Courting Her Highness by Jean Plaidy

Having made their sacrifices they were determined that theirs should be a successful marriage; and as they were both people who were determined to have what they wanted from life, they had, as they both agreed, the perfect union. Much as he loved money John would not have exchanged Sarah for the richest heiress in the kingdom; as for Sarah she preferred a genius for whom she could help to create a career than one who had already proved himself.
    Now he discussed with Sarah the need to provide Henrietta with a dowry.
    “That is the trouble with daughters. One has to provide a dowry.”
    “She ought to have ten thousand pounds,” declared Sarah.
    John grew pale at the thought of parting with so much money. “I might manage five,” he said painfully. “We have to remember, my love, that it will soon be Anne’s turn and then there are Elizabeth and Mary.”
    “It’s a pity Sidney gambles so. He’s continually embarrassed with debts, I hear. If Meg Blagge had lived she would never have allowed him to waste his money on gambling. She would have considered it a sin. But … five thousand, you say, Marl. If we can manage that, it will do. You will see.”
    He did see, for very shortly afterwards Sarah told him jubilantly: “Henrietta will have her ten thousand dowry.”
    John looked at her in astonishment.
    “Dear Mrs. Morley
insisted
. She thinks Henrietta charming and implored me to allow her to give her a worthy gift. Do you know, Marl, she offered ten thousand. I wouldn’t accept it. You know what a sharp eye Caliban keeps on her income. I’ve already heard some unpleasant suggestions about favourites taking all she has. I modestly accepted five. Anne can have the other five when her turn comes. And no one can call five thousand
excessive
for one who professes she is so fond of me!”
    The Earl smiled at his wife.
    “There is no need to tell you, my love, that I think you the most wonderful woman in the world. You must be aware of it.”

    There had been talk of nothing in the St. Albans’ house but the marriage of Henrietta. Abigail spent most of her time in the sewing room working on dresses for the girls of the family. Weddings were continually discussed throughout the household and whenever on such occasion any of them became aware of Abigail, they usually gave her a pitying look which she interpreted without difficulty.
    Poor plain Abigail! She will never have a handsome husband—nor any husband for that matter. For where would such a humble creature find a dowry; and who would marry her without?
    One could not blame them, thought Abigail. It was perfectly true.
    So she stitched the dresses and quietly listened to Henrietta’s abuse because she had not made a dazzling Court gown out of the materials provided; and she envied Henrietta, not her husband, but for the fact that she would escape from St. Albans.
    Abigail attended the wedding, keeping well in the background. She briefly made the acquaintance of the Godolphins. “A connection of ours … who is so useful in the house!” It spoke for itself; the Godolphins briefly acknowledged the poor relation and promptly forgot she existed.
    But there were some members of the household who did not forget her.
    “The household has shrunk a little,” commented the Earl. “When youand I go back to Court and young John takes up his position in Gloucester’s household, there will only be the three girls here … and of course Abigail Hill. Do they need Abigail now, do you think?”
    “Need her?” said Sarah. “They managed well enough before she came, but I understand she is meek and uncomplaining.”
    “I do not doubt that, but it is an extra one to feed and those small creatures often have astonishing appetites.”
    “My dear Marl, I don’t want the creature here, but what can I do?”
    “Find her a place somewhere so that she is off our hands.”
    “I will keep my eyes open. I do see what you mean. Why should she live at our expense when she