Part 34 (1/2)
”The same as ever; save his ardour is somewhat cooled.”
”Thou dost speak as if thou hadst known him.”
”Indeed, any c.o.c.k of the hackle is essentially commonplace.”
”But he carried the sword of a gentleman?”
”Thou dost mean he carried a gentleman's sword.”
”Dost thou know who he is, Janet?”
”I have not inquired.”
”In other words, thou didst see him. And 'twas--I am sure--Adrian Cantemir.”
”'Twas none other.”
”I will go down now and see their Graces.”
”Art sure thou wilt not see thy lord?”
”Aye, quite!”
”Then--here this is for thee.” She handed her a dainty billet, scented with bergamot. Katherine took it in trembling haste, her face rose-hued. It read: ”To My Lady of Crandlemar. Greeting to my sweet wife, Kate. I await my reprimand and sword. When I am so honoured, I shall enlist to serve thee with my presence, which, until then, is held by thee in abeyance. Thou canst not rob me of my thoughts, which hold naught else but thee; nor yet that dainty girdle that did encompa.s.s thy fair and slender mould. I have it on my heart, close pressed; but it doth keep that it lieth on in turmoil by such proximity. I know thou dost love me, even though I tricked thee. Janet was to tell thee this morning who thy true lord is, for, Sweet, I would have no other image but mine in thy heart, for soon--soon--aye, in a very short time--I may be a prisoner in the Tower. Do not think, Sweet, this is a ruse--but should I be taken where I might not see thy face, 'twould be sweet to know thou didst hold my image, dear.
Forgive me, Sweet, and--_au revoir!_--Perhaps thy heart will relent before--before the nightingale sings.--Relent, sweetheart, wife.” Kate pressed the billet to her lips without thinking, then turned her back quickly to hide the action; but 'twas too late. Janet had been watching every movement and was satisfied.
”I wish I had not opened it; such letters are disturbing. Janet, go below and find if I may see her Grace without meeting any one.” When alone, she devoured again and again the billet, and as Janet returned, thrust it quickly within the bosom of her gown.
”His lords.h.i.+p has returned from the terrace and is in the picture gallery. Her Grace wishes to see thee and waits breakfast.”
For an hour Katherine was with the d.u.c.h.ess, who talked very plainly of the possible death of her husband and the duties of a great estate and n.o.ble name that would fall to Cedric and his wife to keep up. Nor did she let the young wife go without telling her into what an awful condition she might not only lead herself but Cedric, when she allowed her caprice to manage her better self. It did her ladys.h.i.+p much good, and she sauntered out upon the lawn and shyly sought the sun-dial and brought from it a nosegay of bridal-roses and fled, shamefaced, with them to her own chamber, there to seat herself by the open window to wait and watch for her young lord.
CHAPTER XXII
CEDRIC IN THE TOILS
In the French colony where lay the valuable lands of Sir John Penwick, there was a lively insurrection of the English. The Papist party, who had built and lived upon the property for the past ten years, was strong, having among the Protestants lively adherents who were Catholics at heart and wore the Protestant cloak that they might the better spy upon them. The English, being so much the weaker, had been lead by a few men who were bought by the Catholics. La Fosse had had to do with these few men only, when he had made a show of settling Sir John's affairs. These men had heretofore held the secret of the hostage; but recent events had stirred them to strife and they had fallen at variance over the spoil. The secret had been let out. The English rose in arms when the French suggested that such a small colonial matter should be settled among themselves; 'twas a shame to bother the Crown.
Upon the sudden outburst, Sir John made his escape from prison. The French said he had been stolen by the English and immediate reparation must be made; his person or a ransom must be had. Or, if they would give up all claim to the property and child,--the latter being produced at once--the French were willing to call the matter settled. Indeed, this was all they wished, and if Sir John could be conveniently made away with forever, and it proven that the English had accomplished it, they would certainly be ent.i.tled to his hereditaments.
Buckingham held the key to the situation. He saw a way to pay a ransom for Sir John; also a way to gain enough gold from the enterprise to make himself independent for life. He found Sir John in London, but not until after Cantemir had gained the former's confidence.
Buckingham took alarm at Cantemir's knowledge and insisted upon Sir John removing to a place of greater seclusion; it being feared that he would be murdered.
Sir John was fond of the Duke, and beside taking his advice, he laid bare his heart and told him of his great distress over Katherine.
Cantemir had said that she was being held dishonourably by the old lord's son, who was profligate and only sought her favour without marriage.
Buckingham a.s.sured him to the contrary, and made him acquainted with the true circ.u.mstances; not failing to tell him of Mistress Penwick's unsettled disposition; her ambitions, and intractable nature; that she was refractory and vexatious; petulant and forever thwarting Lord Cedric's advances.