The Old English Baron: a Gothic Story

by Clara Reeve

after, this man challenges myUncle. You know what passed here before his departure; He has suggestedthis affair to Sir Philip, and instigated him to this action. This isthe return he has made for the favours he has received from our family,to which he owes every thing!"

  "Softly, my son!" said the Baron; "let us be cautious of reflecting uponEdmund; there is a greater hand in this business. My conjecture was tootrue; It was in that fatal apartment that he was made acquainted withthe circumstances of Lord Lovel's death; he was, perhaps, enjoined toreveal them to Sir Philip Harclay, the bosom friend of the deceased.The mystery of that apartment is disclosed, the woe to the guilty isaccomplished! There is no reflection upon any one; Heaven effects itspurposes in its own time and manner. I and mine are innocent; let usworship, and be silent!"

  "But what do you propose to do?" said Sir Robert.

  "To return with the messengers," answered the Baron. "I think it highlyproper that I should see your Uncle, and hear what he has to say; mychildren are his heirs; in justice to them, I ought to be acquaintedwith every thing that concerns the disposal of his fortune."

  "Your Lordship is in the right," answered Sir Robert, "it concerns usall. I have only to ask your permission to bear you company."

  "With all my heart," said the Baron; "I have only to ask of you inreturn, that you will command yourself, and not speak your mind hastily;wait for the proofs before you give judgment, and take advice of yourreason before you decide upon any thing; if you reflect upon the past,you will find reason to distrust yourself. Leave all to me, and beassured I will protect your honour and my own."

  "I will obey you in all things, my lord; and will make immediatepreparation for our departure." So saying, he left the room.

  As soon as he was gone, Mr. William broke silence.

  "My Lord," said he, "if you have no great objection, I beg leave also toaccompany you both."

  "You shall, my son, if you desire it; I think I can see your motives,and your brother's also; your coolness will be a good balance to hiswarmth; you shall go with us. My son Walter shall be his sister'sprotector in our absence, and he shall be master here till we return."

  "I hope, my dear father, that will not be long; I shall not be happytill you come home," said the fair Emma.

  "It shall be no longer, my dearest, than till this untoward affair issettled."

  The Baron desired to know when the messengers were expected to return.Oswald took this opportunity to retire; he went to his own apartment,and read the letter, as follows:--

  "The Heir of Lovel, to his dear and reverend friend, father Oswald.

  "Let my friends at the Castle of Lovel know that I live in hopes one dayto see them there. If you could by any means return with the messengers,your testimony would add weight to mine; perhaps you might obtainpermission to attend the Baron; I leave it to you to manage this. JohnWyatt will inform you of all that has passed here, and that hitherto mysuccess has outrun my expectation, and, almost, my wishes. I am in thehigh road to my inheritance; and trust that the Power who hath conductedme thus far, will not leave his work unfinished. Tell my belovedWilliam, that I live, and hope to embrace him before long. I recommendmyself to your holy prayers and blessing, and remain your son andservant, Edmund."

  Oswald then went to the messengers; he drew John Wyatt to a distancefrom the rest, and got the information he wanted. He stayed withhim till he was sent for by the Baron, to whom he went directly, andprevented his questions, by saying, "I have been talking with themessengers; I find they have travelled night and day to bring theletters with all speed; they only require one night's rest, and will beready to set out with you to-morrow."

  "'Tis well," said the Baron; "we will set out as soon as they areready."

  "My Lord," said Oswald, "I have a favour to beg of you; it is, that Imay attend you; I have seen the progress of this wonderful discovery,and I have a great desire to see the conclusion of it; perhaps mypresence may be of service in the course of your business."

  "Perhaps it may," said the Baron; "I have no objection, if you desire togo."

  They then separated, and went to prepare for their journey.

  Oswald had a private interview with Joseph, whom he informed of all thathe knew, and his resolution to attend the Baron in his journey to thenorth.

