Boscobel; or, the royal oak: A tale of the year 1651

by William Harrison Ainsworth

  CHAPTER III.

  THE PENDERELS.

  In Brewood Forest, which was situated on the boundaries of Shropshireand Staffordshire, and extended into both counties, two largemonasteries had existed--one being a Cistercian priory, and the otherBenedictine. It was from the ruined Cistercian priory, which had beenfounded by Hubert Walter, Archbishop of Canterbury, in the time ofRichard Coeur-de-Lion, that the old mansion in which the fugitive kingwas about to take shelter derived its name. The house dated back to theperiod when the monastery was suppressed. It has now disappeared, butthe ruins of the priory are left, and consist of a massive wall and afew circular-headed windows. A doorway, with a fine Norman arch, leadsto what was once the chapel, but is now a small place of sepulture.

  Viewed in connexion with the old mansion, the ruins of the monasteryproduced a singularly beautiful effect--the strangely-secludedsituation of the house adding to its charm. It seemed as though itwere hidden from a world of strife and care, and as if none of thedire calamities of war, which those now gazing at it had so recentlyexperienced, could disturb it. Fain would the weary Cavaliers who gazedat the peaceful old house have rested there. But rest, as they wellknew, was not for them. Their toilsome and perilous journey was not yetover. With some of them the road they were about to take led to thescaffold.

  White Ladies and the monastic ruins adjoining it were surrounded by alow wall, in the midst of which was an old gateway of the same dateas the house. Around, as we have said, on every side, were woods, andit was these thick groves that gave to the place the peculiar air ofseclusion that characterised it.

  Praying the king to allow him to go forward, Captain Giffard rodetowards the gateway, which was fastened, but he had not reached it,when a tall stalwart individual, clad in a leathern doublet, and havinga woodman's knife stuck in his girdle, strode towards the gardenwall. Charles watched this sturdy fellow as he advanced, and was veryfavourably impressed by his manly countenance.

  The forester--for such he seemed--was armed with a wood-bill, which hehad snatched up on perceiving the troop, but being quickly reassuredon finding his young master with them, he flung down his weapon. Afterexchanging a few words with him, Captain Giffard bade the forester openthe gate, and returned to the king.

  "That's an honest fellow, I'll be sworn," observed Charles, "and asbrave as honest. He looked just now as if he would strike down thefirst man who attempted to enter."

  "And so he would, my liege, had we been rebels and Roundheads," repliedGiffard. "George Penderel has been a soldier, and served in your royalfather's army at Edgehill, where his brother, Tom Penderel, was killed.He is now a woodward, as are all his brothers, except Humphrey, themiller of Boscobel."

  "If they are all like George, they must be a gallant set," remarkedCharles. "Are there many of them?"

  "Five living," remarked Giffard. "And George is a fair sample of therest. They are all true men, stout of heart and strong of limb, as ifmade of their native oak. Above all, they are loyal to the core. Itis to their care," he added, lowering his voice, "that I propose toconfide your majesty. Lord Derby and Colonel Roscarrock will give youan assurance of their fidelity."

  "They have already done so," replied Charles. "What ho! GeorgePenderel," he exclaimed.

  Hearing himself called, the stalwart forester, who had been standingnear the open gate, instantly came forward, but on approaching theking, he stopped and doffed his cap.

  "You know me, I perceive, George," said the king.

  "I have never set eyes on your majesty before," rejoined the forester,"but I should know that royal countenance among a thousand."

  "I hope some others who may chance to see me in these parts may not begifted with thy discernment, honest George," replied Charles. "You haveserved the king, my father--now you must serve me."

  "In the field, sire?" cried George, eagerly.

  "Alack! my good fellow, I have no longer an army," remarked the kingsadly. "These are all the followers left me--and I must, perforce, partwith them."

  "But I will never leave your majesty unless you bid me," rejoinedGeorge.

  "You have four brothers, ha?"

  "All as trusty as myself. Your majesty will be safe with us. All thewealth of the kingdom should not tempt us to betray you."

  "Enough," replied the king, dismounting--his bridle being held byGeorge Penderel.

  The principal personages composing the royal retinue dismounted at thesame time, and followed his majesty into the house. By the directionof Captain Giffard all the horses were then taken into the interior ofthe ruined monastery, with the exception of the king's steed, which wasbrought by George Penderel into the hall.

  A search was next instituted for provisions, and in this quest Carelessplayed a conspicuous part. Repairing to the kitchen, he there foundDame Penderel and a servant-maid, and the fire being fortunatelylighted, he soon sent a large dish of fried eggs and bacon to the king,which was greatly enjoyed by his majesty and the nobles with him. Norwhile he provided so well for the wants of others did the thoughtfulmajor neglect his own, but contrived to make a very hearty breakfast inthe kitchen. It must not be supposed that the rest of the troop, whowere now in the ruined priory chapel, fared so well. Bread, biscuits,oat-cakes, and cheese were distributed among them, and they had plentyof sack.

  Meanwhile, Captain Giffard, who was all anxiety to make arrangementsfor the king's safety, had sent for Richard Penderel--commonly knownas "Trusty Dick"--who dwelt at a cottage in the forest, called HobbalGrange. William Penderel, the eldest brother, who resided at Boscobel,which was about a mile distant from White Ladies, had likewise beensent for by the Earl of Derby.

