So Prince George consoled himself over the refusal of Maria Fitzherbert to join him in matrimony with the attentions of the likes of Lady Bamfylde, dinners, and redecorating.
****
But his beloved Maria was never far from his thoughts. And, although he did not know it, his letters were having an effect. She remained in Europe for a year. Toward the end of that time her companions reported that she had become increasingly listless. She seemed to be running out of things to do that held her attention for any length. She spoke increasingly of returning to England.
At first her reasons were that she was homesick and that she needed to look after her properties. Gradually she spoke more often of her growing belief that the Prince did, perhaps, really love her. Even when she was reminded that the law had not changed, if the Prince married her he would lose everything, did not deterre her.
After all, she pointed out, the Prince was well aware of the situation and claimed, loudly and often, that he did not mind losing all to be with his One True Love. One day, she made up her mind. The Prince really wasn’t as crazy as she had once believed. Yes, he ran with a bad crowd, he drank too much, ate too much and, in general, displayed a shockingly intemperate, if not downright childish, personality.
But for all that he was sweet, considerate, after a fashion, and still very charming. Mrs Fitzherbert convinced herself that what the Prince needed was a firm but loving hand to guide him. She wrote a letter to the Prince telling him of her intention to return to England and marry him.
When the Prince received that letter, he was beside himself. When Charles Fox heard the news, he was also. But for a very different reasons. While he truly cherished the Prince’s friendship, he had other reasons for staying close to his Highness. What the Prince wanted to do would destroy his, well, his utilitarian value. Although Fox would never come right out and say such a thing.
He sent the Prince a long letter laying out the reasons why a marriage to Mrs. Fitzherbert would be a bad idea. He did touch on the political ramifications. He also mentioned that the King was not without options, son-wise. Granted, the Princes brothers were hardly better behaved than his Highness, but that would be a moot point if the Prince forced his fathers hand by marrying a Catholic.
And did Mrs. Fitzherbert really want to stir up all the old prejudices against Catholics? Fox was sure that she did not. As the Princes deeply concerned friend, he had to advise him to lay off the Catholic girls. Besides, he reminded his Highness, even if he went ahead and did the deed, it wouldn’t be real!
Even two Catholics getting married by a priest in England had to re-perform the ceremony with an Anglican parson or the state would not recognize it as valid. Tut,tut. Said the Prince. Let me worry about that. Fox pointed out that any children from such a union would be bastards. Illegitimate kids might be a given with Hanoverian males, but what would the devote Catholic Fitzherbert clan think?
The Prince was touched that Fox had such a deep concern for his happiness. It broke his heart that his friend was getting his silk undies in a bunch over the matter. So touched was he, that he decided to do something about it. Prince of Wales-style.
*****
Uh oh.
Thank you Mr. Al. Can I have the next file yet?
Alice
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