Festivities were kept up for nearly two weeks, then the newly-wedded couple went to Dover, where they were met by a large party of noble ladies and gentlemen who attended them to Westminster. Among those who met them on their arrival in England was the Piers Gaveston whom Edward had left as guardian during his absence. This man was the cause of a great {183} [Illustration: 0187] deal of trouble later because of his unbounded influence over the king, who, the moment he caught sight of his favorite, flew to him and threw his arms about his neck calling him "brother." Isabella's outfit was magnificent. She had two superb solid gold crowns ornamented with precious stones, a large number of gold and silver drinking vessels, golden spoons, fifty silver soup-bowls, twelve large silver dishes, and twelve smaller ones. Her dresses were made of gold and silver stuff, velvet, and shot silk. Six of them were of the finest imported green cloth, six were of mixed and figured material, and six were scarlet; she had, besides, a supply of costly furs, four hundred and nineteen yards of towels, and six dozen nightcaps. She brought with her the tapestry for her own chamber, on which were embroidered in gold the arms of France, England, and Brabant. Her father presented his son-in-law with a large number of the costliest rings, jewels, and other precious articles that could be found; but Edward was foolish enough to give all to Piers Gaveston, who had a perfect passion for finery. Such conduct on the part of her husband made Isabella very angry, for she looked upon these handsome gifts from her father as part of her dowry, and naturally she objected very decidedly to having them handed over to a stranger whom she had already begun to dislike. Just a month after the marriage the day was appointed for the coronation of the young king and queen, but the nobles informed Edward that unless his haughty favorite were banished from court they would not attend the ceremony. This threat signified that they meant to refuse their oath of allegiance, so Edward was very much alarmed, but promised that at the parliament, which was to meet immediately after the coronation, everything should be arranged {186}to their entire satisfaction. But he gave fresh cause for complaint by bestowing upon Piers Gaveston the very highest office at the coronation,--that of bearing the St. Edward's crown. This made one of the royal earls so angry that he would have killed the favorite on the spot had it not been for the respect he felt for the young queen.