The Prince and the Quakeress: (Georgian Series) Read Online Free PDF Page B

expected of himand no one remarked that he was shy and gauche; and his voice was quite steady when he pronounced that his little brother was to be called Frederick William.
    *
    That year they played the tragedy of Lady Jane Grey in the theatre of Cliveden. Nicholas Rowe had written it very appealingly and there were tears shed when the lovely Jane was led to the executioner’s block.
    There was the excitement of rehearsals and learning one’s part; and Uncle Bute was so very good at anything concerning the theatre.
    He was constantly with the family and Edward and Augusta whispered that many unkind things were said about him, but George could not believe that anyone could find anything unkind to say about Uncle Bute.
    Papa was as fond of him as Mamma was. He was always saying, ‘Where’s Bute?’ And when he said he wanted to walk in the gardens with Lady Middlesex he would tell Lord Bute to accompany the Princess. Papa and Lady Middlesex would disappear for quite a long time, ‘walking the alleys’ as Papa called it. Mamma seemed very happy at such times because she did so enjoy walking with Uncle Bute. Although Papa and Lady Middlesex disappeared for a while Mamma and Lord Bute could be seen together in the gardens, always talking and laughing together, Mamma’s voice a little higher, a little more German as it was when she was pleased or excited. And then after a very long time if Papa appeared with Lady Middlesex the four of them would be very contented together.
    Once when Uncle Cumberland called to see them he came to the nursery as he had on that other occasion and George had shrunk from his embrace because he could not stop thinking of him as The Butcher. He was aware of the sword at his uncle’s side, and in his imagination George saw it dripping with blood.
    Uncle Cumberland was aware of this change in his nephew. He drew back in dismay. He said: ‘Oh my God, what have they told you about me?’
    And he was too sad even to talk of wars.
    George was sorry, for he hated trouble in the family.
    When his father heard that the Duke had gone away he said: ‘Good riddance. We don’t want him here.’
    Yet George could not believe his uncle was such a villain when he saw him face to face and he continued to think of him for a long time… sometimes as The Butcher with the sword dripping blood and others as the jolly uncle who was one of the most generous members of the family.
    Papa was, he said, becoming a little anxious about their educations, and busied himself drawing up an account of how their lessons should be regulated.
    They were to get up at seven o’clock and be ready to read with Mr Scott from eight until nine. Then they must study with Dr Ayscough from nine till eleven; from eleven to twelve Mr Fung must take over and from twelve to half past Mr Ruperti would be in charge. After that they could play until three, when dinner was taken. Mr Desnoyer came three times a week at half past four to instruct them in music; and at five they must continue the study of languages with Mr Fung until half past six. At half past six until eight they must be with Mr Scott again; at eight they took supper and must go to bed about ten o’clock. On Sundays George and Edward would be instructed by Dr Ayscough, with their two sisters, on the principles of religion.
    This was a rigorous timetable and one which was not closely adhered to. It was typical of Frederick that having drawn up a list of stern rules he could feel he had done his duty, and when he decided that a game of tennis or cricket would be good for the boys, or it was time they performed another play, he happily interrupted the curriculum he had so carefully arranged.
    At this time he introduced Francis, Lord North, into the royal nursery to take charge of his sons.
    One bright March day George, with some of the family, went to watch his father at tennis. It was a most exciting game but it was brought to an abrupt end when one of the balls struck Frederick in