er$a.s #$e 1in)/ Mrs/ Delany la")$ed a(ay $er )"es#'s *ears as s$e s$ (ed $er r "nd #$e $ "se/ T$ se (ere #$e &ery .i%2les ($i%$ #$e 1in) $ad %$ sen * r $er/ Fanny (as &ery i+.ressed' and ($en s$e re#ired # $er r + l s# n #i+e in (ri#in) in $er 4 "rnal a de#ailed des%ri.#i n * e&ery#$in) s$e $ad seen/ -$e $ad s#ar#ed #$is 4 "rnal ($en s$e (as a %$ild and n #$in) ( "ld .re&en# $er 2ee.in) i# "./ I# (as a .leasan# s#ay/ T$e r yal *a+ily (ere a# 1e( s Fanny (as a!le # rela0 and en4 y #$e days/ T$ese (ere enli&ened n # nly !y Mary P r#' Mrs/ Delany's nie%e' !"# als !y Mrs/ Delany's )rea# nie%e' an en%$an#in) li##le )irl # ($ + Fanny a# n%e # 2 a *an%y/ T$e %$ild's *a#$er (as als a )"es# a# #$e sa+e #i+e/ T$e li##le )irl (as deli)$#ed (i#$ Fanny ($ (as a!le # )i&e $er an a%% "n# * $er (n *a+ily li*e ($i%$ $ad !een e0#re+ely $a..y/ -$e # ld #$e li##le )irl a! "# $er sis#ers and #$e )a+es #$ey $ad .layed # )e#$er ($en #$ey (ere y "n)D and #$e %$ild (an#ed # .lay #$e+ # / And Fanny said s$e ( "ld s$ ( $er a# #$e *irs# .. r#"ni#y and e&ery ne +"s# 4 in in/ One day' "nder Fanny's )"idan%e' #$e % +.any (as .layin) a %$ildis$ )a+e in #$e li##le dra(in) r + ($en s"ddenly #$e d r .ened and a #all +an %a+e in/ He said n #$in) !"# s$"# #$e d r B"ie#ly !e$ind $i+ and s# d (a#%$in) #$e )r ". a# .lay/ He (as dressed in !la%2/ Fanny #$ ")$#: -"rely $e's a )$ s#/ T$en s$e sa( #$e )li##erin) dia+ nd s#ar n $is % a# and a# n%e s$e 2ne(/ F r a + +en# #$e #$ers did n # see $i+ and $e and Fanny l 2ed a# ea%$ #$er a..raisin)ly/ T$en Miss P r#' #"rnin) $er $ead' see+ed s"ddenly s#r"%2 !y $ rr r/ EA"n#'E s$e ($is.ered/ ET$e 1in)FE Mrs/ Delany $ad seen/ -$e (en# # (ards #$e &isi# r # )ree# $i+' #$en i# see+ed # Fanny #$a# e&ery ne else $ad disa..eared e0%e.# $ersel*' #$e 1in) and Mrs/ Delany/
Fanny s# d a)ains# #$e (all $ .in) #$a# s$e ( "ld !e "nn #i%ed ($ile Mrs/ Delany (i#$ %al+ ass"ran%e' !"# % n&eyin) a dee. sense * #$e $ n "r and $a..iness #$is &isi# )a&e $er' %"r#sied and s. 2e # #$e 1in) as # $er $eal#$ and $is/ Ge r)e (as l 2in) !ey nd Mrs/ Delany # $er &isi# r/ He $ad $eard * Fanny B"rney/ Indeed ($ $ad n #G T$e ($ le * L nd n $ad s.e%"la#ed a! "# $er iden#i#y "n#il i# (as 2n (n/ -$e (as #$e *riend * #$e )rea# Dr/ J $ns n/ T$e 8"een $ad read E&elina and $ad # ld #$e 1in) i# (as + s# % ++enda!le and #$a# s$e $ad $eard i# (as #$e *irs# n &el # a..ear sin%e Ri%$ards n's Clarissa and a )rea# deal + re + ralD and #$e 8"een $ad !een # ld as s n as s$e re#"rned # 3inds r L d)e #$a# Miss B"rney (as a )"es# in Mrs/ Delany's H "se/ T$e 1in) said : EIs #$a# Miss B"rney' e$GE EYes' Y "r Ma4es#y'E ans(ered Fanny' dr ..in) a %"r#sey/ T$e 1in) l 2ed a# $er .ier%in)ly * r s +e se% nds/ EY " are en4 yin) y "r s#ay $ere (i#$ +y dear *riend Mrs/ DelanyGE EYes' sir/ Very +"%$/E ET$a# is ) Delany/ d' e$G 3$a#GE He n dded # Fanny and #"rned # Mrs/
EY " (ill !e as2in) +e $ ( #$e Prin%ess Eli7a!e#$ is/ I a+ ( rried a! "# $er $eal#$/ E&er sin%e I l s# +y s ns///E Mrs/ Delany (as n ddin) sy+.a#$e#i%ally/ E3ell'E (en# n #$e 1in)' EI $a&e # #ell y "' dear Mrs/ Delany' #$a# #$e Prin%ess $as !een !l ded #(el&e #i+es #$is las# * r#ni)$#/ -e&en#y,*i&e "n%es * !l d s$e $as l s#/ I#'s a l #' e$ G 3$a# G 3$a# d y " #$in2' e$ G 3$a# GE Mrs/ Delany said s$e #$ ")$# i# (as a )rea# deal/ ET$ey're !lis#erin) $er' # / I a+ an0i "s' + s# an0i "s/E He (as a(are * Fanny a)ain/ EPray' d es Miss B"rney dra( # GE $e as2ed/ EI !elie&e n #' sir'E re.lied Mrs/ Delany/
