XXV
A PAGE FROM THE PAST
With a cry of deepest gladness he whirled and caught his lost love tohim, and kissed her brow and ruddy hair, and his voice broke and hiseyes dimmed as he repeated many times:
"Beatrix! . . . Beatrix! . . . Thank God!"
And so for a space they stood. Then of a sudden he held her gently offat arm's length.
"Are you glad to see me, sweetheart?" he asked.
"And need I tell you that, dear?" smiling archly.
"At least you might tell me why my knocks were so ignored," he said,smiling back.
"Perchance, sir, I was curious to know how long you would be content toknock and wait."
"You knew it was I?"
She glanced up with a merry sparkle in her grey eyes.
"Stupid!--do you think the door would have been unbolted toanother?". . . Then with a woman's quick mind: "And dear Sir John! Itis sweet to see that he has his strength again."
"See? When did you see Sir John?"
She led him to the window and drew aside the curtain.
"I saw everything, my lord!" she cried, with a blithesome laugh."Everything from when you slew the odious Abbot until the fight endedon the stairs; and you can never know, dear, the joy with which Irecognized the Stag upon your jupon."
"Surely you did not see the fight in the hall!" he exclaimed.
"Every stroke. I was leaning on the railing just above you."
"And never spoke to me!"
"Because I feared it might be distracting and do you harm. When allwas over I hurried hither . . . to wait . . . though I feared Sir Johnmight come with you," and she blushed bewitchingly.
"His heart is young, if his hair be grey," said De Lacy. "He bade mego alone and he would follow presently. And ere he comes, dear, tellme something of your captivity."
"I will try to sketch it briefly, but if I seem to wander, bear in mindthat to me it is years--long years--since that fateful evening by theHermit's Cell." She paused a bit, and then went on: "The attack uponus was so sharply sudden that Sir John had no chance to defend--thevillains seemed to rise from the very turf on every side. Almostinstantly he was stricken, and as his horse bolted into the forest, acloak was flung over my head and wound round about my arms, so that Iwas helpless. Then at a sharp trot, that grew quickly into a canter,we set out. After a while, how long I had no notion, we halted untilthe leader--he whom I have come to know as Simon Gorges--had freed mefrom the cloak, apologizing very humbly for being obliged to use it.
"It would likely have been more maidenly had I been tearful andtrembling; but, to my shame then, must I admit that I was neither--onlycurious to know who had been so desperate as to commit an act thatwould bring the whole of England down upon him. Had I but guessed thelong weeks which were to pass and the sore trials they were to bear,there would have been weeping without stint that night as, indeed,there was later; when it began to seem that you and all else on earthhad forsaken me."
"Nay, Beatrix; surely there was never such doubt of me?" De Lacy asked.
"Well; not doubt, exactly--only a growing fear that, having searchedfor me and vainly, you had given me up for dead."
"Yet all the while, methinks your heart told you that there was one, atleast, who sought you still," he said, raising her face so he couldlook into her eyes.
"I fear me, Aymer, you are still given to occasional conceit. . . No,sir--not another kiss until I have finished--and not then, unless youare good and humble. . . When we arrived before this castle the bridgewas down and all things ready for our coming. The place was strange tome, and in the faint glimmer of the torches and the uncertain moonlightI could discern no escutcheon above the gateway and no banner on thetower. Nor did I have much time for observing, for they hurried me outof saddle and through the great hall and up to these rooms. Directly,there came to me an old woman who proffered herself as maid.
"'Maid!' I exclaimed. 'Maid for one with no gown but a riding habit!'
"She opened the closet door and showed me apparel in plenty; and when Isaid I would wear no other woman's clothes, she told me they were madefor me and had been waiting for a week.
"'Does this place then deal in abducted maidens?' I demanded; and gotfor answer that I was the first woman of quality to cross these hallssince the lord's mother was laid in yonder chapel.
"Then suddenly my courage left me, and I grew faint and would havefallen had she not led me to the couch. With the morning came freshstrength; and ignoring the loose chamber robe she laid out and urgedupon me, I donned my riding skirt and waited. But that day passed; andthe second was in darkness when I heard a trumpet call and then muchcommotion in the courtyard; and presently there were steps in thecorridor, followed by a knock upon the door. When I opened it I gave acry of glad surprise; instead of the abductor, it was Lord Darby whoentered smiling and gay.
"I suppose the sharp shift of feeling was too much for my wrought-upnerves, for I began to cry and laugh by turns; and when I came back tocalmness, I found him at my feet and holding my hand, and . . . talkingfoolishness. But my sole idea was to be gone, and I told him so curtlyand started for the door. To my amaze, he stepped in front of me, andas I would have slipped by he caught my arm. I tried to fling him off,but unavailingly. Then he gravely led me to a chair and bowed me intoit.
"'Bear with me, Countess, I pray you,' he said, and fell to talkingfoolishness, again.
"But I told him it was quite useless; that the question had beenfinally settled between us at Windsor, as he ought to know, and prayedhim not to weaken my gratitude for the rescue by pressing the subjectfurther. I did it gently as I could, but I saw his anger rising.
