The Queen's Devotion: The Story of Queen Mary II by Jean Plaidy Page A

my husband. My love for her was greater than I had ever felt for anyone before—even my father. I loved him dearly but he was just a father. This was different.
    I was very young and totally innocent. I knew that this was how lovers talked to each other—in plays for instance. Unlike my sister Anne, I liked to read of romance and passion in those pieces where the lovers were a young man and woman, but I saw no reason why the lovers should not be of the same sex.
    I gave Frances a new name. It was Aurelia, a character in one of Mr. Dryden’s comedies. In this, Aurelia was a delightful creature whom everyone loved. As for myself—I must have a special name, too. It was difficult to find anything that fitted myself. Beaumont and Fletcher had written of a young shepherdess named Clorine, who was faithful through all sorts of trials.
    So we became Aurelia and Clorine. It gave a romantic secrecy to our correspondence.
    One day my father came to see me.
    He said: “You are growing up, daughter. Twelve years old, no less, and Anne coming on a little way behind. The King thinks it is time you made an appearance at court now and then. After all, you are my daughters.”
    â€œWhat shall we have to do?”
    â€œWell, he has an idea. He thought it would be rather interesting if you gave a performance. Some play . . . something in which you could sing and dance to show the court you have not been idling all this time.”
    â€œA performance! Do you mean act?”
    â€œWhy not? It will be amusing. You will enjoy it.”
    â€œLike actors on a stage?”
    â€œAnd why not? But your stage would be Whitehall. I have a plan. I am sending for the Bettertons . . . the great actors. They will come to court and teach you how to say your lines. We shall make sure that you have some beautiful dresses. It will be a great introduction to court. I shall be so proud of you.”
    â€œAnne and I to act! Do you really think we can?”
    He touched my forehead lightly. “Do not frown, dearest daughter,” he said. “When Mrs. Betterton has coached you, you will act perfectly. You will enjoy it. Some of the girls can join in. Jemmy will help. He will want to be in it. He will be coming over to see you.”
    I was a little taken aback and I wondered whether Frances would be present to see me act. I should have to do my very best.
    It was interesting to meet Mrs. Betterton. She was a very handsome woman and most deferential. She told us to read for her. I wondered what she thought of Anne, who could scarcely read at all. She said she was quite pleased with me.
    She instructed us to say words after her. I enjoyed it, particularly when Jemmy arrived.
    He was very handsome and tended to give himself airs. I did not mind that. I liked Jemmy. He was always very friendly toward me. I had heard Sarah Jennings say that he acted as though he were heir to the throne and seemed to forget he was born on the wrong side of the blanket.
    I had long ago discovered what that meant and because of it Jemmy could not have what he had set his heart on. Jemmy was a very ostentatious Protestant, though I did not believe he was very religious in truth. He just liked to be present at all the ceremonies of the Church so that he could remind people of this. He was very popular, though there was a great deal of scandal concerning him at this time. It had something to do with a Mrs. Eleanor Needham, daughter of Sir Robert Needham.
    When Jemmy arrived he was as blithe as ever. He snapped his fingers at scandal. I suposed he was too accustomed to it to take much notice.
    He was a very good dancer and was going to perform with us, but that would not be until the play was over, for that was for ladies only.
    It was all very exciting. Even Anne was aroused to enthusiasm and made an effort to learn her lines; she really worked hard under Mrs. Betterton’s tuition. Anne was to take the part of Nymphe in the play—a chaste nymph