The Regent's Daughter: (Georgian Series) (25 page)

‘The position is becoming intolerable,’ said Maria Fitzherbert to the faithful Pigot. ‘I will not continue in this way.’

Miss Pigot looked worried. She could not bear conflict between her beloved Maria and the Prince who was almost equally beloved. Why could they not go on as they had in the past? Why could he not be content? He was a foolish boy to think that he could ever find the happiness with that cold ambitious Hertford woman that he had known with dear Maria. And there was Minney. He loved Minney. He always looked for her when he arrived; and sometimes she would spring out on him from some unexpected corner, or wait until he was seated and then put her hands over his eyes and cry ‘Guess who?’ in a voice unmistakably Minney’s; and he would go through all the ladies of society pretending that he was trying to guess. It did you good to see them, thought Miss Pigot. And now it was all spoilt by that lump of dressed-up ice, the Hertford woman.

Maria was getting touchy and that meant that she really was beginning to think seriously of breaking with him.

That’s just something I couldn’t bear, thought Miss Pigot.

‘It’ll pass,’ she kept telling Maria. ‘It’s just another of those little wickednesses of his. My goodness, we know enough about them, or we ought to by now.’

But this was not just a little wickedness. It had been going on too long; and Maria had already written to him very seriously telling him that she would not continue to tolerate it.

And he had ignored the letter, as he ignored so much that he did not want to accept. He wanted to go on paying his pleasant morning calls to the house on the Steyne chatting with Maria, playing with Minney; and then at the evening entertainment at the Pavilion he would be at Lady Hertford’s side all the evening so that Maria would be there merely as the chaperon that very virtuous icicle desired.

It was really asking too much and no man but the Prince of
Wales would think of subjecting a woman whom he had once loved so wholeheartedly – and still did in his way, insisted Miss Pigot – to such an indignity.

And now the climax was close.

Maria had returned from a drive with Minney and before the child, of course, she pretended that all was well. Miss Pigot thanked God every day for Minney. Because, reasoned that faithful friend and companion, if ever the break did come there would be Minney to comfort her; and Miss Pigot was beginning to think that Maria’s love for that child was greater than the love she had for the Prince. Well, the foolish man was showing himself unappreciative of Maria’s devotion, whereas little Minney was never really happy unless she was with Maria. She could not have felt closer to her own mother; and perhaps the fact that they had once been in danger of losing each other had made them all the more aware of the value of their devotion.

Minney had gone to her room to change her gown and Maria came into the drawing room to speak to Miss Pigot whom she had seen from the window as they were getting out of the carriage.

‘My word,’ said Miss Pigot, ‘Minney looks the picture of health. Brighton agrees with her.’ She was anxiously regarding Maria’s face. ‘Brighton agrees with so many. His Highness called while you were out.’

Maria’s lip curled coldly. Oh dear, thought Miss Pigot. Trouble!

‘I daresay he was surprised to find us not here.’

‘Surprised and hurt.’

‘He should not be surprised. But what a child he is. He thinks he can behave to me intolerably in public and then he comes through his tunnel like an adventurous schoolboy and expects Minney and me to be waiting to pounce on him and play childish games.’

‘Couldn’t you be patient a little longer?’

‘I’ve been patient too long.’

‘If you could have seen his face when he heard you weren’t here.’

‘I wish I had seen it. Oh, Pig, don’t make excuses for him. You know he has behaved abominably. I’m sorry I ever went back to him. That was a great mistake.’

‘Have you forgotten how happy you were?’

‘For a little while we were happy.’

‘It was for six years or more … before this … this … woman came along.’

‘But before her there was the Jersey affair. Oh, it’s hopeless. Don’t let us pretend. This sort of thing would happen constantly, and I have had enough. I should never have given in in the first place. I told him it was impossible.’

‘And he wouldn’t accept that,’ said Miss Pigot firmly. ‘He was determined, and when he’s determined …’

‘As he is now with Lady Hertford.’

‘Oh, that woman. If she had not been such a prude the affair would have been over and forgotten by now.’

