The Merry Monarch's Wife Read Free Page A

supposed. He was known as King Don Juan, and my mother was very anxious that everyone should be aware of the family’s rank.
    She was angry because my father was not generally recognized as King outside Portugal. The Pope, terrified of the Spaniards, had refused to acknowledge the title. There were only two countries who did. France was one, England the other. Both of these countries had reason to hate the Spaniards.
    I discovered that my mother did not always trust the French, but she did have special feelings of friendship toward the English.
    I had heard a great deal of talk about the troubles in England. It would appear they were in a worse state than Portugal. Their King was fighting his own Parliamant and there was civil war in that land. We, at least, were only trying to free ourselves from the usurper, and the Portuguese nation stood firmly together, whereas Englishmen were fighting Englishmen.
    Reluctant as my father had been to take up arms, he had had several successes. This was encouraging, but not decisive; there was great rejoicing throughout the country at every success and hopes were high.
    â€œIt is Donna Luiza who is behind the King,” I heard Donna Maria say to Donna Elvira; and they nodded in agreement.
    â€œThe day will come,” said Donna Maria prophetically, “when King Don Juan with Donna Luiza will free this country absolutely.”
    I wondered when that time would come and whether we should then go back to the Villa Viçosa.
    Then the long-awaited event took place. My mother retired to her bedchamber and a hushed atmosphere pervaded the house. Everyone was waiting.
    It had happened. There was rejoicing throughout the palace.
    Later I was taken to see my new brother Alfonso in his cradle.

    I WAS NEARLY SEVEN YEARS OLD when I first heard of Prince Charles.
    My father’s success had continued, and although to the Spaniards he was still the Duke of Braganza, to the English he was King Juan of Portugal, which was no longer the subject state it had been before that important day at Villa Viçosa.
    My mother sent for me, and I could see at once from her demeanor that she was about to talk of a very serious matter.
    She was gentle but tender toward me as always, which gave me a feeling of warm comfort, for she was inclined to be severe when dealing with most people.
    â€œCatherine, come here,” she said, and when I stood before her, she kissed me on both cheeks.
    â€œYou are growing up,” she went on. “Have you ever thought that one day you might marry?”
    â€œI do not want to leave you,” I said in alarm.
    She smiled. “Certainly you do not. But it will not be for some time. Your father and I have been talking of your future, and, as you know, it is the duty of us all to consider our country in every way.”
    I was beginning to feel uneasy. She saw that and went on quickly: “There is no need to be afraid. Your father and I have decided that you should know now what is happening, as it concerns you. We did not want you suddenly to be presented with a situation of this nature…as has happened to so many. You know something of the state of our country, and that we are trying to rid ourselves completely of Spanish tyranny. You know of the great work your father has done and that we are succeeding in our task. Your father is the rightful King of Portugal, and we are determined that soon every state shall recognize him as such. The English have always been good friends to us. They are a more powerful nation that we are…one of the most powerful in Europe. But the King is now engaged in a war with his Parliament, who are trying to impose their will on the people. They will not succeed. The King has a son—more than one—but it is the eldest in whom we are interested—Charles, Prince of Wales. It is your father’s wish, and mine, that you shall marry him.”
    â€œGo to England?” I cried.
    â€œIt would not be for