EA# leas# s$e $as n # # ld +e i* s$e d es/E T$e 1in) la")$ed slyly/ EA$' #$a#'s n #$in)/ -$e's a.# n # # #ell/ -$e ne&er d es #ell' y " 2n (/ Her *a#$er n%e #al2ed # +e a! "# $er ! 2/E He + &ed # (ards Fanny and s#"died $er in#en#ly/ EB"# ($a#G 3$a#GE $e (en# n/ EH ( (as i#GE He (as s.ea2in) s B"i%2ly #$a# Fanny' "na%%"s# +ed # $is +anners' did n # "nders#and #$e B"es#i n/ E-irGE s$e !e)an/ EH ( %a+e i# a! "#' e$G 3$a#GE EI (r #e i# * r +y (n a+"se+en#' sir/E EB"# ."!lis$in) i# /// .rin#in) i#/// e$G 3$a#G H ( (as #$a#' e$G 3$a#GE E3ell' sir' #$a# (as !e%a"se///E F r #$e li*e * $er Fanny % "ld n # #$in2 * #$e ans(er # $is B"es#i n/ B"# #$e 1in) (as n # a +an # )i&e "./ He (as &ery in#eres#ed in de#ailD and $e (an#ed # 2n ( ($y Fanny $ad ."!lis$ed $er ! 2 i* s$e $ad (ri##en +erely * r $er (n a+"se+en#' 4"s# as $e $ad (an#ed # 2n ( $ ( Mrs/ Delany did $er + sai%s/ EI #$ ")$#' sir' #$a#/// er /// i# ( "ld l 2 (ell in .rin#/E T$e 1in) la")$edD $e (al2ed &er # Mrs/ Delany/ ET$a#'s *air'E $e said/ EVery *air and $ nes#/E He s# d a# s +e dis#an%e l 2in) a# FannyD e&ery n ( and #$en la")$in) and sayin) EYes' &ery *air and $ nes#/E T$e 8"een arri&ed # see dear Mrs/ Delany and # #al2 # $er a! "# #$e #rea#+en# #$e Prin%ess Eli7a!e#$ (as $a&in)/ -$e (as deli)$#ed' # ' # see #$e *a+ "s Miss B"rney' and (as )ra%i "s
($en Fanny (as .resen#ed/ Fanny (as in&i#ed # si# !eside $er and #$e 1in) %a+e and 4 ined #$e+/ He # ld #$e 8"een #$a# Miss B"rney $ad $ad $er ! 2 .rin#ed !e%a"se s$e #$ ")$# i# ( "ld l 2 (ell in .rin#/ And $e la")$ed a)ain/ T$ey #al2ed * li#era#"re * r Fanny's !ene*i# and !e$a&ed (i#$ s"%$ % "r#esy # (ards $er #$a# s$e (as %$ar+ed/ As s$e !e)an # )r ( "sed # #$e 1in)'s "n"s"al (ays * s.ea2in) i# (as easier * r $er # "nders#and and # 2n ( ($en #$e 'e$s' and '($a#s' de+anded an ans(er/ E-$a2es.eare'E said #$e 1in)/ E3as #$ere e&er s"%$ s#"** as a )rea# .ar# * -$a2es.eareG Only ne +"s# n # say s / B"# ($a# d y " #$in2' e$G 3$a#G Is i# n # sad s#"**' e$G 3$a#GE P r Fanny/ H ( % "ld ne (ri#er deny #$e )rea#es# * $er 2ind/ And ye# $ ( % "ld s$e ar)"e (i#$ #$e 1in)/ T$is "n* r#"na#ely (as ne * #$e B"es#i ns ($i%$ de+anded an ans(er/ EO$ yes' sir'E s$e said' '#$ ")$ +i0ed (i#$ s"%$ e0%ellen%ies #$a#///E T$e 1in) !"rs# in# la")$#er/ He * "nd Fanny &ery a+"sin)/ EO* % "rse i# is n # # !e said/ B"# i#'s #r"e' e$G Only i#'s -$a2es.eare and n ! dy dare a!"se $i+/ - +e * #$ se %$ara%#ers * $is/ P */ -#"**/ -ad s#"**/ B"# ne ( "ld !e s# ned * r sayin) s /E E&ery ne see+ed # !e &ery $a..y and Fanny * "nd #$e % +.any * #$e r yal .air n # nearly s alar+in) as s$e $ad *eared i# +i)$# !e/ T$e 8"een (as s )ra%i "s and de#er+ined # !e 2indD and #$e 1in) %learly (an#ed # !e .leasan#/ 3$en #$e r yal .air $ad le*# Mrs/ Delany said #$a# i# (as !&i "s # $er #$a# #$ey $ad #a2en a li2in) # Fanny/ T$is (as % n*ir+ed n *"r#$er &isi#s # #$e li##le dra(in) r +/ -$ r#ly a*#er(ards Fanny (as **ered a . s# in #$e 8"een's $ "se$ ld as se% nd 2ee.er * #$e r !es' (i#$ ($i%$ s$e ( "ld re%ei&e a dra(in) r + in #$e 8"een's L d)e a# 3inds r (i#$ a !edr + .enin) *r + i#' a * #+an * $er (n' # )e#$er (i#$ an all (an%e * #( $"ndred . "nds a year/
Fanny (as "neasy/ I# (as n .ar# * $er a+!i#i n # !e% +e a r yal ser&an#/ B"# $a&in) !e% +e a%B"ain#ed (i#$ #$e 1in) and 8"een in s"%$ an in#i+a#e and *riendly +anner #$r ")$ Mrs/ Delany' i# (as &ery di**i%"l# # re*"se/ - s$e a%%e.#ed and in a s$ r# #i+e (as ins#alled in C$arl ##e's $ "se$ ld/ Mada+e -%$(ellen!"r) B"i%2ly resen#ed #$e ne(% +er ($ (as %learly s.e%ially *a& "red !y #$e 8"een/ -%$(ellen!"r) ( "ld )r"+!le # $ersel* a! "# .e .le ($ (ere sen# in and ($ $ad n idea $ ( # (ai# n a 8"een/ Fanny disli2ed #$e ld ( +an and # ld $ersel* #$a# i* s$e (as sen# a(ay s$e did n # )rea#ly %are' e0%e.# #$a# s$e (as )r (in) * nd * #$e 8"een and e&ery day *el# a )rea# desire # ser&e $er/ C$arl ##e sensed #$is and li2ed # $a&e Fanny near $erD s$e (as % nsidera#e and +ade a . in# * n # )i&in) $er any #as2s #$a# s$e +i)$# n # !e a!le # .er* r+ "n#il s$e $ad (a#%$ed #$ers d #$e+D and s$e +ade a . in# * dis+issin) Fanny ($en $er $air (as . (dered in %ase Fanny's dress s$ "ld !e s. il#/ Fanny ( "ld s#and (ai#in) * r $er d"#ies # !e . in#ed "# # $er ($ile #$e 8"een read #$e .a.ers/ T$is (as "s"ally d"rin) #$e %ri+.in) and %ra.in) * $er $air/ Bein) a(are * Fanny and $er li#erary #as#es #$e 8"een ( "ld read "# a .ara)ra.