"He had been kneeling; now he arose and stood with folded arms, lookingdown at me.
"'Tell me, Countess,' he said, 'is this your final answer?'
"'It is, Lord Darby,' I replied, and springing by him I tried to makethe door. But he was before me and turned the key.
"It were folly to grow violent in my helplessness, and I swept him amocking curtsy.
"'Will you tell me if I am captive to Lord Darby or to him who rulesthis castle?' I asked.
"He bowed back at me until his plume almost touched the floor.
"'To both, fair Countess,' he answered, 'for this is Roxford Castle,and I am its lord and your abductor.'
"'What a despicable scoundrel you are!' I exclaimed, trying to hold myvoice steady and keep a brave front--though my heart had suddenlybecome as lead, and I thanked God for my dagger.
"'It is a pity you should view your future lord with so poor esteem,'he returned. 'For here you stay until the bans are tied as tight aspriest can knot them.'
"'The Church mates not the quick with a corpse,' I answered.
"He shrugged his shoulders. 'True, Countess,' he replied. 'But onemust risk something; and few women go in search of death. Nathless, itis the only way you can escape me now.'
"'You forget the King,' I retorted.
"He gave his sneering laugh. 'Nay, put no hope in Richard,' he said.'He soon will have enough of his own troubles, and no time to spare formissing maids. When Buckingham, Stanley, and Darby rise and Richmondlands in England, Richard's rule is ended. Then think you the new Kingwill deny me the Countess of Clare for wife--even though she be a bitunwilling? Meanwhile, it is already ordered that you be treated as thechatelaine of Roxford. When next I come it will be to lead you to thealtar, by the kind permission of His Gracious Majesty, King Henry.'
"He went out leaving the key in the lock, and after a while he rodeaway.
"It would be small profit to detail the weeks that followed. I rarelyleft this room, though I had the freedom of the castle, and was deniednothing save leave either to pass the gates or to communicate with theouter world.
"Then, one day, I chanced to be at yonder window when Simon Gorges rodefrom out the gate-arch and across the courtyard; his mount staggeringfrom weariness and both plastered with mud and water.
"Tha
t night Gorges carried me to Kirkstall Abbey; some one met him nearthe gate and I was smuggled, blindfolded, through an undergroundpassage to a small room, furnished in all luxury, and with all thetoilet trifles of our sex. There I abode, seeing no one save ashrewish looking woman who paid no heed to my questions and ignored meutterly. And on the third evening Lord Darby entered suddenly, and Icried out in sheer surprise and terror.
"'You are not glad to see me, I fear,' he said, with his short,sneering laugh.
"I made no answer. His return could mean only that Richard wasdethroned, Henry Tudor, King, and he come to claim me. My hand soughtmy hidden dagger; and he must have read my mind, for he laughedagain--Merciful Mother, how I hate that laugh!--and bade me be easy.
"'I am here before my time,' he said. 'Richard is yet King, and Istand now with him, and am just come from mustering my following atRoxford. He has promised me your hand when the rebellion is ended.Therefore, I have you sure, whoever conquers; for in the battle I shallso play as to be with him who wins.' . . . He drew back thearras--then paused as though the thought had just come: 'Perchance itwill interest you to know that a certain Aymer de Lacy has left Englandand returned to France.'
"'It is a lie--a lie of your black heart!' I cried.
"But he only smiled maliciously and went out. And thank God, sincethat evening I have never seen him more.
"And now is my tale most told. For a week longer I dwelt in that room,and saw no person but my dumb attendant. At a strange hour on thenight of the seventh day, there came a knock at the door and, withoutstaying for permission, a robed figure entered.
"'Be not alarmed, daughter,' it said, as I sprang up. 'I come to takeyou hence.'
"It was the Abbot Aldam himself, and my anger arose.
"'Since when, Sir Abbot,' I demanded, 'has the Abbey of Kirkstallbecome the prison for abducted women?'
"'Since it pleased me to assist a friend in need,' he answered.
"Coming near, he scanned my face and figure; and suddenly he put hisarms about me and kissed me on the mouth."
De Lacy struck his gauntlets against his greaves.
"God! I am glad I killed him," he gritted.
"So am I, dear," said the Countess--then went on: "I tried to reach mydagger, but Aldam caught my hands and kissed me twice again.
"'Be not so timid,' he laughed. 'There are many of your sex come tothis room, and far different from a simple caress is the toll they pay.But you are Darby's, so must I stop with that . . . yet I would it wereotherwise,' and his look was so cruelly devouring I fled to the farside of the room.
"There I waited, ready if he sought again to touch me, to sink mydagger in his breast. But he had bound his passions, seemingly, for hesat down and bade me prepare to leave without delay. And gladly did Icomply, caring little where I went, so that I left this vile priest'sclutches.
"When I had done, he took my bundle and a candle and led the waythrough a hidden panel in the corner opposite the door. We passedalong a narrow corridor, with the roof almost against our heads, anddescended a score of stone stairs into a tunnel, deep and foul. Howfar we went I cannot even guess, but presently there was another ascentof stairs, and after a bit of fumbling, the heavy door swung back and Ifelt a rush of night air and saw the moonlight.
