The Prince and the Quakeress.

The fourth book in the Georgian Saga.

Jean Plaidy.

About the Book.

Young and idealistic, the Prince of Wales develops a deep affection for a beautiful quakeress, Hannah Lightfoot, who catches his eye as he is riding through the streets. A first meeting is arranged, leading to several more, and eventually they discreetly marry in a secluded house where they live as man and wife. She is prepared to betray her beliefs for him, just as he is willing to defy the desires of various courtiers for her. Eventually, his mother's lover Lord Bute uncovers the affair and Hannah mysteriously disappears.

The novel explores the lasting question, did the future George III contradict royal protocol and marry a commoner? Shortly after his affair with Hannah, he becomes King George III. After a potential engagement to Sarah Lennox falls through, he marries Princess Charlotte of Mecklenburg-Strelitz.

About the Author.

Jean Plaidy, one of the preeminent authors of historical fiction for most of the twentieth century, is the pen name of the prolific English author Eleanor Hibbert, also known as Victoria Holt. Jean Plaidy's novels had sold more than 14 million copies worldwide by the time of her death in 1993.

Author's note.

The story of George III and Hannah Lightfoot is admittedly one of the mysteries of history. No one can be absolutely certain of what took place. There are even some who declare that Hannah Lightfoot never existed. There is, in my opinion, too much evidence from various directions for this to be likely. I believe that Hannah Lightfoot not only lived but was the mistress of George III, as Prince of Wales. There is even a report that Queen Charlotte at one time believed that the King had made a previous marriage and insisted that a second marriage ceremony should take place between her and the King, and that this was done 'under the colour of an evening's entertainment'. There is also the Reynolds portrait at Knole. I have based my findings on the available evidence and the character of the King; and I think my version has as good a chance of being the true one as any other.

J.P.

Encounter in the Rain.

THE PRINCESS AUGUSTA was well satisfied with life. She was Princess of Wales, she had been married for eleven years to an amiable husband unfaithful of course, but all German wives were brought up to accept that inevitability and she thought nothing of it. She was handsome, complacent and fruitful, this last a.s.set being the most important.

The Prince was uxorious as his father had been with Queen Caroline and all were aware of how he had expected her almost to take a part in his affairs with other women, expressing her approval, doing all she could to help him as he would say to 'his pleasure'. It was a Court joke. Not that Frederick went as far as that in fact he was an improvement on his father. He never flaunted his women under her nose; and he was without that irascible temper which was so amusing when directed against others and so alarming when turned on oneself. After all, the little man was the King and the bombastic, strutting, dapper, choleric creature would never allow anyone to forget that.

'A pox on him!' murmured Augusta pleasantly. And on that Walmoden woman whom he had wasted no time in bringing to England; and while he publicly wailed that no one would ever replace his beloved defunct spouse, he was sporting with Walmoden in private. But the son of that union Monsieur Louis whom Madame Walmoden had brought with her to England (no doubt seeing high honours for him there) should never be recognized, if Augusta could help it; and she might well be in a position to decide, for the King, in spite of his high colour or perhaps because of it did not seem to her a healthy man; and when he had followed his dear Caroline to the grave it would be the turn of Frederick and Augusta.

King and Queen of England! Oh no, Monsieur Louis, there will be no place for the old King's b.a.s.t.a.r.ds when his son and daughter-in-law come to the throne. Louis was about two years older than her own George.

She was mildly sad when she thought of George. Such a puny little fellow he had been when he was born a seventh-month child arriving so unexpectedly on that hot June day instead of waiting for August which was his allotted delivery date.

'And I never thought we should rear him,' she murmured. But one of the gardeners had an accommodating wife. What a woman! What a chest! What milk! Why were those people always so much more lavishly supplied? She had been a good woman who took to the child as though he were her own and suckled him and guarded him so that in a few months he made up for that early arrival.

George Frederick William! He would be Prince of Wales when the old man went and Frederick became King. Perhaps it would have been better if Edward had been the elder. George was so meek. That was it ... meek. And he could not learn. It was not that he did not try. George tried very hard, for George was a good boy. He would do everything he was told; that was why it was so necessary to watch him for fear the wrong people might do the telling; Princess Augusta was determined that only one person should; and that was herself.

