The Works of William Harrison Ainsworth

by William Harrison Ainsworth

  In the first place, he had to assure the lovely mistress of his heart that his devotion was unaltered, and, if possible, stronger than ever, while she declared that he had never for a single moment been absent from her thoughts.

  “I have had nothing else to do but think of you, caro,” she said, “and pray that you would soon come to me. I have thought of you at all times, and in all places, but especially on the lake. Our separation has been so long, that I sometimes began to fear I should never behold you again — and that fear almost broke my heart. But at last you are come. I behold you again, and nothing can equal my bliss. Promise not to leave me, or I shall become miserable again.”

  “I will not deceive you, my beloved!” cried Standish. “Nothing would give me so much delight as to stay with you — nothing will pain me more than to quit you. But I am not my own master. I should not have left Lathom House — I should not have deserted the countess, had she not sent me on a special mission. I have come here to meet the Earl of Derby.”

  “Then it is not to see me that you have come — as I fondly persuaded myself?” she cried, somewhat piqued.

  “Duty has the first claim upon me, dearest,” he rejoined. “I must obey her call.”

  “Yes, I have no right to complain. But it will be very — very hard to lose you.” Then controlling her emotion, she added, “When do you expect the Earl of Derby?”

  “I know not,” he rejoined. “He may arrive at any moment. No doubt he will come secretly.”

  “And take you with him when he does come.”

  “It may be so. I cannot tell. It is not likely I shall remain here.”

  “Then you give me no hope?”

  “Alas! no. My own idea is that his lordship has some important task for me to execute, and that I must set about it forthwith.”

  Their discourse was here interrupted by Don Fortunio, who had entered the hall unnoticed by either of them, and now coughed slightly to announce his presence. He expressed the greatest pleasure at beholding Standish, and inquired anxiously after the countess, and how the siege progressed.

  “I hope she still defies her enemies,” he said.

  “Resolutely as ever,” replied Standish. “They have not relaxed in their efforts, but all those engaged in its defence believe that Lathom House will never be taken.”

  “I joy to hear you say so,” cried Don Fortunio.

  “The Earl of Derby will speedily raise the siege — of that you may feel certain,” remarked Standish. “The countess has endured much, but I trust the worst is over.”

  “Her losses, I am told, have been slight compared with those of the enemy?” observed Don Fortunio.

  “True,” replied Standish. “But we have just had one loss that has afflicted the whole garrison. Gertrude Rosworm has been killed.”

  “What do I hear?” cried Engracia. “Gertrude Rosworm killed! But I wonder not. She ever exposed herself to danger.”

  “Her end was heroic. She saved the countess from an assassin,” said Standish.

  “Truly, that was an heroic death,” exclaimed Don Fortunio.

  CHAPTER XXXI

  How the Jewels were sold to Simon Ophir, the Liverpool Jew

  BREAKFAST was finished, but the little party were still seated at the table, when Randal, who had attended upon them during the meal, suddenly disappeared, but returned in a few minutes, and signified to Standish that he had something to say to him in private.

  Upon this, the young man arose, and bowing to his friends, followed the steward out of the hall.

  “Be pleased to come with me to my lord’s cabinet,” said Randal, leading the way in that direction.

  “Wherefore thither?” demanded Standish, struck by his manner. “Do you expect his lordship? Is he here?”

  The steward, however, made no reply, but on reaching the cabinet, opened the door, and admitted him.

  Two persons were in the chamber.

  One of them was the Earl of Derby himself. He had evidently ridden far, and had just dismounted, having hastily taken off his mantle, and thrown his feathered hat on the table. He looked somewhat haggard, and scarcely greeted Standish as he entered the chamber.

  With him was an elderly personage, who from his aspect might have been taken for a Puritan. His features were sharp and intelligent, and his eyes keen. He was enveloped in a loose gown fastened at the neck, that concealed the rest of his costume, and had not removed his steeple-crowned hat.

