Chapter 85: A New King Rises
June, 1706
Sidney bowed before the King, the young man had finally come of age and the conversation Sidney had both been dreading and anticipating for the past eighteen years seemed as if it were about to finally happen.
“Take a seat.” The King commanded.
Sidney did as he was bid and sat down opposite the King. The young man was handsome, he looked like his father had in his youth, but it seemed the young man did not have his father’s sexual appetites.
The King cleared his throat and said. “We have been under a regency council since birth, as you know that regency ended the moment we turned eighteen. Consequently, we have summoned you here, Lord Godolphin, because you are the primary minister of the regency and we wished to hear your thoughts on our proposed changes.”
Sidney kept his face expressionless, though inside the anticipation was killing him. “Of course, Sire.” He said.
“First and foremost, our sister Anne, Duchess of Cumberland will no longer sit on the council. She has served us well these long years, but she is now under the influence of that harridan Sarah Churchill. Someone whom we find most disagreeable.” The King said. Sidney found that interesting, the King did not like Lady Marlborough despite being close with her son. “As such, she shall take her place as the King’s sister and be treated with the honour such a position bestows upon her.”
Sidney nodded. “A wise choice, Sire.” If the Marlboroughs were about to lose favour he would need to cut ties with him delicately.
“However, this does leave us with the question of what to do about Lord Marlborough. The man’s military experience is invaluable, and his relationship with the Dutch is something that we cannot ignore, especially given what is happening on the continent.” The King said, referring to the news that King Louis of France had formed an alliance with Princes of the Holy Roman Empire, against Emperor Joseph and was apparently preparing for war.
“Indeed, Sire. However, if I may make a suggestion?” Sidney asked.
“Go ahead.” The King said.
“I would send Lord Marlborough with a few regiments to the Netherlands for observation, and for maneuverers. That way should the French decide to act out and do something foolish, we can have a force ready to contribute to the defence of our Austrian ally.” Sidney said.
“To supplement the men under the command of the Earl of Peterborough already in the Spanish Netherlands?” The King asked.
“Yes, Sire.” Sidney said.
“Very well, we shall consider what you suggest.” The King replied.
Sidney nodded, and remained silent. The King however, soon spoke. “We will end the treasury commission and name one individual as Lord High Treasurer. We feel that it is not good enough to have such an important office divided between so many people. It leaves for incompetence and division. Already reforms we had asked for have been stalled.” Sidney nodded again, hoping that the King would give the office to him, if he held the white staff and the position of Secretary of State, he would be the most powerful man in the Kingdom behind the King. “We shall name you as Lord High Treasurer, Lord Godolphin. And we shall for the time being allow you to hold the office of Secretary of State. However, we would ask that you look for a replacement Secretary of State in the appropriate time.”
Sidney bowed his head. “Of course, Sire, I am honoured.” He could find someone easily controllable, someone who he could shift and shape to his needs.
“Secondly, we have found that having members of the Scottish government here has been most beneficial. We would like to keep that going, but would like a few changes made to some of the arrangements.” The King said. “The Lord Chancellor of Scotland, The Marquess of Tweeddale has been largely a puppet for Lord Cowper, that is not something we approve of. If we want someone to simply follow what Cowper wants, we would name Cowper to both roles.”
“A wise choice, Sire.” Sidney said, masking his surprise. He had thought the King might push for a union of all three crowns. He’d certainly spoken about it enough when Sidney had chanced to overhear conversations between him and his friends.
“We shall replace him with William Gordon, 2nd Earl of Aberdeen. A man who has shown considerable talent in the legal sphere.” The King said.
Sidney had no idea who the man was but he knew to say that would be to make himself look weak in front of the King, so instead, he said. “A wise decision, Sire.”
“And finally, we would replace Lord Middleton as Secretary for the Northern Department with the Earl of Derwentwater.” The King said. “It is time we had some young blood in that position.”
Sidney nodded. He had thought one of the King’s companions would get involved sooner or later. “All wise decisions, Sire.”
The King nodded. “And what do you really think?”
“Sire?” Sidney asked.
“You say all of those things to please us. But we did not summon you here to please us, we summoned you here to get your advice.” The King said.
Sidney was struck then by just how sincere the King was. Much like his father had been. The King did not speak in flattering tones, but in direct measures. Whether that would last as he got older remained to be seen, but for now, Sidney was willing to play along. “I think you have made the right calls, Sire. I think Derwentwater is a good choice, not only because he is English, but because he knows you, far better than Middleton does. I think Aberdeen will be an unsuspecting choice for many and help keep people on their toes.”
“And Marlborough?” The King asked.
“I think that is a wise choice as well, Sire.” Sidney answered truthfully.
“Very well, you may leave.” The King said, waving a hand to dismiss him.