Preston Fight by W. Harrison Ainsworth

The Chevalier de Saint George was in high spirits. No contretemps of any kind had occurred since his arrival at Dilston. All the guests were devoted to his cause, and some of them were his warmest partisans. Of the attachment of Sir John Webb and Colonel Oxburgh, he had no doubt. Of Forster’s loyalty he was not quite so sure, and he therefore paid him particular attention. But he had a gracious word for every one, and not a single person present could complain that the prince had overlooked him. Moreover, his highness took care to make it understood that he desired his presence should be no restraint to the company.

The dinner therefore passed off admirably, and as the wine was not stinted, and bumpers were quaffed according to the good old custom, the enthusiasm of the guests rose to a very high pitch, and could scarcely be repressed. But it soon found vent when the cloth was drawn, and glasses were filled to the brim. The noble host arose, and with him rose every guest-save one-and the hall rang with shouts of “Long live King James the Third.”

Lady Webb and Dorothy then disappeared, and all the servants having left the room, except Newbiggin, whose discretion could be relied on, some serious discussion took place.

As yet the prince had not made known his design of seeking an interview with the queen, his sister; and it was now, at his highness’s request, disclosed by Lord Derwentwater. A deep silence ensued.

“It appears that you do not approve my plan, gentlemen,” remarked the prince, after a short pause.

“My liege,” replied Colonel Oxburgh, answering for the others, “we all hoped and believed that you were come to call us to arms, and we cannot conceal our disappointment when we find that, instead of making a determined attempt to recover the throne, which we are persuaded would be successful, your majesty is about to appeal to the queen, who has no sympathy or affection for you, and is hostile to our religion. Rest assured, the attempt will be useless, if it does not lead to other ill consequences. Abandon it, therefore, I pray you. On the other hand, there is every reason to believe that an insurrection in your majesty’s favour would be attended with success. That we are fully prepared for it, I will not assert. But a very short time will enable us to get ready a sufficient force to march towards London, and we shall gather strength as we go on. None can be better acquainted with the feeling of the country than myself and my friends, who have visited the houses of half the Jacobites and High Church Tories in the North of England, and I can state positively that a rising would be hailed by many influential persons with the greatest enthusiasm. Should your majesty decide on leading the army in person-as I trust you will-thousands will flock to your standard, and you will find yourself resistless as well from the number of your followers as from the justice of your cause. That your majesty is the rightful King of England cannot be denied. Why then allow the crown to be kept from you-even for a day? Do not sue for it, but demand it; and if it be refused, take it!”

The exclamations that arose from the company made it evident that they all agreed with the speaker. But though stirred by the colonel’s energetic language, the prince was not to be turned from his purpose.

“I have already explained to Lord Derwentwater my reasons for the course I am about to pursue,” he said. “Like yourselves he has endeavoured to dissuade me from my design-but ineffectually. I propose to set out for London tomorrow, or next day, at the latest-and his lordship will accompany me.”

“Without an escort?” cried Colonel Oxburgh. “That must not be. Since your majesty is resolved on this rash step, my friends and myself will attend you. Do I not express your wishes, gentlemen?” he added to the others.

“Most certainly,” replied Captain Wogan, answering for the rest. “We shall be proud to escort his majesty, if he will permit us.”