  Beside him on the table were two large leather bags, which Standish felt sure contained money. The earl did not mention the name of this personage, and treated him with great hauteur.

  “Have you brought the jewels with you?” was the earl’s first inquiry of Standish.

  “I have, my lord,” he replied, producing the cases.

  Lord Derby handed them to the stranger, whose keen eyes glistened as he carefully inspected their contents.

  The examination took some time, during which not a word was spoken, but the earl and Standish exchanged significant glances. The young man had seen an Israelite money lender in Liverpool, named Simon Ophir, who had grown rich by the necessities of Cavaliers. He suspected this to be the person, and he was right in his surmise.

  “Are you satisfied?” said the earl, when the usurer had finished his inspection.

  “Yes, they are fine jewels, no doubt,” replied Ophir. “But if I give three thousand pounds for them, I shall gain very little by the transaction.”

  “I will abate nothing,” rejoined the earl, haughtily. “I believe the jewels to be worth double the sum I have asked. You know full well that if I did not want the money for an especial purpose I would not part with them.”

  “Yes, I am aware of that,” replied Ophir, “and I have so much respect for your lordship that I would strain a point to serve you. Though, from prudential reasons, I maintain the exterior of a Puritan, I am a Royalist at heart, and my sympathies are entirely with your party. I only lend money to Cavaliers, and always to those of good family.”

  “Yes, I am aware of it. Sir Thomas Tyldesley has had a thousand pounds from you,” observed the earl. “’Twas he recommended you to me.”

  “Sir Thomas is not the only one of your lordship’s friends I have served,” remarked Ophir. “Lord Molineux and Sir Gilbert Hoghton could tell you something if they chose.”

  “I do not want to hear it,” said the earl. “They would have had no dealings with you, if they could have helped it. Neither would I.”

  “Your lordship is mistaken in me,” rejoined Ophir. “I desire to deal honourably and fairly with you. I have come to Knowsley at your request, and have brought with me three thousand pounds in gold, wherewith to purchase certain diamonds, which your lordship values at double the sum, but which I feel sure will leave me small profit — if not entail loss. However, a bargain is a bargain, and I am content. You will find the exact amount in those bags.”

  “Take not his word, my lord,” interposed Standish. “Let the money be counted. I am willing to undertake the task.”

  “I can make no objection,” said the moneylender. “But if the sum be not correct, I will forfeit double the amount.”

  “Trust him not, I repeat, my lord,” cried Standish. “Such fellows are not to be believed on oath.”

  “Count it, then — count it!” cried Ophir angrily.

  “I will,” replied Standish.

  And untying the neck of one of the bags, he emptied half its glittering contents on the table.

  “I leave the matter in your hands, Frank,” said the earl, rising. “I will send Randal Fermor to help you.”

  With this, he quitted the cabinet, and proceeded to the great hall, where he found Don Fortunio and Engracia. His appearance did not cause them surprise, as they had been prepared for his arrival by Standish, but they were greatly pleased to see him.

  Don Fortunio did not venture to make any inquiries which the earl might have been indisposed to answer, but he obtained the satisfactory assurance that Lathom
House would soon be delivered from its assailants.

  After some little time spent in converse, they walked out into the garden, as the earl was anxious to see how it looked, but they had not got beyond the terrace, when they were joined by Standish.

  “Is the affair settled?” inquired the earl.

  The young man replied in the affirmative, and added in a low tone to his lordship:

  “The money was perfectly right, so I did the rascal an injustice. He has departed with his treasures, and I frightened him by saying he would certainly be robbed before he got to Liverpool.”

  “You did wrong, Frank,” said the earl. “Should his fears be realised, he will think you hired the robbers.”

  “Nay, for that matter, I feel half inclined to turn robber myself,” laughed Standish.

  “You will be otherwise employed,” said the earl. “You must accompany me to Chester. I shall set out in an hour.”

  “So soon, my lord?” cried the young man, gazing wistfully at Engracia.

