Courting Her Highness_ The Story of Queen Anne - Jean Plaidy [54]
Abigail inclined her head and in a few minutes was kneeling at the Queen’s feet with the silver bowl half full of water that was neither too hot nor too cold.
Anne smiled placidly and lay back, her eyes closed.
“That feels good,” she said. “Danvers is either too rough or afraid to touch me. You have magic in your hands, Hill.”
“Your Majesty is so gracious to me.”
“You’re a good creature.”
“And the happiest in the world to give pleasure to Your Majesty.”
“You’re quiet and there are times when I feel the need for quietness.”
Abigail patted the feet dry, anointed them, powdered them and put them into the large and comfortable slippers.
“Your Majesty feels better now?”
“Greatly refreshed Hill. Did I hear Danvers scolding you this afternoon, my dear?”
“She said I was in too constant attendance on Your Majesty.”
“What nonsense!”
Abigail folded her arms and struck a pose that was so like one of Mrs. Danvers’ that the Queen opened her eyes wide and laughed. “I do declare, Hill, you look exactly like her.”
“ ‘Hill,’ ” mimicked Abigail, “ ‘you push yourself too much. Lady Marlborough has put you here to do those tasks which are not to her liking, but I have not asked you to take my place.’ ”
“It’s Danvers to the life!” cried Anne.
Abigail looked up meekly at an imaginary Danvers and murmured her excuses. Then greatly daring she pretended that Sarah had arrived and mimicked a scene between her and Danvers.
She was almost afraid to look at the Queen. Had she gone too far? What would Anne’s reactions be to a little poking of fun at Sarah.
“Clever little Hill!” murmured the Queen, smiling. It was a further step forward in their relationship.
“Your Majesty,” said Abigail, “Mr. Masham left a message that the Prince was hoping to visit you this day.”
“Then I am pleased, Hill. I trust this means that his breathing is a little better.”
“Mr. Masham tells me that his breathing was much easier this morning and that he enjoyed his dinner.”
“He is a good man, young Masham. I believe he is fond of the Prince.”
“I am sure of it, Madam.”
“He confides in you, does he?”
“A little, Madam.”
“Clever little thing. Now help make me ready to receive the Prince and then Hill you shall play some of your pieces on the harpsichord. Why, Hill, I am always discovering fresh talents in you. I am very fond of the harpsichord and I was telling the Prince what a pleasant touch you have.”
Abigail was delighted with her progress in the bedchamber. If only Sarah would stay away for months. Then she would make a real advance.
George, Prince of Denmark, came to his wife’s apartments accompanied by his page, Samuel Masham. There were signs in the Prince’s face of past good looks, but he had become so fat through an excessive fondness for good food and wine that he was now almost a ridiculous figure as he trundled painfully along, leaning on a jewelled-topped stick. He wheezed painfully, for he suffered greatly from asthma, but his expression was one of kindliness and a placidity which matched that of his wife.
“My angel,” he said, his Danish accent obvious, for he had never tried to eradicate it. He was far too lazy. “I trust I find you better today.”
“Yes, my dearest. My good Hill has just made me comfortable. And you are wheezing less, I fancy. Come sit down here beside me so that I may see you clearly.”
George sat down heavily in the chair which Abigail had set close to the Queen’s couch. He took the Queen’s hand, kissed it and retained it, stroking the beautifully white plump fingers admiringly. Even as he did so he nodded drowsily. He had drunk heavily and always found it hard to keep his eyes open in the afternoon—or at any time for that matter.
“Dear George!” murmured Anne.
He nodded happily. Then they were silent.
He was such a good husband, Anne was thinking, but there was never anything to say to him, except: “My angel!” Or: “My dearest George.” Of course when their boy was alive they had had him to talk of and that had been the most engrossing subject in the world; but if they talked of their darling now it could only end