The body was then deposited in a vault beneath the chapel.
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XXVIII
How a Letter was brought to the Countess from her Husband
IT was quite a relief to the men, after this depressing event, to be actively engaged against the enemy.
Colonel Holland had arrived with his reinforcements from Manchester, and the ranks of those who had been killed, or had disbanded themselves, were filled up. Batteries and fortifications were once more occupied, and mounted with cannon, and presented a very formidable appearance.
Everything showed that the Leaguer was greatly strengthened, and would be maintained till the besieged were completely worn out, either by starvation, want of water, or want of ammunition.
The countess had been told that her husband had quitted the Isle of Man, but she had not heard direct from him, for of late no messenger had been able to enter the castle.
But a few days after the arrival of Colonel Holland, when the Leaguer, as we said, had become greatly strengthened, a man named Linacre contrived to elude the vigilance of the sentinels, and was admitted at the postern-gate.
He brought a letter for the countess rolled in lead, which he declared was from the earl, her husband, and so it proved.
The letter informed her that he had arrived safely at Chester. The garrison there was commanded by Lord Molineux, Sir Thomas Tyldesley, Richard Grosvenor, and other Cavaliers, but they were unable to come to her assistance. His lordship, however, had hopes of aid from Prince Rupert, who had succeeded in raising the siege of Newark, and was about to march to York with ten thousand men.
“I have conjured the prince,” he said, “to march through Lancashire and lend you succour, and I trust he will comply with my request. Were his highness so disposed, he could raise the siege of Lathom House in two days, and inflict such a blow on the enemy, as must needs bring to us all the well-affected in the county. I have not yet seen the prince, for I have much to do here, and am striving to get together two or three hundred men. I want money, and though I like it not, your jewels must be sold. ‘Tis a most critical juncture, and if I fail now, all may be lost.”
“My lord shall have my jewels,” said the countess, as she read this portion of the letter. “But how convey them to him? I must send Standish. He is the only person, who can be relied upon in such an emergency.”
She then gave some orders to an attendant, and proceeded to her cabinet, where Standish, who had been summoned by the servant, joined her. He saw she had something of importance to communicate to him.
“You are aware that I have just received a letter from my lord,” she began. “He is at Chester with the garrison. He wants money, but as all his property has been sequestered, he can obtain none. I would fain send him my jewels, which are worth five thousand pounds. Will you convey them to him?”
“I will, madam,” he replied. “The task is difficult and dangerous, but I doubt not I can accomplish it.”
“You must take half a dozen men with you.”
“Not so, madam,” he replied. “That would be to invite attack, and then I might be robbed of the treasure. Alone, or with a single attendant, I shall run comparatively little risk.”
“You are right,” said the countess, approvingly. “Linacre, the man who brought this letter from my lord, may be useful to you. He must have passed through the trenches.”
“I had already thought of him,” rejoined Standish. “Yes, he will be very useful. I have conversed with him, and like his manner. He looks like an honest fellow. I will promise him a good reward, if he conducts me safely through the enemy. I doubt not that will tempt him. If it suits your ladyship, I will start on the expedition to-night.”
“You are ever prompt,” said the countess. “The jewels shall be ready for you. Stay!” she cried, glancing again at the letter. “There is more here that I have not read. My lord, I find, bids me send you with the jewels. So far well. But he likewise wishes you to halt at Knowsley till you hear from him. Perchance, he may meet you there.”