‘That doesn’t make it more pleasant. No, I have come to a decision. I am not going to endure the present position. I am not going to be chaperon to Lady Hertford. If he wishes to make her his mistress, let him do so, but I am not going to be a party to his amours. Dear Pig, we have been together so long and you have seen what I have had to endure.’

‘There are faults on both sides,’ said Miss Pigot quickly.

Maria laughed. ‘Oh, trust you to stand up for him. But you must admit that this is asking too much. Now do you admit this?’

‘Well … I do think he shouldn’t ask your help in courting the woman.’

‘You see, he is quite ridiculous. I know you’re going to say he is the Prince of Wales and people have always made allowances for him. Well, I have finished making allowances. I have been thinking of this for a long time, and I’ve come to the conclusion that I shall appear less and less in society. Minney and I are very happy together. The three of us should make a good life, eh, Piggy?’

Miss Pigot nodded.

‘And,’ went on Maria, ‘I believe that once we have recovered from the break we should be happier without him. This constant friction, this perpetual straying … I am too old, Pig, to cope with it. I really believe that I prefer a quiet life. There is Minney’s education to think of … I want to supervise that myself. What an intelligent child she is. Then I shall launch her and hope that she makes a good marriage … by that I mean a happy marriage. You see, this is different from when he left me for Lady Jersey. Then I was desolate and alone. Now I have
Minney and I do believe that I can come to a more peaceful happiness with the dear child than I ever could with him.’

Miss Pigot nodded. She was beginning to believe this was true.

A carriage had drawn up at Mrs Fitzherbert’s house. Peeping through a window Miss Pigot was startled to see Lady Hertford stepping out.

She ran at once to Maria’s dressing room, thinking to find her there, but Maria was already in the drawing room with Minney, which meant that Lady Hertford would be brought to her there.

What could this mean? Had the Prince sent her? How she wished she was there to see what was happening.

Maria was no less astonished than Miss Pigot. She did not expect to receive visits from her rival. Lady Hertford, exquisitely dressed, with an aura of delicate perfume about her, asked Mrs Fitzherbert’s indulgence for calling unexpectedly.

Maria hid her dismay with perfect poise and her manner was as cool as Lady Hertford’s.

‘And this is, of course, Mary.’

Minney came forward and made a charming curtsey. ‘My dear child,’ said Lady Hertford, ‘How pleasant to see you. We should meet more frequently. Don’t forget that I am your aunt.’

Maria was pleased to see that Minney did not show the concern she must be feeling, for Minney was well aware of the danger there had been of defeat which would have meant that she would be separated from Maria.

But this was her Aunt Isabella who, with her husband, had stepped in and allowed her to come to Maria. Still, there was something about her which warned Minney as it did Maria.

Would Lady Hertford drink a dish of tea? asked Maria.

Lady Hertford graciously declared that she would be delighted to do so, and Minney pulled the bellrope.

They talked of the weather, the amenities of Brighton, the newest additions to the Pavilion until tea was brought; then Lady Hertford, her eyes on Minney said: ‘Relations I think should be together. There is nothing like family ties.’

Maria conceded that it was ideal for families to be together if circumstances made this possible.

‘Families should adjust themselves to circumstances,’ Lady Hertford replied with authority.

‘And accept the best arrangements that can be made,’ put in Maria, growing more and more uneasy every minute.

She had seen a certain fear in Minney’s face. Minney was exceptionally intelligent; she would be seeing beneath the innuendoes. What did it mean? wondered Maria. Was the battle going to start all over again? Was this woman not content with the Prince? Did she want Minney as well?

‘My dear Mary,’ said Lady Hertford, ‘pray come here. Why, how like your mother you are! Your Uncle Hertford and I were speaking of you only the other day. What about your religious instruction?’

‘Minney studies with her teachers and she is being brought up in her parents’ religion.’

‘How important that is! And since it is well known that you, my dear Mrs Fitzherbert, are a Catholic, I believe all the family will be happy to know that Mary is not having …’ she smiled deprecatingly, ‘… secret instruction in the Catholic faith. Of course, I know, my dear Mrs Fitzherbert, that you have given your word that this should be so, but we have been – and you will be the first to admit justifiably – a little anxious that Mary might be influenced.’