She smiled and decided to visit the nursery. Frederick was probably already there. He liked to be with the children and was a good father to them in as much as he showered them with affection and they in return adored him. People might laugh at Frederick but he was a good parent. Queen Caroline, who was reputed to have been a wise woman, had said of him: 'My dearest firstborn is the greatest a.s.s, the greatest liar, and the greatest canaille and the greatest beast in the whole world, and I heartily wish he were out of it.'

German candour! But although the English laughed at it and one had to admit laughed at Fred they did not admire it. Perhaps they would have been disappointed if there were not quarrels in the royal family. Who knew? But at the same time they cheered wildly when she appeared with the children and they approved outwardly of a pleasant family life. Fred at least was not quarrelling with his son as his father had quarrelled with him and his grandfather had quarrelled with his father. Quarrelling in German families seemed the natural thing to do. But Fred was different; he loved his sons and his sons loved him.

Yes, Fred was doubtless paying a visit to the nursery before they set out for the races.

Augusta rose from her dressing-table where her women had been attending to her toilette and declared her intention of looking in at the children.

Cliveden, the country home of the family of Wales, had been rented by Frederick from Lady Orkney. Here the Prince and Princess of Wales could entertain lavishly and at the same time shut themselves away from the King's Court. In fact they could build a little Court of their own, and their friends were only too ready to encourage them in this. The house was charmingly situated, being set on a terrace which stood high above the river. The gardens were cultivated to appear natural and thus supply the maximum charm. Daisies and b.u.t.tercups mingled with lilies and roses; and because of his love of the theatre Frederick had ordered that a stage be built near the river. This spot was shut in by yews which formed a natural theatre, and it was greatly appreciated by visitors to Cliveden; and as Frederick shared his family's enthusiasm for music it was most frequently used for concerts, when orchestras would be brought from London to Cliveden to entertain the guests. The children were encouraged to take part in these theatrical entertainments and when they performed, the Prince and Princess would make it a gala occasion.

Frederick was very popular in the district, living simply with his family, mingling with their neighbours and even playing the cello in the local musical group.

Life at Cliveden was not devoted entirely to these diversions. Ambitious men found their way to what was called the Prince's Court in opposition to that of his father. William Pitt came often, Chesterfield, Stair and Bolingbroke men with their eyes on the future, for choleric George was well past his youth and it was believed that one of these days he would not survive a particularly violent outburst of rage. It was wise therefore to attach oneself to the rising star and this appeared to be the resolve of these ambitious men.

The King considering his son's activities would grow purple with rage. 'Impudent puppy,' was his frequent comment; but nothing he could say would alter the fact that Frederick was the Prince of Wales.

Augusta was right. Frederick was with the children. None could have doubted who he was for a moment. He bore the Hanoverian stamp: blue eyes and fresh complexion. He had been a good-looking boy, but the appearance of all members of the family was marred by the heavy sullen jaw and the almost vacant expression. Frederick differed from the King on account of his easy-going temperament. Now he looked his most genial, listening to his two elder sons telling him about the next play they intended to perform.

'Elizabeth wants to play a part,' Edward was saying. George had opened his mouth and was about to have spoken to say the same thing, Augusta supposed. Why did he always allow Edward to get there before him!

'So she shall,' replied their father. 'We will ask Mamma's opinion.'

She joined them, embracing them all in turn her dear, dear children.

'Yes, Elizabeth my dear, you shall play a part,' she told the six-year-old girl, going over to her chair and bending over to kiss her. Poor child, she was deformed and unable to stand owing to her weakness. Augusta was very worried about Elizabeth.

The two little boys William and Henry had toddled over to her; she lifted baby Henry on to her lap. He was only two and cuddling him against her she put out a hand to fondle William's golden hair so that he should not feel he had been ousted by the baby.

'Well, you will have some fun, I am sure.' Frederick smiled fondly at her. He could not have had a better wife, he was thinking now as he did so often. She was always good-natured and never murmured when Lady Archibald Hamilton was a little arrogant as all mistresses will be if merely to a.s.sert themselves and when Lady Middles.e.x tried to show her superiority with her Latin quotations and her proficiency in painting and music. 'It is very clever, my dear,' Augusta would say placidly. 'My duties as Princess of Wales would not allow me the time to acquire such accomplishments.' A gentle reminder that although they might have their place in the Prince's bedchamber, she was his wife and the mother of the royal line.

