The Queen-Pecked King
Charles I, King of England, was pacing the study nervously. Worry lines creased his still young forehead.
AD 1628, Heathrow, London
Charles I, King of England, was pacing the study nervously. Worry lines creased his still young forehead. His nephew proved quite the persistent trouble-maker at every chance he got. He was going to have to write a personal apology to the Princess of Normandy. As if he already wasn’t the laughing stock across the whole of England! He gnashed his teeth and resumed pacing. He paused only when he heard the familiar soft knock at the highly polished mahogany door.
“Is anything the matter, Your Highness? Wind has its word that you sent for me. Quite urgently, too!” Her Highness entered with her usual brusque self.
“Yes, Lady Henrietta-Maria. I am quite sure that the same wind would have delivered, presently, quite the shocking news. Your mindless deeds have cost me enough already. I order you to undo what you did and immediately so.” His Majesty’s voice quavered with suppressed anger.
“Oh, poor Charles, my dear!” The Queen exclaimed. “What is ailing you, darling? You know that I cannot undo what the Cook decided to roast for dinner. You‘ve already eaten!” She kept her face straight.
“I am not in the mood for your untimely wits Maria. Look, what my fool of a nephew has done! He has rejected the proposal from the Princess! And, for what? The determined spinster of the century, Lady McKinney! I swear by all that’s holy, I will wring his neck the moment I set eyes on him next. What future does he see when she staunchly refuses his every advance?” He mourned, with all his might.
“Now, now, Your Highness, do not swear to do something that you will never bring yourself to accomplish.” She stated matter-of-factly.
She went on, lacing her words with mock anger.
“You also know full well that since the Friday Fringe Ball, Lord Lancaster has finally given in to the apparent truth. He has been in love with Lady McKinney for ages. He just wouldn’t admit it to himself. I just made sure he watched her dance with the reproachable Baron Spencer. The swish and swash of her elaborately embroidered skirt took care of the rest, as she danced away. Now that she has finally accepted his proposal, you just won’t mind your business!”
Charles-I sat stunned. “But, they don’t have my approval. How can this be?”
She said tenderly, “I know you care about Lord Lancaster as if he were your own and that you will never deny him his happiness. Now, do you still want to stand here talking or are you going to follow me to my chambers? I have some imported Port wine for you, from Normandy!” She winked and walked away, her hips swinging suggestively.
Sighing, the King signalled the valet to start on the Royal Apology, muttering, “Women, they never will understand politics!” But in his heart, he was content. He had a long and sweet night to look forward to and his stubborn nephew has finally found some happiness.
