The Leaguer of Lathom by W. Harrison Ainsworth

“Your lordship surprises me,” observed Rutter. “Who is this Rosworm, of whom you speak? I have not heard of him.”

“A very skilful German engineer, who has had plenty of experience in his own country, where he served under Wallenstein,” replied Lord Strange. “He has been in Ireland, but on the outbreak of the rebellion of the Roman Catholics there, he came to England, and found his way to Manchester, where he has been engaged by Colonel Holland and the other rebel leaders to fortify the town. And he has done his work well. When I first heard of his arrival I sent messengers to offer him double pay if he would serve the king, but he refused to break his engagement with the rebels.”

“That speaks well for his honesty at all events,” remarked Doctor Rutter.

“Ay, he is a brave fellow, and very skilful, as I have just said,” rejoined Lord Strange. “The Manchester men are lucky in securing him. That he will make a good defence of the town I do not doubt, but I shall take it nevertheless. The difficulty will be to hold it when taken. Manchester is the most important Parliamentary stronghold in the North of England, and every effort will be made by the rebels to recover it. And now, since I have said so much, I will detain you for a few minutes longer while I explain why I have sent for you from the Isle of Man. I did not mean to enter upon the matter till to-morrow, but it seems to me that I had better mention it now while my mind is full of the subject.”

“I am prepared to listen to all you may tell me, my lord,” observed Doctor Rutter.

“In a word, then,” said Lord Strange, “since it is certain the Civil War has begun in Lancashire, and no one can tell how long it may last, or how it may terminate, it is my intention to garrison Lathom House, so that if driven to extremities, I can hold it for six months or longer against an enemy. The house is as strong as a castle, as you know—indeed, few castles in England are so strong-and from its position, size, fortifications, and broad deep moat, I am confident it will stand a lengthened siege, if provided with sufficient men, ammunition, and ordnance. I shall therefore place three hundred experienced musketeers within the hall, plant cannon of large size on the walls and towers, and provision it for six months. Should I be absent, as may chance, its custody will be committed to my noble and high-spirited wife, in whose veins flows the blood of the Nassaus, and whose courage well fits her for the charge.”

“That I will answer for, my lord,” said the archdeacon. “A braver-hearted lady than Charlotte de la Trémoille, Lady Strange, does not exist. I am impatient to learn whether your lordship requires me to take any part in the preparations for the defence of Lathom House.”

“Thus much, my good friend,” replied Lord Strange. “You will aid her ladyship with your councils, and act for her as may be needful and as she may require. On no man’s judgment can I place greater reliance than on yours, my good Rutter; and while you are at Lathom, I feel certain all my plans will be fully carried out. Of necessity, I shall be often absent, for I shall have much to do. Her ladyship, as you are aware, is now at Lathom, and will remain there altogether for the present. To-morrow you will join her, and I wish you fully to explain my designs. If I do not receive the order I have been expecting from his majesty to attack Manchester, it is my intention to go to Chester to see my father the Earl of Derby, who has been very unwell for the last week.”

“His lordship, I trust, is not dangerously ill?” observed Doctor Rutter.

“I hope not,” said Lord Strange, gravely. “His physician, Doctor Gerard, from whom I hear daily, tells me I need not feel anxious about him, and that he is doing well, but in spite of these assurances, I am uneasy—very uneasy—for he is old and feeble, and might quickly sink.”