The Three Crowns: The Story of William a - By Jean Plaidy Page 0,31
it was intolerable that Susanna should be compared with those women of light morals who had been his mistresses.
He made a decision. His first marriage had been for love. Why not his second?
“Susanna,” he said, “will you marry me?”
She was astonished. Marry the King’s brother who was heir presumptive to the throne? It was impossible. The King and the Parliament would never allow it. When James married it must be to some foreign princess, and the marriage would be for state reasons.
“My dear,” murmured Susanna, “that which you suggest could not be.”
“It shall be,” retorted James. “I married for love once and I shall do so again.”
“It will never be permitted. I shall never forget the great honor Your Grace has done me, but I fear this is the end of our friendship. It breaks my heart and I know it saddens you. But the fact is without marriage we cannot be together as we wish; and I greatly fear that the King himself would forbid such a union.”
“I was told this before, but I married as I wished. I swear to you I will do so again.”
He kissed her tenderly, stemming his passion. He went to his apartments and wrote a promise of marriage which he sent to her without delay; and he made no secret of the fact that he had written it. He wanted the scandalmongering Court to know that Susanna Armine was not his mistress; nor ever should be, although he loved her so tenderly, because she was going to be his wife.
The King sighed deeply when he heard the news. He sent for his brother.
“James, James,” he cried, “what new folly is this? Do you seriously believe that a man in your position can marry the widow woman?”
“If you are referring to Lady Bellasis …”
The King raised his eyebrows. “To whom else should I refer? Don’t tell me you have given more promises of marriage to more widows?”
“She is the only one I can ever marry.”
Charles sighed with affected relief. “At least there is only one! No, James, this is out of the question.”
“I have heard that tale before.”
“Alas, so have we, and it grows a little more wearisome the second time than the first. You cannot make a fool of yourself again—not at your age, brother.”
“I do not consider …”
“Alas, you never do. A little more consideration, James, and you would be a better politician, a better future King, and perhaps a better sailor.”
“I am in love with Susanna.”
“I see you are indeed a lovesick boy. Now I pray you oblige me by going to your lady. Tell her that you will give her a house and land, a resounding title perhaps in time; but there will be no marriage. I am sure she will understand.”
“She could not understand such a proposition. It is marriage or nothing.”
“Alas, poor James, that it should be nothing as far as this good lady is concerned. Do not fret though. There are many fair ladies in the Court; some are very happy to accept a house and land … they will not ask for the ultimate sacrifice.”
“Charles … I beg of you …”
“Pray do not beg. I never could abide beggars. Leave me now and think on what I have said.”
When James had gone Charles summoned certain ministers to his chamber. When they were assembled he said: “The Duke of York grows restive. It is time he married. Find a suitable bride for him, and we will get the matter settled as soon as possible.”
When Susanna understood that if James married her against the wishes of the King and the country he might be rejected by them, she herself decided to break off their friendship.
There was one last interview between them before James went off to join the Navy, for war with the Dutch had broken out again.
“I see,” said Susanna, “that I can never be happy again. For if I married you I should continually reproach myself for the harm I had done you; and since I cannot, I shall think of you with longing all my life.”
“Do not despair,” cried James. “Once I have beaten the Dutch I will fight for our happiness.”
She smiled sadly, for she knew that he would not.
She begged though to be allowed to keep his promise of marriage. It would be a little souvenir of the esteem in which he had held her and show the world that theirs had been an honorable relationship.