Preston Fight Part 8

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III.

Lord Widdrington

VERY different was the progress of the prince and his party from that made by the occupants of the coach. While the latter were crawling along the highway, the others were flying across the country, as if chasing the deer.

Over broad wide moors they speeded-across valley, and through wood-past ancient castles, and along the banks of rus.h.i.+ng streams-allowing nothing to stop them-not even the Picts' wall, through a gap in which they dashed-till after traversing many a wild and waste such as only can be seen in Northumberland, they came in sight of the great German Ocean, and the rugged coast that bounds it.

Sixteen miles and upwards had been accomplished in a marvellously short s.p.a.ce of time, but then all were well mounted. Throughout this long stretch, Anna, who we have said rode splendidly, kept by the side of Lord Derwent.w.a.ter, and as he led the way, she shared any risk he might run.

A pretty sight it was to see them together, and drew forth the admiration of those who followed in their course. Somehow or other, they got ahead, and the Prince and Dorothy Forster, who were next behind, made no effort to come up with them. The rest of the party kept well together.

At length a point was reached from which, as we have just mentioned, the broad expanse of the ocean could be surveyed. On the right was Camboise Bay, spreading out with all its rocky headlands as far as Tynemouth and South s.h.i.+elds. On the left was Druridge Bay with Coquet Island in the distance. Behind them a few miles off was Morpeth, with the ruins of its castle, and its old church, and beyond Morpeth lay the wild district they had traversed.

As yet they had made no halt, Lord Derwent.w.a.ter's intention being to stop at Widdrington Castle, which could now be descried about a mile off, beautifully situated near the coast. It was a picturesque structure, surrounded by fine timber, and though of great antiquity, seemed in excellent repair.

Lord Widdrington was a devoted partisan of the House of Stuart, and it was therefore certain that his castle would be thrown open to the prince, and that his highness might tarry there as long as he pleased if he deemed it as safe as Bamborough.

After contemplating the fine old structure with delight for a few minutes, the prince moved on, and followed by the whole party rode down the eminence, and entered the park.

They had not gone far, when they met the n.o.ble owner of the mansion.

Lord Widdrington chanced to be riding about his grounds at the time, and seeing the party enter the lodge-gate, he hastened towards them.

How great was his astonishment when he learnt who was his visitor! He instantly flung himself from his horse to pay homage to him whom he regarded as his king.

But the prince was as quick as himself, and antic.i.p.ating his design, dismounted and embraced him, expressing the greatest delight at beholding him.

Lord Widdrington had quite the air of a country gentleman. About five-and-thirty, he was well-made, though somewhat robust, with good features, lighted up by grey eyes, and characterised by a frank, manly expression. He wore a blue riding-dress trimmed with silver, a blonde peruke and riding-boots.

By this time Lord Derwent.w.a.ter had come up, and explanations were quickly given as to the position in which the prince was placed.

Lord Widdrington looked grave, and after a few moments' deliberation said: "Your majesty must be certain that nothing would gratify me more than to receive you as my guest, but your safety is the first consideration. I am bound, therefore, to state, that in case of pursuit, you would not be as safe here as at Bamborough."

"Such is my own opinion," remarked Lord Derwent.w.a.ter.

"There are a hundred hiding-places in the old castle," pursued Lord Widdrington; "and besides, a boat can be always in readiness, so that your majesty could be taken to Lindisfarne, where you might be concealed for a month."

"Whatever course you advise, my lord, I will adopt," said the prince. "But I must not be deprived of the power of retreat."

"'Tis therein especially that Bamborough has the advantage over this mansion, my liege," said Forster, who had come up. "I will answer with my life that you shall not fall into the hands of your enemies."

"And I dare not a.s.sert as much, since I might not be able to make good my words," said Lord Widdrington.

"That decides me," cried the prince. "I shall take up my quarters at Bamborough."

"I trust your majesty will tarry awhile, and accept such hospitality as I am able to offer you," entreated Lord Widdrington.

"How say you, my lord?" cried the prince, appealing to Lord Derwent.w.a.ter. "Shall I stay? I am in your hands."

His lords.h.i.+p thought an hour's halt might be risked, so the whole of the party dismounted, and were conducted to a large antique dining-hall, adorned with portraits of the family, commencing with Gerard de Widdrington, who flourished in the time of Edward the Third.

