by Knox Magee
CHAPTER XII
GLOUCESTER SHOWS HIS HAND
When I asked Lord Rivers for permission to return to the court beforehe should start with the King, he replied:--"Why, Bradley, we are toleave to-morrow morning; and unless your affairs cannot wait one daymore, I would have you accompany his Majesty."
"In that case, my lord," said I, "one day more can make but littledifference, so I shall wait. I did not know your lordship did intendto set out so soon."
Early the next morning--in fact ere day-break--we started for Londonwith a goodly train, though not an army. Almost every man in theKing's retinue was a gentleman, he having but a small body ofmen-at-arms. This made it possible for us to travel at a rapid pace,as the whole following was mounted.
About a score of gentlemen went first; then followed the King, ridingbetwixt his uncle and his half brother. Harleston and I rodeimmediately behind his Majesty, and we were followed by a score ofother gentlemen, and the men-at-arms brought up the rear.
At every hamlet which we did pass through, the people lined each sideof the road and cheered and blessed their young King. The boy, pleasedwith these demonstrations, soon wore an empty purse, in place of itsbeing well filled, as when we started on our journey.
I had thought our progress should have been greater, and therefore wasimpatient with what I considered its slowness, though in reality wewere travelling rapidly, considering the number of the retinue.
Messengers were sent ahead to inform the authorities of the differenttowns that their young Sovereign would soon pass through, so that thetownsfolk might have a passing glimpse of the child. In several ofthese places we were compelled to stop for refreshments, and then theKing acknowledged, most briefly, the demonstrations in his honour.Then would we hasten on, that we might make up for the time thus lost.
On the fourth afternoon a horseman, covered with dust, as though he hadridden hard and far, met us. When he drew rein he dismounted andkneeled in the road before the King, with a great show of respect.When asked his business, he arose and replied by handing a packet untoLord Rivers, with the words:--"From his Royal Highness, the Duke ofGloucester."
Rivers hastily opened the missive and, after glancing hurriedly overits contents, said to the messenger:--"Tell His Royal Highness, with mycompliments, that his wish shall be carried out."
The messenger re-mounted and--as fast as his steed would carryhim--rode back the way he came.
"What says the letter, uncle?" asked his Majesty, when we were again onour way.
"He informs me that he and the Duke of Buckingham, attended by a nobletrain, await your Majesty at Northampton," replied his uncle.
So we rode on in silence for some time, till Rivers again spoke. "Ifear, Edward," said he, "that Northampton will be over crowded, if weall do go there. The night will then be fallen, and we shall becompelled to spend it there, in case we go. Methinks it would bebetter for thee and thy retinue to take the road to Stony Stratford,and there spend the night, whilst I, and some few others, go to thePrince and explain this change of plan."
"As thou wilt, uncle," returned the King. So it was decided that theKing should proceed by another road to Stony Stratford. Lord Riversthen asked Harleston and me to accompany him to Northampton.
When we came to the parting of the ways, and the young Edward was toseparate from his uncle, he put his slender arms around River's neckand embraced him most affectionately. Little did he guess what was instore for his dear relative and teacher.
The sun was now getting low, so we proceeded rapidly on our journey.
When we were yet about a mile from Northampton we were met byGloucester and Buckingham, attended by about a score of gentlemen oftheir following. The sun had been for some time set, and the earth wasbusily engaged with drawing on her black sleeping-robe. We rode almostinto the Prince's party ere we did recognize them. Rivers at once madehimself known, and thus addressed Gloucester:--"I must ask pardon fromyour Royal Highness for having taken the liberty of sending the King onto Stony Stratford, there to spend the night. I feared Northamptoncould not accommodate his Majesty's retinue--which is large--togetherwith thy following, and his Grace of Buckingham's."
"No excuses are necessary from my Lord Rivers," said Gloucester; and hesmiled most graciously, and extended his hand to the Earl. Buckinghamfollowed his leader's example and welcomed Rivers as though he had beena lost brother whom he loved. Then they both received my friend and mein a polite, and but little less hearty manner.
