It
was also remarked the Duchess of York, whose custom it had been
to communicate once a month, soon followed his example. Her
neglect of this duty was considered the more conspicuous as she
had been bred a staunch protestant, and ever appeared zealous in
her support of that religion. Moreover, it was noted that, from
the beginning of the year 1670, she was wont to defend the
catholic faith from such errors as it had been charged withal.
These matters becoming subjects of conversation at court soon
reached the ears of Bishop Morley, who had acted as her confessor
since her twelfth year, confession being then much practised in
the English Church. Thereon he hastened to her, and spoke at
length of the inferences which were drawn from her neglect of
receiving the sacrament, in answer to which she pleaded business
and ill-health as sufficient excuses. But he, suspecting other
causes, gave her advice, and requested she would send for him in
case doubts arose in her mind concerning the faith she professed.
Being now free from all uncertainties, she readily promised
compliance with his desire, and added, "No priest had ever taken
the confidence to speak to her on those matters."
The fact that she no longer communicated becoming more noticed as
time passed, the king spoke to his brother concerning the
omission, when the duke told him she had become a catholic.
Hearing this, Charles requested him to keep her change of faith a
secret, which was accordingly done, none being aware of the act
but Father Hunt, a Franciscan friar, Lady Cranmer, one of her
women of the bedchamber, and Mr.
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