In the Service of the Electress

Abstract Elizabeth had to negotiate complex networks of honour and obligation with little money, and gives her jewellery away to servants to force James to reward them by buying the pieces back. Another way for Elizabeth to assert her authority was through the hiring of Salomon de Caus, designer of the famous Hortus Palatinus and several masques. Elizabeth’s position was further enhanced by the Dowager Electress retiring to her dower. As relations within the court improved, Elizabeth went against her father’s wishes by approving the marriage of Schomberg with Anne Dudley, her chief lady-in-waiting. Dudley, however, died shortly afterwards and Elizabeth was grief-stricken. The conflicts over precedence returned during a disastrous state visit to Stuttgart, and Elizabeth, homesick, spent increasing amounts of time at the hunt. After a report by Sir Henry Wotton on morale at Heidelberg, Lady Harington was sent to raise Elizabeth’s spirits. Elizabeth gave birth to a second son, Charles Louis, on 1 January 1618, but was still desperate to return to England, and soon received permission to undertake the journey from her father. Carleton, afraid that she would not be received warmly by the Stuart court, sent her a gift of monkeys. He need not have worried, as Frederick banned her from travelling as she was once more pregnant – this time with Elisabeth. Elizabeth attempted to hide her next pregnancy, with Rupert, in order that she might undertake the journey but was unsuccessful, and would not try to leave Heidelberg again.