"And now," said the Prince, "let us make haste and have our supper. BySaint Paul! my innards this night seem most rebellious, and call outloudly for more of life's ammunition. Follow me, gentlemen, and yeshall not have long to wait." So saying he drove his spurs into hishorse's flanks, and dashed forward in the direction of Northampton. Wefollowed rapidly; but we had to urge our tired steeds to their utmost,in order that we might keep the Duke in sight.
When we at length drew rein it was in front of the best inn that thiscity could then afford; though, since that time, more pretentious oneshave been erected. The Royal banner of England floated lazily from itssupport in the yard in front of the inn.
When we had entered Gloucester dismissed all the gentlemen of histrain. Buckingham--as was his custom in everything--followed theexample of the Prince. Harleston and I were about to depart with theother gentlemen, but Gloucester stopped us with:--"No, by Saint Paul!ye two shall sup with us; I have not yet forgot how speedy were mymessengers. Richard of Gloucester forgets not his friends. Why, if aman sups not with his friends, with whom may he eat? What dost thousay, my Lord of Rivers?"
"Indeed, my lord, thou dost honour us over much by calling us yourfriends," said the Earl. He evidently did not know what to make of theDuke's open-hearted manner; and for that, no more did I.
"Why, I am certain ye are not mine enemies; therefore ye must befriends," said Richard. He was laughing now, and acting as thoughRivers had ever been the best friend he had on Earth.
"I meant not that, my Lord," said the King's uncle; "I have everaccounted myself among thy faithful servants."
"Nay, not so," replied the Prince. "Because it happened that I had themisfortune to be born so high it does not follow that all men must bemy servants. What! wouldst thou deprive me of the privilege which themeanest slave may have, take away my dear friends, and turn them intoservants? God forfend!" said he solemnly, as he clasped his hands andturned his eyes to Heaven. "No, let me to-night be plain Gloucester.Let no man call me Prince. To-night I'll have none of, 'Your RoyalHighness,' or, 'Your Grace,' or, 'My Lord Duke,' or, 'My Lord,' oranything that might indicate a title. This must ye swear solemnly, orI will take it that ye do not love me. Come now, swear that ye fourwill not address me this evening by other name than 'Gloucester.'"
So we all laughingly did what he had asked. I could not explain thisjovial conduct by other means than that the Prince and Buckingham hadbeen wetting their palates too freely ere they rode forth to meet us.
We did not leave the table until the bell had rung out the hour ofmidnight.
"Gloucester," said I--for so we all did call him--"wouldst thou notlike a game at dice?"
"In faith I would that same, my friend," replied the Prince.
So we went back to the table and played until the sun began to flashits rays against the fragments of ragged clouds and set them all ablaze.
I won rapidly from the Duke, and when we left the table my pursecontained every gold piece that he had with him, besides some that hehad borrowed from Buckingham, who did not play.
Richard took his losses all in good part.
"Why, Bradley, thou art a veritable giant at the dice. I have beentold that my fortune at the game is good; but thou dost put me toshame." And so he rattled on, showing nothing but his overflow ofspirit.
Now and then would he turn to Lord Rivers and enquire how he did farewith Harleston.
My friend had no such good fortune as had I. When he left the table heand
Rivers stood about the same as when we started.
"Thou hast won everything, Bradley, and I shall have to call again onthee, good cousin, that I may give the honest man which owns this housea befitting present," and he turned to Buckingham for more gold.
"But now we must have breakfast and then proceed to join the King atStony Stratford," said he, as we left the table.
Whilst breakfast was being prepared we went to bathe our eyes, whichfelt anything but sound after our all night's carouse. Then Harlestonand I strolled forth into the chill, bracing air of morning.
"I fear we have misjudged the Prince," said I, as we strolled, arm inarm, about the yard.
"Remember, Bradley," my friend replied, "he may have an object inacting as he hath done."
"What object could he have in thus making us his equals?" I asked.
