William would want to hear how she had behaved on her arrival and she must please William. Moreover, it was pleasant to chat. How she loved to gossip; and being back in England reminded her of those carefree gossiping days of childhood.
“I want to go into all the rooms,” she announced. “I want to see how much things have changed.”
So as soon as she was dressed she went from room to room, opening cupboard doors, turning down the quilts on the bed, laughing and chatting all the time.
Even her friends were a little shocked. They said: “She seems to be quite insensible of her father’s tragedy.”
Her enemies talked freely to each other. “What unbecoming conduct!” they said. “What an ungrateful daughter, for however misguided he was, he was always a good father to
As for Mary, she was thinking of him all the time as she went from room to room; she was resisting with all her might the desire to burst into tears, to ask these men to help her plead with her husband to bring her father back. Let them rule together, let William modify James’s policy; surely that could have been done.
But William had said: “Smile and be gay. Show no remorse, for that would do ill to our cause.”
So she smiled and was gay; and Sarah Churchill watching said to herself: “She is a woman of stone. She shows no remorse for her father. This is most unbecoming. She is behaving like a woman in an inn, peering into cupboards, spying into the beds.…”
Sarah disliked keeping her opinions to herself, but on this occasion she would. William and Mary would reward those who helped them and the glorious Marlborough title was not yet won.
She returned his cool greeting with suppressed exuberance. After the long separation she had forgotten how withdrawn he could be.
“William,” she said, “I am so happy to be with you. But you look ill. I fear this has been a great strain on your health.”
He shook his head impatiently. Had she not learned yet how he hated references to his infirmities?
“You appear to be in good health,” he said shortly. “As for myself, I am well enough. The sooner we are recognized as joint sovereigns the better; and I have arranged for the ceremony to take place in the Banqueting room.”
“Yes, William. Tell me, are you happy now that all is well?”
“We cannot be sure that all is well. It is early yet.”
“But the people want us, William. They have shown that clearly.” She laid her hand on his arm. “Your fame is known throughout the world,” she went on. “The English know that you will rule them well.”
“They were not eager to accept me in the beginning, suggesting that you should rule as Queen and I as Consort.”
“I would never have allowed that, William. I would have made them understand that I could not tolerate such a position. You are my husband and I regard it my duty to obey you.”
She was looking at him almost piteously, begging for some affection. He felt angry because she was taller than he was and had to look down at him; he was angry because these people wanted her and grudgingly accepted him. There were always these considerations between them. With Elizabeth it was different. With her he could discuss state affairs, make a little play at lovemaking; and he could feel the superior male all the time.
He was eager for the ceremonies to go forward with all speed, for he would not feel safe until he had been publicly proclaimed and crowned King of England.
“I wish the ceremony to be performed with all speed,” he said.
“But of course, William.”
“I have a great desire to get out of this city. I like not the air and I have seen a palace at Hampton which I think would suit me better.”
“Hampton Court Palace! Ah, yes, I remember it so well.…”
“It is unsightly and needs alterations; the gardens are a disgrace.…”
She began to smile. “Oh, William,” she cried, “we must plan alterations. I lack your inspiration in these matters, but I hope you will allow me to help.”
She had clasped her hands about his arm; he stood rigid for a while. Then he twisted his lips into something like a smile.
“That might be so,” he said.
Then he shook her off and left the apartment.
Dear beloved husband! she thought. I had forgotten how dignified, how remote, how utterly noble he is!
Mary, resplendent in state dress, took her place with William on the canopied chairs of state, their attendants ranged about them.
Lord Halifax then asked them if they would accept the crown, and they both declared their willingness to do so.
