This morning I attempted to persuade my wife in bed to go to Brampton this week, but she would not, which troubles me, and seeing that I could keep it no longer from her, I told her that I was resolved to go to Portsmouth to-morrow. Sir W. Batten goes to Chatham to-day, and will be back again to come for Portsmouth after us on Thursday next. I went to Westminster and several places about business.
Then at noon dined with my Lord Crew ; and after dinner went up to Sir Thos. He tells me how my Lady Duchess of Richmond and Castlemaine had a falling out the other day; and she calls the latter Jane Shore , and did hope to see her come to the same end that she did.
Coming down again to my Lord, he told me that news was come that the Queen is landed; at which I took leave, and by coach hurried to White Hall , the bells ringing in several places; but I found there no such matter, nor anything like it. Home , and there I found my Lady Jemimah , and Anne , and Madamoiselle come to see my wife , whom I left, and to talk with Joyce about a project I have of his and my joyning, to get some money for my brother Tom and his kinswoman to help forward with her portion if they should marry.
I mean in buying of tallow of him at a low rate for the King , and Tom should have the profit; but he tells me the profit will be considerable, at which I was troubled, but I have agreed with him to serve some in my absence. He went away, and then came Mr. Moore and sat late with me talking about business, and so went away and I to bed. Sam is careful to spend the entire day away from the house, having made his announcement about Portsmouth!
But he doesn't seem to be making any arrangements about the trip for him or Elizabeth. Can someone please clarify why he was reluctant to let his wife to learn of the trip? Is the Queens arrival secret? Is it just a boys week away? One reason could be that it was a good Opportunity to cosy up to the Power structure, and be noticed, another there maybe no other scheduled females on the coach. The third, it be spring and the Birds and the Flora be in full bloom.