"So far I cannot tell," replied my friend, solemnly; "yet when a man ofGloucester's stamp appears most pleasant he is most dangerous. I maybe doing him a wrong, but I cannot help but fear that there is somegreat game about to be played, and Gloucester will play in it a leadingpart. I forget not what thou didst overhear the night of the ball.Remember," he added, "it is not for ourselves I fear; it is for thosefar above us."
"Thou mayst be right," said I, "but, for myself, I must confess I dobegin to not so much dislike the man."
"Place not great trust in a Prince's smile," returned Harleston.
By this time the gentlemen in attendance on the Prince and Buckinghamcommenced to arrive from their different quarters; so we were compelledto stop this conversation. We reentered the house and joined theothers at table.
Gloucester still continued his friendly manner and all throughbreakfast kept up a string of pleasant speeches.
Buckingham spoke but seldom, but when he did it was ever in the samestrain as the Prince.
At length Gloucester asked in a careless manner:--"Is the King attendedby a sufficient retinue to sustain the dignity of one in such anexalted position? Had it not been for the strong opposition of thatmost turbulent noble--Lord Hastings--his Majesty should have come withan army, as the Queen, cousin of Buckingham and I wished," he added,before Rivers had time for making reply.
"As for his Majesty's train," replied the Earl, "it is not great innumbers; but is composed, almost entirely, of gentlemen of no meanblood. We had an army almost complete when the news came that therewas strong opposition to this plan."
Methought I noticed a trace of suspicion in Rivers' face as he madethis reply; but if it had been there at all it left as quickly as itcame.
Harleston, however, gave one quick glance, and mine old opinion of ourhost returned with a redoubled force.
"Well," said Richard, "cousin Buckingham and I have no mean following,and when it is added to that which already attends his Majesty methinksthat Lord Hastings had best keep his tongue betwixt his teeth, and hissword in his scabbard, when we enter London.
"But now 'tis time that we set out for Stony Stratford. No doubt hisMajesty will be impatient to be off to London, and to see his mother."
We then started forth upon our way; Richard and Rivers riding side byside, whilst Buckingham rode betwixt Harleston and me.
It was an ideal morning; the sun was shining clear and bright; the airwas of a coolness which made it comfortable to ride. However, we hadnot been long upon the road when a haze climbed up the eastern sky, andspread its gauzy curtain betwixt the sun and us. At first it wasscarcely perceptible; but it was not long ere the sun had been sothoroughly draped as to be completely blotted out.
In the meantime we had been proceeding leisurely on our journey.Gloucester talked with Rivers in most friendly manner. As we weredirectly behind them we could not help but overhear a part of theirconversation.
"How do we now stand with France?" asked Rivers.
"Not so friendly as might be," replied the Prince. "Before my brotherdied, he had intended making war upon old Louis. This hath angeredthem; but soon I do hope to be again on good terms with the oldscare-crow."
"When dost thou think of having the young King crowned?" asked the Earl.
"Methinks 'twere good to have it done so soon as all necessaryarrangements can be completed," replied Richard. And so theconversation ran, until the rain commenced to fall like the tears ofchildren, in large and scattered drops. This caused us to quicken ourpace, and so made all conversation impossible. Then the rain poureddown in torrents, and caused our clothes to cling unto our backs in amost uncomfortable manner. The vapour arose from the hot bodies of ourhorses, and gave our train the appearance of a phantom cavalcade, as wedashed forward at full speed, that we might reach a place of shelter.However, as is ever the case, when at last we came in sight of ourdestination--Stony Stratford--the sun had burnt through the cloudswhich screened it, and again shone forth in all its splendour. So weslackened our pace, and the conversation started afresh, as the sun'srays began to dry our backs, and cheer us with its welcome warmth.
As we drew near the town in which the young King and his following hadspent the night we noticed a considerable procession filing slowly outof the place and coming in our direction.
"What may they be?" asked Gloucester.
"They must be of the King's train, and they come forth to meet us,"replied Lord Rivers.