'Now we will talk of this play.' Her accent was German and of course the children were being brought up to speak in perfect English. In spite of an early youth spent at Hanover, Frederick spoke tolerably well his mother in the early days of his life before she had first forgotten him and then despised him, had been wise enough to give him an English tutor and far better than his father, who had never bothered to perfect himself in the speech of the country of which he was King, although even he was an improvement on George I who could not speak, and refused to learn, a word of English.

'Now, George, my son,' went on the Princess. 'You shall tell me what play you wish to perform and what part you wish to take.'

He was silent, a little flushed, thinking hard. Oh dear, he was a little backward. 'Come, George.'

'I have not yet thought, Mamma.'

'I will tell you what I want, Mamma,' cried Edward.

'One moment, my dear boy. George first...'

'Oh, George never thinks anything...'

'Now, Edward. Come, George...'

Prince Frederick came to his son's rescue by announcing that he had no doubt that George would soon decide what he wanted to play; and it was time they left for the races. The children could discuss among themselves which play they would perform and most certainly there must be a part for Elizabeth.

On the way to the races Augusta discussed George with her husband. He caused her some anxiety, she admitted.

'He is a good boy but too meek and he makes no progress with his studies. I thank G.o.d that you will be there to guide him so that when his time comes... which I pray may not be until he is an old man and strong in wisdom... he may be ready.'

'George is a good boy,' Fred told her, and laid his hand over hers. 'You fret too much.'

'But he can scarcely write his name.'

'All in good time. All in good time.'

'I am anxious on his account.'

'Forget your anxieties. All will be well with the boy. Ayscough is a good man and I have decided to send for James Quin.'

'An actor!'

'Who better to teach the children elocution?'

'You mean to teach them how to act!' she laughed. 'I believe you wish to make actors of them above all else.'

'It is not so. But George must learn how to speak English if he is going to please the English. Do you not agree?'

'You are right, of course,' she told him.

And they laughed together, being, as usual, in such harmony.

Such a cloudy day, thought Augusta. There would be rain before it was over. How she hated to get wet. She wished they had not come, for how was she to know at that stage what an important encounter was to take place and what part the rain was to play in it. Often she was to think of this day and the effect that gloomy weather had had on her future. Life, she was to muse, reflecting on it, was full of chance and surprise.

In the meantime here was Bubb Dodington in attendance, his enormous body encased in the most elaborate brocade although several b.u.t.tons were missing and his clothes gaped in most inconvenient places. He always gave the impression of bursting out of them and as though their purpose was not so much to cover his body as to proclaim his wealth to the world. It was the same with his mansions, particularly La Trappe at Hammersmith and his place in Pall Mall into which he had crammed as much costly furnis.h.i.+ng as was possible. But he was a clever fellow very learned, he could quote the cla.s.sics lengthily and to Augusta boringly; and he was so rich that Fred said he could not afford to do without him because whenever he, Fred, was in particular financial difficulty, Bubb would obligingly lose a few thousand to him at the card table. Bubb was a man with his eyes on fame and he had the fortune to buy it. So he was naturally ready to pay dearly in order to claim the friends.h.i.+p of the Prince of Wales.

Augusta yawned her way through the races; she was not as devoted to gambling as Fred was. Fred was fascinated by it; it was almost as important to him as women. So while she watched the races she was thinking of George and wondering whether they should consider finding a new tutor for him, for the boy must be made to understand that one day he would be King of England. He was such a good boy; there was no trace of wildness about him; yet he must learn to be a King.

The rain had started. Oh dear, now they would have to wait until it was over.

Bubb was fussily conducting them into the tent. It would soon be over, he said; and perhaps their Highnesses would like a game of cards to while away the time?

Fred declared that he fancied a game of whist but they needed a fourth, of course.

Bubb put his finger to his lips in that rather vulgar way of his and declared that His Highness could safely leave the finding of the fourth member of the party to him.