"Thrusting the Abbot aside, I sprang through the opening . . . and intothe arms of Simon Gorges.
"'Your pardon, my lady,' he said; then freed me, but stood within easyreach. He was alone, and beside his horse was another with a woman'ssaddle. He saw my eyes upon it.
"We are for Roxford Castle,' he explained.
"Listen, Gorges,' I said. 'What will you have to take me back toPontefract? Name your price, man--I am rich and can pay a royalransom--and you shall enter the King's own guard.'
"He shook his head. 'I have served the Lords of Darby all my life, andmy sire and my grandsire before me. No gold nor rank can buy me frommy duty. To me you have been committed, pending my lord's return; andso long as I have power to keep you, I must obey.'
"'It is an ignoble task you are assigned,' I began.
"But he would not hear me. 'You forget, my lady, that I am of thoseyou and your station deem ignoble. Yet, none the less, am I ashamed ofthis business--though, since my lord commands, it is not for me toquestion nor delay. Therefore, I pray you, let us mount and be going?'
"I saw he neither could be bought nor persuaded, so I let him lift meinto saddle and we set out for Roxford. On the way, I asked why I wasbeing so moved about, though I had no hope he would tell me; and for awhile he made no answer. Then, to my surprise, he said: 'What do youthink would be the reason?'
"'Can it be that Lord Darby is suspected of my abduction?' I cried.And the hope that had almost died came back to life with a bound.
"'Will you promise never to betray me to him?'
"'I promise,' I answered, all a tremble.
"So he detailed how, as Flat-Nose, he had been sought over all England;how at Sheffield, you, Aymer, had come upon him and Lord Darbytogether, and had carried his master to the King at Lincoln; how he,himself, escaping, had galloped back and hurried me to Kirkstall,assuming that Roxford would be visited by Richard's order; how Darbyhad bested you with the King; and how Buckingham's rebellion had sentyou and Darby with the army to the South.
"'For the time Roxford will be in no danger of a searching party, soyou are being returned there,' he ended. 'But if I know aught of SirAymer de Lacy, my lord has not yet won his bride.'
"'Lord Darby told me that the King had promised him my hand--and thatSir Aymer de Lacy had gone to France.' I said.
"He looked at me with a smile.
"'I never contradict my master,' he replied; but there was vastencouragement for me in his tones.
"And I slept that night as I had not for weeks; nor troubled that I layonce more at Roxford Castle. For after my heavy gloom and darkdespair, even the smallest hope was mountain size and promised surerelease. And so I waited; confident and strong. Last evening nearsundown the Abbot Aldam came; and as I saw him, all bedraggled, crossthe courtyard on foot and unattended, I felt that my deliverance wasnear. No one of his rank and station would travel so, except his lifewere jeopardized, and I cried out in joy at his undoing. Then I sentfor Gorges and learned the Abbot's tale--that he had escaped by thepassage used for me, and that you were even then at Kirkstall.
"'To-morrow's sun will see Sir Aymer before the barbican, my lady,' hesaid. 'And though we shall hold the castle to the final stroke, yet itwill be a losing fight; for we are few in number, and when one fallsthere will not be another to step into his place. And so will it bethat you have seen the last of Simon Gorges, whose greatest shame is tohave been your jailer.'
"He bowed awkwardly and was going when I stopped him.
"'Your lord and the Abbot of Kirkstall can learn courtesy and chivalryfrom you,' I said. 'But what profit can your death be to Lord Darby?When I am found here, his end is sure. So when the last hope isgone--the castle lost--promise me that if quarter be offered, you willnot let it pass; take your life and you shall have service under me.'
"He was embarrassed by my praise and earnestness. 'Your ladyship isgracious; yet must I think upon the matter,' he stammered; and hurriedout as though afraid I might persuade him more.
"Therefore, dear, as on the stairway I heard him accept mercy on myword, you will grant it to him?"
"He is your prisoner, sweetheart, and we will have him here," saidAymer. "You are his judge."
Presently, with helmet in hand and bladeless scabbard by his side, butstill in his harness dinted and hacked in the recent fight, Gorgesappeared; and halting at the threshold, bowed to the Countess; thensaluting the Knight with formal motion, stood at attention.
"Flat-Nose--for by that name I know you best," said De Lacy, "youyielded prisoner to the Countess of Clare. Advance and receive yoursentence."
Gorges came forward and knelt at her feet in silence.
"Simon," said Beatrix, "
you were kind to me when most I neededkindness; will you now take your life from me in earnest of mygratitude?"
"That will I, my lady, and gladly," Gorges answered frankly and at once.
"And will you wear the badge of Clare and be my chief retainer?"
The soldier hesitated and glanced uncertainly at De Lacy.
"You are bound no longer to Lord Darby's service," Sir Aymeradmonished. "He is traitor to the King, and will die on the blockwithin the month."
The Gorges raised the hem of the Countess' gown and kissed it; andtaking her hand placed it on his head.
