Courting Her Highness_ The Story of Queen Anne - Jean Plaidy [143]
“It is no use hiding ourselves here,” she said, “while Abigail Hill and her friend Harley plot against us. Tomorrow I shall go to the Queen.”
In vain did Marlborough beg her not to act rashly. Sarah believed that eventually she would wear down the Queen’s resistance.
How peaceful it was without Sarah at Court! thought Anne. It had been an exhausting time, giving constant audiences to her ministers. It seemed that they now realized that George was not so insignificant as they had once believed him to be. He had always been so good natured and never a troublemaker, so that they had been apt to overlook his strength.
The Queen had always liked to listen to his advice on state matters, even if she had not taken it; and his presence at the interviews gave her confidence. Moreover, he had a way of cutting short an interview which had gone on too long by showing his impatience for his dinner; which might seem a frivolous excuse for cutting short a conference, but was effective.
“Dearest George! What shall I do without him?” sighed the Queen.
There was Masham, always ready to help, always eager to comfort.
“At least you are left to me, dear Masham,” she said.
Abigail replied with fervour that she hoped to serve the Queen as long as she lived; she would ask nothing more of life.
“It is at such grievous times as this that we know our friends,” said the Queen.
“The Prince was the kindest of masters,” murmured Abigail. “Poor Masham is desolate.”
“Poor faithful Masham!” agreed the Queen. “The Prince always relied on him. He is a good man and I am glad you chose him for your husband.”
“I do not know how to comfort him, Madam. He is without one whom he revered and he has nothing with which to occupy his mind. I tell him the sooner he finds something to do the better. The Prince would not have wished him to grieve.”
“No,” she said. “Poor Masham! He has lost not only the kindest master in the world but his position.”
“I think he would like to join the Army, or to go into politics, Madam.”
“Well, he is following a noble example.”
“You mean the Duke’s.”
“Mr. Harley tells me that he wishes to govern the country as well as the army.”
“Mr. Harley is Your Majesty’s most brilliant statesman and he is very likely right. But poor Masham is no Marlborough, Madam. He would, I suppose, be grateful for a humble post … something to take his mind off this dreadful loss.”
“I understand, Masham. It is what the Prince would wish.”
“Your Majesty and the Prince were always in harmony. I declare it was a lesson for all married people merely to see you together.”
The Queen put her hand to her eyes and Abigail brought the handkerchief with which to wipe away the tears.
Marlborough returned to the Continent to open a new campaign, and Sarah came to Court. But she could not now walk into the Queen’s apartments and scatter all those who were in attendance. She must ask for an audience and await the Queen’s pleasure.
She was constantly seeking openings to see the Queen, to bully her into returning to the old relationship. She found an opportunity to see her when she wanted her apartments to be extended and sent in a request that a few small rooms adjoining this apartment might be assigned to her. The reply came back that the Queen had already promised these rooms to one of her women.
Sarah was furiously frustrated. How dare Anne send her messages in this aloof fashion, as though she were some unknown person soliciting a favour!
She summoned Danvers whom she could still terrify.
“Is this true?” she demanded.
“Yes, Your Grace. The rooms are promised.”
“Which woman has them?” Sarah wanted to know, believing that if she made her wishes known the rooms would be relinquished.
“Alice Hill, Your Grace.”
“Alice Hill!” screamed Sarah. “Sister of the … chambermaid.”
“She is Mrs. Masham’s sister, Your Grace.”
“That’s who I mean,” cried Sarah.
“She has been given these rooms, Your Grace. Mrs. Masham thought those she had before were unsuitable.”
“But I wanted them! I shall see the Queen. I refuse to be treated in this way.