Georgette Heyer Read Online Free Page A

allusion to untrustworthy advisers that the hostility hitherto suppressed in the English lords' breasts flared up, and even some of those who had been most urgent with the King to escape into Scotland now supported his counter-plan.
      An acrimonious dispute between Leslie and Buck ingham caused the King to remark to the Lord Talbot somewhat bitterly that although he could not get Leslie's horse to stand by him against the enemy, it seemed he could not get rid of them now, when he had a mind to it.
      His voice had a carrying quality, and as he had not lowered it, it easily reached Leslie's ears. Leslie said, sitting rigidly upright in the saddle: 'Your Majesty may at least trust my men to carry you into safety!'
      'I had rather trust to my own wits,' responded Charles.
      'Your Majesty places me in an intolerable position. I am bound by honour to guard your Majesty's person.'
      A melancholy smile crossed the King's features. As though his eyes, piercing the gloom, had seen it, Leslie said with difficulty: 'Your Majesty blames me for what no man could have prevented. If my life could be of avail you might take it with my good-will.'
      'But it is of no avail,' Charles said. 'I do not go with you to Scotland, General.'
      'I beg that your Majesty will reconsider that most unwise decision,' Leslie replied, and saluted, and rode off without another word.
      The King looked towards the troop he could perceive only as vague shadows in the gathering darkness. 'Let any who have a mind to try the chances of escape into Scotland, leave me now and follow General Leslie,' he said clearly.
      No one moved. 'Your Majesty is answered,' Talbot said.

Two

    White-Ladies

    In another minute Cornet Lane had ridden up with Charles Giffard at his heels. Talbot called Giffard to him, and led him to the King. A grave, rather awed voice assured the King that Giffard was his servant to command. Talbot disclosed briefly the King's imme diate intentions, and after a moment's consideration, Giffard said that he thought he could undertake to be his Majesty's guide.
      'Will you harbour me in a house of yours?' asked the King. 'I am like to prove a dangerous guest, bethink you.'
      The direct question seemed to astonish Giffard. Again he paused, but this time searching only for words, which tripped a little on his tongue. 'Sir – all I have – all my uncle calls his own – is at your Majesty's service. Chillington – my uncle's house – is sequestrated, and my uncle even now a prisoner, else I would lead your Majesty there, not to a poor hunting-lodge.'
      'I would not have his Majesty go to Chillington,' Derby said decidedly. 'Boscobel is more remote, less likely to be searched. But can you be sure of leading his Majesty there in this darkness?'
      'Yes, my lord. I have my servant Yates with me, who, I daresay, could find his way blindfold, being a native of Shropshire.'
      'Does anyone know where we stand now?' enquired the King.
      Mr Giffard knew. 'I judge that we are within a league of Hartlebury, sir. We should proceed through Kidder minster to Himley, where, if it please your Majesty, we must strike west wards, away from the great road.'
      'It pleases me very well,' the King said. 'But tell me, Mr Giffard: which way will General Leslie's brigade take?'
      'They must follow the great road, sir.'
      'Then lead me off the great road,' commanded the King, 'for I have a fixed resolve to escape from the Scots, and that before they take it into their heads to set a guard about my person. Can you do that?'
      'Yes, sir,' replied Giffard, 'but to do so we must leave Kidderminster on our left, and pass through Stour bridge instead.'
      'Mr Giffard, I am in your debt. Lead on!'
      'In good time!' Lauderdale said. 'Look ye, now, no more delays!'
      'God send the man does not lead us astray!' Talbot muttered to Wilmot, as the cavalcade moved froward. 'Forty miles to ride, and the night upon us!'
      'Weel,'