"I am your man," he said. "Henceforth do with me as to you may seemgood."
XXVI
THE JUDGMENT OF THE KING
In the Painted Chamber of the Palace of Westminster the Court wasgathered. Through the great long room, amid the soft light of scoresupon scores of candles, moved the gorgeously attired throng--waitingfor the King whose usual hour of entrance was long since past. Andcuriosity was rife, and uneasiness in the atmosphere.
For the times were sadly unsettled; and among those who had for aninstant hesitated between Tudor and Plantagenet--and their number wasnot small--there was grave anxiety, lest their faint loyalty had cometo Richard's ears. And to such it was scarce a comforting reflectionthat, in Exeter, the headsman had just done his grim work upon St.Leger; albeit he were husband of the King's own sister. If he werecondemned for treason, even though it were open and notorious, who thatwere tainted ever so slightly were likely to be spared?
But all the while, the ladies laughed and chatted gayly, and theknights bowed and smiled and answered back in kind; and the throng as awhole seemed to be without a shred of care.
At one group of young matrons there was much merriment; and as LordDarby chanced to stroll by, they hailed him banteringly, inviting himto join them. But he declined with sarcastic pleasantry.
"Fie, sir! It was not a gallant speech," cried the Lady Strange, witha toss of her golden locks; "and if your tongue be as acid always,there is small wonder that rumor gave another precedence in the favorof the Countess of Clare."
Darby halted and bowed low and long--very low and very long.
"Your ladyship does me too much honor," he said, with well assumedhumility, "in even thinking of the Countess of Clare and my poor selfin the same moment."
"Doubtless I do--since your devotion was too feeble even to send you toher rescue."
"And now you do me deep injustice; I sought the Countess from the dayfollowing the abduction until all hope was gone. Methinks alas! shehas long since been gathered with the Saints."
The Countess of Ware--the Lady Mary Percy that was--laughed with gibingintonation.
"There is one, at least, who has not ceased to hope and to search," shesaid.
"And has been as successful as myself," he retorted, nor hid the sneer.
"But if he find her?"
Darby shrugged his shoulders. "Think you there is recognition in thespirit world?"
"Then you actually believe the Countess dead?" the Lady Lovel asked.
"Beyond all question, madam. It is near three months since theabduction and a trace of her has yet to be discovered;" and was goingon when the Countess of Ware stopped him.
"Can you tell us what detains the King?" she asked.
"I have no notion," he replied. "I saw him an hour or so ago and hewas in the best of health and humor."
"Your news is stale," she laughed; "a King's humor an hour old is veryancient."
"True," said Darby, "true indeed, yet here comes one who can doubtlessanswer fittingly. . . Sir Ralph, what delays His Majesty?"
But De Wilton looked him straight in the face, and with never a word inreply, passed on.
And at that moment the Black Rod entered, and behind him came the King.
Save for the crimson lining of his short gown, he was clad in whitefrom head to foot, an ivory boar with eyes of rubies and tusks ofsapphires, pinned the feather in his bonnet, about his neck hung theGeorge, and his only weapon was the diamond hilted dagger at hisgirdle. With it he toyed, looking neither to the right nor to theleft, nor yet to the front; but rather at the mental picture of oneengrossed in thought.
Slowly and with the impressive dignity that was the natural heritage ofthe Plantagenets, he mounted the steps to the Throne and turning facedhis Court; and all bowed low, and then in silence waited, while hisdark eyes searched them through.
"You may take your places, my Lord Cardinal and Lord Chancellor," hesaid. "Her Majesty will not join us until later."
Bowing in response, the Archbishop of Canterbury and the Bishop ofLincoln assumed their stools on the third step of the dais; and thecrowd, released from the ceremonial calm, began to buzz softly withconversation, though without taking eye from the King. And they turnedquickly dumb again as Richard raised his hand.
"We will have to beg your kind indulgences if, for a while, we delaythe games and the dance," he said. "It is a most unhappy chance uponthis evening of all others, when we are about to celebrate our safereturn from rebellious war, that there has come to us evidences offoulest crime and darkest treason by one high in rank and station, andwho is, even now, within sound of my voice."
Over the Court ran a shiver of apprehension; and men eyed one anotherwith misgiving and drew within themselves; while the women, with facessuddenly gone white and lips a tremble, clutched the hands of thosemost dear, as though to shield them from the doom about to fall. Forgreen in the memory was Hastings, and Rivers, and Buckingham, and St.Leger, and the stern suddenness of their taking off.
"Perchance, it were more suitable," the King went on, "that matters ofsuch import be deferred to the quiet of the council chamber and theCourt of the Lord High Steward; and in particular, that there should benone of the gentler sex in presence. Yet for reasons which to me seemadequate and proper, I have determined otherwise. He who is chargedwith these crimes is now among you; and by you, my lords and my ladies,shall he be adjudged. Stand forth, Henry, Lord Darby of Roxford."
The gasp that soughed through the room as Richard spoke the name wasfar more of relief than of wonder, and instantly all eyes sought theaccused.