Here a goodly repast was served with remarkable prompt.i.tude. Of course, the viands were cold, but those who partook of them were too hungry to care for that-for they had breakfasted but slightly before starting,-and even the two fair damsels had gained a good appet.i.te by the ride.

Claret there was in abundance, and a goblet was devoted to a young pair of whose recent betrothal Lord Widdrington had just heard. The health of King James was drunk at the close of the repast, which was not prolonged beyond an hour. At the expiration of that time the horses were brought round.

After glancing round the entrance-hall, which was panelled with oak, and decked with trophies of the chase and ancient weapons, and admiring the carved oak staircase, the prince went forth, and mounted his steed-Lord Widdrington holding the bridle. With graceful gallantry, his lords.h.i.+p next a.s.sisted the two fair equestrians to the saddle. This done, he mounted his own horse, with the purpose of attending the prince to Bamborough. Moreover, he had ordered half a dozen well-armed men to follow at the rear of the troop.

With this additional force the party proceeded on its way-though not at the same rapid pace as heretofore.

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IV.

Dunstanborough Castle

NO longer feeling any uneasiness, the prince greatly enjoyed the ride along this remarkable coast, which, besides being studded with ancient castles, commands unequalled sea-views.

The day was fine, with a fresh breeze blowing from the North Sea. Many vessels were in sight, giving life to the picture.

Before them lay Warkworth Castle, finely situated on a peninsula, at the mouth of the lovely river Coquet, and the sight of the tall grey towers of this imposing structure so full of historical recollections, greatly moved the prince.

"From that proud castle of the Percys I should like to be proclaimed," he cried aloud.

"Your wish shall be gratified, my liege, that we promise you," rejoined Lord Widdrington and Mr. Forster, who overheard the exclamation.

And they fulfilled their promise, but not till a later date.

An ancient stone bridge across the Coquet brought the prince in front of the castle, and he paused for a few minutes to gaze at it. Fain would he have visited the Hermitage, but the wish could not be gratified, and he rode on through the little town. No interference was offered to the party since Lord Widdrington and Mr. Forster were at its head.

To Warkworth quickly succeeded a still finer castle-Alnwick; and the prince was again lost in admiration of the second magnificent feudal structure reared on a height above the town, and lording it over the surrounding country.

Guessing his highness's thoughts, Lord Widdrington said: "Had your majesty these two castles, with Dunstanborough and Bamborough, and all four well garrisoned, you might hold your own till an army could be raised, that should win you your kingdom."

"Bamborough is yours already, my liege," added Forster. "And doubt not the others will be gained."

Several fresh objects interested the prince as he rode on. Amongst them was Howick Tower, now destroyed.

Soon afterwards Dunstanborough Castle could be descried on the right. As the prince advanced, it was easy to perceive that the enormous pile was in ruins, but it still looked strong, and its position on a ridge of rocks overlooking the sea was strikingly grand.

Several towers and a large portion of the walls were left; but that the castle could be rendered capable of defence seemed very doubtful to the prince, though both Lord Widdrington and Mr. Forster were of a different opinion.

"If your majesty had time to inspect the stronghold, I would convince you of its importance," said Lord Widdrington. "Ruined as it is, it is so immensely strong that I would undertake to hold it for a month, and with a few large guns it would command the sea."

"There are some extraordinary caverns beneath the castle, where any amount of arms and ammunition sent from France could be stored," observed Forster.

"Obtain possession of the place as soon as you can," remarked the prince. "It ought to belong to us."

"It shall belong to your majesty," said Lord Widdrington.

During the ride along the coast, Lord Derwent.w.a.ter had not deemed it necessary to pay especial attention to the prince, since Lord Widdrington was better able than himself to furnish any information his highness might require.

The enamoured earl, therefore, felt at liberty to devote himself exclusively to the object of his affections. To enjoy greater freedom, the young pair separated themselves from the troop, and pursued their course along the turf that skirted the road-halting, occasionally, to gaze at the sea.

