Part 22 (1/2)
He arrived at the castle to be most cordially received by the d.u.c.h.ess and Sir Julian. If Buckingham was ever unbending, it was to Sir Julian.
As they met, Buckingham bent lower than his wont to hide a guilt that was not perceptible to any one else but Julian, and the latter was not slow to note it. The d.u.c.h.ess, not knowing who had carried off either Constance or Mistress Penwick, was very free in her conversation and spoke at once of Lord Cedric's injury and of the naughty beauty that had driven him to it. Buckingham's countenance was changed by the a.s.sumed expression of either surprise or regret, as was necessary and suited.
Upon his arrival he was not allowed to see either the Duke or Cedric, and as his business called for a speedy return to London, he must leave early after supper, adding that he regretted the importunity of the hour, as it detained the king's business with his Grace of Ellswold.
This of course changed the physicians' minds, and Buckingham was allowed to have converse with the Duke and finished that he came to do at the castle.
But Sir Julian had somewhat to say, and ordered his horse to accompany the Duke on his return journey.
This was not unlooked for, and Buckingham, fearing no _imbroglio_, intended to hasten Sir Julian's speech, as there was no time to spare.
They started forth 'neath the dripping trees.
”Where is Mistress Penwick, George?”
”With her nurse, Julian.”
”And where the nurse?”
”At Hornby's.”
”Where is Monmouth's place of hiding her?”
”That is more, I dare say, Julian, than he knows himself.”
”How long will they remain at the inn?”
”Until I return.”
”Then--?”
”Then, London way is my desire, and I doubt not 'tis Monmouth's also.”
”Dost love me, Duke?”
”Aye, as always. What is thy desire?”
”Canst thou keep the maid safe for thirty-six hours?” For a moment there was no answer; then calmly and cold came the word ”No.”
”By G.o.d! is it so bad that you, you George, cannot take care of her?”
”'Tis the worst of all!”
”Is she safe then now--now?”
”If the eye of the nurse doth not perjure its owner, I would say she was safe for all time.”
”Good--”