Fred sat down in the tent, yawning. 'A pox on the rain,' he said. Poor Fred, his conversation was obvious; small wonder that wags and wits thought him a little dull. Augusta was content with him the way he was, for she herself was not considered brilliant. She never raised her voice in contradiction to her husband, and from her first coming to England she had made it a point to agree with everything he said. That did not mean that she was not aware of what was going on about her, that she did not see Fred's failings. The fact that she had so successfully hidden her own ambitions during the years she had lived in England might suggest that she was by no means stupid. She had seen Queen Caroline appear to bow down to her husband's wishes; she had seen her meekly accept humiliations from the King; but everyone except the King had known that it was she who ruled the country. She, Augusta, had dutifully hated her mother-in-law because her husband did, but that did not mean that she could not admire her and imitate her as far as her own abilities would allow her. So while she echoed Fred's words she could be thinking that Fred was ineffectual, that he was a little dull and that if he were not the Prince of Wales he would have been a nonent.i.ty.

And then Bubb came into the tent with Lord Bute.

There are moments in one's life when the whole pattern of one's existence can change. Augusta recognized this as one.

As soon as he entered the tent she was immediately aware of the shortcomings of all other men. Frederick seemed inane as he never had before and Bubb more vulgar than ever.

'May I present Lord Bute to Your Highnesses?'

She was very ready to be presented. Surely, she thought, he is the most handsome man at Court. Why have I never seen him before? If he had been there, I must have noticed him. Who could fail to do so?

He was tall and his dignity was overwhelming. How much more kingly than Frederick! His manner was grave yet courteous; respectful yet admiring; and he had the finest pair of legs she had ever seen.

'Lord Bute,' she said, 'I am surprised that we have not met before.'

'I have only recently come to London, Your Highness.'

She knew whence he had come. His accent betrayed him. Surely it must be one of the most charming of accents. She had never thought it so before. Like all the family she had hated everything from beyond the Border, that stronghold of the Jacobites, for Scotsmen had never taken kindly to the Hanoverians. The recent'45 had started up there, and it was they who had harboured their Bonnie Prince Charlie. But Lord Bute was not of that kind. She was sure of it. He would be loyal to the crown. Bubb would never have brought him into the tent if that were not so.

'You're welcome,' Fred told him. 'Come now, Bubb, the cards.'

'Your Highness.' While fussy Bubb produced the cards and dealt, Augusta watched the newcomer's strong hands. His calm expression betrayed nothing. She refused to admit to herself that she was unduly excited. An interesting man, she thought, whose conversation would surely have been more diverting than the cards.

They talked between games.

He had come down to London, he said, soon after the'45. He had felt that he no longer desired to stay in Scotland after that.

'Perhaps you should remain there to guard our interests,' she suggested gaily.

'There is no need for that, Madam,' he replied gravely. 'The Battle of Culloden showed the Pretender what happens to those who threaten the throne.'

'I see you are a loyal Scotsman.'

He took her hand and kissed it. It was very courteous and gallant and very bold, but they were in a tent and it was an informal occasion. Never had she felt so informal in so short a s.p.a.ce of time.

Frederick wanted to get on with the game and was raising the stakes. Bubb was his reckless self and Augusta noticed that while Lord Bute did not betray any anxiety he played cautiously so as not to lose. How wise!

She waited for the game to finish, that conversation might be resumed. Then Lord Bute mentioned the theatre and it emerged that he was very fond of the play and since he had come to London it had been his great hobby to organize masquerades in his own house where he had insisted that all his relations join him and form a company to perform for their own pleasure.

Now Fred was interested. What plays? Lord Bute explained. Nothing was too comic, nothing too tragic. He himself was actor-producer and stage-manager. Even Frederick had laid aside the cards now; Augusta was leaning forward, her cheeks flushed. A fascinating subject made doubly so by such a fascinating talker.

'You could be useful in our productions,' Augusta pointed out. 'I am sure the Prince will agree with me on that.'

The Prince did.

'The Prince will wish you to visit us and see our theatre at Cliveden.'

The Prince thought that an excellent idea.

It turned out that Lord Bute had lived for nine years on the Island of Bute where he had amused himself studying agriculture, botany and architecture, which, Augusta declared, sounded quite absorbing. The Prince thought so, too. Only Bubb was a little bored but he never liked them to show too much interest in other people, being afraid that he might be ousted from the Prince's favour.

Augusta sat back in her chair listening to Lord Bute's musical voice with the accent which had suddenly become so attractive, and the sound of rain pattering on the tent. Such a pleasant sound she would think it ever after. She hoped it would go on because when the rain stopped this pleasant tte--tte was likely to do the same.