  “I have done all I came to do, and shall return without delay,” said the earl. “Where is Randal Fermor?”

  “You will find him in your cabinet, my lord,” replied Standish. “I left him in charge of the money.”

  The earl then re-entered the house, and proceeded to his cabinet, where he found the steward, who showed him the bags of money, and received his orders respecting them. They were to be carried by two of the troopers who had come with his lordship from Chester.

  The hour had flown with inconceivable quickness as it seemed to Engracia and her lover, allowing scarce time enough, they thought, for a tender parting.

  But the earl, who had bidden adieu to Don Fortunio, was in the saddle. His little troop was ready. Linacre, also, was ready, and holding Standish’s steed by the bridle.

  One last embrace and away!

  BOOK VI. — PRINCE RUPERT

  CHAPTER I

  Of the Royalist Force under Prince Rupert

  LORD DERBY and his attendants having made their way safely to Cuerdley, crossed the Mersey at Penketh Ferry, and rode on to Daresbury, where the earl learnt to his great satisfaction that Prince Rupert had entered Cheshire, and was marching with an army of ten thousand men, chiefly cavalry, from Betley, where he made a short halt, towards Has-lington and Sandbach.

  Report added that the inhabitants of Nantwich, most of whom were friendly to the Parliament, had been thrown into the greatest consternation, as they expected the town would be assaulted by the prince, but he appeared to have other designs. The Royalist troops, however, were plundering the whole district, seizing all the horses they could find, and forcing great numbers of the peasantry to join them.

  On receiving this intelligence, Lord Derby at once altered his plan, and instead of proceeding to Chester, struck across the country towards Knutsford, resting for the night at Nether Peover.

  Next morning, he ascertained that the prince was advancing with his whole force to Knutsford, and rode on to meet him.

  Ere long abundant evidences were afforded that a large army was on the march. Most of the farmhouses were deserted, and the country folk were flying in all directions, fearful of being compelled to serve as recruits.

  At length the advanced guard of the Royal army came in sight. It consisted of five hundred lancers, and a like number of cuirassiers, all well mounted and completely armed — the foremost being furnished with steel caps, gorgets, and breast-plates, and the latter with polished cuirasses, that glittered in the sun. Then followed several regiments of harquebussiers and dragoons. These did not make quite such a brilliant show as the troops that had gone before them, but were quite as serviceable in the field — if not more so. The artillery consisted of twenty large cannons, each drawn by four strong horses. These pieces of ordnance had just been used at Newark.

  The infantry, which we have said was not so numerous as the horse, comprised six regiments, each five hundred strong, and besides there were a thousand pikemen and billmen.

  Viewed from the brow of a hill, as Lord Derby first beheld it, with its flags flying, and its numerous richly accoutred officers riding with their men, this large army presented a splendid sight, well calculated to fill the earl with martial enthusiasm. Equal ardour was kindled in Standish’s breast, and he longed to join the force, which appeared to him resistless.

  Having gazed at the spectacle for a few minutes and listened to the stirring strains that added so materially to its effect, the earl rode down the hill, and galloped past the lancers and cuirassiers till he met the prince, with whom were several officers of distinction. Most of them were fine-looking men, but not to compare with their valiant leader.

  As usual Prince Rupert was magnificently accoutred, and bestrode a powerful charger. Elated by his recent successes, confident in his ability to subdue the foe on any future engagement, and burning for revenge, he looked full of spirit, though even when thus excited, his countenance had a stern expression, and when he spoke his eyes seemed occasionally to flash fire.

  The prince was much surprised to behold the Earl of Derby, as he had not expected to meet him on the march, but he greeted him most cordially.

  No halt was made. The officers who were with the prince when Lord Derby came up fell back, and left them together.

  They then rode side by side, and were soon engaged in earnest discourse, which was conducted in a low tone.

  Rupert’s expression became fiercer, and his eye blazed as he listened to what the earl said to him.