And he met them with a shrug of indifference and a smiling face. Anddown the aisle that opened to him he went--debonair and easy--until hestood before the Throne. There he bent knee for an instant; then,erect and unruffled, he looked the King defiantly in the eye.
"Here stand I to answer," he said. "Let the charges be preferred."
Richard turned to the Black Rod.
"Summon the accusers," he ordered.
As the Usher backed from the room, there arose a hissing of whispersthat changed sharply to exclamations of surprise as in formal tones heheralded:
"Sir John de Bury! Sir Aymer de Lacy!"
The elder Knight leaned on the other's arm as they advanced; butdropped it at the Throne and both made deep obeisance. An impatientglance from the King brought instant quiet.
"Sir John de Bury and Sir Aymer de Lacy," he, said, "you have madecertain grave accusations touching Henry, Lord Darby of Roxford. Hestands here now to answer. Speak, therefore, in turn."
De Bury stepped forward and faced Darby, who met him with folded armsand scornful front.
"I charge Henry, Lord Darby," he said, "with having abducted and heldprisoner, in his castle of Roxford and elsewhere, my niece, the LadyBeatrix de Beaumont, Countess of Clare."
A cry of amazement burst from the Court, but Richard silenced it with agesture.
"You have heard, my lord," he said. "What is your plea?"
"Not guilty, Sire."
At a nod from the King, De Lacy took place beside Sir John.
"I charge Henry, Lord Darby of Roxford," he cried, "with high treason,in that he aided and a betted the Duke of Buckingham in his laterebellion, and stood prepared to betray his Sovereign on the field ofbattle."
"You hear, my lord," said the King. "What is your plea?"
But Darby did no
t answer; and for a while Richard watched himcuriously, as with half-bared dagger and lips drawn back in rage, heglowered upon De Lacy, forgetful of all things save his hate. And soimminent seemed the danger, that Aymer put hand to his own poniard andfell into the posture to receive attack. And doubtless there, beforethe Throne itself, would these two men have fought to the death forvery lust of the other's blood, had not the clear, stern voice of theKing aroused them, like cold water in a sleeping face.
"Do you not hear, Lord Darby? We await your plea!"
"Not guilty," Darby answered in tones husky with rage. "And I demandwager of battle, as against the foul charge of this foreign slandererand liar."
"I pray you, my Liege, to grant it to the traitor," said De Lacyeagerly.
But Richard waved him back. "The wager is refused. By the evidenceshall the judgment be. Proceed, Sir Aymer de Lacy, we will hear youfirst."
The Knight drew a packet from his doublet.
"I offer herewith," he said, "the dying statement of Henry Stafford,late Duke of Buckingham, touching the part taken in his rebellion bythe accused."
"I object to it!" Darby cried.
"For what reason?"
"Because its execution has not been proven; and because, even ifgenuine, it is incompetent as being by a condemned traitor."
"Let me see the paper," said the King. . . "It is regular, on itsface--signed by Stafford under his own seal and attested by Sir RichardRatcliffe and Sir John Kendale. Do you wish their testimony?"
Lord Darby bowed.
"Sir Richard Ratcliffe and Sir John Kendale," the King said, as theystood forth, "do you each testify on honor that these are yourrespective signatures, and that you saw Henry Stafford sign and affixhis seal hereto?"
"We do, upon our knightly honor," they replied.
"It would appear, Sir John, that the body of this document is in yourhandwriting."
"It is, Your Majesty. I wrote it at request of Stafford and at hisdictation."
"Where?"
"In his room in the Blue Boar Inn in the town of Salisbury."
"When?"
"On the afternoon of the second day of November last. When the Dukehad signed it he went direct to execution."
"And this document?" the King questioned.
"Was kept by me until presented to Your Majesty that same evening; andby your direction deposited among your private papers, whence I took ita few minutes since to give to Sir Aymer de Lacy."
Another murmur of astonishment went up from the Court, but died quicklyunder Richard's glance.
"Methinks, my lord," he said addressing Darby, "the paper has beensufficiently proven and is competent as a dying declaration of aco-conspirator. Therefore, we admit it. . . Read it, my LordChancellor."
The Bishop arose and spreading out the parchment began:
"I, Henry Stafford, Duke of Buckingham, being about to suffer on theblock (which even now stands ready before my window) do hereby make,publish and declare this as and for my dying declaration; trusting thatthereby I may be of service to one who, though my foe in war, has beenmy friend in peaceful days, and now, as well, when all others haveforsaken and betrayed me--and may, at the same time, bring to justice apair of caitiffs. By these presents, do I denounce and proclaim Henry,Lord Darby, and John Morton, ycleped Bishop of Ely, as perjured andforsworn traitors to Richard, King of England, as well as betrayers oftheir plighted faith to me. Further, do I hereby admonish RichardPlantagenet that this Darby (whom I have but this hour observed amonghis forces in this town) and the aforesaid priest, Morton, are theinstigators of my rebellion; that these two aided me in all thescheming of the plot; that to Darby was assigned the proclaiming ofHenry Tudor in Yorkshire and the North; and that, within one week ofthe day set for the rising, he was at Brecknock and completed the finaldetails. That he was a double traitor I knew not until I saw him herein the courtyard this day. Also, I denounce----"
"Stay, my Lord Bishop!" the King interjected. "Read no further for thepresent."
