The Constable of the Tower by W. Harrison Ainsworth

When the surnap had been removed, and spices and wafers were placed before the guests, the chief usher called out with a loud voice that the king drank to the health of his host and hostess, and desired that all would join him in the toast. The proposal was received with acclamations. Every goblet was instantly drained, and the hall resounded with shouts of “Long live the Lord High Admiral and the Queen!”

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Chapter XIII

HOW THE ADMIRAL’S PASSION FOR THE PRINCESS ELIZABETH WAS REVIVED

Much additional importance was given to the lord admiral by his marriage with the queen-dowager, though the suddenness with which it followed the king’s death caused considerable scandal. Many allowances, however, were made for the queen. It was felt that her existence during the latter days of the king’s life must have been wretched—that his tyranny was almost intolerable—and that if she had made too speedy use of her freedom, she could scarcely be blamed. Moreover, the strong support given by Catherine to the members of the Reformed faith, and the risk she had incurred for them in the late king’s life, operated in her favor. Her conduct was, therefore, viewed in the best light possible, and though such haste to forget him was not very flattering to the king’s memory, still it was quite intelligible. Had not Henry himself set the example of hasty marriages? No wonder his widow should marry again so soon as she had the opportunity.

The admiral continued his magnificent mode of life, but Catherine, who had had enough of splendor, did not pass much of her time at Seymour House, but made Chelsea Manor-House her chief abode. Having the Lady Jane Grey now under her care, she soon became as much attached to her as if she had been her own daughter; while on her part the Lady Jane repaid her by almost filial affection. Jane’s character was well suited to Catherine, who, studious and devout herself, could not fail to admire these qualities in her charge. At his uncle’s invitation the young king was a frequent visitor to Chelsea Manor-House, sometimes proceeding thither in his barge, sometimes riding thither with the admiral. The frequency of these visits soon, however, alarmed the lord protector, who put a stop to them altogether.

But though the admiral was engrossed with ambitious designs almost to the exclusion of every other consideration, and though he was bound to banish such a feeling from his breast, the fatal passion for Elizabeth, which had been suddenly revived by the discovery he had made that she yet loved him, still tormented him, and would not be dismissed. To do him justice, he made strong efforts to shake it off. In spite of himself, however, he could not help instituting comparisons between her youthful attractions and the waning charms of the queen. Then, Catherine’s grave and sedate manner, as contrasted with the liveliness of Elizabeth, appeared to disadvantage. The golden tresses of the princess, which he had so much admired, were as much a snare to him as ever. In short, he began to feel that he had never really loved the queen, whom he had made his wife, while he was desperately in love with Elizabeth. As every month flew by, it seemed to him that the princess acquired fresh charms. Her eyes appeared brighter, her complexion more radiantly fair, her locks more like sunbeams than ever.

Happy in the possession of the husband she loved, Catherine had long since forgotten her jealousy of Elizabeth; and when the admiral proposed that the princess should stay with them for a while at Chelsea, she readily acceded to the arrangement. Elizabeth was invited, and came.

She came attended by her governess, Mistress Ashley. If the queen had forgotten the past, Elizabeth did not appear to remember it. But, in reality, she remembered it only too well. She had no more been able to conquer her love for the admiral than he had been able to subdue the passion with which she had inspired him. But if such were the state of her feelings, why should she expose herself to so much risk? Why, indeed? As well ask the moth why it rushes into the destructive flame! Elizabeth was as little mistress of herself as the infatuated insect. Persuading herself that the best way to become indifferent to the admiral was to renew her intimacy with him, she went to Chelsea.