CHAPTER II.
HOW JANE LANE AGREED TO ATTEND THE KING TO TRENT.
Quitting the stable, Charles repaired to the butler's pantry, where hefound Pope. When the latter was informed of the arrangements made heundertook to provide Major Careless with a horse for his journey toTrent.
"It will be merely necessary to inform Mr. Norton," said the butler,"that a fugitive Cavalier has taken refuge here, and requires to bepassed on to the coast. The worthy gentleman will afford him everyassistance, and ask no questions."
While they were still conversing, Jane Lane entered the room, andexpressed her sincere delight at seeing his majesty safe back again.
"You have proved a true prophetess," Charles said. "You foretold thatthe attempt would fail, and it has failed. Henceforth, I will be guidedby you."
"Then since your majesty permits me to speak, I will venture to saythat the plan which Pope tells me you have decided upon is the bestthat could be adopted. No doubt you will be able to reach Trent withoutgreater difficulties than you have hitherto encountered, and which youhave so successfully overcome, and I trust, through Colonel Wyndham'sagency, you may procure a vessel to transport you to France."
"To insure me a safe journey to Trent you must accompany me, Jane.Once there I will not tax your services further. Why this hesitation?Surely, you will not fail me at this important juncture?"
"I am bound to obey your commands in all things----"
"But you do not like to go with me to Trent. 'Tis but a two days'journey from this place."
"'Tis not the distance, sire. I would willingly attend your majesty tothe furthest point of your kingdom, if you desired me to do so, but----"
"What means this hesitation, Jane? 'Tis scarcely consistent with yourprevious noble conduct, which led me to suppose that I might rely uponyou to the last. Well, I will put no constraint upon you. I will goalone."
"Forgive me, sire," she cried, with a look of great distress. "I willexplain myself. A special messenger has just brought me a letter fromSir Clement Fisher."
"Does he forbid your further attendance upon me?" observed Charles,coldly. "Is his authority paramount to mine?"
"I have just said that I will obey you in all things, my liege," sherejoined, in tones that bespoke her trouble. "And do not, I beseechyou, blame Sir Clement. He is as deeply devoted to your majesty as I ammyself."
"Till now, I thought so."
"Think so still, sire. Sir Clement is a loyal gentleman, and willsacrifice his life for you; but even for his king he will not sacrificehis honour."
"His honour!" exclaimed Charles, startled. "I demand no such sacrifice.Ha! I understand," he added, as a light suddenly broke upon him. "Heis fearful that evil and calumnious tongues may seek to blemish yourspotless reputation."
"Your majesty has divined the truth," she replied, casting down hereyes.
"I might have guessed it before. But I judged Sir Clement differently.I deemed him superior to the ordinary run of men. Aware as he is of thefeelings by which you have been actuated--confident as he must be ofyour rectitude of principles--how could a single doubt cross his mind?"
"You do him an injustice, my liege. Sir Clement's confidence in me isunshaken. But he fears that others may not view my conduct in the samelight."
"There is a spice of jealousy in this," thought the king.
"In the letter which I have just received from him," pursued Jane,"Sir Clement informs me that he is about to start for Abbots Leighforthwith, and begs me to await his coming."
"I would not have you do otherwise," rejoined Charles. "I am glad hehas so decided. His presence will silence all scandal. When do youexpect him?"
"To-morrow, sire. I am sure he will be delighted to escort you toTrent."
"His satisfaction will not be diminished by your companionship,"remarked Charles, smiling. "No doubt you will have a great manythings to say to each other, and that I may not interfere with theconversation, a slight change shall be made in our arrangements. Ifanother horse can be procured, you shall no longer ride behind me."
"Mr. Norton has plenty of horses in his stable, and will lend me one,I am quite sure," she rejoined. "But it is not necessary to make anychange on my account."
"Nay, let it be so," said Charles. "You will enjoy much greaterfreedom. I shall still continue to act as your groom."
"The disguise has hitherto served your majesty so well that I should besorry if you abandoned it."
"'Twould be highly imprudent to do so," rejoined Charles. "If I reachTrent in safety, I may be compelled to play some new part. Till then Ishall continue to be Will Jones. In the expectation of Sir Clement'searly arrival, I will send off Major Careless to-morrow to announce mycoming to Colonel Wyndham. The rest I leave to you."
"And your majesty may rely upon my making all needful arrangements withMr. Norton. When do you desire to set out for Trent?"
"Nay, you must consult Sir Clement," observed the king, with a smile."But should it suit him, we will start on the day after his arrival."
"Your majesty's wishes will be his law," replied Jane.
Boscobel; or, the royal oak: A tale of the year 1651 Page 83