Henceforth he boldly made love to her. The countess was not much
disturbed by this, for she possessed great faith in her own
charms and implicit belief in her power over the king. Besides,
she had sufficient knowledge of mankind to comprehend that to
offer opposition in pursuit of love is the most certain method to
foster its growth. She therefore resolved to seek Miss Stuart's
society, cultivate her friendship, and constantly bring her into
contact with his majesty. This would not only prove to the
satisfaction of the court she had no fear of losing her
sovereignty over the monarch, but, by keeping him engaged with
the maid of honour, would likewise divert his attention from an
intrigue the countess was then carrying on with Henry Jermyn.
Accordingly, she made overtures of friendship to Miss Stuart,
invited her to private parties, and appeared continually with her
in public.
Concerning these ladies and the merry monarch, Pepys narrates a
strange story which Captain Ferrers told him as they "walked
finely" in the park. This was, that at an entertainment given by
my Lady Castlemaine, towards the end of which his majesty played
at being married with fair Frances Stuart, "with ring and all
other ceremonies of Church service, and ribbands, and a sack
posset [A drink composed of milk, wine, and spices.] in bed, and
flinging the stocking. My Lady Castlemaine looked on the while,
evincing neither anger nor jealousy, but entering into the
diversion with great spirit.
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