Their nuptials were celebrated on the 20th of
April, 1663, the bridegroom at this time not having reached his
fifteenth birthday, whilst the bride was younger by a year. The
duke on his marriage assumed his wife's family name, Scott; and
some years later--in 1673--both were created Duke and Duchess of
Buccleugh. From this union the family now bearing that title has
descended. A great supper was given at Whitehall on the
marriage-night, and for many days there were stately festivities
held to celebrate the event with becoming magnificence.
Now at one of the court balls held at this time, the woman of all
others who attracted most attention and gained universal
admiration was Frances Stuart, maid of honour to Queen Catherine.
She was only daughter of a gallant gentleman, one Walter Stuart,
and grand-daughter of Lord Blantyre. Her family had suffered
sore loss in the cause of Charles I., by reason of which, like
many others, it sought refuge in France. This young gentlewoman
was therefore bred in that country, and was, moreover, attached
to the court of the queen mother, in whose suite she travelled
into England. Her beauty was sufficient to attract the attention
of Louis XIV., who, loath to lose so fair an ornament from his
court, requested her mother would permit her to remain, saying,
he "loved her not as a mistress, but as one that would marry as
well as any lady in France."
No doubt Mrs. Stuart understood the motives of his majesty's
interested kindness, of which, however, she declined availing
herself, and therefore departed with her daughter for England.
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