A Simple Story
Page 53
CHAPTER VIII.
The companions and counsellors of Lord Margrave, who had so prudentlyadvised gentle methods in the pursuit of his passion, while there wasleft any hope of their success; now, convinced there was none, asstrenuously commended open violence;--and sheltered under theconsideration, that their depredations were to be practised upon adefenceless woman, who had not one protector, except an old priest, thesubject of their ridicule;--assured likewise from the influence of LordMargrave's wealth, that all inferior consequences could be overborne,they saw no room for fears on any side, and what they wished to execute,with care and skill premeditated.
When their scheme was mature for performance, three of his chosencompanions, and three servants, trained in all the villainous exploitsof their masters, set off for the habitation of poor Matilda, andarrived there about the twilight of the evening.
Near four hours after that time (just as the family were going to bed)they came up to the doors of the house, and rapping violently, gave thealarm of fire, conjuring all the inhabitants to make their way outimmediately, as they would save their lives.
The family consisted of few persons, all of whom ran instantly to thedoors and opened them; on which two men rushed in, and with the plea ofsaving Lady Matilda from the pretended flames, caught her in their arms,and carried her off; while all the deceived people of the house, runningeagerly to save themselves, paid no regard to her, till looking for thecause for which they had been terrified, they perceived the stratagem,and the fatal consequences.
Amidst the complaints, the sorrow, and the affright of the people of thefarm, Miss Woodley's sensations wanted a name--terror and anguish givebut a faint description of what she suffered--something like the approachof death stole over her senses, and she sat like one petrified withhorror. She had no doubt who was the perpetrator of this wickedness; buthow was she to follow? how effect a rescue?
The circumstances of this event, as soon as the people had time to callup their recollection, were sent to a neighbouring magistrate; butlittle could be hoped from that. Who was to swear to the robber? Who,undertake to find him out! Miss Woodley thought of Rushbrook, ofSandford, of Lord Elmwood--but what could she hope from the want of powerin the two former?--what from the latter, for the want of will? Nowstupified, and now distracted, she walked about the house incessantly,begging for instructions how to act, or how to forget her misery.
A tenant of Lord Elmwood's, who occupied a little farm near to thatwhere Lady Matilda lived, and who was well acquainted with the wholehistory of her's and her mother's misfortunes, was returning from aneighbouring fair, just as this inhuman plan was put in execution. Heheard the cries of a woman in distress, and followed the sound, till hearrived at a chaise in waiting, and saw Matilda placed in it, by theside of two men, who presented pistols to him, as he offered to approachand expostulate.
The farmer, uncertain who this female was, yet went to the house shehad been taken from (as the nearest) with the tale of what he had seen;and there, being informed it was Lady Matilda whom he had beheld, thisintelligence, joined to the powerful effect her screams had on him, madehim resolve to take horse immediately, and with some friends, follow thecarriage till they should trace the place to which she was conveyed.
The anxiety, the firmness discovered in determining on thisunderstanding, somewhat alleviated the agony Miss Woodley endured, andshe began to hope, timely assistance might yet be given to her belovedcharge.
The man set out, meaning at all events to attempt her release; butbefore he had proceeded far, the few friends that accompanied him, beganto reflect on the improbability of their success, against a nobleman,surrounded by servants, with other attendants likewise, and, perhaps,even countenanced by the father of the lady, whom they presumed to takefrom him; or if not, while Lord Elmwood beheld the offence withindifference, that indifference gave it a sanction, they might in vainoppose. These cool reflections tending to their safety, had their weightwith the companions of the farmer; they all rode back, rejoicing attheir second thoughts, and left him to pursue his journey and prove hisvalour by himself.