We soon met them. They were led by Sir Richard Grey, and Sir ThomasVaughan rode by his side. The others consisted of about a score ormore of gentlemen of the King's train, and a body of the men-at-armswho had accompanied us from Ludlow.
"What means this, Lord Rivers; an armed force sent out to meet me, asthough I were an enemy to the King?" cried Richard, angrily.
"Why, Gloucester, they come--"
"What! speakest thou to me as Gloucester?" cried Richard, as he turnedfiercely upon the Earl, who sat staring in surprise, as did Harlestonand I, at this strange and unprovoked outburst.
When Gloucester spoke this last sentence a body of men, with drawnswords, quickly surrounded Rivers, Grey and Vaughan, and took themprisoners.
"Best keep your tongues betwixt your teeth," whispered Buckingham,first to me and then to Harleston. There was an amused smile upon hisface as he said this.
Then the whole plot flashed through my mind. This then wasGloucester's reason for entertaining us so well. We had been used butas blinds to throw Lord Rivers off his guard, and make him to trust thePrince. This then was the reason we had been made to be so familiar;it was in order that Gloucester when he chose to consider it a personalslight might do so. Harleston was right; Gloucester had an object inview when he acted so. But for that matter, when did this man ever somuch as speak one kindly word, but for his profit.
Now, though it takes me some moments to put these things down, it didnot take so many heartbeats for them to be enacted; and remember, myheart was working fast just then.
When the swords had been taken from these three gentlemen they wereseparated, and soldiers, with naked swords, stationed themselves one oneither side of each prisoner.
"Now off with the traitorous knaves to Pomfret," commanded Richard."There let them close prisoners rest, until thou hearest from me."This he said to Sir Richard Ratcliffe, who seemed to be in command ofthe soldiers which had so suddenly appeared.
Ratcliffe put himself in advance of the guard and set out on his way toPomfret Castle.
Grey's and Vaughan's escorts now joined meekly in with the train ofGloucester, and we proceeded leisurely into Stony Stratford.
I know not when I have, before that day or since, been so disgusted bythe traitorous deceit of a man as I was by Gloucester's.
So soon as Rivers and his friends had been taken off the Prince againput on his pleasant habit. He laughed and chatted with Buckingham asthough he greatly relished his contemptible act.
As we rode along I began to form a plan by which I might inform theQueen of the arrest of her brother and son; for I now began to fear forthe safety of her Majesty. When Gloucester dare arrest, and throw intoprison, men occupying
positions which Rivers, Grey and Vaughan held, itlooked to me as though the Queen herself might be the next person to beput under restraint. This thought was still tormenting me when we drewrein in front of the house occupied by the little King.
When young Edward saw his uncle Richard, he came forward, and the twoembraced with a great show of affection. "Ah, your Majesty, let me bethe first member of our noble house of York to congratulate and welcomethee on thy return homeward."
"Thanks, for the welcome, uncle," returned the King; "but for thecongratulations I cannot speak. 'Tis but a sad home-coming, when Iknow that my dear father cannot be there to meet me."
"Think not of that," said his uncle. "Thou knowest that we all mustlose our fathers; the old must pass away, and the young take theirplaces. Thy grief, no doubt, is great; but bethink you of your duty.Thou must be prepared to rule this fair kingdom as did thy father, withan iron hand. A King is ever surrounded by traitors. 'Twas but thismorning that I learned of a plot against thine authority, and, thoughsome of those connected with the movement have, till to-day, beenfriends of mine, yet was I compelled to do my duty and cause them to bearrested. By Saint Paul! I swear I cannot yet believe them guilty;though by their acts they have caused the dark eye of suspicion tofrown upon them.
"To whom dost thou refer, uncle?"
"Why, to those that thou wouldst least suspect," said Richard. "Thineown uncle--Lord Rivers--thy cousin--Sir Richard Grey--and Sir ThomasVaughan."
"And where are they now?" asked the young King, with alarm.
"I had them sent to Pomfret Castle, that they might do no damage toyour Majesty. Of course," he added, "when thou art crowned yourMajesty must do with them as thou thinkest best."
