“True, my lord; but he had favor with Henry, and had naught to fear.”
“And what is there to fear from his daughter? We must bestir ourselves to give the queen most royal welcome. Here she will not find the ‘princely pleasures of Kenilworth,’ but nathless! hearty welcome and good cheer are much even to a queen. 88 How now, girl! Thou dost not look displeased?”
“Neither am I, good my father,” spoke Francis quickly. With the natural instinct of youth she delighted at the prospect of the pleasures in store. “Glad will I be to see the queen even though she be old and not so beautiful as Mary.”
“Beshrew me, girl! let no such words pass thy lips,” cried her father in consternation. “’Twere treason, forsooth.”
“Have no fear. I will speak naught of that order to any save thee and my lady mother. Discreet am I and full of matter, but nothing will I disclose.”
“Thou hast need to be discreet,” replied her mother. “Be not malapert and froward, child.”
“Said the messenger when she was coming?” now asked the nobleman.
“On the third day from this, my lord.”
“’Tis but short notice for what must be done,” mused Lord Stafford. “Supplies must be obtained for the queen’s retinue, and pageants prepared to amuse her. Call Greville, my wife. Bid him hasten to the presence 89 chamber. Francis, repair to thy chamber and rest. Thou dost merit it. It will be thy part, madam, to attend to the ordering of the royal apartments. As for me there will be much to employ me during the next few days. Pray Heaven, that Ballard come not during the festivities.”