AT length an event occurred that brought about the attack the countess had been so studious to avoid.
Her chief enemy was Colonel Alexander Rigby, an active Parliamentary officer, who harboured a strong vindictive feeling against the Earl of Derby, and now sought to gratify it.
The traitor Bootle, who had only been severely wounded in his attempt to capture the queen, and had since joined Rigby, was sent by him to plunder the countess’s tenants and neighbours, and arrest all who attempted to take refuge in the castle.
Hitherto, Don Fortunio and his daughter had been allowed to remain without molestation at Knowsley, whither they had removed about a month ago, but now they were taken prisoners by Bootle, who intended to carry them off to Wigan, but was prevented. Having learnt his design Standish attacked him with a small party of horse, rescued the captives, and conveyed them safely to Lathom.
In this skirmish, several of Bootle’s men were wounded. Deeply resenting the affront, as he conceived it, Colonel Rigby immediately represented the matter to Sir Thomas Fairfax, general of the Parliamentary forces in Lancashire, who was then in Manchester.
Reluctant to disturb the countess, Fairfax at length yielded to Rigby’s importunities, and called a council of war, at which Colonel Holland, the Governor of Manchester, Colonel Assheton of Middleton, Colonel Moore of Bank Hall, and Rigby himself were present.
After some discussion, it was resolved that a strong force should be sent against Lathom, and the countess summoned to surrender.
Immediate warning of their design was given to the countess, who had a spy among the enemy, and she was enabled to prepare for them. The three Parliamentary leaders, however, gave out that they were about to march to Bolton and Wigan, and thence to Westmoreland, but her ladyship was not surprised to find they had fixed their quarters at various points round the hall.
Next day, Captain Markland, the Parliamentary general’s aide-de-camp, attended by a small guard, presented himself at the gate of Lathom House and desired admittance, stating that he had a letter for her ladyship from Sir Thomas Fairfax.
This being reported to the countess, she gave orders that the messenger should be admitted, but his attendants must remain outside.
The gate was then opened, and Captain Markland rode into the court-yard, and was shortly afterwards ushered by Major Farrington into the presence of the countess.
Captain Markland was tall, strongly built, and well equipped. A motion with a ridge on the top, a gorget, cuirass, and taches met by immense gambado boots formed his accoutrements, and he had a large cutting sword by his side.
On approaching the countess, he made her a military salute, which she haughtily returned.
“You come from Sir Thomas Fairfax, as I understand, sir,” she remarked.
“I am the bearer of a despatch from the general to your ladyship,” he replied.
Taking a letter from his belt, he gave it to Major Farrington, who handed it to the countess.
Calmly and without any change of countenance, Lady Derby read the letter, and then said to the messenger:
“I presume you are aware of the purport of this missive?”
Captain Markland replied in the affirmative.
“It is a requisition from Sir Thomas Fairfax,” he said, “enjoining your ladyship to yield up Lathom House on such honourable conditions as he shall propose.”
“Does Sir Thomas Fairfax require immediate compliance with his injunction?” she asked.
“Even so, madam,” replied Markland, “And I trust I may be able to carry him back an answer to that effect.”
“You are in a strange hurry, sir,” remarked the countess. “Think you I can decide at once upon a matter of such import. My lord has left me in charge of this mansion, and I cannot yield it up without due consideration. I require a week’s delay.”
“I am not prepared to say the delay will be granted, madam,” replied Markland, “but I will deliver your answer to the general. Do you hold out any promise of compliance at the expiration of that time?”
“I hold out nothing,” replied the countess. “Put any construction you deem proper on my words. I shall consult with my advisers,” she added, glancing at Major Farrington and her three chaplains who were standing near.