"Since when, I pray, Sire, has it become the law of England to admitonly such part of a paper as may suit the prosecution's plan?" Darbycried.
"You wish it read entire?" Richard asked.
"Marry, that I do. Since I am already judged, it can work me no hurt."
Richard looked at him fixedly. "You are overbold, sirrah!"
"Those who speak truth to a King must needs be so," was the curtrejoinder.
"Steady your tongue, Lord Darby," said Richard sternly, "else may theTower teach you respect for England's King."
"Think you, then, I should find the young Fifth Edwardthere------alive?" sneered Darby.
For a moment, Richard's eyes flashed like sparks springing from theclashing of two angry swords. Then he smiled; and the smile was moreominous than the sparks.
"Be easy, sir; the remainder of the declaration shall be read inseason," he said very quietly. "But first, will you reply now toStafford's allegation, or shall we proceed with Sir John de Bury'scharge?"
If this were all the evidence of treason Darby was in small danger andit behooved him to change his bearing.
"I did Your Majesty grave wrong in presuming you had prejudged me," hesaid with a frank smile, "for well I know that on such shallowfalsehoods no man could ever be condemned. And here do I place my ownknightly word against the traitor Buckingham's; and do specificallydeny all that has been read by the Lord Chancellor. And further, do Isolemnly affirm that neither by voice nor deed have I been recreant tomy oath of allegiance, nor false to you. Moreover, Sire, my veryaction in the rebellion attests my truth: Did I not hasten to join yourarmy with all the force at my disposal? Have I not been ever honestand faithful?"
And with arms folded proudly on his breast, he waited for theacquittance that seemed to be his due.
"As the case stands now, it would be our duty and our pleasure topronounce you guiltless," Richard replied. "But it so chances thatthere is still another witness on the charge of treason, whosetestimony deals also with the abduction. Wherefore, we shall beobliged to mingle somewhat the two matters and so to withhold ourjudgment until the trial is ended and all the evidence is in. . . MyLord Chancellor, proceed with the reading."
The Bishop resumed:
"Also, I denounce the said Henry, Lord Darby, as the abductor of theCountess of Clare whom, he told me, he by pre-arrangement with her hadseized one night in September and had carried to his castle--she lovinghim, but being coerced by the King into marrying another. And I,believing him, promised that he should wed her and receive her landsand title when Henry Tudor became King. Only to-day did I learn thathe had taken the maid by force, and that his story of her love for himwas pure falsehood. And it gratifies me much that, perchance, thesewords may aid in the lady's rescue and her dastardly abductor'spunishment. In testimony to the truth whereof, and in fullappreciation of impending death, I hereunto set my hand and affix myseal of the Swan. Given at the Inn of the Blue Boar, in the town ofSalisbury, this second day of November, in the year of Grace 1483."
The Chancellor folded the parchment. "I have finished, Sire," he said.
"Now, Lord Darby, you have had your wish and heard the statement fulland entire," the King admonished. "If it has not improved your case,the next witness, methinks, is scarce likely to better it."
At a sign, the Black Rod again withdrew, and once more there wasprofoundest silence; and upon the doorway in the corner all eyes wereturned, save those of the accused. He stood stolid and defiant glaringat De Lacy. Then a cry went up, and after it came cheers and loudapplause. Nor did Richard offer to rebuke it, but himself leanedforward smiling.
Aroused at this, Lord Darby glanced around--and suddenly his face wentpale, and red, and pale again; and he staggered slightly, passing hishand across his forehead in a dazed-like way. For there, advancingtoward the Throne, hand in hand with the Queen, was the woman hethought securely hid in far distant Roxford Castle.
Then sharp panic seized him and he turn
ed to flee.
But close behind him was the wall of courtiers, and beyond flashed thehalberds of the guard. Straightway, the terror passed, and he wasagain the cool soldier, contemptuous and indifferent--though he sawfull well the case would go against him and that death was drawingnear. And so he waited, utterly forgotten for the moment, amid thegladsome welcome for the Countess of Clare, whom all long since hadgiven up for dead.
At the foot of the dais Beatrix stopped, but the Queen would not haveit so, and with gentle insistence she drew her up the steps. AndRichard met them half way, and with him on one side and the Queen onthe other, she stood before the Court.
Then the King raised his hand for silence.
"Behold!" he said, "the lost Lady of Clare!" and kissed her fingertips, while the cheers swelled forth afresh.
She curtsied low in response, and sought to descend to her place. ButRichard detained her.
"Fair Countess," he said, "the Lord Darby stands here accused of yourabduction, and of complicity in the late rebellion; we have sent foryou to testify your knowledge in these matters."
Beatrix's face grew grave, and for a little while she made no answer.
"I implore you, Sire, relieve me from the duty," she said. "Safe nowand freed from my captor's power, I want never to look upon him nor tospeak his name, being well content to let God in His Providence punishthe crime against me."