‘I do not attempt to influence her in any way as far as her religious instruction is concerned.’

Lady Hertford waved a hand about the room. ‘I am sure that is so but, as Lord Hertford was saying to me, influence is … insidious.’

‘Lady Hertford, pray tell me, are you complaining of the manner in which I am bringing up Minney?’

Minney had swiftly crossed the room to stand beside Maria. Maria thought then: If they try to take her away from me I will fight them all. I’ll never give her up.

Lady Hertford smiled icily. ‘Well, it has been
so
pleasant talking to you. Thank you. The tea was delicious. And Mary, my dear niece, we must see each other more frequently. I fancy we
shall
in the future.’

She had gone, leaving disquiet behind her.

She was threatening of course.

As the sound of carriage wheels died away Minney threw herself into Maria’s arms.

‘Don’t be frightened, Minney,’ said Maria. ‘I’ll never let you go.’

Maria could not wait; she presented herself at the Pavilion and asked to see the Prince of Wales, who received her in his own apartments – in the anteroom leading to the library and his bedroom. He was examining a picture on the walls and when she was announced he came to her and embraced her warmly.

‘My dearest love, you are just in time to advise me about this picture. And what do you think of that looking-glass? It’s silvered beech. Rather fine, don’t you think?’

Maria said: ‘I did not come to look at pictures and looking-glasses, but to talk to you very seriously.’

A haughty expression touched his features and his face grew a little pinker than usual. He tried to whip up an indignation. Here he was trying to be friendly with Maria, trying to behave as though she had not sent him an unkind letter, as though she had not refused an invitation to dine at the Pavilion. Why, if anyone else had behaved in such a way he would never have spoken to them again. And she was being censorious!

‘Let us stop prevaricating, for heaven’s sake,’ said Maria. ‘Let us have done with pretence. I have had a visit from Lady Hertford.’

‘Is that so?’

He knew, she thought in panic. They had arranged it together!

‘During which she made some alarming implications. Poor Minney was present and aware of these. The poor child is most unhappy.’

‘Minney unhappy! That will never do. What is the stupid little goose frightened of?’

‘That Lady Hertford is going to demand that she leaves me and goes to her.’

The Prince was silent. ‘That is something,’ he said, ‘that she could do.’

‘But she shall not do.’

‘My dearest love …’

‘Please do not call me that. It is so
false.
Let us be truthful. That woman who may or may not be your mistress but whom you are endeavouring to raise … or lower … to that
questionably enviable position … is going to take Minney from me to spite me. She has made that clear. And you – are you trying to help her? I cannot believe that you would be so cruel. You have always pretended to care for Minney. Play your childish games if you wish, continue to submit me to these humiliations … at least you may attempt to, but I have made up my mind that I will endure no more … but for God’s sake don’t tamper with a child’s happiness.’

He was angry. How dared she say such things to him! And on the other hand no one could be quite as magnificent as Maria in her rages. He did not want to lose Maria and he knew her pride and determination. If she said she was going to leave him she meant it. Why could she not be reasonable? The relationship between them was too strong to be broken over a silly quarrel. Why couldn’t she wait patiently for him? Why couldn’t she allow him this little flutter with Lady Hertford and remain stolidly in the background so that he would always know she was there?

But how dared she speak to him in this manner. ‘You seem to think that you are the only one in the world who can make Minney happy.’

‘I do think that and I know it’s true.’

‘I happen to think that Minney has some affection for me.’

‘She has – but if she were aware that you were in this diabolical plot to separate her from me, you would lose that affection, let me warn you.’

‘You
warn
me!’

‘Certainly. If you wish to keep Minney’s affection do not make plans with your paramour to take her from me.’

This was too much. Tears filled his eyes. He – the Prince of Wales – had tried to talk to her reasonably and she had come here to abuse him.

‘You forget,’ he said, ‘that you were allowed to take Minney because of
my
intervention.
I
persuaded Lord and Lady Hertford that it was
my
pleasure that the child should come to you. And this I did solely to please you because your comfort and happiness had always meant so much to me.’