Now and
again, however, a look would flash in her eyes, and an answer
rise to her lips, which showed how deeply she felt her bitter
wrongs. "I wonder your majesty has the patience to sit so long
adressing," said my Lady Castlemaine to her one morning when she
found her yet in the dresser's hands. "I have so much reason to
use patience," answered the neglected wife, "that I can very well
bear with it."
And so the countess continued to reign paramount in his majesty's
favour until the middle of July, 1663, when a rumour spread
through the town that she had quarrelled with the king, and had
consequently fallen from her high estate. The cause of
disagreement between the monarch and his mistress is narrated by
the French ambassador in a letter to Louis XIV.
By this time the fair Stuart had so increased in his majesty's
favour, that my Lady Castlemaine began to see the indiscretion of
which she had been guilty in bringing her so constantly into his
presence, and moreover to fear her influence over his fickle
heart. Accordingly she refused to invite the maid of honour to
her apartments, or entertain her at her assemblies. At this the
king became exceedingly wrathful, and told my lady he would not
enter her rooms again unless Miss Stuart was there. Thereon the
charming countess flew into a violent passion, roundly abused his
majesty, called her carriage, and protesting she would never
again enter the palace of Whitehall, drove off in a rage to the
residence of her uncle at Richmond.
Pages:
173
174
175
176
177
178
179
180
181
182
183
184
185
186
187
188
189
190
191
192
193
194
195
196
197