Boscobel; or, the royal oak: A tale of the year 1651
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CHAPTER II.
HOW THE KING ARRIVED AT BENTLEY HOUSE.
The night was so enchanting, that although the king was not withoutapprehensions of a chance encounter with the enemy, he greatly enjoyedhis ride. Moreover, he was very well pleased with the trooper's horseon which he was mounted.
Colonel Lane acted as leader of the party, and took them across acommon, now known as Cooke's Gorse, past Essington Mill, and thenover another common to Allen's Rough. More heath still lay beforethem, and having traversed a very wild district, they reached anextensive coppice, which formed part of Colonel Lane's own estate.During the whole ride, they had scarcely seen a habitation, and had notencountered a single individual. Deeming the danger over, Colonel Laneslackened his pace, and began to converse with the king, telling hismajesty that he thought his horse had gone remarkably well.
"I think so too, colonel," replied Charles. "What is more, I am ofopinion that this is not the first time I have ridden him."
"Indeed, sire!" exclaimed Colonel Lane, in surprise.
"Unless I am greatly mistaken, this is the very horse I rode fromWorcester to White Ladies. I know his action. How say you, Careless?"
"It certainly did not occur to me before, my liege," replied Careless."But now I look at the horse more closely I believe your majesty isright."
"You will be able to settle the question, Colonel Lane," observedCharles. "I gave the Worcester horse to you at White Ladies. Whatbecame of him afterwards?"
"I lost him in the fight near Newport, where Lord Derby was worsted byLilburn and Colonel James. Possibly he may have fallen into the handsof one of the troopers."
"It must be so," exclaimed Charles. "Oddsfish! 'tis a strangecircumstance. Now that I have got the horse again, I will not part withhim if I can help it."
"Doubtless, he is well worth keeping," observed Careless; "but he maybe recognised by the rascally trooper, and the discovery would endangeryour majesty."
"The risk is so slight that I shall not heed it," said Charles.
Passing through the coppice they soon afterwards entered a park, in themidst of which stood Bentley House.
This fine old mansion has been since pulled down, and replaced by amodern structure, which, though handsome and commodious, does not ofcourse possess the historic interest of the earlier building. Withits ornamented gables, projections, and large windows, Bentley Housepresented a very imposing front, but it was at the back that the partyarrived, and as they rode into the court-yard, a faithful groom, whowas waiting for his master's return, came forth from the stables with alantern and took charge of the horses. Whatever he thought, this trustyfellow manifested no surprise that the colonel and Careless should havea common woodman in their company.
"My man, Lutwyche, thinks you are a fugitive Cavalier, sire," remarkedColonel Lane. "He is thoroughly honest and loyal, but I do not meanto trust him with the great secret. Thank Heaven I have brought yourmajesty here in safety, and I trust no harm will befal you while youare my guest. You may sleep soundly, for I shall remain on guard duringthe remainder of the night. It distresses me that I am obliged to offeryou such poor accommodation, but if a larger room were assigned yoususpicion would be excited. At any rate, you will be more comfortablylodged than in the secret closet at Boscobel House."
"Pray make no apologies, colonel," said Charles. "The size of the roomis a matter of perfect indifference to me. Put me where you please."
Entering by the back door, they then proceeded to Colonel Lane's study,where they found Lord Wilmot, who was delighted to see the king, andcongratulated him on his safe arrival. Being much fatigued, Charlesbegged to be conducted to his room without delay; whereupon ColonelLane, with a thousand apologies, took him to a small chamber at the topof the house. Small as it was, the couch appeared extremely comfortableto the wearied monarch, who sank into a deep, unbroken slumber, fromwhich he was aroused by Careless. Fain would he have slept a few hourslonger; but that was quite impossible, as Careless informed him.
"It appears to me," said Careless, seating himself at the king'sbedside, "that your majesty does not exactly comprehend what you willhave to do, and I think I had better explain matters to you. In thefirst place, Mistress Jane Lane sets out early this morning on thepretext of a visit to her relatives the Nortons, of Abbots Leigh, andyou will attend her in the capacity of groom."
"But Abbots Leigh is near Bristol," said the king. "She cannot possiblyget there to-day."
"She has no such intention," replied Careless. "She will proceed firstto Packington Hall, where a halt will be made for an hour or so. SirClement Fisher has been apprised of the visit, and will be prepared foryour majesty's reception."
"Good," said the king, "I shall be glad to see Sir Clement. But wheream I to rest for the night?"
"At Long Marston, near Stratford-on-Avon, the residence of Mr. Tombs,who is a near relative of the Lanes and a staunch adherent of yourmajesty."
"Mr. Tombs is a true man--of that I am quite sure," rejoined Charles."I shall be quite content to stay at his house."
"Your majesty, I think, understands that Mistress Jane Lane has got apass for herself and her servant?"
"Yes. I am to be her groom. I quite understand it. Did you imagineI could have any disinclination for the part, after all I have gonethrough? I shall be delighted to act as groom to so charming a personas Jane Lane."
"Then I may as well state, without further preamble, that I havebrought your majesty a costume suitable to the part you will have toenact--grey doublet and hose, as you will see. The garments were madefor Colonel Lane's groom, Lutwyche--but I am sure they will fit you.Here are boots and a hat to complete the disguise. The arrangementappears to me extremely pleasant, and I should be very happy to takeyour majesty's place, if I were permitted."
"Are you to be left behind with Lord Wilmot?" asked the king.
"No, sire," replied Careless. "His lordship and myself will attendyou--but at a respectful distance. You will be accompanied by Mr. andMrs. Petre. Mrs. Petre, I must inform your majesty, is Jane Lane'ssister. It is proper you should know that neither Mrs. Petre nor herhusband have the slightest idea that they will have the honour ofattending upon your majesty."
The king then arose, and assisted by Careless, put on the suit of darkgrey cloth provided for him. When he was fully equipped, he said toCareless:
"How think you, Will? Shall I pass muster? Do I look like a groom?"
"Your appearance is all that can be desired, my liege," repliedCareless. "But you must take care not to betray yourself by anyinadvertence. Come down to the stables with me, and I will get Lutwycheto give you some instructions in the part you will have to play."
"Oddsfish! I flatter myself I can groom a horse," cried Charles. "'Tistrue I have not had much practice."
"You will be none the worse for a lesson, my liege," said Careless."This woodman's garb must not be seen," he added, putting the disguiseabandoned by Charles into a small valise, which he had brought withhim. "I must needs ask your majesty to carry this portmanteau. Andplease to bear in mind, that you are now Will Jones, the son of one ofColonel Lane's tenants."
He then left the room, but had not taken many steps down the staircase,when he called out in a loud voice,
"Art thou coming, Will? Never was there so lazy a rascal."
"I am quite ready, your honour," replied Charles, following with theportmanteau.