$ r #( * r $er !ene*i#/ T$is Fanny * "nd endearin)D and al#$ ")$ s$e $ad # ad+i# #$a# #$e 8"een (as n # !ea"#i*"l and did la%2 a %er#ain )ra%e and (as in%lined # !e i+.eri "s in $er (n $ "se$ ld and (as +ean al+ s# # s#in)iness' s$e (as 2ind and Fanny (as s n ad rin) $er/ -$e !e)an # se##le in $a..ily a.ar# *r + s2ir+is$es (i#$ -%$(ellen!"r) ($ * "nd *a"l# (i#$ e&ery#$in) s$e did and' in *a%#' see+ed # %are * r n #$in) !"# $er . si#i n in #$e 8"een's $ "se$ ld and #( $ rri!le li##le *r )s ($i%$ s$e 2e.# as .e#s/ -$e (as an in&e#era#e %ard .layer and insis#ed n Fanny's .layin) (i#$ $er' * r s$e i+.lied #$a# ne * #$e ne(% +er's d"#ies (as # a+"se $er/ -$e des.ised n &el,(ri#in) and # ld Fanny s in $er "niB"e En)lis$ ($i%$ al(ays +ade Fanny la")$/ EY " la"* Miss Berners'E s$e said/ EVery (ell/ I (ill n # # y " #al2/ B"# I #al2 # sel*s/E Fanny en4 yed &isi#in) Mrs/ Delany and #ellin) $er * li*e a# C "r#//I# (as #$e Prin%ess A+elia's * "r#$ !ir#$day and Mrs/ Delany
$ad # ld Fanny #$a# s$e (as ) in) # #a2e ad&an#a)e * #$e ld %"s# + * .ayin) $er res.e%#s and as2ed Fanny # a%% +.any $er/ As i# (as $er !ir#$day #$e li##le Prin%ess (as # ' .arade n #$e %as#le #erra%e and #$ere re%ei&e #$e $ +a)e * #$ se ($ $ad %alled # )i&e i#/ -$e l 2ed &ery %$ar+in) in a r !e,% a# ($i%$ (as % &ered (i#$ #$e *ines# +"slinD s$e ( re ($i#e )l &es and %arried a *anD n $er ) lden $ead (as a #i)$#ly *i##in) %a.D s$e l 2ed %$ar+in)ly and in% n)r" "sly )r (n ". and (as %learly deli)$#ed (i#$ $ersel*/ T$e 1in) % "ld n # #a2e $is eyes *r + $er/ T$ey (ere *illed (i#$ #ears as $e (a#%$ed #$e deli)$#*"l %rea#"re .arade !e#(een #$e s.e%#a# rs #"rnin) $er $ead # s+ile and a%2n (led)e #$e a%%lai+/ T$e 8"een and #$e Prin%ess (ere .resen#' and ($en #$e li##le )irl rea%$ed Mrs/ Delany s$e s# ..ed # s+ile a# $er and s.ea2 (i#$ $er/ EY " $a&en'# !r ")$# y "r nie%e'E s$e said/ EI (is$ y " $ad/E T$en s$e sa( Fanny and l 2ed ". a# $er/ Fanny s# .ed # #$e %$ild and said: EY "r R yal Hi)$ness d esn'# re+e+!er +e/E T$e Prin%ess la")$ed and ."# "# $er li.s' indi%a#in) #$a# s$e (is$ed # 2iss Fanny/ Re%ei&in) #$e 2iss Fanny !l"s$ed' ( nderin) ($e#$er #$is (as a see+ly #$in) # d in ."!li%/ T$e Prin%ess $ad seen $er *an and # 2 i#/ -$e e0a+ined i# (i#$ in#eres#/ T$en s$e )a&e i# !a%2 # Fanny/ EO$'E s$e said' 'a !r (n *anFE T$e 1in) ($ $ad % +e ". # see ($y $is da")$#er (as delayin) # ld $er # %"r#sey # Mrs/ Delany' ($i%$ #$e %$ild did (i#$ #$e "#+ s# %$ar+/ Ge r)e' (a#%$in) $er' # ld $i+sel* #$a# #$is !el &ed %$ild +ade ". * r e&ery#$in)/ He % "ld ne&er !e en#irely "n$a..y ($ile $e $ad $er/ T$e 1in)'s a**li%#i n Li*e %$an)ed a!r".#ly a# 3inds r/ I# (as A.ril ($en Mrs/ Delany !e%a+e ill/ -$e (as ei)$#y,ei)$# years ld and #$e "#% +e % "ld n # !e "ne0.e%#ed/
Her dea#$ #$re( #$e 1in) in# a + d * +elan%$ ly ($i%$ (as n # i+.r &ed !y #$e ne(s #$a# #$e Prin%e * 3ales (as $ea&ily in de!# and #$a# $e (as l sin) #$ "sands * . "nds a# #$e )a+in) #a!lesD #$ere (as a )rea# deal * #al2 a! "# $is +arria)e # Maria Fi#7$er!er# and F 0 $ad denied in #$e H "se * C ++ ns #$a# #$e +arria)e $ad #a2en .la%e/ An #$er *a%# r ($i%$ dis#"r!ed $i+ (as #$a# s +e #i+e !e* re ($en $e (as a# -#/ Ja+es's a ( +an $ad s#e..ed "# * #$e %r (d and #ried # s#a! $i+/ -$e (as .r &ed # !e a %er#ain Mar)are# Ni%$ ls n ($ (as +adD !"# Ge r)e % "ld n # * r)e# #$e in%iden#D and s n a*#er #$e dea#$ * Mrs/ Delany $e !e)an # s"**er *r + !ili "s a##a%2s and #$e ras$' ($i%$ $e $ad $ad On%e !e* re n $is %$es#' !r 2e "# a)ain/ C$arl ##e n #i%ed #$a# $is s.ee%$ (as !e% +in) + re and + re ra.id and (as ."n%#"a#ed + re li!erally (i#$ e$s and ($a#s' and n ( $e did n # (ai# * r #$e ans(ers/ He (as #a2in) #$e + s# &i len# e0er%ise' and ($en #$e 8"een #i+idly s"))es#ed #$a# .er$a.s $e (as dri&in) $i+sel* # $ard $e %ried "# in s +e e0%i#e+en#: ECan'# )e# *a#/ A!