  Trusty Dick was first to arrive, and Charles was as well pleased withhis looks as he had been with those of the younger brother. William waspowerfully built, and quite as tall as George.

  "His majesty has resolved to disguise himself, Dick," said CaptainGiffard. "What sort of attire ought he to put on?"

  "If his majesty will condescend to wear a suit of my clothes," saidRichard Penderel, "I'll engage that not a rebel trooper among them allwill recognise him. My best jerkin, leather doublet and green trunkhose, will just fit you, sire, and I haven't worn them more than onceor twice."

  "The disguise will suit me exactly," cried Charles. "I will becomea Brewood forester like thyself. We are about the same height, as Ithink, though thou hast the advantage of me in respect of bulk."

  "Truly, I am somewhat clumsier than your majesty."

  "Haste, and fetch the clothes, Dick, for I presume thou hast not gotthem with thee," said Captain Giffard.

  "One thing more is needful to complete the disguise," said RichardPenderel. "I scarce like to mention it. Yet if it be neglected, allelse will be marred."

  "What is the indispensable matter?" asked Charles.

  "Your majesty must consent to part with your long locks," replied Dick.

  "Oddsfish! I had not thought of that," exclaimed the king. "But I seethe necessity. Better lose my locks than my head. Go fetch the clothes."

  Trusty Dick made a humble reverence and departed.

  Not long afterwards, William Penderel of Boscobel made his appearance.He was the most remarkable of this remarkable brotherhood. All weretall--not one of them being under six feet in height--but Williamtowered above the others by a couple of inches.

  Although gigantic in stature, he was well proportioned, and possessedprodigious strength. His features were cast in a massive mould,and though somewhat heavy, had the same honest expression thatcharacterised the whole family.

  On entering the house he found Lord Derby in the hall, and itsappearance--filled as it was with Cavaliers, with the king's horse inthe midst of them--satisfied him that some great disaster had occurred.

  "Your lordship is welcome back," he said, bowing reverently; "thoughI own I would rather not have seen you again so soon. Rumours of aterrible defeat at Worcester have reached us, I know not how."

  "Ill news, they say, travels quickly," replied the earl, s
urprised;"but this news must have travelled through the air, if it has reachedyou before us, for we have ridden here direct from Worcester, andalmost without stoppage."

  "Oh, my lord, messengers doubtless have galloped from post to post,and so have gotten before you. But tell me, I pray you," he added,anxiously, "is the king safe?"

  "The king is here," replied the earl. "Come with me and you shall seehim."

  So saying he opened the door of a parlour panelled with dark oak, andfitted up with oak furniture. Charles was seated in the room, and LordWilmot, Captain Giffard, and Careless were with him.

  Without any prompting, the huge forester immediately prostrated himselfbefore the king, who gave him his hand to kiss.

  "This is William Penderel, sire," observed the earl.

  "I do not need the information," replied Charles. "I am right glad tosee thee, William. I have already seen two of thy brothers."

  "Then your majesty has seen two of your loyal subjects," replied theforester, rising. "We will defend you to the death."

  "William Penderel," said the Earl of Derby, in a voice well calculatedto impress his hearer, "I know thy fidelity and worth, and haveanswered for thee and for thy brothers to the king's majesty. A sacredduty now devolves upon you, and take heed you perform it well. You willhave the care of the king. He is surrounded by enemies--cunning asfoxes in quest of prey. Beware of their wiles and stratagems. Open foesmay be guarded against--secret foes are most to be dreaded."

  "I and my brothers will strive to guard his majesty against all foes,open and secret," replied William Penderel; "and with Heaven's help Idoubt not we shall accomplish his deliverance."

  "Help to conceal me--that is all I ask at present," said the king.

  "We have more than one hiding-place at Boscobel," observed Penderel. "Ican conceal his lordship as well as your majesty."

  "Mistake me not, William," said the Earl of Derby. "I shall not tax thyservices--nor will any other. Thou must look to the king alone."

  "I understand your lordship," replied William Penderel; "and I promiseyou that my sole care shall be bestowed upon his majesty. But let mehumbly counsel your lordship and those with you not to tarry heretoo long. A troop of militia under command of Colonel Bloundel, isquartered at Codsall, which is not more than three miles off, and assoon as they receive news of the battle, they will assuredly search allthe houses hereabouts."

  "Thou art right," replied the earl. "We must not remain here long."

  At that moment the Duke of Buckingham and Roscarrock entered the room.

  "We have news for your majesty," said the duke; "news of Leslie."

  "What of the traitor?" cried Charles, frowning.

  "He has rallied with the whole of his cavalry on the heath near TongeCastle," replied Buckingham. "A messenger has just arrived, saying thathe waits there to conduct your majesty to Scotland."

  "What number of men has he with him?" asked Charles.

  "About three thousand, sire, so the messenger affirms," repliedRoscarrock.

  "Three thousand men might have turned the battle yesterday," saidCharles, bitterly. "Let those go with the traitor who list, I willtrust him no more. If he would not stand by me when I had an army at mycommand, of a surety he will not stand by me now that I have none."

  The tone in which the king spoke showed that his resolution was taken.No one, therefore, attempted to dissuade him from his purpose.

  "We must separate," he continued. "I shall seek safety in flight. Thosewho have faith in Leslie, can join him. I will not attempt to influenceyour decision. Retire, I pray you, and consult together."

  All then left the room, with the exception of Careless, who remainedwith the king.