  Notwithstanding the representations made to him, it seemed that the prince had not exactly comprehended the condition of the countess at Lathom House, nor was he aware of the indignities to which she had been subjected. But when Lord Derby explained what had really occurred during the siege, he was exceedingly wroth.

  “I had no idea my cousin, the countess, had been so much distressed by these insolent rebels,” he said; “but I promise you she shall be speedily delivered from them. I will do nothing till I have succoured her, and avenged her on her malicious enemies.”

  “I thank your highness for these promises which I am sure will be fulfilled,” replied the earl. “Had my noble wife been able to contend with her enemies she would not have asked for assistance. But she fears that the garrison may be reduced by famine.”

  “That shall never be,” cried Prince Rupert. “In a few days I shall be before the castle, and we shall then see how long the siege will endure.”

  “Again I thank your highness in my wife’s name and my own,” said the earl. “Had I not lost all my men before I retired to the Isle of Man, it would not have been needful for me to apply to you for aid. But your soldiers shall be well rewarded for the service they will render me. I have brought three thousand pounds in gold with me, which I will place in your highness’s hands to be distributed among them when the siege is raised.”

  “By my faith! you have done well, cousin, and I thank you heartily,” cried Rupert. “My men want pay as you are well aware, and this will gratify them.”

  “It is right your highness should know that the money is the produce of my wife’s jewels,” said the earl. “Your cousin, the countess, therefore, will reward the men.”

  “They shall know that,” said the prince; “and they will then comprehend what sacrifices are made for the king. His majesty himself shall know it.”

  “After the siege is raised, I make no doubt I shall be able to bring his majesty large bodies of men,” said the earl. “But in the present state of Lancashire, which is now entirely in the hands of the rebels, it is impossible to do so.”

  “All that shall speedily be changed,” said Rupert. “I mean to storm Bolton and Wigan.”

  “I rejoice to hear it,” said the earl. “With this force neither place will be able to withstand your assault. You mean to enter the county, I conclude, by Stockport Bridge?”

  “Such is my design,” replied the prince.

  “The pass will be strongly defended,” observed the earl.


  “I count upon that,” rejoined the prince. “But if they bring all the force they can muster from Manchester and elsewhere, they will not prevent my entrance. Your lordship must help me. You shall have the command of my cuirassiers.”

  “I thank your highness,” replied the earl. “If we do not cut our way through all opposition, it shall not be my fault.”

  Knutsford, then but a very small town, afforded poor quarters for so large a force. Tents were therefore pitched in Tatton Park, while Toft Hall, Booth’s Hall, Mere Hall, and several other habitations in the neighbourhood were occupied. The prince and the Earl of Derby, with some of the chief officers, found lodgings at Tabley Hall, the residence of Sir Peter Leicester. Sir Peter, who had suffered much for his loyalty, gave them a hearty welcome, but his house had been recently plundered by the Parliamentary soldiers.

  On arriving at Tabley Hall, Lord Derby’s first business was to deliver to the prince the sum of money he had promised him. Rupert smiled as the bags of gold were placed before him by Standish, and after he had transferred them with some private instructions to his paymaster, he said:

  “Lord Derby informs me, Captain Standish, that you are about to return to Lathom House and hope to gain an entrance, in spite of the besiegers. Should you succeed in doing so, tell the countess to be of good cheer. I shall shortly come to her succour.”

  “Your highness may be sure that no message could give her ladyship greater satisfaction,” replied Standish, “and I hope soon to deliver it. If fortune favours me, I shall see her ladyship to-morrow morn.”

  “Good,” rejoined Rupert, approvingly. “Are you alone?”

  “I have one attendant with me, your highness.”

  “You can depend upon him?” said the prince.

  “He brought me safely through the trenches, your highness, so I think he will take me back.”

  “The man may be trusted,” observed the earl. “He conveyed a letter to the countess from Chester. I shall not write to her now. Your highness’s message will suffice. When she learns that relief is at hand, she will be perfectly content.”