CHAPTER IX.
HOW THEY ARRIVED AT LONG MARSTON.
Apart from being the birthplace and the burial-place of Shakspeare,Stratford-on-Avon had a special interest to Charles from thecircumstance that it had been the temporary residence of his mother,Queen Henrietta Maria, who, in 1643--some eight years anterior to theperiod of our story--entered the old town at the head of a large force,and was subsequently joined there by Prince Rupert. Charles rememberedalso that Stratford had been the scene of more than one sharp conflictbetween the Royalists and the rebels, and that an arch of the old stonebridge had been broken down by the latter to prevent the attacks oftheir opponents. These reflections occurred to the king as he and hisfair companion halted within a quarter of a mile of the charming oldtown.
Before them, on the opposite bank of the Avon, stood the ancientchurch, in the vaults of which rest Shakspeare's hallowed bones. Butthe bridge was guarded by a party of cavalry drawn up in front of it.Nothing had been seen of Mr. Petre and his wife, since they had goneoff in another direction at Wootton, and Jane waited for them forsome time before entering Stratford; but as they did not make theirappearance she at last agreed to go on without them, and Charles rodeon towards the bridge.
Never in the conflicts that had taken place on that bridge during theCivil War did Cavalier ride up to the enemy with bolder front thanthe king now displayed. He was sharply examined by the troopers as headvanced, but Jane, again producing her pass, answered the questionsof the officer in command so satisfactorily, that they were at onceallowed to pass. Moreover, she accomplished the liberation of herbrother-in-law and his wife, who had been detained till her arrival.
All difficulties being thus surmounted the party crossed thebridge--noting that the broken arch had only been partiallyrepaired--and entered the old town in triumph. Under pleasantercircumstances they might have been disposed to halt for a short time atStratford, and Jane, casting a longing look at the avenue of lime-treesleading to the church, suggested a visit to the beautiful old fabric,but Mr. Petre would not hear of it. Not to excite suspicion they rodeat a very deliberate pace through the town, being regarded with somecuriosity by the townsfolk, and frowned at by a few troopers collectedin the market-place; but as they had passed the ordeal of the bridge itwas presumed by those who watched them that they must be well affectedtowards the Parliament.
Mr. Petre felt much easier in his mind when he got out of Stratford,but chancing to cast a look behind him he saw a couple of trooperspursuing the same course, and fancying they must be following him hisfears returned. He mentioned his apprehensions to his wife and Jane,but they treated them very lightly.
For some little time the road pursued by the party lay along the banksof the Avon, and offered delightful views of the town they had justquitted, with its picturesque old church and bridge; but after theyhad proceeded about a mile they quitted the gently-flowing river, andstruck across a wild district that presented but few attractions.However, they were now not far from their destination, but before theyreached it the aspect of the country had materially improved.
A large, substantially-built farm-house of the better class, LongMarston looked like what it was, the abode of an unostentatiouscountry gentleman. The transomed windows and arched doorway showed theantiquity of the house. In front was a large pond bordered by trees,and at the back there was an old-fashioned garden, and beyond that anextensive orchard.
Evening was coming on as our travellers approached the house, andcoloured by the warm sunset the grey old structure appeared to greatadvantage.
Of good family, and living upon his own estate, Mr. Tombs, the owner ofLong Marston, was blessed with a very amiable, affectionate partner,so that we may venture to say that he was a happy man. He did notkeep a large establishment, but lived in a quiet, comfortable style,and was thoroughly hospitable. With his rosy, handsome countenance,beaming with health and good humour, and his stout figure, he lookedthe personification of a country gentleman. Mrs. Tombs, who wassome years younger than her husband, was likewise rather stout, butwell-proportioned and comely.
Such was the well-assorted and kindly couple that greeted the partyon their arrival at Long Marston. They were very glad to see Mr. andMrs. Petre, but their warmest greeting was for Jane Lane, who was anespecial favourite with both of them. Of course, Mr. Petre had a gooddeal to tell of the difficulties experienced at Wootton and Stratford,and was congratulated on getting through them so well; but Jane made noremarks, and indeed she was occupied at the moment in giving privateinstructions to Charles, who was waiting for her orders.
"Don't neglect your horse, Will," she said, in a significant tone."Groom him well and feed him well. Don't gossip with the men at thestables, but as soon as you have finished your work go to the kitchen."
Charles promised obedience, and took his horse to the stables, whichadjoined the house.
"That's a new groom, Jane," observed Mr. Tombs. "I don't recollectseeing him before."
"You never saw me travel in this fashion before," replied Jane; "andI shouldn't do so now if I could help it. But it is dangerous to goalone."
"It's not safe to travel in any way in my opinion," observed Mr. Tombs."But you are a courageous girl, Jane. After your exploits at Worcester,I shan't be surprised at anything you do--not even if you turn soldier."
"Nothing daunts her," cried Mr. Petre. "She would ride through therebel pack at Wootton."
"Though you didn't like to face them," laughed Mr. Tombs. "Well, Ishould have acted in the same way myself. I don't mean to go nearStratford, while it is occupied by the enemy."
"Nothing surprises me that Jane does," remarked Mrs. Tombs to Mrs.Petre; "but I wonder you like to travel when you are constantly liableto be stopped and maltreated by these Roundhead troopers."
"I don't like it, I assure you," replied Mrs. Petre. "But we want toget back to our house in Buckinghamshire. If I could have anticipatedthe annoyances I have met with I would never have left it."
"But you are going to Bristol, I understand, Jane?" said Mr. Tombs,turning to her.
"I am going to the Nortons of Abbots Leigh," replied Jane. "Their placeis about three miles from Bristol. I would have postponed my visit to amore convenient season--but I have something important to do."
"But I hope you mean to spend a day or two with us?"
"Quite impossible," rejoined Jane. "On my return I shall be delightedto stay with you. But not now. I must start early in the morning."
"But you can't reach Abbots Leigh to-morrow."
"No, I shall pass the night at Cirencester."
"You can't do better," remarked Mr. Tombs. "There is a good inn there,kept by a very worthy woman, Widow Meynell, who will take every care ofyou."
"I know Widow Meynell very well," replied Jane, "and shall feel as muchat home with her as I do here."
"Well, let us go in-doors," said Mrs. Tombs, leading the way.
They then entered the house, which was larger and more commodious thanits exterior seemed to promise.
"You know your own room, Jane, so I needn't show you to it," said Mrs.Tombs.
Jane tripped up the old oak staircase, while her sister and Mrs. Tombsfollowed more leisurely.
Boscobel; or, the royal oak: A tale of the year 1651 Page 71