$ r !esi#y/ I#'s a *a+ily %$ara%#eris#i%/ I# $as # !e a& ided/ Can'# a& id i# !y &erea#in) and #a2in) n e0er%ise' e$ GE In J"ne' -ir Ge r)e Ba2er' $is .$ysi%ian' s"))es#ed #$e 1in) ) * r a + n#$ # C$el#en$a+/ EY "r Ma4es#y % "ld #a2e #$e (a#ers ($i%$ ( "ld !e !ene*i%ial # y "r s#a#e/ And an #$er . in# i* y " (ere a!sen# *r + L nd n' l n) a"dien%es and #$er #edi "s %ere+ nies % "ld !e a& ided/E T$e 1in) (as l a#$ # ) / A sense * d"#y 2e.# $i+ in L nd n "n#il J"ly and #$en as i# (as %lear #$a# $is $eal#$ (as n # i+.r &in) $e a)reed # ) # C$el#en$a+ i* #$e 8"een and #$e Prin%esses (en# (i#$ $i+/ He s#ayed * r a + n#$ and #$en ($en i# !e%a+e %lear #$a# nei#$er #$e (a#ers n r #$e res# *r + s#a#e d"#ies (as i+.r &in) $is $eal#$ $e de%ided # re#"rn/ He s$ 2 $is $ead sadly and said: EI $a&e' all a# n%e' !e% +e an ld +an/E He *el# a li##le !e##er # !e !a%2 a# 1e(/ He (as al(ays $a..ier #$ere #$an any($ere else/ He li2ed # (al2 in #$e )ardens and l 2 a# #$e %$ildren's $ "se and %all in n #$e+ and .lay a *e( )a+es (i#$ $is darlin) A+elia/
In s.i#e * $is ill,$eal#$ $e insis#ed n #a2in) e0er%ise and $is ser&an#s (ere )rea#ly s$ %2ed ($en ne day "# (al2in) $e (as %a")$# in a $ea&y s$ (er * rain and did n # re#"rn i++edia#ely !"# (en# n (al2in)/ 3$en $e %a+e !a%2 and # 2 ** $is ! #s' #$e (a#er . "red "# * #$e+/ EFres$ airF RainF Ne&er $"r# any ne' e$GE (as $is % ++en#/ A *e( days la#er $e (as %a")$# in #$e (e# a)ain and as $e (as d"e # ) # -#/ Ja+es's # a##end a le&ee $e did n # ! #$er # %$an)e $is ! #s and s# %2in)s/ 3$en $e %a+e !a%2 # 1e( i# (as !&i "s #$a# $e $ad %a")$# a %$ill/ T$e 8"een s% lded $i+ and # ld $i+ s$e ( "ld $ersel* .re.are a % rdial and ($en $e $ad dr"n2 i# $e s$ "ld re#ire # !ed i++edia#ely/ He (an#ed n % rdial' $e re.lied/ He didn'# !elie&e in % rdials/ Ve)e#a!les' *r"i#' % ld (a#er/ T$ey (ere #$e !es# $ealers/ He a#e a .ear and dran2 a )lass * % ld (a#er/ I# (as ne '%l %2 in #$e + rnin) ($en $e (as sei7ed (i#$ %ra+. in #$e s# +a%$/ - a) ni7in) (as #$e .ain #$a# $e a(a2ened #$e 8"een/ : -$e (as #erri*ied' * r s$e #$ ")$# $e (as dyin)' and lea.in) "# * !ed ran in# #$e % rrid r in $er ni)$# s$i*# # #$e a%"#e e+!arrass+en# * #$e .a)es/ B"# #$ey i++edia#ely reali7ed #$e "r)en%y and as #$e d %# rs (ere n # a# 1e( #$ey %alled in a near!y a. #$e%ary/ T$e 1in) (as $a&in) a *i#' said #$e a. #$e%aryD and #ried # ad+inis#er a % rdial/ T$e 1in) $ad re)ained a li##le * $is senses and re*"sed #$e % rdial' !"# #$e 8"een !e))ed #$e a. #$e%ary # ad+inis#er i# in s +e (ay in s.i#e * #$e 1in)'s .r #es#s' and (i#$ #$e $el. * #$e .a)es #$e liB"id (as * r%ed d (n Ge r)e's #$r a#/ In a s$ r# #i+e #$e *i# s"!sided and $e lay B"ie#ly in $is !ed/ T$ere (as n d "!# n ( #$a# #$e 1in) (as seri "sly ill and #$e +alady $ad #a2en an alar+in) #"rn' * r #$e 1in) #al2ed in%essan#ly and a# )rea# s.eed' and a# #i+es i# (as n # &ery %lear ($a# $e +ean#D $is ,+ind see+ed # dar# *r + ne s"!4e%# # an #$er and !e* re sayin) ($a# $e (is$ed # a! "# ne $e ( "ld !e n # #$e ne0#/ A *e( days a*#er #$e *i# in #$e ni)$# $e (en# # %$"r%$ (i#$ #$e 8"een and #$e Prin%esses and ($ile #$e ser+ n (as !ein) deli&ered $e s"ddenly
