Queen in Waiting - Plaidy Jean. Страница 32

He had replied in his blunt way that he could not see how she had since he was unaware of her existence. Whereupon she implored him not to be so cruel. Did he object to her looks?

Studying her closely he replied that he could not do that for he could see that she was very beautiful. In fact he thought she must be one of the most beautiful women at his court.

"If you think so," she replied, "why do you spend all your time with Madam Schulemburg and my sister-in-law Madam Kielmansegge?"

George Lewis gave this question consideration. Pre-occupa-tion with state matters had offered little opportunity for looking round, he said, but since she had been so kind as to bring herself to his notice, he saw no reason why he should not extend his patronage. At which the young Countess dried her tears, fell on her knees, told him he was the most beneficent ruler in the world, and from thence forward George Lewis had three established mistresses instead of two.

Schulemburg and Kielmansegge were too lethargic and too

well established to care. Schulemburg had only one passion in life, apart from her genuine devotion to George Lewis, and that was adding to her wealth. Kielmansegge's great delight was in the adventures of the bedchamber, but unlike her royal patron she liked a constant change of scene. As neither of these ladies had to fear youth and beauty, the young Countess von Platen was a welcome member of the trinity as it meant a little relief from duty.

Now the Countess von Platen did not immediately state the reason for her visit. She would let George Lewis believe what, in any case it did not enter his mind to doubt—that slie had come to enjoy his company.

It was not until the morning that she said: "Her Serene Highness the Electoral Princess has not invited me to her soiree yet. I fancy she considers that I should not be a suitable guest."

George Lewis grunted: "Why not?"

"Since Mesdames Schulemburg and Kielmansegge have not been invited either and we seem to be the only three ladies who have been treated in this way, the reason seems obvious. It is because of our relationship with you. I know you won't allow the silly creature to be so foolish."

"Go without invitations," he said.

The Countess von Platen pretended to shiver. "And incur the wrath of her Serene Highness the Electoral Princess."

"You go ... and tell the others."

"It is your command?"

He grunted.

"And you will be there?"

He nodded.

The Countess von Platen was well pleased. The Princess Caroline had better learn without delay the etiquette of the Court of Hanover.

Sophia Dorothea had taken a liking to her sister-in-law. She pitied her for one thing. Fancy being doomed to spend her life at Hanover! It was Sophia Dorothea's home, of course. But with such a father, it had never been a happy one. He had

shown no affection for his children, although she fancied he did not hate her as bitterly as he did George Augustus. In fact, if he had been a man who knew how to express affection, he might have shown some for her. She was beautiful; she was gay; so perhaps she was too much like her mother.

Her mother! There was the shadow which hung over their lives. Which ever way one looked it was there. She, Sophia Dorothea would be glad to get away and she would soon, for marriage negotiations were being conducted. Frederick William had kept his word; she knew that his father, the king of Prussia had not wanted an alliance with Hanover. In fact he was angry with Hanover for carrying off Caroline right under his nose, which was understandable when he was her guardian. He had wanted her either for the King of Spain or for himself. Poor Caroline, she was in demand, and she had been awarded George Augustus!

Sophia Dorothea grimaced. He was her brother and she had some affection for him, but he was very conceited and he would be like his father in some ways in his attitude towards a wife. I am the master; you are the slave.

That would not please me, she thought. And Caroline? How would she react?

It was not easy to know with Caroline. That was what made her so interesting. So far she had been docile and the more docile she became the more devoted was George Augustus. But once let her show defiance and that would be the end of George Augustus's affection. He might even be as callous towards a wife as his father had been.

Life with Frederick William would be different. She was certain of that. They had learned a good deal about each other on the few occasions when they had met because they had been drawn together irresistibly. He was wild and ungovernable; and she was not the one to accept the role of patient Griselda. No, there would be quarrels and reconciliations. But life would never be dull.

In a rush of pity for her poor sister-in-law Sophia Dorothea went along to Caroline's apartment where Caroline was being dressed for her soiree.

Sophia Dorothea watched her women at work.

'*You have lovely hair, sister," said Sophia Dorothea.

Caroline smiled, pleased at the compliment.

"And the blue gown is becoming."

"You are kind to say so."

How could she be so serene, so grave, so outwardly contented when she was far too intelligent not to know that she had been sent into a den of ... Sophia Dorothea paused for the word. Lions? George Augustus was not strong enough nor dignified enough. Foxes? Not cunning enough. Wolves? Yes, wolves wasn't bad.

"You are thoughtful," said Caroline.

"Have you finished?" Sophia Dorothea asked the woman. "I want to talk to Her Highness."

"Yes, in a moment. Your Highness."

Sophia Dorothea sat in a high backed chair watching the finishing touches to Caroline's toilet. I think George Augustus would be every bit as cruel as our father, she thought, if his vanity were wounded. That's it. His vanity! Ever since he knew he would not be very tall he has felt the need to remind everyone that he is as good, as strong, as important as people who are. How cruel life is! To deny George Augustus those inches as well as a mother. And poor Caroline will have to suffer for it too.

The woman had gone and Caroline said: "It is kind of you to come and see me."

"You're my sister now and I shan't have many more opportunities of calling on you like this."

"Are you uneasy about your coming marriage?"

"No. Only waiting to leave Hanover for Prussia."

"Then I'm glad."

"I'm fortunate. If I had loved my home I shouldn't want to leave it. But because I can't wait to get out of it, I'm happy. There's life for you. Taking away with one hand and giving with the other. I hope you will be happy here, Caroline."

"I think so."

"/ think you have a great gift for being happy. How do you do it? I may need to know when I'm quarrelling with my wild Frederick William."

"Then you are a little uneasy about going to Berlin?"

She shook her head. "Fll deal with Frederick William. You and I should have a good deal to say to each other for while you have come into my old home, I am going into yours."

"Berlin will be quite different from when I was there. Nothing could ever be the same now that Sophia Charlotte is dead."

"No, I suppose not. You loved my aunt very dearly, didn't you?"

Caroline nodded, her eyes clouding. "But I've stopped grieving for those happy days. I'm trying to look ahead. That is the advice she would have given. It is always rather difficult adjusting oneself to a new life ... a new home. Women of our rank invariably have to face it. I am fortunate in having the Elec-tress Sophia who is already my friend as well as my grand-mother-in-law."