"Your words are earnest of your gracious heart," said the King. "Butfor the honor and name of fair England, it may not be settled so. IfLord Darby be guilty, then must he suffer punishment, were it for noother reason than that our laws demand it. If he be innocent, it ishis bounden right to receive full acquittance here in the presence ofthose before whom he has been arraigned. Speak! as your Sovereign Icommand. Who was your abductor?"
The Countess clasped her hands before her and hesitated. Then for thefirst time, she let her eyes rest upon Darby; and the sight of himseemed to nerve her; and she raised her arm and pointed at him withaccusing finger, while her voice rang out full and strong:
"There he stands--Lord Darby of Roxford! By his orders I was seizedand carried to his castle, where he came and sought first to persuade,and then to force me into marriage with him. And when I scorned him,he swore with words insulting he would hold me prisoner until he andBuckingham had made a King of Henry Tudor, when he would wed me whetherI wished or no. Later it seems he somewhat changed his plans, andinstead of joining openly with Henry he remained with you, Sire; yetwith full intention, as he, himself, assured me, to cleave to whateverside was winning in the battle. So was he sure, he said, to be infavor with whomever wore the crown. Of all these crimes and treasonsis yonder false lord guilty. And had not Sir John De Bury and SirAymer de Lacy carried by storm his Castle of Roxford, I would yet be aprisoner to him."
And the very thought brought quick reaction and her courage ebbed, andturning her back upon the Court, she covered her face with her hands.
Through the swift denunciation Lord Darby had stood with impassive faceand eyes that never flinched, looking straight at the Countess; then heshifted his glance to the King. He knew that the words just utteredhad confirmed his doom--that in all that throng there was no friend forhim, nor even one to do him favor. A score of lies or a flood ofdenials would be unavailing to win so much as a glance of sympathy. Hehad essayed a game with Destiny; he had lost and must pay penalty--andhe never doubted what that penalty would be with Richard Plantagenethis judge. But at least, he would wring a cry of pain from the heartof his enemy--and he smiled and waited.
Then the King spoke: "We will hear you now, Lord Darby."
"I thank Your Gracious Majesty for the stern impartialness of thistrial," he said with biting sarcasm. "It was planned as skillfully aswas a certain other in the White Tower, adown the Thames, when Hastingswas the victim"--and he gave his sneering laugh; and then repeated it,as he remarked the shudder it brought to the Countess. "Nathless I amnot whimpering. I have been rash; and rashness is justified only bysuccess. For I did abduct the Countess of Clare, and have her carriedto my Castle of Roxford. So much is truth." Then he faced Sir Aymerde Lacy and went on with a malevolent smile. "But she was not aprisoner there, nor did I take her against her wish. She went byprearrangement, and remained with me of her own free will. I thoughtshe loved me, and believed her protestations of loathing for theupstart De Lacy who, she said, was pursuing her with his suit, And whenshe begged me to take her with me and risk your Majesty's anger, Iyielded; and to the end that we might wed, I did embark, in theplottings of the Duke of Buckingham, upon his engagement, for the TudorHenry, that our union would be sanctioned. Later, when the lady seemedso happy with me at Roxford, methought the marriage could bide a bit,and so resolved to wait until the battle to choose between Plantagenetand Tudor. Having the girl, I could then get the estates as payment ofmy service to the victor. But it would seem I risked too much upon thelady's love. For while I was at the wars, either she tired of me andso deserted Roxford, or having been found there by De Bury and theFrenchman, as she says, she deemed it wise to play the innocent andwronged maiden held in durance by her foul abductor. Leastwise, whosodesires her now is welcome to her," and he laughed again.
Then could De Lacy endure it no longer; and casting off De Bury'srestraining arm, he flashed forth his dagger and sprang toward Darby.But as he leaped Sir Richard Ratcliffe caught him round the neck andheld him for the space that was needful for him to gather back his wits.
"For God's sake, man, be calm!" he said, as he loosed him. "LetRichard deal with him."
And the Countess, as Darby's vile insinuations reached her ears, drewherself up and gently putting aside the Queen, turned and faced him.And her mouth set hard, and her fingers clenched her palmsconvulsively. So, she heard him to the end, proudly and defiantly; andwhen he had done, she raised her hand and pointed at him once again.
"Though I am a woman," she exclaimed, "here do I tell you, Lord Darby,you lie in your throat!"
"Aye, my lady! that he does," a strange voice called; and from thedoorway strode Simon Gorges, the anger on his ugly face flaming red asthe hair above it.
"May I speak, Sire?" he demanded, halting before the Throne andsaluting the King in brusque, soldier fashion.
"Say on, my man," said Richard.
"Then hear you all the truth, touching this dirty business," he criedloudly. "I am Flat-Nose. At Lord Darby's order, I waylaid and seizedby force the Countess of Clare, and carried her to Roxford Castle.Never for one moment went she of her own accord, and never for onemoment stayed she willingly. She was prisoner there; ever watched andguarded, and not allowed outside the walls. In all the weeks she wasthere Lord Darby saw her only once. And when he spoke to her of love,she scorned and lashed him so with words methought he sure would killher, for I was just outside the door and heard it all."