r se in $is sea# and s#ar#ed # e+!ra%e #$e 8"een and #$e Prin%esses/ EY " 2n ( ($a# i# is # !e ner& "s'E $e %ried/ T$e 8"een (as #erri*iedD in *a%# s$e (as )r (in) + re and + re alar+ed e&ery day/ -$e did $er !es# # %al+ $i+/ EPlease' Ge r)e (e are in %$"r%$ // / %$"r%$' d y " "nders#andGE T$e $el.less +anner in ($i%$ $e l 2ed a! "# $i+ +ade $er (an# # (ee.D !"# $e all (ed $er # #a2e $is $and and * r%e $i+ !a%2 in# $is sea#/ T$an2 G d' s$e #$ ")$#' #$a# #$e (all * #$e .e( (as $i)$ en ")$ # .re&en# #$eir !ein) seen !y #$e res# * #$e % n)re)a#i n/ T$ey (en# B"ie#ly !a%2 # #$e Pala%e and s$e .ers"aded $i+ # res# in $is r +/ T$is % "ld n # ) n/ T$e d %# rs +"s# de%ide ($a# ailed #$e 1in)' !"# dee. in #$e 8"een's $ear# (as a *ear ($i%$ $ad !een (i#$ $er e&er sin%e $is deran)e+en# all #$ se years a) / EHe re% &ered *r + #$a#'E s$e # ld $ersel*/ EHe (ill re% &er *r + #$is/E A *e( days la#er #$e 1in) (en# # a % n%er# and ($en $e re#"rned $e )ras.ed #$e 8"een's ar+ and said # $er' ET$e +"si% see+ed # a**e%# +y $ead/ I % "ld s%ar%ely $ear i#/E EI# is !e%a"se y " are n # (ell/ 3$en y " are (ell y " (ill en4 y +"si% as +"%$ as y " e&er did/E He l 2ed a# $er in a (ild' al+ s# "nre% )ni7in) +anner/ E-$all I' C$arl ##eGE $e said/ E-$all IGE EB"# * % "rse/ T$e d %# rs are ) in) # %"re y "/E EO* ($a# GE $e ($is.ered/ -$e did n # ans(erD s$e % "ld n # l 2 a# $i+D !"# $e )ri..ed $er ar+ *ier%ely and %ried: ETell +e * ($a#' C$arl ##e/ Tell +e * ($a#GE -$e l 2ed ". a# $i+ !ra&ely/
EO* y "r illness'E s$e ans(ered/ T$en $e released $er and #"rnin) $is $ead a(ay !"rs# in# #ears/ EI (is$ # G d I +ay die'E $e said' '* r I a+ ) in) +ad/E 3$a# %an I d G C$arl ##e as2ed $ersel*/ H ( % "ld s$e 2ee. #$is dis#ressin) illness *r + !e% +in) ."!li% 2n (led)eG -$e #$ ")$# * #$e Prin%e * 3ales ($ * r s l n) $ad des.ised $is *a#$er/ 3$a# ( "ld $e !e *eelin) n (G He $ad disa.. in#ed #$e+D #$e %$ar+in) %$ild * #$e n"rsery $ad !e% +e #$e )ay y "n) +an a! "# # (n/ He (as all #$a# $is .aren#s (ere n #D $e (as !e% +in) 2n (n as #$e Firs# Gen#le+an * E"r .eD and al#$ ")$ s$e 2ne( $e (as s (ild and .er$a.s (i%2ed s$e % "ld n # $el. l &in) $i+ and // / yes' ad+irin) $i+/ 3$a# ( "ld $e d n (G T$e 1in) %a+e !"rs#in) in# $er a.ar#+en#s/ All $is + &e+en#s (ere &i len# and $e see+ed in a des.era#e $"rry/ EA$' C$arl ##e /// $ere (e are I Fres$ air' C$arl ##e/ I#'s ) d * r y "/ M"s# $a&e i#' e$G 3$a#G Are y " readyG C +e n /// a *i&e,+ile (al2/ G d * r y "/ M"s#n'# )e# *a#/ T +"%$ *a# in #$e *a+ily' e$G 3$a#GE -$e re+ ns#ra#ed (i#$ $i+/ 3as $e n # #a2in) # #$e d %# rs n # say $e s$ "ld ) + re sl (lyG +"%$ e0er%iseG Did
3$a# a! "# a dri&eG T$a# ( "ld !e !e##er/ T$ey % "ld ) *ar#$er a*ield/ He did n # see+ # !e lis#enin)' !"# ($en s$e led $i+ # #$e %arria)e $e ) # in (i#$ "# a ( rd/ -$e sa# d (n !eside $i+ and le# $i+ #al2 * #$e !ea"#ies * #$e % "n#ryside/ And $ ( $e #al2ed/ He #al2ed * *ar+s' * !"## n,+a2in)' * Mrs/ Delany's .a.er + sai%s' .leasan# s"!4e%#s li2e #$e Prin%ess A+elia and "n.leasan# nes li2e #$e Prin%e * 3ales/ -"ddenly #$e 1in) s$ "#ed # #$e dri&er # s# ./ T$e %arria)e %a+e # res# !y an a2 #ree/ T$e 1in) ali)$#ed' ! (ed # #$e a2' a..r a%$ed i# (i#$ )rea# di)ni#y and s$ 2 ne * #$e l (er !ran%$es/ F r s +e se% nds $e s# d #$ere #al2in) as #$ ")$ # #$e
#reeD and (a#%$in)' !ein) a(are * #$e dri&er and #$e * #+an l 2in) n' C$arl ##e *el# a )rea# *ear and de.ressi n s(ee. &er $er/ A*#er a ($ile #$e 1in) ! (ed' s$ sea# in #$e %arria)e/ 2 #$e a2 !ran%$ a)ain and # 2 $is
EI #$in2'E $e said' '#$a# I $a&e ."# "r %ase %learly # #$e 1in) * Pr"ssia/E T$ere (ere r"+ "rs #$r ")$ "# #$e C "r# and #$e Ci#y/ 3$a# is $a..enin) # #$e 1in)G Is i# #r"e #$a# $is +ind is deran)edG T$e Prin%e * 3ales % ns"l#ed (i#$ $is *riend ($a# #$is ( "ld +ean/ A Re)en%yG 3i#$ #$e Prin%e in % ++and/ And i# see+ed &ery desira!le # #$e+ all/ T$e Prin%e * 3ales %a+e # 1e( # see * r $i+sel* i* #$e r"+ "rs (ere #r"e/ He (as as# nis$ed a# #$e si)$# * $is *a#$er ($ $ad %$an)ed % nsidera!ly in #$e las# *e( + n#$s/ He $ad !een ri)$# ($en $e $ad said #$a# s"ddenly $e $ad !e% +e an ld +an/ He re%ei&ed #$e Prin%e (i#$ di)ni#y and +ade n re*eren%e # #$eir disa)ree+en#s/ T$e 8"een (as n #$e &er)e * $ys#eriaD s$e *eared #$e 1in) ( "ld !e% +e &i len#/ -$e % "ld n # +"%$ l n)er' s$e 2ne(' 2ee. $is s#a#e *r + #$e a##endan#sD and s$e li&ed in #err r * ($a# $e ( "ld d ne0#/ I# (as ine&i#a!le #$a# #$e Prin%e * 3ales ($ $ad )i&en $i+ s +"%$ %a"se * r #$a# an0ie#y ($i%$ $ad (i#$ "# d "!