Chapter 45: Mother Anne
Anne had been Queen for seven years, that time had just flown by, she could not quite believe it. Her eldest daughters were nine and eight respectively and developing into very attractive young girls. Her eldest son and heir James was seven and a curious lad, always asking questions and wanting to know more about things. William and George were still too young to make any judgements about, and of course there was another child on the way. Anne placed a hand on her stomach then, she hoped it would be a girl, she’d like to have another daughter. She looked at her husband, he was starting to get some grey in his hair and he looked tired, as she felt.
He noticed her looking at him and smiled, she smiled in return, she then asked. “Have you given any thought over to what we spoke about last time?” They’d discussed marriage options and the education of their children a few days ago, before a ball that they’d held at Whitehall.
“I have.” George replied, his voice slow, considering. “I agree with you, my dear. I think that a marriage between Mary and Charles of Sweden’s eldest son would be good. Keeping things balanced between those two nations and ensuring that they both have to rely on us to settle their disputes.” Anne smiled she knew that her husband would always consider the northern edges of Europe due to his familial ties. “As for Anne Sophia, I am not sure. Prussia does not seem reasonable due to that odorous woman who sits as the Elector’s wife.” Anne nodded, she did not like the Hanoverians on principal. “Perhaps a marriage with Portugal? I’ve heard from Sunderland, that they were talking to those tribals in India about disrupting trade with the Mughal Emperor.”
Anne considered that, the lands of the east were of little interest to her right now, they were far away and not important, though if the Portuguese were getting involved again that would likely mean that the French would try to get involved, and that would need countering. “King Peter has a son, I believe, who is of an age with Anne Sophia.” She said. “Perhaps they can marry? I am sure that Parliament will not mind that, Anne Sophia is fifth in the line of succession and unlikely to be any higher.” That was something she was relieved about, her dynasty had to last.
“Shall I speak to Sunderland about it then, my dear, and see if he can get the ambassador to get things moving there?” George asked, though he did not always speak during cabinet meetings, he always gave her his view in private, and she appreciated that.
Anne thought about the question and then nodded. “I think that would be best. Sunderland appreciates you more than he does me.” Just as George was about to protest, Anne held up a hand. “It’s true, we both know it’s true. The man looked up to my uncle and tolerated my father. He sees Parliament as a hindrance, not a help, and he has always believed that because you are from Denmark that you support that view.”
They had never really spoken about the role of Parliament in either England or Scotland, in Ireland, the Parliament was less and the Lord Lieutenant somewhat acted as an overlord for the whole area, in the Queen’s name. Anne often found herself wondering just what her husband thought of this odd English tradition. As always though, George conceded to that point. “Very well, I shall speak with Sunderland. What of the boys? They will need betrothals also.”
Anne nodded, she knew that, but at the same time she felt that they should get the girls betrothed first before concerning themselves with the boys. “I think that perhaps that should wait for a time. To ensure that the war being waged currently is at an end, so we know where we stand with all the assorted powers.” It was better to be cautious than full throttle, Anne had observed that much from her father and uncle.
“Very well.” Her husband conceded. There was a pause and then her husband asked a question she had thought he would ask. “Have you thought anymore about the Occasional Conformity Bill? I know it hasn’t gotten past the Commons yet, but it does seem to be gaining some momentum.”
Anne sighed. “I do not think I will sign it. It does not appeal to me; it opens up far too many doors. We both know what happened during Cromwell’s time when the Puritans and other non-conformists got a chance to dictate things. They turned this great nation into a monstrosity. Besides, with the setting up of the bank, these non-conformists will have other options open to them.” That was what Sidney and Charles had told her at least.
“Do you not think that perhaps pushing for the bill to succeed, on your own agenda, could win you the support of the non-conformists and therefore strengthen your hand against that of Parliament?” her husband asked.
Whilst what George said was true in a sense, Anne would never consider giving the non-conformists, let alone Catholics the chance to have a say or hold position in government. That would open up something she just could not consider. “No, I think they are too indebted to the opposition and that fool Devonshire.” Devonshire a man she neither liked nor trusted.
“Very well, then, but you will have to act quickly to put forward a replacement for the opposition.” Her husband responded. Anne nodded, she already knew this and she had a candidate in mind.
