Brighton Pavilion, the next morning. MRS. FITZHERBERT enters the drawing room to find the DUKE OF YORK gazing out a window. Thinking it is the PRINCE OF WALES, MRS. FITZHERBERT approaches him casually.
MRS. FITZHERBERT: I pray the journey here was not too laborious. Was it, George?
The DUKE OF YORK turns to face MRS. FITZHERBERT, revealing his identity.
DUKE OF YORK: Forgive me, madam. You mistake me for my brother.
MRS. FITZHERBERT: Oh, of course. You are the Duke of York.
DUKE OF YORK: I am, madam. And you are the famed Mrs. Fitzherbert!
MRS. FITZHERBERT: [Concerned] You know my name, sir?
DUKE OF YORK: Why, of course! I've heard much about you from George; he holds you in the highest regard.
MRS. FITZHERBERT: Oh, well, I...
The PRINCE OF WALES enters the drawing room in good spirits.
PRINCE OF WALES: Ah, Frederick! I see you've made Maria's acquaintance.
DUKE OF YORK: I have, and she is every bit as charming and handsome as you said she would be!
MRS. FITZHERBERT: I-I was only calling on His Royal Highness' house because...because I-I—
PRINCE OF WALES: [Putting his arm around her reassuringly] Do not fret, my love. Frederick knows about our marriage.
MRS. FITZHERBERT: [Sighs with relief] Oh... Thank Heaven 'tis so.
DUKE OF YORK: Let me assure you, madam, that I shall keep your connection in confidence.
MRS. FITZHERBERT: I am grateful for that.
MRS. FITZHERBERT and the PRINCE OF WALES sit on one sofa, and the DUKE OF YORK sits across from them.
MRS. FITZHERBERT: How does Your Royal Highness like Brighton?
DUKE OF YORK: Brighton is lovely, but I am eagerly anticipating my return to Windsor, and to have you both in London will be a great blessing indeed.
MRS. FITZHERBERT: We are taking leave of Brighton?
PRINCE OF WALES: Not today, but in a fortnight.
MRS. FITZHERBERT: I was under the impression that we were both content here.
PRINCE OF WALES: You must agree that the distance between Windsor and Brighton is too great for brothers who have spent half a decade apart.
MRS. FITZHERBERT: I suppose so...
PRINCE OF WALES: [Endearingly] Maria, we can be happy anywhere in the world so long as we are together. You will return to London with me, will you not?
MRS. FITZHERBERT: Wherever you go, I will go also. But George, you will remain true to yourself, yes? You will not revert to your old habits?
PRINCE OF WALES: Upon my honor, Frederick and I both shall be on our very best behavior.
The DUKE OF YORK nods reassuringly. Cut to ACT II, SCENE XIV.
YOU ARE READING
The Drunken Feathers
Historical FictionIn this biographical series that begins in 1784, twenty-one-year-old George, Prince of Wales-- the eldest son of King George III and heir to the British throne-- spends his youth idly by keeping countless mistresses, drinking profusely, and making f...
