Royal Sisters: The Story of the Daughters of James II

wish to see you at Court.”

Marlborough was stunned. This could mean discovery. Then why not imprisonment? Dismissal. Banishment. How could he possibly go forward with his schemes if he were forbidden the Court?

Curious glances were directed toward him. He must pull himself together. He lifted his shoulders, smiled and went quickly on his way.

There was gossip all through the Court. What is Marlborough’s sin? What a disgrace! To tell him in that way with so many looking on! And after his campaign in Ireland! Why, if Marlborough had not deserted James when he did, William would not have had it so easy.

It was circulated that he was accused of taking bribes. Well, that was true enough. But if everyone who took bribes was going to be driven from Court there wouldn’t be many left.

Ah, here was the real reason. He had spread infection in the Army by complaining of the privileges given to the Dutch and denied the English.

Dutch William did not like that.

So … that was the end of Marlborough.

Sarah was stricken between sorrow and rage. That this should happen to her John, to the most brilliant commander in the Army, was unthinkable! If ever she had disliked William and Mary she hated them now. Loathed them! Detested them! And she was determined that they should pay to the full for this.

She went at once to her husband.

He took her into his arms and tried to soothe her for he had never seen her in such a state of rage and excitement.

“My dear, be calm,” he begged.

“Calm! When you have been insulted … by that monstrosity, that gorilla, that abortion! How dare he!”

“He has discovered that I am writing to James.”

“No!”

“I think so.”

“He has not said …”

“No, he is too clever. He knows that if it were said half the country would rise up behind me. They do not want him here.”

“And a good thing if they did.”

“No, Sarah. Bring back James … and the Prince of Wales? What are you thinking of?”

“It would not do, of course.”

“No. Remember it, my dearest, and be calm.”

“They want to drive me away too.”

He nodded. “They will not feel safe while you are at the Cockpit.”

“But I am staying at the Cockpit.”

“I fancy they won’t allow it.”

“We shall see. We shall see.”

There was nothing for him to do but retire to St. Albans.

“Not for long,” said Sarah fiercely.

She went to Anne for comfort and it was one of the rare occasions when Anne saw Sarah weep.

“My dearest, dearest Mrs. Freeman,” cried Anne, the tears flowing down her plump red cheeks. “I beg of you, do not weep so. You distress me. I cannot bear to see my proud Mrs. Freeman thus.”

“I think of what he has done. But for him they would not be here. He could have prevented them. He has helped to subdue Ireland; he has fought for them bravely and this is how they reward him. Dismissed the Court! Banished … and all on trumped-up charges!”

“They must not be allowed to do this,” said Anne ineffectually.

“They have done it; and what is more they have only just begun. You know what they will do next. They will separate us.”

Anne was fierce suddenly. “Never!” she cried.

She threw her arms about Sarah and clung to her.

Sarah remained quietly at the Cockpit; Marlborough was at St. Albans; and three weeks had passed.