"Truly, Sire, you have arranged an entertainment more effective than Ihad thought even your deep brain could scheme," Darby sneered, asGorges paused for breath. . . "What was your price, Simon? It shouldhave been a goodly one."
"Measure him not by your standard, my fair lord," said the King. "Heheld your castle until none but him was left; and even then yielded notto his assailants, but only to the Countess."
"And upon the strict engagement that I should not be made to bearevidence against you," Flat-Nose added. "But even a rough man-at-armswould be thrice shamed to hear a woman so traduced and not speak in herfavor. Therefore, my lord, I, too, say you lie."
But Darby only shrugged his shoulders and bowed to the Countess.
"Your ladyship is irresistible," he said, "since you have wiles forboth the master and the man."
"Shame! Shame!" exclaimed the grey-haired Norfolk, and the wholethrong joined in the cry.
Then forth stepped Sir Aymer de Lacy.
"I pray you, my liege," said he, "grant me leave to avenge upon thebody of yonder lord the wrongs the Countess of Clare has suffered."
Beatrix made
a sharp gesture of dissent and turned to the Kingappealingly.
With a smile he reassured her.
"Not so, De Lacy," he said kindly. "We do not risk our faithfulsubjects in combat with a confessed traitor. There are those appointedwho care for such as he. . . Nay, sir, urge me not--it is altogetheruseless." And he motioned Aymer back to his place.
Then he faced Lord Darby, who met him with a careless smile.
"Out of your own mouth have you condemned yourself," he said. "Andthere is now no need for verdict by your Peers. It remains but to passupon you the judgment due your crimes. And first: for your foul wrongto the Countess of Clare and through her, to all womankind, here, inher presence and before all the Court, you shall be degraded."
Darby's face flushed and he took a quick step backward, like onestricken by a sudden blow. But he made no reply, save from his angryeyes.
"What say you, Flat-Nose; will you execute the office?" the King asked.
"And it please you, Sire, I cannot do such shame upon my formermaster," Gorges answered bluntly.
"It does please me well, sirrah; though truly your face belies yourheart. . . What, ho! the guard! . . . Let the under-officer comeforward."
In a moment the tall form of Raynor Royk stalked out from the throng,and halting in the open he raised his halberd in salute.
"Hew me off the spurs from yonder fellow," the King ordered, with amove of his hand toward the condemned.
Saluting again, the old soldier strode over and with two sharp blows ofhis weapon struck the golden insignia of Knighthood from Lord Darby'sheels.
Nor did Darby make resistance; but with arms folded on his breast hesuffered it to be done, though his bosom heaved in the fierce struggleto be calm, and the flush left his face and it grew gray and drawn, andbitter agony looked out from his eyes. And many turned away theirheads. And on the dais the Countess had faced about, and the Queen andshe were softly weeping.
Lifting the spurs from the pavement Raynor Royk held them up.
"The order is executed, Sire," he said.
"Fling them into the ditch," the King commanded. "They, too, arestained with dishonor."
Then in tones cold and passionless, and wherein there was no shade ofmercy, he went on: "And now, Henry Darby--for Lord and Knight you areno longer--you have suffered penalty for one crime, hear the judgmentfor the other: As false to your oath of fealty and traitor to yourKing, the sentence is that you be taken hence to Tyburn and therehanged by the neck until dead--and may the Lord Omnipotent have pity onyour soul. Remove him."
"Come," said Raynor Royk, and led him through the crowd, which drewshudderingly aside to give him passage.
And Darby--stunned by the stern justice that had sent him to die acommon felon on Tyburn Tree, instead of as a Lord and Peer of England,on the block on Tower Hill--went with dazed brain and silently; and erehis faculties returned, he was among the guards in the rear. Then witha sudden twist he turned about and shouted with all his voice:
"Long live Henry Tudor!"
It was his last defiance. The next instant he was dragged outside andthe doors swung shut behind him; while from all the Court went up theanswering cry:
"Long live Plantagenet! God save the King!"
And when silence came the Countess and De Lacy were gone.
"So," said Sir Aymer, as Beatrix and he reached the quiet of theQueen's apartments, "your troubles end--the sun shines bright again."
The Countess sank into a chair and drew him on the arm beside her.
"My troubles ended when you crossed the courtyard of Roxford," shereplied, taking his hand in both her own, "but yours have not begun."
"Wherefore, sweetheart?" he asked. "I thought mine, too, had endedthere."
"No," with a shake of the ruddy head . . . "no. . . Your heaviesttroubles are yet to come."
He looked at her doubtfully. . . "And when do they begin?"
She fell to toying with her rings and drawing figures on her gown.
"That is for you to choose," she said, with a side-long glance. . ."Next year, may be, . . . to-morrow, if you wish."
"You mean------?" he cried.
She sprang away with a merry laugh--then came slowly back to him.
"I mean, my lord, they will begin . . . when you are Earl of Clare."
THE END
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