| |
Nine years later – 25 May 1660
Sir Edward Lovelace stood on the quay at Dover amid a swarm of men, women and children of all classes. From a barge alighted a tall man, who strode towards him. Like all those in the immense crowd, Edward gave way to the impressive figure and made a sweeping bow as the King passed to be greeted by the waiting General Monck, who had played such a large role in his return.
The King smiled to all around, acknowledging with a nod a few of the well-dressed men who surrounded him. He turned towards Edward and recognition lit his face.
“Sir Edward Lovelace ‒ you’re here!”
“Your Majesty,” Edward said. “Where else would I be when my King has finally returned to his realm?”
“You were with me many years. I shall be glad to have you with me again. Come to London. My court will be a bright place after the bleakness that has been there all too long.”
“I will, Your Majesty. And, if I may, I shall present my wife at court.”
“Indeed you ought. I look forward to seeing the demure, but divine, Lady Lovelace again. I will expect you in London soon.”
The King broke away to be greeted by the mayor of the town, before entering a grand coach and setting off through Dover while the crowd enthusiastically cheered him on his way.
***
A week later, Charity and Edward stood in the balcony of the Banqueting Hall in London, looking down at the royal personage breaking his fast, surrounded by his court.
Charity felt radiant, clad in a blue silk dress; the like of which she had never imagined wearing before she met Edward. The finest lace, made in Brussels, adorned her sleeves and neckline. Hoops of pearls caught up her ringletted hair.
If her mother could see her now, she would be shocked by the opulence of her attire!
Beside her was her beloved Edward. He no longer wore his buff coat as a matter of course, as he had for many years. Now he wore a lace-edged shirt, brocade coat and breeches. His shoes were polished to an extreme degree, and adorned with large buckles.
The meal took more than an hour. Charity grew bored, anxious to return home to her family. Such a strange custom it was; watching one’s betters eat their meals. And it must feel odd to be eternally gazed upon.
Finally, the King had eaten and drunk his fill, for he rose from his seat. Lords and ladies arose from their chairs with loud scrapings and a hubbub of voices.
“Shall we depart, Edward? I think I have seen enough of glorious personages for today,” Charity whispered in his ear.
Edward turned to her and smiled. “Yes, there is no more splendour to gaze upon here.”
“Perhaps we could spend some time with the children?”
Edward nodded in agreement and seemed about to answer when a voice rang out from below. “Sir Edward Lovelace!”
A gentleman of the court was gesturing to Edward. “The King commands your presence, and that of Lady Lovelace.”
Edward’s eyebrow flickered upward as he offered Charity his arm to escort her from the balcony, via a corner staircase.
The King stood waiting. Edward bowed and Charity curtseyed before him.
“Sir Edward, Lady Charity. I am glad you came to London. I have tasks for you, Edward.” He turned to Charity with a smile. “And for you, madam.”
Edward glanced at Charity. “We would be happy to serve you in any way you wish,” Edward said.
“And so you shall.” The King paused and beckoned his secretary. “Sir Edward Lovelace, you have been a loyal subject of mine, and of my father, for your whole adult life. Never more so than in my bleakest hour, when you delivered into my hand that list of faithful supporters. It pleases me to make you Baron Sonnington.”
Charity gasped. Edward was being well rewarded for his loyalty.
“The proclamation shall be prepared.” The King nodded to his secretary indicating he was to do his King’s bidding. “You will take your place in the House of Lords when parliament sits.”
He turned to Charity with a smile. “And Lady Charity, I would appreciate your occasional attendance at court.”
“Of course, Your Majesty. It would be my pleasure.”
Edward, holding Charity’s hand, bowed again while she curtseyed.
The King nodded and strode away.
“Never did I imagine such recognition for my service,” said Edward, barely suppressing his grin.
“Never was it more deserved. You stood by him when his future as King seemed impossible. You have given him time and money during all your adult life. Now you have been justly rewarded.” Charity knew Edward was delighted by the ascendancy of his king, and of his own star.
“Let’s go home to the children. I’ve had enough of lace collars for one day,” he said.
“You sound like the hermit dwelling in a hut whom I first loved.” Charity laughed as he took her arm.
“Ha. Yes. Living rough for years on campaign has ruined me for court life, I fear. I will serve my king in his House of Lords, but as I told you many years ago, what I most long for is a quiet life at Sonnington with my family around me and the fields full of crops and fat animals.”
“I remember well. You have achieved all that and more. Let us go home now and see how the children are progressing with their lessons.”
***
At the town house they had leased for the month, Edward followed Charity to their bedchamber. They helped each other discard the stiff corsetry and lace of their formal clothes. When they had reduced each other to their undergarments, they became distracted from their goal of attiring themselves in older, softer clothes before visiting their children.
Sometime later, Charity looked at the expensive mechanical clock on the bedside table. “In bed at noon, Edward! How corrupted we are already by this new regime.” She swung her legs out of the bed.
“I don’t think we can blame the restoration of the monarchy for this state of being. I can recall a good many times when we have found ourselves thus, goodwife.”
“But the children! We forgot them.”
“Instead of lessons, we will share their meal with them.”
He reached for her hand and drew her back into bed.
***
At tea time, with her husband by her side, Charity sat down in the nursery to eat with their four offspring and Aunt Phoebe.
Phoebe had been with them since they had set out from Somerset for the New Forest to convince Phoebe she must accompany them to London, now their king had returned.
Charity had noted with concern that Aunt Phoebe looked older and greyer. However, she still sat tall in her seat and her level gaze comprehended more than those around her might feel comfortable with.
Charity was sure Aunt Phoebe noticed her flushed cheeks and her softened looks towards Edward, but as always, Phoebe made no comment, except to say the children had missed their mama for their lessons.
***
After the meal’s conclusion, Charity drew the children to her. William, eight years, Maurice, six years, and Elizabeth, four years, clustered around her, while two-year-old Prudence perched on her lap. All were eager to tell her of their morning. Charity glanced over their heads at Edward, hoping to convey her happiness and satisfaction with all they had achieved together.
Their children’s future looked brighter than it had for many years. Peace in the kingdom with the hope of prosperity seemed a possibility again, even if not yet a fact.
“By-the-bye,” said Aunt Phoebe, “have you ever heard of Captain Frankston?”
Edward shook his head. “No, never. He disappeared like the regime he served. And speaking of new regimes...” Edward bowed towards her, pausing for effect, “Aunt Phoebe, by the King’s order, you have before you Baron Sonnington.”
She clapped her hands and congratulated him. “You followed the right path with faith and courage, Edward. And you have been justly rewarded. I am thankful Charity saved you all those years ago ‒ you have been the key to her contentment.”
“And she mine, Aunt Phoebe.”
Charity would be forever thankful she had found her Cavalier.
***
I hope you enjoyed Sir Edward and Charity’s story!