# $as#ened $i+ # $is .resen# % ndi#i n s$ "ld !rin) a**airs # a %li+a0/ D"rin) dinner #$e 1in) s"ddenly !e)an s$ "#in) a# $is s n' #al2in) *as# and in% $eren#ly' !"# i# (as !&i "s #$a# $e (as a!"sin) $i+ as $e r se *r + $is .la%e and (en# # ($ere $is s n (as si##in)/ He !e)an # s$ "# a# $i+ and #$e Prin%e * 3ales' risin) in $is %$air' # "%$ed $is ar+ )en#ly and said: EFa#$er' I !e) * y " l (er y "r & i%e/E T$e 1in) (as sei7ed (i#$ a s"dden *"ry a)ains# $is s n/ He # 2 $i+ !y #$e #$r a# and #$r (in) $i+ a)ains# #$e (all a..eared # !e a! "# # s#ran)le $i+/
E3$ s$all dare #ell #$e 1in) * En)land $e s$all n # s.ea2 "#' e$G 3$a#G Tell +e #$a#G Tell +e #$a#G Tell +e #$a#GE T$e * #+en r"s$ed * r(ard # res%"e #$e Prin%eD #$e Prin%esses r se # #$eir *ee#' all % l "r drained *r + #$eir *a%esD #$e 8"een sa# %len%$in) and "n%len%$in) $er $ands' $er li.s #i)$#ly .ressed # )e#$er as s$e * r%ed $ersel* n # # s%rea+ "# #$a# s$e % "ld end"re n + re/ C l nel Di)!y' C$arl ##e's C$a+!erlain' ! (ed # #$e 1in) ($ (as s#r"))lin) # *ree $i+sel* *r + #$e * #+en and s"))es#ed #$a# $e all ( $i+ # % nd"%# $i+ # !ed/ ED n'# dare # "%$ +e' sir'E s%rea+ed #$e 1in)/ EI (ill n # ) / 3$ are y "GE EI a+ C l nel Di)!y' sir'E (as #$e %al+ re.ly/ EY "r Ma4es#y $as !een &ery ) d # +e *#en and n ( I a+ ) in) # !e ) d # y "' * r y " +"s# % +e # !ed/ I# is ne%essary # y "r li*e/E T$e 1in) (as s s#r"%2 !y #$is s.ee%$ #$a# $e )re( silen#/ Tears *illed $is eyes as C l nel Di)!y' #a2in) $i+ !y #$e ar+' led $i+ a(ay/ T$e Prin%e * 3ales (as al+ s# *ain#in) and $is eldes# sis#ers $"rried # !a#$e $is * re$ead (i#$ H"n)ary (a#er/ T$e 8"een said # #( a.ar#+en#s/E * $er ( +en: EPray % nd"%# +e # +y
T$ey !eyed and ($en s$e rea%$ed #$e+ s$e #$re( $ersel* n # $er !ed and )a&e (ay # *i#s * la")$#er * a (ild $ys#eri%al 2ind/ Her ( +en (ere #erri*iedD and s$e sa# ". in !ed and %ried: E3$a# (ill !e% +e * +eG 3$a# (ill !e% +e * "s allGE Ha&in) rea%$ed $is r + #$e 1in) see+ed # )r ( %al+er/
E3$ere is #$e 8"een' e$GE $e 2e.# de+andin)/ E3$a# $a&e y " d ne (i#$ #$e 8"een' e$G 3$a#G Y " are #ryin) # se.ara#e +e *r + #$e 8"een/E
ET$e 8"een is indis. sed' sir'E C l nel Di)!y # ld $i+/ EIndis. sedG T$e 8"een illG T$en s$e (ill (an# +e (i#$ $er/ I (ill ) # #$e 8"een/ D n # s#and in +y (ay' sir/ T$e 8"een is illD #$ere* re I +"s# !e (i#$ $er/E T$ey % "ld n # res#rain $i+ *r + &isi#in) #$e 8"een and ($en s$e sa( $i+' (ild,eyed #$ ")$ B"ie#er #$an $e $ad !een a# #$e dinner #a!le' C$arl ##e's *ears r se/ -$e $ad seen $is a##a%2 n #$e Prin%e * 3ales and s$e % "ld n # !e s"re ($a# $e ( "ld d ne0#/ EY " are ill'E $e said' 'ill/// ill' ill' ill/ E$G 3$a#G Y " +"s# #a2e %are * #$e 8"een/E He )lared a# $er ( +en/ EAnd n ( (e +"s# res#/ B #$ * "s/ C$arl ##e' I !e) * y " d n # #al2 # +e s #$a# I +ay *all aslee. B"i%2ly/ I need slee./ I need slee./ Y " "nders#and' e$G 3$a#G I need slee./E He (en# n #al2in) * $is need # slee. and !e))in) #$e 8"een n # # #al2 # $i+' ($i%$ s$e $ad s$ (n n si)n * d in)/ I# (as &ery dis#ressin) # all #$ se ($ (a#%$ed/ One * #$e ( +en s"))es#ed #$a# #$e 8"een and $e s$ "ld $a&e a se.ara#e r + * r #$e ni)$# s #$a# $e % "ld !e s"re * "nin#err".#ed res#/ EPar# *r + #$e 8"eenFE $e %ried/ EI % "ld n # !e .ar#ed *r + #$e 8"een/E I# (as arran)ed #$a# #$e 8"een s$ "ld $a&e a r + leadin) *r + $is s #$a# s$e ( "ld n # !e *ar *r + $i+' and $e (en# n !e))in) #$e 8"een n # # #al2 # $i+' and $e ( "ld n # le# $er /) # $er r +/ I# (as .as# +idni)$# ($en $e le*# $er and #$e 8"een lay s#arin) a# #$e %eilin) re.ea#in) # $ersel*: E3$a# ne0# G 3$a# (ill !e% +e * "s n ( GE In# #$e 8"een's !edr + (al2ed a s li#ary *i)"re/ In $is $and $e %arried a li)$#ed %andle/ He .ar#ed #$e !ed %"r#ains and C$arl ##e' ($ $ad !een,li)$#ly d 7in) * r #$e *irs# #i+e d"rin) #$a# #erri!le ni)$# a( 2e # l 2 ". in# #$e (ild eyes * #$e 1in)/ T$e li)$#ed %andle B"i&ered in $is $and and s$e #$ ")$# $e $ad % +e # se# *ire # #$e !ed $an)in)s and 2ill $er/ -$e s#ar#ed ". in !ed and $e said s #$in)ly: E- y " are $ere'
