If we may be permitted to glance into the future, we may mention that the Lady Katherine was subsequently wedded to Henry Pierrepoint, second Earl of Kingston-upon-Hull, and was buried at Hurstpierpoint, in Sussex.
The liveliest, and perhaps the most attractive of the three girls, was the Lady Amelia—a bright little brunette, with sparkling black eyes, and a brilliant complexion. Again to forecast the future, it may be mentioned that this lovely creature—her mother’s favourite—became Marchioness of Athole. She was now playing with her little brothers, Edward and William.
Edward, a grave-looking boy then some four years old, was dressed in black velvet, and his dark hair, brought over his brow, made him look like a miniature of the earl, his father, to whom his features bore a marked resemblance. William, the youngest of the party, being scarcely three, was seated on a tabouret near the countess, and comported himself well, being a very quiet little boy.
The children we have enumerated constituted the whole of Lord Derby’s family, with the exception of Charles, Lord Strange, born in 1628, who was then in Holland.
A middle-aged nurse, of discreet appearance, and attired in very sober apparel, was in attendance upon the younger children.
No one else was present at the moment, though different members of the household from time to time entered the hall. The countess looked unusually cheerful, for she expected the earl from Wigan on that day. Of necessity his lordship had been long absent from home, so that his return was eagerly looked for by his family.
“Do you think our father will really return today, dearest mother?” inquired Lady Katherine. “We have been so often disappointed that I almost despair of beholding him again.”
The countess heaved a sigh, for she, too, had been often disappointed; but her face brightened as she answered:
“Yes—I feel sure you will see him to-day, Kate.”
“But will he bring Lord Molineux with him?” cried the Lady Henriette Marie, eagerly.
“I cannot answer for that,” replied the countess, with a smile. “But make yourself easy. Unless Lord Molineux is obliged to remain at Wigan—which I think unlikely—he will certainly come.”
“Oh! I hope he will,” cried Henriette. “But what was that? I thought I heard a noise in the outer court. They may have arrived. Shall I go forth and see?”
“No! stay where you are! We shall learn presently.”
It was evident from the sounds that an arrival had taken place, and the countess herself could scarcely control her impatience, when Doctor Rutter entered the hall, and hastened towards her. His looks showed that he brought some important intelligence.
“Prepare yourself for a great surprise, madam,” said the chaplain. “You will scarce credit me when I inform you that the queen has just arrived at the castle.”
“Impossible! her majesty is at York,” said the countess.
“She is at this moment in the court-yard of the castle,” replied the chaplain. “I have spoken to her myself. She has just come from York, and is proceeding to Chester. She is attended by Lord Goring and Lord Jermyn and a small escort.”
“She runs great risk in passing thus through Lancashire,” cried the countess, who had listened in astonishment to what was told her. “But I must not sit here. Come with me, girls,” she added to her daughters, who were equally astonished with herself.
Without waiting to give any orders to Master Cunliffe, the major-domo, who had now made his appearance with Daniel Trioche, the earl’s confidential attendant, and several other servants, she hastened forth, accompanied by her daughters and Doctor Rutter.
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II
Queen Henrietta Maria
THE court-yard was full of soldiers, for the garrison had turned out at once as soon they became aware that the queen had arrived, and shouts rent the air, while drums were beaten and trumpets blown.
Her majesty had just dismounted from her palfrey, being assisted by Lord Goring, who was now standing beside her. Close behind were Lord Jermyn, Sir Edward Dering, and several other Cavaliers of inferior rank. Behind them was the escort, which consisted only of a party of fifty well-armed men.
Not far from the queen stood Captain Chisenhale, Captain Rawsthorne, and Captain Ogle, with other officers of the garrison, who were waiting to conduct her majesty to the hall; but on the appearance of the countess and her daughters they stopped, and formed themselves into two lines.