‘Why not among the English Plantagenets?’ asked the king.
‘Would that some remained,’ ejaculated the Princess.
‘But one does remain,’ said Charlie. ‘The fact is that I have had the good fortune to make the acquaintance of one whom I have determined to wed; and, my dear aunt, she is a Plantagenet. Mr Checkstone, who has the honour of her acquaintance, will tell you about her.’
‘Indeed!’ exclaimed the Princess. ‘This news greatly rejoices me. Let Mr Checkstone write to her at once in my name and ask her to come and visit me. I will judge of her worthiness.’
‘You had better write,’ suggested the king. ‘Why not write informally, as my aunt. You must remember that we cannot yet afford to risk anything by publicly hinting at my pretensions, much less by boldly proclaiming to the country and the powers that be that I intend to seize the crown.’
The Princess reflected; but she gave way, and, for once in her life, signed herself simply Henrietta Maria Stuart.
In due course Kate received the invitation. It was accompanied by a private letter from Charlie; and when she had read the two communications, she forfeited a month’s salary and quitted her situation. A few days had to be spent in preparing for the visit to so large and grand an establishment as she knew Balquhalloch to be; but in less than a week after hearing from Miss Stuart, Catharine Plantagenet left London for Scotland.
IV.—THE COLLAPSE.
The Princess was charmed with Catharine Plantagenet, who, in truth, was as gentle and true-hearted a girl as could be met with anywhere; but when she became fully aware of the deception to which she was a party, it was with the greatest difficulty that Charlie persuaded her to refrain from telling her proud hostess the secret of her birth.
‘Well,’ said Catharine, ‘under any circumstances I won’t consent to take advantage of your aunt’s weakness. I hate false pretences. Your aunt ought to do something for you, I confess, but let her do it with her eyes open.’