C$arl ##e/ I #$ ")$# #$ey $ad #ried # se.ara#e "s/E EI a+ $ere'E
s$e # ld $i+' 'and s$all !e (i#$ y " as l n) as y " need +e/E He !e)an # (ee. B"ie#lyD #$e #ears s.las$in) n # $is ni)$#) (n/ EG d C$arl ##e'E $e said/ d +arria)e/ G d C$arl ##e/E
EO"rs (as a )
He ( "ld n # ) D $e (en# n #al2in) (i#$ "# %easin)/ C$arl ##e dared n # + &e * r *ear $is 2indly + d #"rned # ne * &i len%e and i# (as $al* an $ "r !e* re $is a##endan#s $eard $i+ and %a+e # #a2e $i+ !a%2 # $is !ed/ T$ere (as a !r din) silen%e #$r ")$ "# #$e %as#le/ T$e ladies * #$e 8"een's $ "se$ ld lay slee.less in #$eir !eds/ One *a%# (as %lear # #$e+ all' and i# % "ld n l n)er !e denied: T$e 1in) (as +ad/ In $er r + Fanny B"rney % "ld end"re #$e s"s.ense n l n)er/
A# si0 '%l %2 s$e r se and' dressin) $as#ily' (en# "# in# #$e dra")$#y % rrid rs/ T$e .a)es (ere all slee.less/ E&ery ne (as (ai#in) #ensely * r ($a# (as ) in) # $a..en n (/ ' -$e (en# !a%2 # $er r +D s$e (as % ld' n # nly !e%a"se i# (as al(ays % ld in #$e %as#le % rrid rs ($ere #$ere (as en ")$ (ind s +e ne $ad said # sail a +an, ',(ar/ -$e $ad n # !een #$ere &ery l n) ($en s$e re%ei&ed a s"++ ns *r + #$e 8"een' and s$e $as#ily (en# # #$e !ed%$a+!er ($ere s$e * "nd C$arl ##e si##in) ". in !ed' .ale and *ear*"l/ EA$' Miss B"rney'E said C$arl ##e/ EH ( are y " # dayGE Fanny (as s + &ed #$a# s$e !"rs# in# #ears/ And # $er a+a7e+en# #$e 8"een did #$e sa+e/ F r s +e +in"#es #$ey ! #$ (e.# "nres#rainedly/ T$en #$e 8"een said: EI #$an2 y "' Miss B"rney/ Y " $a&e +ade +e %ry/ I# is a )rea# relie* # +e/ All #$is ni)$# l n) I $a&e (an#ed # %ry and !een "na!le/ I *eel !e##er n (/ I #$in2 I (ill )e# "./E 3$ile #$e 8"een (as a# $er # ile# #$ey % "ld $ear #$e 1in) #al2in) in%essan#ly in #$e ne0# r +/
An #$er *ear*"l day $ad !e)"n/ T$ere (as n $ .e n ( * $idin) #$e *a%# #$a# #$e 1in) (as deran)ed/ T$e ($ le % "n#ry (as #al2in) * i# and ($a# #$is ( "ld +ean/ T$ere (as # !e a Re)en%y/ T$e 1in) ( "ld !e re.la%ed !y $is s n/ Pi## (as #ryin) # +a2e #$e Re)en%y a res#ri%#ed neD F 0 and -$eridan (ere #ryin) # )e# *"ll . (ers * r #$e Prin%e * 3alesD and +ean($ile #$e 1in)'s d %# rs (ere (ran)lin) # )e#$er &er #$e #rea#+en# $e s$ "ld re%ei&e/ T$e 1in) (as re+ &ed *r + 3inds r # 1e(D $e (as n # all (ed # s$a&e $i+sel* r $a&e a 2ni*e a# dinner/ On%e $e #ried # #$r ( $i+sel* "# * a (ind (D #$en $e ( "ld )i&e $i+sel* ". # .rayin) and #al2in) * reli)i n/ A# #i+es $is s#r"))lin) ! dy (as * r%ed in# a s#rai#4a%2e#/ T$e *as$i na!le Dr/ 3arren (as %alled inD and i# (as said #$a# $e (as a *riend * #$e Prin%e * 3ales and (as #$ere # ser&e $is ends/ T$e 1in) disli2ed $i+ and #$e 8"een *eared $i+/ And s$e *eared #$e 1in)/ T$e 1in) s"ddenly !e)an # #al2 * ( +en and see+ed !sessed !y #$e+/ He ($ $ad li&ed s"%$ a de#er+inedly res.e%#a!le li*e n ( see+ed # !e li&in) an er #i% ne in $is #$ ")$#s/ EY " are #$e +an ($ # 2 -ara$ Lenn 0 a(ay *r + +e'E $e %ried # a $ar+less * #+an/ EYes y " (ere' e$G 3$a#GE T$e +an *led in *ear * $is li*e/ B"# #$e !sessi n (i#$ ( +en +ar2ed a ne( .$ase/ T$e 1in) (as n ( $a&in) .eri ds * l"%idi#y/ He 2ne( $e $ad !een ill' $e 2ne( #$e na#"re * $is illnessD $e (as sad !e%a"se * i#' !"# d"rin) #$ se .eri ds ($en $e (as a(are $e $ad s"**ered deran)e+en# $is +ind (as sane a)ain/ T$e l"%idi#y ( "ld .ass/ He sa( Eli7a!e#$ Pe+!r 2e and *r + #$e +ind &er ($i%$ $e $ad l s# % n#r l %a+e #$e i+a)inin)s * years/ He !elie&ed $e $ad di& r%ed C$arl ##eD $e !elie&ed $e (as +arried # Eli7a!e#$/ He addressed $er as 8"een Eli7a!e#$ and a##e+.#ed # +a2e l &e # $er/ T$e !arriers $e $i+sel* $ad se# ". $ad %r"+!led/ He (as #$e +an $e ( "ld $a&e !een $ad $e n # s"..ressed #$a# +an/ He #$ ")$# * ( +en /// ( +en /// ( +en/
