The Prince and Princess of Wales were very quickly forming their own special entourage and at the same time winning the approval of the King's subjects.
No wonder they were satisfied!
There was one who was not.
Count Hans Caspar von Bothmer, never far from the Prince of Wales, watched in consternation. The King was enjoying his visit to Hanover. He had heard rumours that there was rejoicing there at the return of the Elector, that his German subjects were delighted that he was back with them and appreciated him more than ever now that he brought English money and English support for Hanover.
He was at Herrenhausen reunited with the Countess von Platen though Schulemburg and Kielmansegge were in attendance. "The King gives every sign that he has forgotten the misfortune which happened to him and his family in August 1714," said one report.
"The King so clearly loves Hanover that he will never willingly leave it," said another.
And meanwhile in England his son was playing King.
In his apartments Bothmer wrote down everything he noticed at Hampton Court and sent it to the King. It was a warning, but the King had never wanted the crown of England; his heart was in Hanover and he could not bring himself to leave his old home.
Fanning herself, for the sun was warm, Caroline sat in one of the pavilions with her little girls, her ladies and some of the gentlemen of the court, while the Prince presented prizes to the winners of the races which he had organized.
Caroline loved the pavilions which had been built at each corner of the Green and had been luxuriously furnished. Like the Prince, she was fond of being out of doors and spent a great deal of time here, so that although her condition prevented her walking as much as she would like she could enjoy the fresh air. In the late afternoons she and her friends would drink a dish of tea and the country folk would see them chatting or playing cards. This was what the people wanted from their royalty. The less privacy the better.
Caroline, sensing this, readily accepted it; George Augustus was so anxious to be the centre of attraction that the sacrifice of his privacy was no hardship. They had grown accustomed to being watched at dinner and if at times they were a little weary of it, they reminded themselves that one of the main causes of the King's unpopularity was his refusal to show himself and be gracious to his subjects.
Mary Bellenden was talking quietly to Colonel John Campbell and Caroline reflected that Mary had become more serious lately; Sophie Howe was flirting with several young men, throwing them provocative glances, whispering, and now and then suppressing her giggles; Sophie would never be serious; and Molly Lepel was talking to one of the young men from the Prince's household, Lord Hervey, a very amusing young man, she suspected, if she could judge from Molly's smiles.
Henrietta was close to her, solicitous as ever of her needs, and Lady Cowper and Mrs. Clayton were at hand ready to criticize everything Henrietta did because they did not approve of her relationship with the Prince.
One could not explain to them that it was better that he should have a mistress on whom she could keep an eye, and certainly one like Henrietta who never flaunted her position and performed her duties in the Princess's bedchamber as efficiently as she did those in the Prince's.
There was a burst of applause as one of the winners curtsied to the Prince. Caroline clapped her hands and bade the little girls do the same. George Augustus presented a quilted petticoat to the girl.
"It vill you most become," he told her to the delight of the crowd.
And for another a smock and another a sarcenet hood.
"You vill not forget this day ... not never, eh?"
Even the Prince's German accent sounded charming on that day.
"And I am sorry for all those who haf not von. Everyone cannot vin. Is it not? For all there shall be vine and cakes. Then ve are all happy."
The Prince came to the pavilion.
"And you are not in a vind, my tearest? Ve must of you take care."
Mrs. Howard sprang forward to place a scarf about the Princess's shoulders.
"No, it is not necessary. It hide the Princess's neck ... and that is von shame. The Princess haf the most beautiful neck in the vorld. The people should see."
"I am not cold," said Caroline.
The Prince sat beside her, beaming, contented.
"It is goot," he said, "to see our peoples so happy."
His eyes were misty as they rested on lovely Mary Bellenden. What a charming creature! Should not a Prince have more than one mistress? Would the people, who so often talked of Charles II with affection, particularly now that he George Augustus had shown them what a gay court he would let them share in, say "Ah, but he will never be as Charles. Charles had many mistresses; he would stroll in the Mall with three or four at a time."
He called to Henrietta to stand beside him.
"You haf enjoyed this day, my tear?" he asked.
She assured him that it had been amusing to watch the races and it gave her great pleasure to see everyone having such a pleasant day.
He pressed her hand.
"I shall visit you this evening," he said.
"Your Highness is gracious," replied Henrietta.
Henrietta was giving a little party. She was popular and these occasions were always well attended, for she was so good hearted that she could never take sides between Whigs or Tories but longed for a peaceful existence and this she seemed to achieve.
To her party came the Prince of Wales. The Princess had retired early on account of her condition; and there was cards and music. The Prince treated Henrietta with almost luxurious tenderness; she had become such a habit with him. Although when Mary Bellenden was present he would turn a definitely lascivious gaze on her. As for Mary she was quite content to be in the Prince's company as long as there were others present. Perhaps, she thought, I could get him to do something for John, for John was so poor that difficulties would be made if they tried to marry just yet. But I'll have no other, Mary thought fiercely, and reminded herself she was foolish to think the Prince would grant honours to his successful rival. He was not that sort of man.
She noticed that Lord Townsend was present tonight which was a compliment to Henrietta Howard; and he was beside her showing her great attention, and it seemed as though he respected her.
Mary wanted to laugh. Did Townsend think that he could find favour with the Prince through Henrietta Howard! He was not very discerning if he did—and he a Prime Minister —for Henrietta had no influence at all with the Prince; in fact the only reason why she held her position was because she made no attempt to meddle. The Prince of Wales resembled the King in as much as he liked his women docile. Mary knew that any woman's favour with the Prince would depend upon her ability in getting her way without letting him know it.
Henrietta would be no good at that; so she was wise enough not to try.
Now the Princess . . . that was another matter. It was obvious to Mary that the Princess had her way far more often than the Prince realized.
Sophie Howe had come up to her.
"Look who's here," said Mary.
"My lord Townsend, the Prime Minister?"
"It's the first time he's been here."
"I don't find him attractive," said Sophie. "He doesn't interest me."