The Princess of Celle: (Georgian Series) Read Online Free PDF Page B

seven sons and yet he became head of our house.’
    ‘That was agreed on by all his brothers when they drew lots.’
    ‘It shall be agreed on between us all … in just the same way.’
    ‘Would you swear never to marry?’
    ‘I would swear it.’
    ‘John Frederick would have to swear the same.’
    ‘He shall swear it.’
    ‘And Christian Lewis would have to agree.’
    ‘My dear brother, have no fear. This shall be done in such away as shall give you no qualms … no fears of the future. Marry this woman and you shall have the means to settle yourself and start a family. You shall be the head of our house, I promise you.’
    ‘In that case,’ said Ernest Augustus, ‘it will be necessary for us to return to Celle without delay. There we will draw up the documents, for much as I trust you, brother, this is a matter which must be signed and sealed, and our brothers must be present at the signing-sealing ceremony.’
    George William clapped his brother on the back. ‘You are become a man of affairs already.’ Then he embraced him. ‘How can I thank you! It is as though a great burden has fallen from my shoulders.’
    In a few days’ time the brothers left Venice and travelled northwards, little Lucas Buccolini going with them. George William was planning to put him with foster parents; his education and future would be well looked after; his name would be changed – perhaps to Buccow – because it would be a handicap to the boy to go through life with an Italian name. He should have a place in his household, but that was for later. At the moment George William must give his mind to settling this little matter; and once Ernest Augustus was married, he, George William, would go off on his travels again. It would be different though. He would miss Ernest Augustus; and he would not want to return to Venice. Yes, everything would be a little different, for Ernest Augustus had already changed. He carried his head a little higher; he gave orders to his servants in a more peremptory manner; he had acquired a new dignity even before he took on his bride and his new estates.
    Christian Lewis was thoughtful.
    ‘I see no harm in it,’ he said. ‘Ernest Augustus is willing to take over your responsibilities and if you will agree to his terms then, for the love of our house, let us get the terms settled without delay. We are no longer children and this marriage should take place as soon as it can be arranged.’
    ‘I will prepare my statement at once,’ said George William.
    ‘There is one point that you have not considered,’ addedChristian Lewis. ‘What of the lady? How will she take the change?’
    George William agreed this was a matter which would need delicate handling. ‘A pity,’ he said, ‘that we did not come to this arrangement before I made the proposal. Never mind. It’s not a man she wants but marriage. You must admit that our young brother is a fine figure of a man.’
    ‘Let us hope that she thinks so,’ added Christian Lewis with a smile.
    ‘We will get the matter settled; then she shall be informed and Ernest Augustus can go to his nuptials.’
    ‘You understand all you are giving up?’
    ‘I understand absolutely.’
    ‘You may regret.’
    ‘I shall always remember that the price I paid for freedom was worth it.’
    In his study George William was writing his renunciation of marriage.
‘Having perceived the necessity of taking into consideration how our House of this line may best be provided with heirs and be perpetuated in the future; yet having been and remaining up to the present date both unable and unwilling in my person to engage in any marriage contract, I have rather induced my brother, Ernest Augustus, to declare that, on condition of receiving from me a renunciation of marriage for myself, written and signed with my own hand, in favour of himself and his heirs male, he is prepared forthwith and without delay to enter into holy matrimony, and, as may be hoped, soon to bestow the