Courting Her Highness_ The Story of Queen Anne - Jean Plaidy [120]
“Yes, Your Grace, Mrs. Hill kindly spoke to the Queen for her.”
“Mrs. Hill spoke to the Queen!”
“Yes, Your Grace, and Her Majesty kindly gave her the place.”
As Sarah left Mrs. Danvers she remembered Alice Hill. There was another of the indigent ones who had been well treated by her. If there was any truth in this absurd story, which was beginning to give Sarah a qualm or two, Alice would be likely to know.
There was a flutter of excitement among the maids at the approach of the Duchess. Such a visit must mean trouble for someone, for wherever the Duchess went there was a train of complaints.
“I want to speak to Alice Hill,” she said. “And without delay.”
Alice, flushed, alarmed, and fat, came hurrying to the Duchess.
Slut! thought Sarah. I have done too much for these Hills. What is this one doing to earn her very comfortable livelihood, I should like to know.
“You’ve grown fat,” she said.
“I’m sorry, Your Grace,” replied Alice, bobbing a curtsey.
“Too much rich food.” Sarah made a note that she would take a look at the accounts and see how much was being spent on servants’ food. “I want to talk to you about your sister.”
“Oh yes, Your Grace.” Alice flushed scarlet. Guilty! thought the Duchess. Yes, something is afoot.
“When did you last see her?”
“Oh … er … Your Grace, I’m not sure. It might have been yesterday. She is very thin, Your Grace. You would certainly not find her fat.”
“I want to ask you a plain question, Alice Hill. Do you know whether your sister is married to Samuel Masham?”
Alice gave a little cry and clapped her hand to her lips.
“Oh … Your Grace …”
“Is she?”
Sarah advanced and catching the girl by the shoulders shook her.
“Yes … Your Grace.”
Sarah released the girl.
“Why was I not told?”
“I … I believe my sister thought that such a matter would be of small moment to such a great lady, Your Grace.”
“I see,” said Sarah. “But I should have been told.”
Abigail could not hope to avoid the Duchess for ever; and now being determined to see her, Sarah soon arranged a meeting. When Abigail came from the Queen’s apartments she found the Duchess waiting for her in one of the ante-rooms.
“Your Grace!” cried Abigail, flushing and lowering her eyes.
“I’ve been hearing news of you. So you are married.”
“Yes, Your Grace.”
“And to Samuel Masham.”
“Your Grace knows him?”
“I know him for a young man who is always making bows to everyone and is ever ready to skip and open a door.”
“He is aware of his humble situation, Your Grace, and has a desire to please; his manners are such that he would hasten to open a door for a lady.”
“H’m,” said Sarah. “An odd affair, was it not? Why should it not be open? Why this secret?”
Abigail opened her eyes very wide. “There was no need for secrecy, Your Grace. I did not tell you because I felt you were too busy with more important affairs.”
“You forget that I had brought you to Court, that I was your benefactress.”
“It is a fact I shall never forget, Your Grace.”
“Nor should you. You were nothing but a serving girl when I brought you from Lady Rivers. I should have thought it was ordinary politeness to tell me you hoped to marry, and to ask my consent.”
“Your Grace, I most humbly beg your pardon.”
“I’m not against the marriage. In fact, I think it suitable. You continue to serve the Queen and Masham continues to serve the Prince. I should have put nothing in the way of it. Of course you have not been well brought up, otherwise you would not have made the mistake of behaving in this way.”
“So Your Grace forgives me?”
“I will overlook your fault, but do try to behave with more grace in future. So … you are a married woman now. The Queen will not be pleased. She does not care for all this secrecy, but I don’t doubt I can explain to her. I will ask her to give you a better lodging. Now that you are married you should have some standing. If there are children you will have to think of them. But in spite of your folly and your lack of consideration to me I will inform the Queen.”
“Er …” began Abigail.
“What?