T$en %a+e #$e %lari#yD !"# Eli7a!e#$ (as s#ill #$ere/ He (as +arried # C$arl ##e' * % "rse .lain' "ne0%i#in) C$arl ##e ($ $ad ne&er#$eless ! rne $i+ *i*#een %$ildren/ And $e (an#ed Eli7a!e#$/ He %a")$# Eli7a!e#$ in a % rrid r/ -$e +"s# !e $is +is#ress' $e # ld $er/ -$e +"s# na+e any#$in) s$e (an#ed and i# s$ "ld !e $ers/ Eli7a!e#$ #al2ed # $i+ )en#ly' 2indly' #ryin) # #"rn $is +ind a(ay *r + #$e s"!4e%#/ T$e 1in)'s $eal#$ (as i+.r &in)/ T$e l"%id .eri ds (ere + re *reB"en# and * l n)er d"ra#i n/ T$e 1in) is ) in) # re% &er' said $is *riends/ T$ree d %# rs $ad si)ned a !"lle#in ann "n%in) #$e en#ire %essa#i n * His Ma4es#y's illness/ T$e 1in) (as res# red/ His illness $ad +ade $i+ . ."lar n%e + re/ T$e .e .le (an#ed # s$ ( $i+ #$a# #$ey (ere .leased !y $is re% &ery/ T$e %i#y * L nd n (as a!la7e (i#$ li)$#s e&en as *ar "# as T #in)D and !e#(een Green(i%$ and 1ensin)# n #$e li)$#s !la7ed * r#$/ E&ery ne (as sin)in) EG d -a&e #$e 1in)'D and #$e ladies ($ ser&ed a# 3$i#e's Cl"! $ad EG d -a&e #$e 1in)' ( r2ed in ) ld le##ers n #$eir %a.s/ T$ere (ere ser&i%es a# -#/ Pa"l's' re4 i%in) e&ery($ere/ T$e 1in) (as # ) # 3ey+ "#$ # re%".era#e and 3ey+ "#$ (as de#er+ined # &ie (i#$ L nd n in (el% +in) #$e 1in)/ T$e # (n (as li)$#ed *r + end # end and a# e&ery *e( yards #$e !ands !lared * r#$ EG d -a&e #$e 1in)'/ E&ery ne (an#ed # #ell Ge r)e $ ( .leased #$ey (ere #$a# $e (as (ell a)ain/ All #$e !a#$ers n #$e seas$ re ( re EG d -a&e #$e 1in)' n #$eir %a.s and ($en Ge r)e le*# $is +a%$ine # s#e. in# #$e sea a !and ( "ld s#ri2e ". #$e na#i nal an#$e+/ I# (as all &ery )ra#i*yin)' said #$e 1in)'s *riends/ B"# #$e 1in) l 2ed # #$e *"#"re (i#$ sad eyes/ T$ere (ere #i+es ($en $is +ind ( "ld !e in a ($irl' ($en $e (an#ed # #al2 and ne&er s# .D #$ere (ere #$ ")$#s * ( +en in $is +ind /// all #$e !ea"#i*"l ( +en $e $ad +issed and drea+ed */
He 2ne( #$a# #$ere (ere %%asi ns ($en $e (as (a&erin) !e#(een l"%idi#y and insani#y' and in $is $ear# $e (as a(are #$a# ($a# $ad $a..ened' !e* re ( "ld $a..en a)ain/ I# (as ine&i#a!le/ He (as #ryin) # $ ld i# **' !"# $e (as n # s#r n) en ")$/ And $e l 2ed a# C$arl ##e and sa( a li##le ld ( +an * r #$is $ad a)ed $er' e&en as i# $ad $i+ a d (dy li##le ld ( +an/ P r C$arl ##eF $e #$ ")$#/ 3$a# is s$e #$in2in) n (G He ( "ld n # as2 $er/ He dared n # as2 $er/ T$e .e .le (ere sin)in) : O"r .rayers are $eard' and Pr &iden%e res# res A Pa#ri # 1in) # !less Bri#annia's s$ res/ T$e .e .le (ere easily + &ed/ T$ey l &ed ne day and $a#ed #$e ne0#/ A .a#ri # 1in) ($ $ad l s# A+eri%a' ($ $ad )i&en #$e+ #$e Prin%e * 3ales' ($ $ad !een +ad * r a ($ile // / and ( "ld !e s a)ain/ A$F He $ad said i#/ I# (as #$e #$ ")$# #$a# s#ayed (i#$ $i+ and ($i%$ $e 2ne( ( "ld % +e #r"e/ He ( "ld !e 2n (n as #$e 1in) ($ (as +ad/ C$arl ##e (as #$in2in): 3$a# (ill !e% +e * "sG T$is is n # #$e end/ I# is #$e !e)innin)/

The Third George

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THE THIRD GEORGE BY JEAN PLAIDY FROM THE COVER: Jean Plaidy's r !

# #$r ( a(ay a %r (n/E EGe r)e is a * l'E %ried -ara$/

n ///E )as.ed C$arl ##e/

I %ann # d i#' s$e #$ ")$#/ I# is # (as l 2in) a# $er ddly/

+"%$ # as2/ T$e Mar%$i ness

d'E re.lied #$e 1in)/

in#ensi*iedD !"# #$e Prin%ess D (a)er (as # # )i&e #$a# a #$ ")$#/

#$e + ! +ar%$ed %arryin) a 4a%2! %ere+ ni "sly $"n) n a )i!!e#/

# and .e##i% a# ($i%$ #$ey

r -ara$F -$e (ill $a&e # !e % n#en# # $a&e Ge r)e )lin) $er/E

d s n Ge r)e'E ($is.ered #$e Prin%ess D (a)er/

C$arl ##e/ I #$ ")$# #$ey $ad #ried # se.ara#e "s/E EI a+ $ere'E

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