Attracted by Dunstanborough Castle, they galloped towards the grand old ruin, and after a brief survey of the gateway and towers were hastening back across the plain, when Anna's horse stumbled and fell. Before the earl could dismount and come to her a.s.sistance, she had regained her feet, but her horse had sprained his shoulder so badly that he could scarcely move.

Deeming it the best thing that could be done, Lord Derwent.w.a.ter proposed to ride as quickly as he could after the party, and bring back another horse for her.

"Dare you remain here alone till I return?" he said.

"I am not in the slightest degree afraid," she replied.

"I shall not be away many minutes," he cried, das.h.i.+ng off at full speed.

By this time, the party had disappeared, but he soon overtook them, and in less than five minutes returned with one of Lord Widdrington's grooms.

But Anna was not there. The poor disabled horse had never stirred from the spot. But its mistress was gone.

Lord Derwent.w.a.ter gazed anxiously in every direction, but could see nothing of her. Thinking she might have gone to the castle, he hurried thither, followed by the groom, dashed through the gateway, and through an inner gate into the court.

Here he gazed distractedly around, but could see no one. Nor was any answer returned to his cries.

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V.

How the Prince was lodged in the old Fortress

MEANWHILE, the prince and his attendants had proceeded tranquilly on their way to Bamborough Castle, which is not more than an hour's ride from Dunstanborough.

But nearly double that time was consumed on the present occasion, for the prince made several halts, being greatly struck by the imposing aspect and commanding position of the old stronghold.

No uneasiness was felt at the non-appearance of the earl and his betrothed. It was known that an accident had befallen the young lady's horse-and all were aware that a groom had gone back with his lords.h.i.+p to Dunstanborough-but no importance was attached to this circ.u.mstance.

On his arrival at Bamborough the prince was ceremoniously received by Mr. Forster who had ridden on in advance with Dorothy. He was first ushered into the hall of the modern mansion which was thronged with servants, who bowed reverently as he appeared, and everything looked so cheerful and comfortable, and so like the abode of a country squire-all the doors were wide open-there were so many dogs about-and such an air of free and easy hospitality pervaded the place-that he would fain have taken up his quarters there, had it been judged prudent.

Mr. Forster would have readily acceded to his highness's wishes, and have a.s.signed him the best rooms in the mansion, but Lord Widdrington and Colonel Oxburgh declared that he must be lodged in the old castle. There he might sleep in security-surrounded by lofty walls, and protected by strong gates. In the daytime there was comparatively little danger.

Quite reconciled to the arrangement, the prince was shortly afterwards conducted by his host to the lower ward of the castle, and thence to one of the towers, the chambers within which were comfortably furnished, and with this accommodation he was very well content.

As a guard to his highness, it was next arranged that Colonel Oxburgh should occupy the lower chamber of the same tower, and that the adjoining fortifications should be tenanted by Captain Wogan and the rest of the troop, together with some of Mr. Forster's retainers on whose courage and fidelity perfect reliance could be placed.

These arrangements made, the prince walked round the walls of the castle, attended by his host, Lord Widdrington, and Colonel Oxburgh, and was greatly struck by the strength of its position.

Though the sea was tolerably calm, the waves came das.h.i.+ng against the precipitous rock on which the edifice was reared. The Farne Islands looked close at hand, and Holy Island could be seen looming in the distance on the left.

Turning from the sea, the prince contemplated for awhile the square ma.s.sive keep, and then descended to the court.

Here they were met by the butler, who brought the welcome intelligence that dinner was served. Though it was judged expedient that the prince should lodge within the castle, it was not thought necessary that he should dine there.

"If I am not able to entertain your majesty as well as I could desire," said Mr. Forster, "I trust you will excuse me on the ground that I have had little time for preparation. I cannot give you a banquet such as we partook of yesterday at Dilston."

"Make no apologies," said the prince. "I am no epicure, and care not how plain the fare may be. Apropos of the feast of yesterday! where is Lord Derwent.w.a.ter?"

Mr. Forster could not answer the question, but the butler being applied to, said that neither his lords.h.i.+p nor the young lady with him had arrived.

"This is strange!" exclaimed the prince.

"Your majesty need not feel uneasy," laughed Forster. "They will be here presently. Is it your pleasure to wait dinner for them?"

His highness did not deem that necessary, but thought some one ought to go in quest of them.