Courting Her Highness_ The Story of Queen Anne - Jean Plaidy [165]
They were saying in the streets that this was the end of the Marlboroughs’ glory. Some might think so. Not Sarah.
Harley was constantly with the Queen. The time was fast approaching when the Whig Parliament should be dissolved. Then it was in the hands of the people, but Harley was confident of a Tory victory. The trial of Dr. Sacheverel had damaged the Whigs irrevocably and since the charges of dishonesty had been aimed at the Marlboroughs, it was certain that the Ministry would fall.
Anne had always disliked Sunderland and had been reluctant to appoint him; he was the first to be dismissed.
Sarah was frantic with rage. Her son-in-law dismissed from office! Godolphin would be the next—and after that would it be Marlborough?
How could she stand by and watch her schemes dissolving into nothing?
She sent for Godolphin and Sunderland; John was with her when they arrived.
“There is only one course open to us,” she declared, and when they looked at her expectantly she said: “Anne must be forced to abdicate.”
“Abdicate!” stammered Godolphin.
“Don’t look so startled,” retorted Sarah scornfully. “Catholic James was forced to … why not his doltish daughter?”
“And in her place?” asked Sunderland.
“Marl can call on the Elector of Hanover … and sound him.”
They stared at her in astonishment; but she saw that her son-in-law Sunderland who was ever ready for rash adventure, was beginning to smile.
Godolphin knew that the end of his career was in sight. He was old and he had never been a man to take his duties lightly, but he had been timorous and had allowed Sarah Churchill to dominate him as she had never been able to dominate her own husband. Now Sarah herself was out of favour and the ministry which he had led was about to decline. The Queen who had once shown him favour was seeking an opportunity to be rid of him and this had been brought about by the high-handed conduct of Sarah.
Godolphin was melancholy, considering what a deep effect the quarrels of women could have on a country’s affairs.
He was in this mood when he attended the Cabinet meeting at which the Queen would be present. He was fully aware of the antagonism of his enemies. They were as vultures hovering about his head … waiting for his fall.
Shrewsbury, one of the most powerful of them, opened the attack by making sarcastic comments which Godolphin could not allow to pass. He should, of course, have answered in the same vein, but he was tired and worried and he found himself attacking Shrewsbury in the querulous tones of the tired old man he was.
“My lord,” protested Anne, “I beg of you to curb your anger. It is of no use to this Council.”
Godolphin turned to the Queen. “Your Majesty, my task is becoming more difficult as the days pass. I am surrounded by those who seek to undermine me. What good can come when those in high places turn their backs on the legitimate ministers of the country and give ear to secret counsels.”
This was a direct attack upon the Queen, and Anne, mortified, remained silent. But all present knew that this must be the end of Godolphin.
Anne sat in the oak-panelled closet at Kensington.
She was sad. In the past she had been truly fond of Godolphin—Mr. Montgomery as she had affectionately called him. She had felt so secure with such a minister as her friend; and there was his family connection with the Duke who had always been so thoughtful and charming. But Sarah had poisoned those relationships as she had poisoned everything she came near.
Wherever she looked she was brought back to Sarah. It was time she finished with everything connected with her. She took up her pen and wrote:
“The uneasiness that you have shown for some time has given me much trouble, though I have borne it, and had your behaviour continued the same as it was for a few years after my coming to the Crown, I could have no dispute with myself what to do. But the many unkind returns I have received since, especially what you have said to me personally before the Lords (in council) makes