The Princess of Orange and her three brothers were there alternately with Brussels throughout that winter and the early part of the succeeding spring.
Thurloe writes in March 1659-1660: “To-morrow I am parting for Antwerp, whither the princess royal is going, being on her return from Breda. The King of Scots goes with her to Antwerp, and from thence returns specially hither, but both the dukes go through with her to Breda.”[[109]] It is certain that though Mary was ignorant of the marriage she suspected the existence of some understanding between her brother and the maid of honour before the end of 1659, and on this account made no difficulty of the latter’s retirement from her service.
[109]. “State Papers of John Thurloe, Esq.”
There is a consensus of evidence as to the date of the marriage. Among others, Lady Fanshawe gives it.[[110]] She was certainly in Holland at the time and it is possible that she was at Breda itself.
[110]. “Notes to the Memoirs of Ann, Lady Fanshawe” (Chalmers’ Biographical Dictionary).
Who the witnesses of this union were cannot now be ascertained, and it may be because of this fact that we are told that James could, if he chose, have had the contract annulled at the time when the storm broke.[[111]] It has indeed by some writers been termed a contract, only, of marriage, but we shall see later that the validity was fully established.
[111]. “Royalty Restored.” J. F. Molloy.
At any rate James now went to the King, and on his knees made a clean breast of the affair, confessing the fact of his marriage in defiance of the prohibition of the previous year, and entreating permission for a public ceremony. Charles was, we are told, “greatly troubled with his Brother’s Passion,” “which was expressed in a very wonderful manner and with many tears, protesting that if his Majesty should not give his consent, he would immediately leave the Kingdom, and must spend his life in foreign parts.”[[112]]
[112]. “Life of Edward, Earl of Clarendon: Continuation,” by himself.
The King, as might be expected, was greatly dismayed and perplexed, as the situation offered serious complications. He does not appear to have shown then, nor later, much positive anger with his brother, but he was far-seeing enough to fear the difficulties that would probably arise from this unwelcome alliance, which might very well prove a terrible stumbling-block in his way.