“Others may, though he has not,” replied Warwick.
With this, they moved on to that part of the chamber where Edward was standing with the Lady Jane Grey. The young monarch was so engrossed by his fair companion that he scarcely noticed the lord protector’s approach.
“Your Majesty appears much interested,” observed Somerset, dryly.
“I cannot fail to be by my fair cousin’s discourse,” Edward replied. “I tell her that we cannot part with her again; that if my lady marchioness, her mother, returns to Bradgate, she must remain with some lady of our court. Her Grace of Somerset will take charge of her—will you not, dear aunt?”
“With the greatest pleasure, sire, if her mother chooses to confide her to me,” rejoined the duchess.
“Her mother will scarce like to part with her,” interposed the lord protector, coldly.
“I am infinitely obliged to your Grace,” said the marchioness, “but I have other designs for her.”
“What other designs?” cried Edward, quickly. “Not to take her away, I hope?”
“No, sire, not to take her away—but the fact is, another exalted personage, whom I am not permitted to name, has undertaken to take charge of her.”
“Hum! what means this?” muttered Somerset, suspiciously. “Why is he so anxious that the Lady Jane should remain at court? Have they contrived to put some foolish thoughts into his head? We shall see. I have some news for your Majesty,” he added, aloud. “You will have a war on your hands ere long. The Scots refuse to ratify the treaty of marriage between your Highness and their infant queen.”
“I am glad of it,” cried Edward.
“Then your Majesty desires war?” observed Somerset.
“Not so; but I do not wish to be tied by any treaty, and I am glad, therefore, that it is at an end.”
“But it will be enforced,” cried the protector, “and then your Majesty must needs abide by it.”
“Must abide by it!” exclaimed Edward. “By my faith, it seems that the treaty is to be forced upon me as well as the young Queen of Scots. But I happen to have a will of my own, and in this instance I shall exercise it. Whatever your Highness may think of it, I will not be bound by this treaty.”
“Sire!” exclaimed the lord protector.
“Make the war if you please, and use this treaty as a pretext, if you axe so minded, but do not expect me to betroth myself to Mary Stuart.”
“Amazement!” exclaimed Somerset. “I can scarce credit what I hear.”
At this moment the admiral came up with the Princess Elizabeth.
“Oh! you are come, gentle uncle,” cried Edward. “Give me your opinion. Is it right I should be affianced to one whom I have never seen?”
“I pray your Majesty to excuse me,” returned the admiral, evasively. “‘T is a question I would rather not answer.”
“Then I will answer it myself,” said the king. “‘T is a self-sacrifice I am not called upon to make. I will never plight my faith to one whom I should not care to wed.”
“Such a resolve is worthy of you, sire, and I cannot but applaud it,” cried the admiral.
“Your Majesty will think differently, I am persuaded, when the time comes for decision,” remarked the protector. “Meantime, your august father’s instructions will be carried out, and the fulfilment of the treaty enforced by the sword.”
“These matters are too grave for an occasion like the present, and must be reserved for a more fitting opportunity,” said the admiral.
A seasonable interruption was here offered by, an usher, who announced the queen-dowager, and immediately afterwards Catherine appeared, accompanied by her brother, the Earl of Northampton. She was attired in white cloth of tissue, and her head-gear was garnished with a triple row of orient pearls. Advancing to meet her, and with a profound obeisance, the admiral took her hand, and led her slowly towards the king. They were preceded, however, by the Earl of Northampton, who, inclining himself reverently before Edward, said:
“Sire, it is no longer as the widow of your august father, that my sister, Queen Catherine, appears before you, but as the bride of your uncle, Lord Seymour of Sudley.”