"Indeed I will release them the moment that I do sit upon the throne,"exclaimed the King, with great heat.
I heard no more of that which followed, for Richard led the little Kinginto a private room, whither Buckingham followed them. I then tookHarleston to a place where no one might overhear our conversation, andtold to him my plan of going to London to warn the Queen.
When I had finished my friend thought for some moments ere he remarkedon my plan. "No, it should be dangerous for thee to go," said he;"Thou shouldst be missed, and then you might find yourself in thecompany of Rivers, at Pomfret."
"What then dost thou suggest?" I asked. "Her Majesty must be warned."
"Yes, her Majesty must be warned," he replied, musingly. "Ah! I haveit," said he, speaking rapidly. "Send some faithful servant with aletter unto the Queen. Do but tell her that the three have beenarrested; sign not thy name, for fear it fall into the wrong hands. Acommon soldier will not be missed, whereas Sir Walter Bradley shouldbe."
But then I thought of a plan that was better than my friend's; so Iretired to a private place, and wrote the following letter, which isnow--through the person to whom it was addressed not following a partof mine instructions,--in my possession, and which I hope ye willalways preserve after I have gone to join those whose doings I amputting down.
"_With the King, at Stony Stratford._
"LADY HAZEL WOODVILLE;
"_Lady-in-waiting to Her Majesty the Queen, at Westminster._
"Perfectest of maids and truest of sweethearts; I send thee thismessage that its contents may not be seen by eyes not to be trusted.No one can suspect this packet to contain news of the greatestimportance to the kingdom.
"So soon as thou dost receive this go to the Queen, and tell her thather brother--Lord Rivers--Sir Richard Grey, and Sir Thomas Vaughan,were all three arrested, by order of Duke Richard, as we were enteringthis place to-day. No offence had been committed by any of thesegentlemen. They were at once sent under a strong guard to the Castleof Pomfret. Also tell her Majesty that last night the Duke ofGloucester entertained Lord Rivers, Sir Frederick and me, at supper,and throughout the evening he showed us all prodigious favours.Therefore his conduct is all the more difficult to understand, if hedoth mean to be just.
"I send this by a servant which--though I have not known him long--hashitherto been faithful; though now it doth seem hard to trust anyone.
"Pray God that the clouds of trouble may soon pass over, and the sun ofhappiness again shine forth.
"I expect to soon be again upon the road to London; but our progress,methinks, will not be great.
"Destroy this letter when thou shalt have read it.
"I remain, dearest, thy servant unto death,--
"WALTER."
When I had finished this letter I went in search of one of the menwhich had gone with me to Ludlow. He was the gigantic and good naturedIrishman, whose honest and determined face made me to select him inpreference to either of his companions, who were better known to me.
"Michael," said I, when I at length found him, "I wish thee to takethis packet, and set out for Westminster Palace at once. Spare not thyhorse. When thou hast come into the Palace enquire for the Lady HazelWoodville. Hand her this packet. That is a part of thy duty. Theother part is for thee to make sure that thou speakest not of thymessage or journey, to anyone."
"In faith, yer honour, ye may dipind on me fer speed and a close mouth.Oi'll be thare as soon as could the divil, with all his wings; and asfer sacrecy, uh! sure, the damned thumb screws thimsilves could no moredraw a wourd through moy teeth than, as the priests sez, ye could pulla camel through the houle in a nadle."
I could not help but smile at the extravagance of his speech; but I putdown my head as I fumbled with my purse, for it is not good policy tolaugh at one which is about to carry your life in his hand. "Here isgold for thee, that thou mayest not want for aught upon thy way," and Ihanded him the full of my hand of Gloucester's easily won gold pieces.I knew that this would lend him the wings of Mercury, and would tie hismouth more tightly; and so it did.
"Hivin bliss yer honour!" said he. "Whoy, Oi can buy out the houle o'London with sich a fortune."
So the faithful fellow mounted his horse and rode off at such a goodlypace as left no doubt in my mind that my message would reach Hazel intime for the Queen to take whatever action she might think best.