Part 15 (1/2)

Some leagues from London, in the s.h.i.+re of Buckingham, was situated the country residence of Sir Everard Digsby, who, with Catesby, Wright and Percy, was present at the house of the latter on the night in which Fawkes reached the city, whither he had been summoned by a letter from Sir Thomas Winter. The dwelling of the young n.o.bleman, being somewhat remote from the more populous districts of the s.h.i.+re, seemed a fitting place for such discussion, and, perchance, of more weighty matters, pertaining to the fast-growing conspiracy against the King and his Parliament. This place Winter had suggested to Garnet as the safest spot for the Catholic gentlemen to a.s.semble for the discussion of their plan.

'Twas the custom that those n.o.blemen whose wealth afforded them two dwellings, one in London and another in the rural districts, should oft entertain at the latter such of their companions as pleased them; and these, riding forth from the city, singly or in goodly numbers, might pa.s.s but a single night, but sometimes when occasion served, a fortnight, in merrymaking at their host's expense. Such being a common practice throughout the kingdom little danger of causing suspicion lay in the fact that Winter, Rookwood, Catesby, Wright and such others as had been admitted to their council, departed from London in company.

Garnet, indeed, had ridden on before them, attended by Sir Digsby and Fawkes, nor had any noted their departure; or, if perchance they did, were not disposed to comment upon it.

A staunch Catholic and a zealous follower of the Jesuits, Everard Digsby had lent himself willingly to the cause of his brother churchmen, having long ago satisfied himself that their actions were justified. In fact, his present convictions were to some extent the outcome of early teachings, for even at a tender age his mind had been under Catholic influence, and therefore it was not strange that on reaching manhood he should be a strong adherent of Romish doctrine.

And still further, his att.i.tude was less to be wondered at, when considered that the seeds of these same convictions were planted by no other hand than the friend, tutor and spiritual adviser of his youth--Henry Garnet. In truth, he had surpa.s.sed the zeal of many a.s.sociates, for being denied the full privilege of such wors.h.i.+p as his faith taught him, he had caused to be erected within the walls of his country residence a small chapel, fitted up under supervision of the Superior of the English Jesuits.

Somewhat early in the evening the little cavalcade rode into Buckinghams.h.i.+re, and having reached their destination, were received with much cordiality by the young n.o.bleman and his more austere companions. The ride from London, on account of the inclemency of the weather, had been most disagreeable, and the travelers were nothing loth to stretch their chilled limbs before the great fire prepared in readiness for their arrival, and to partake heartily of the well ordered refreshments which their host had caused to be in waiting.

Having satisfied the carnal man, they were the more willing to turn to the spiritual repast which had drawn them together; for in each mind the conviction was strong that in plotting against the King they were but serving the ends of G.o.d.

”Good gentlemen,” said Garnet, the company having drawn about the fire in a room somewhat remote from the more inhabited part of the dwelling, ”having partaken so freely of worthy Everard's hospitality, it is most fitting that we turn for a season to that which has summoned us from London. Methinks there be none absent?”

Catesby ran his eyes over the group about him, checking each off on his fingers. ”Winter, my Lord of Rookwood, good Percy, Wright, Francis Tresham and Master Guido,” said he, ”these with Your Reverence, Sir Everard and myself, make up the number--nine.”

”'Tis well,” exclaimed Garnet, fixing his eyes for an instant on the face of each. ”Certain things have arisen which render it most expedient that we make common cause with each other--what think ye?”

”That the time is ripe for the maturing of such plans as best are suited to our purpose,” replied Rookwood; ”James hath again declared against us.”

”'Tis even so,” broke in Percy, ”and at the house of Master Fawkes when thou wert absent, there arose some discussion as to certain ways and methods best fitted to----”

”Ah!” cried Winter, looking toward the corner where was seated the soldier of fortune, with his chin upon his hand; ”the opportunity has not served since our last meeting to inquire concerning thy good mother and thy daughter, friend Guido. Tell me, I pray, did the gathering of so many armed men in thy chamber disturb their slumbers?”

”Nay,” replied Fawkes, gruffly; ”the dame knew nothing of it; neither my daughter, of that----”

”And the la.s.s,” continued Winter, eyeing the man closely, ”is she well and cheerful as becomes her youth and loveliness?”

”As to cheerfulness,” answered the other, a shade of sadness coming into his face, ”methinks the merry smile hath forever forsaken her lips, for now she looketh so pale and wan it doth seem but the shadow of her former self wandering about the house; but thank G.o.d, the worst is over, and she is on the road to recovery.”

”And hath Mistress Elinor been ill?” inquired Winter, turning a surprised look toward the speaker.

”I had deemed,” answered Fawkes, ”that my absence from thy house for nigh on to a week would indicate to thee that something was amiss. I every day expected to----”

”For truth,” broke in the other in a relieved tone, ”had I known that thy daughter lay ill I would for a surety have called. But, pray, tell me; is she better now?”

”As I have said, she is better; but not herself as yet. In fact, it was on the night of the meeting at my dwelling, after ye had all departed, that I went for a breath of air upon the street and--and--well, it was when I returned that I found the girl in a high fever, and looking much as though she had beheld a foe. The fever spent itself in three days; now, 'tis but the after weakness which afflicts her.”

”Thank G.o.d for her recovery!” exclaimed Winter, as he eyed Fawkes narrowly; but finding nothing in his countenance to arouse alarm, sank back in his chair with a sigh of relief.

”And now,” said Garnet, who had listened with attention to the dialogue, ”since thy last words have banished from my mind the anxiety called forth by the recital of thy fair daughter's illness, we may again turn our thoughts toward other matters, and listen to good Catesby here.”

”As thou knowest,” began Catesby, ”it hath ever been my desire to act quickly. Therefore I would suggest that no time be lost in carrying out such designs as will rid the kingdom of our enemies.”

”Well spoken,” cried Digsby; ”to that we are agreed.”

Garnet smiled sadly. ”Would that all England cried amen!” said he, solemnly. Then turning suddenly to Fawkes, ”and thou, Master Guido, what sayest thou?”

The soldier of fortune looked up quickly. ”I am ever ready,” said he, ”whether we deal with all those in authority, or with the King alone.”

”Then?” cried Winter, ”then?----”