The admiral’s manner to his guests was extraordinarily affable and engaging. He had an eye for everyone, and distributed his attentions so generally, that all were pleased. We have already said that he was infinitely more popular with the old nobility than the protector, and many representatives of the proudest families were present on this occasion who would not have honored Somerset with their company. Moreover, there was a complete gathering of the Popish party, and this circumstance tended to confirm the opinion entertained by some that Seymour meant to league himself with the Romanists in opposition to his brother.
Never had the admiral presented a more superb appearance. The rich habiliments in which he was clad set off his symmetrical person to the utmost advantage. Those who contrasted him on this occasion with his brother, the Duke of Somerset, were forced to admit that, so far as personal appearance and grace and captivation of manner were concerned, the younger Seymour had decidedly the advantage over the elder.
Amongst the earliest comers were the Marquis of Dorset, with the marchioness and the Lady Jane Grey, but the rooms were quite full, and the revel had fairly commenced, before the arrival of the Duke and Duchess of Somerset. The lord protector was arrayed in cloth of gold of bawdkin, the placard and sleeves of his doublet being wrought with flat gold, and the duchess was equally splendidly attired. Her headgear and stomacher flamed with diamonds and precious stones. Somerset was attended by the Earls of Warwick and Arundel, both of whom were splendidly habited. The duke had a gloomy look, and by no means cordially returned the greeting given him by the admiral, but passed on with the duchess and the lords in attendance upon him.
Whatever annoyance the admiral might have felt at his brother’s deportment towards him, it was speedily dispelled by the arrival of the king, whose manner was as gracious as the lord protector’s had been cold and unpleasant. Edward wore a doublet of cloth of silver, culponed with cloth of gold of damask, and his surcoat was of purple velvet, richly set with pearls and precious stones. When the lord admiral had expressed his gratitude to his royal nephew for the high honor he had conferred upon him by the visit, Edward graciously answered, “We thank you heartily for your welcome, gentle uncle. But you will have more guests than you counted on, for we have brought with us two fair ladies, who wished to be present at your assembly. Have we taken too great a freedom with you?”
“Oh, sire!” exclaimed the admiral. “My house, and all within it, are at your Majesty’s disposal.”
“Here they are,” cried the king, pointing to two ladies close behind him, both of whom were wrapped in loose cloaks of black satin, and wore black velvet visors on their faces. “Can you guess who they are?”
“I will essay, sire,” cried the admiral, advancing towards them. “By my halidom!” he continued, “I am highly honored. This fair lady, or I am much mistaken, must be her Highness the Princess Elizabeth; and thiœ, if I err not, is Mistress Ashley.”
“You are right, gentle uncle,” cried the king, laughing. “Nay, there is no need for further concealment. The admiral has found you both out, so you may e’en take off your masks.”
“We did not intend to discover ourselves for the present to your lordship,” said Mistress Ashley, removing her visor, “but his majesty has spoiled our plan.”
“I knew my uncle would be right glad to see you both, and therefore I would not delay his gratification,” rejoined Edward.
“Your Majesty has judged well,” said the admiral. “Will not your Highness unmask?” he added to Elizabeth.
“Since his majesty commands it, I must needs obey,” she replied, removing her visor, and revealing a countenance covered with blushes.
Elizabeth looked very beautiful. She was exquisitely attired in a dress of white damask embroidered with pearls, and her golden tresses and dazzlingly fair complexion produced all their former effect upon the admiral.
“I knew not you had returned to court, princess,” he said, “or I should have craved the honor of your company at my poor supper.”