Margaret's Church in full and open day, with all the
neighbours gaping to see the Duke come forth, leading Mistress
Darpent by the hand.
Thus I had to turn out my fine gowns (grown all too tight for me) and
betake me to the Queen, who had become a little old woman, but was as
gay and kind as ever, and told me much about my mother and sister.
The King himself came and spoke to me, and said he supposed I wished
to have the old title revived; but I told him, with all thanks, that
I liked my husband better by his own name than by that which I had
rather leave sacred to my brother; whereat he laughed, and said he
must make a low bow to me, as being the first person he had met who
had nothing to ask from him.
That was all I saw of the Court. Before many weeks had passed the
cruel smallpox had carried off the young Duke of Gloucester in his
twentieth year, taking him, mayhap, from the evil to come, in his
bright youth and innocence, for had he lived, and kept himself
unsoiled even to these days, he might have been sorely tempted to
break that last promise made when he sat on his father's knee.
Soon after Madame van Hunker came to England. There was Wardour
property, which had descended to her, and she was glad to have a good
cause for bringing her daughter Emilia to England. My children all
knew and loved the fair and saint-like lady full of alms-deeds, and
with the calm face that always was ready with comfort and soothing.
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