Chapter 285: Marriage
September, 1746
“It appears that the Prussian King has considered us worthy of a marriage proposal.” George said as he handed his wife the letter which had come from Berlin earlier that day.
Anne read through it and then said. “Took him long enough. I wonder what he wants though.”
“No doubt guarantees that we won’t try and use Hanover as a launching pad to invade Brandenburg should there be another war, and a reduction in tariffs for trade.” George said.
“Will you give them to him?” Anne asked.
George sighed. “I do not know. On the one hand Prussia’s army, could be useful in scaring the French, on the other hand Frederick is a shifty person who would likely change at the first gust of wind.”
Anne held up the letter and said. “True though he is promising us access to some very favourable parts of the market in Prussia in exchange for the marriage.”
“I know.” George said. “But I do not just want to give our daughter over for a part of the market.” He would like to think he was kinder than that.
“So, if not Prussia then who?” Anne asked. “You’ve already said you don’t want to marry Elisabeth to a lesser Princeling of the Empire.”
“I want someone worthy of her rank, is that too much to ask?” George replied.
“And the Crown Prince of Prussia is worthy of that!” Anne said in response.
George sighed. He knew that they could go around in circles discussing this and he could also tell that Anne was determined to see Elisabeth married to the Crown Prince. If there was one thing he’d learned from Voltaire it was to never argue with someone who was set on their path, you’d only cause yourself more grief. “Fine, I will respond in the affirmative.”
Anne rewarded him with a beaming smile. “Excellent.”
George laughed, then fell silent pondering other things. If the Prussian situation was resolved that would likely bring Frederick onto their side in the future when a war inevitably broke out with France. But, what would that mean for the colonies? He didn’t know. Things there were too complex and fluid for his liking.
“What’s wrong?” Anne asked.
He looked at her and saw her brows crinkled in concern. “We received word from the colonies a few days’ ago about French movement in Ohio Country.”
“And?” Anne asked. “Isn’t that French territory anyway?”
George shook his head. “They claim it, but so do the Indians. It’s complicated.”
“So, what are you going to do?” Anne asked.
“I do not know. Part of me wants to order the men in the colonies to march into the territory and claim it for the Kingdom, another part of me knows that would start a war, and thus wants to leave it be for now.” George replied.
“If you leave it be for now, then you’ll let tensions grow though, would you not?” Anne asked.
“Yes.” George agreed. “Which is a problem given some of the governors are so incompetent.” How he’d let that happen he didn’t know but ever since his cousin Clarendon had died, he’d just let things slide a little too much.
“So, I suppose you have two choices. Either do nothing and risk letting it boil into all out war later, or send a missive to the French King asking him to cease and desist.” Anne said.
George nodded in agreement. “It would be more sensible to write to the French King personally.” He knew that old goat would feel flattered.
“So, is that what you’re going to do?” Anne asked.
“Yes, but I am also going to be writing letters to the governors of the colonies.” George said.
“And tell them what?” Anne asked.
“Tell them to be prepared.” George said.