  "I go," said he, "to bear witness in behalf of injured innocence. If itbe needful, I shall call upon you; therefore hold yourself in readinessin case you should be sent for."

  "That I will," said Joseph, "and spend my last remains of life andstrength, to help my young lord to his right and title. But do they notbegin to suspect who is the heir of Lovel?"

  "Not in the least," said Oswald; "they think him concerned in thediscovery, but have no idea of his being interested in the event."

  "Oh, father!" said Joseph, "I shall think every day a week till yourreturn; but I will no longer keep you from your repose."

  "Good night," said Oswald; "but I have another visit to pay before I goto rest."

  He left Joseph, and went on tip-toe to Mr. William's room, and tapped athis door. He came and opened it. "What news, father?"

  "Not much; I have only orders to tell you that Edmund is well, and asmuch your friend as ever."

  "I guessed," said William, "that we should hear something of him. I havestill another guess."

  "What is that, my child?"

  "That we shall see or hear of him where we are going."

  "It is very likely," said Oswald; "and I would have you be prepared forit;--I am confident we shall hear nothing to his discredit."

  "I am certain of that," said William, "and I shall rejoice to see him; Iconclude that he is under the protection of Sir Philip Harclay."

  "He is so," said Oswald; "I had my information from Sir Philip'sservant, who is one of the messengers, and was guide to the others intheir way hither."

  After some farther conversation they separated, and each went to hisrepose.

  The next morning the whole party set out on their journey; theytravelled by easy stages on account of the Baron's health, which beganto be impaired, and arrived in health and spirits at the castle of LordGraham, where they were received with the utmost respect and kindness bythe noble master.

  The Lord Lovel had recovered his health and strength as much as possiblein the time, and was impatient to be gone from thence to his own house.He was surprised to hear of the arrival of his brother and nephews, andexpressed no pleasure at the thoughts of seeing them. When Sir PhilipHarclay came to pay his respects to Baron Fitz-Owen, the latter receivedhim with civility, but with a coldness that was apparent. Sir Robertleft the room, doubting his resolution. Sir Philip advanced, and tookthe Baron by the hand.

  "My Lord," said he, "I rejoice to see you here. I cannot be satisfiedwith the bare civilities of such a man as you. I aspire to your esteem,to your friendship, and I shall not be happy till I obtain them. I willmake you the judge of every part of my conduct, and where you shallcondemn me, I will condemn myself."

  The Baron was softened, his noble heart felt its alliance with itscounterpart, but he thought the situation of his brother demanded somereserve towards the man who sought his life; but, in spite of himself,it wore off every moment. Lord Clifford related all that had passed,with the due regard to Sir Philip's honour; he remarked how nobly heconcealed the cause of his resentment against the Lord Lovel till theday of combat, that he might not prepossess the judges against him. Heenlarged on his humanity to the vanquished, on the desire he expressedto have justice done to his heirs; finally, he mentioned his greatrespect for the Lord Fitz-Owen, and the solicitude he shewed to havehim come to settle the estate of the sick man in favour of his children.Lord Clifford also employed his son to soften Sir Robert, and to explainto him every doubtful part of Sir Philip's behaviour.

  After the travellers had taken some rest, the Lord Graham proposed thatthey should make a visit to the sick man's chamber. The lords sentto acquaint him they were coming to visit him, and they followed themessenger. The Lord Fitz-Owen
went up to the bedside; he embraced hisbrother with strong emotions of concern. Sir Robert followed him; thenMr. William.

  Lord Lovel embraced them, but said nothing; his countenance shewed hisinward agitations. "Lord Fitz-Owen first broke silence.

  "I hope," said he, "I see my brother better than I expected?"

  Lord Lovel bit his fingers, he pulled the bed-clothes, he seemed almostdistracted; at length he broke out--

  "I owe no thanks to those who sent for my relations! Sir Philip Harclay,you have used ungenerously the advantage you have gained over me! youspared my life, only to take away my reputation. You have