On arriving at the castle, some explanation was necessary to the guard, but they were quickly satisfied, and admittance was given her.
Her first business was to obtain an audience of the earl. Fortunately, he had not retired to rest, but was engaged in converse with the countess and Doctor Rutter in a small chamber adjoining the great hall.
She had no difficulty in obtaining admittance to him, but some explanation was necessary to account for her appearance in male attire. She concealed nothing from the earl, and told him she had been to Wigan, and detailed all that had passed between her and her father, adding, in conclusion:
“I am certain Warrington will be attacked tomorrow morning, my lord.”
“In that case, I must go there to-night,” said the earl. “But I shall only take the two regiments I brought with me to-day. The men must get ready instantly. I shall not disturb the garrison here. You have rendered me good service,” he added to Gertrude, “and I thank you.”
“I am sorry I could not serve you better, my lord,” she replied. “But I should like to go with you to Warrington—if I may be permitted.”
“I admire your spirit,” he replied. “But I must refuse your request.”
He then went forth to give orders for the immediate departure of the troops.
Shortly afterwards, the trumpet was sounded in the court-yard, and in reply to the summons the men came forth fully equipped.
Torches were lighted, so that the assemblage could be fully seen. Some of the officers of the garrison at Lathom were anxious to attend his lordship, but were not allowed.
Meanwhile, the earl had taken leave of the countess. Though sorely grieved to part with him, she concealed her distress, and strove to cheer him.
“Grieved as I am to part with you, my dear lord,” she said, “I would not have you stay, but would rather urge your departure. Whatever may chance at Warrington, have no fear of this castle. Be sure I will keep it for you.”
“I have no doubt of that,” he rejoined. “I shall make the best defence I can, but should Warrington fall into the hands of the rebels, and should no assistance be sent by the king, I shall retire to the Isle of Man. Thither you can follow with our children. And now farewell, dear heart, I will not say for ever!”
Tenderly embracing her, he bade adieu to Doctor Rutter, and went forth into the court-yard, where, as already stated, the two regiments were drawn up.
As soon as he had mounted, trumpets were blown, the gates were thrown wide open, and the earl rode forth at the head of his company.
Passing through a wood on the south of the mansion, and riding as rapidly as was consistent with safety across a wide bleak moor to Rainsford, the earl proceeded through Windle and Haydock to Newton, where he halted for a short time, and ascertained that, as yet, Colonel Assheton had made no movement from Wigan.
There was a small Royalist force at Newton, and having given some directions to its leaders, the earl rode on with his company to Warrington, now not more than five miles distant.
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Vl
How Warrington was assaulted by Colonel Assheton and Colonel Holland
Strongly fortified by mud walls with gates, posts and heavy chains, and numerous outworks in advance, possessing, moreover, a strong garrison, the ancient town of Warrington seemed well able to resist any attack made upon it.
The river Mersey, which flowed past the town, was crossed by a strong stone bridge, built by the first Earl of Derby, upwards of a century and a half previously.
With its walls and battlements, a watch-tower in the centre, and an engine to prevent any passage over it, this ancient bridge constituted a powerful defence.
On the summit of the church-tower were placed two small pieces of ordnance, while the church itself was converted into a storehouse for ammunition and powder.
From its well-planned defences, its position on the Mersey, its bridge, and its strong garrison, Warrington was deemed impregnable. The governor, Colonel Edward Norris, who acted for Lord Derby, was an officer of great bravery and unquestionable loyalty, and there were others almost equally distinguished in the garrison.
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