THE BALL AT THE CASTLE
About a week after our return to Windsor I learned that there was to be
a grand ball given by the King, in honor of our victory over the Scots.
I at once found the girls and told them the good news.
"Ah!" cried Hazel; "will it not be delightful to be able to have some
life at court, after all this quiet and monotony, with every one away
and no music, but that which Mary and I do make for ourselves?" And
she clapped her hands, and smiled and courtesied to me, as though I
were her partner in the dance.
"Not a great compliment to me, nor to Sir Frederick neither, when thou
dost say there is no one at court," said I; for I did not altogether
relish Hazel's superabundance of delight at the prospect of the change.
But the dear one was in one of those teasing fits of hers; so I knew
full well it was useless to say much.
The only answer she did vouchsafe to my remark was a provoking little
toss of her pretty head. She looked so lovely as she skipped about the
room, that even an over-exacting lover could not help but be
good-natured; even though he did try to be otherwise.
Mary was equally joyed when she heard that we were to have the dance.
"But when is it to be?" asked Hazel, stopping suddenly in the midst of
her solitary performance and joining Mary and me.
"This day week, and the Duke of Gloucester and most of the court will
have returned by then; so we will have a lively time. But here doth
come Sir Frederick; so, Mary, thou hadst better inform him and give him
the first chance to pick out his dances." Mary blushed; but however,
she did go and meet Harleston, at which both Hazel and I laughed
heartily.
Indeed it was a goodly sight to see those two standing side by side;
the one tall, handsome, and built in the mould of a slightly reduced
Hercules; and the other, small, dainty, and lovely, as a sweet flower
growing beside an oak. I could see by the way in which Mary was drawn
to him that it would take but a word from him, and she would surrender.
And as for him,--well, he was hopelessly entangled in the silken meshes
of love's all-powerful net from the first day on which he did lay eyes
upon this beauteous lily-of-the-valley.
But why do I look to them for a picture? Had Harleston but cast his
eyes in our direction (the which he did not) he should have beheld as
great a contrast, and, to be modest, at least one as pleasing to the
eye.
"And how many sets am I to have?" I asked of Hazel.
"Well, I shall consider, and take note of thy conduct, and, if it be
good, I may give unto thee the second,--and the--"
"Nay, nay, by mine honour, I do insist upon having the first, and the
second, and a great many more."
"Oh, Walter, such an appetite as thou hast developed."
"But remember, I have been fasting for a long time."
Then she wrinkled her little snow-white forehead, and seemed weighing
the matter very deliberately. "Well," she said, after she had appeared
to consider at great length, "thou mayst have the first; but I will
_not_ promise thee any more before the dance, and if I do like that
one, mayhap I will give thee some others."
I knew full well what that meant; so I said no more, but made up my
mind to have more when the time did come round. And the time soon did
come; for in those days of happiness and youth the sun scarce seemed to
stay in the heavens for more than an hour at a time; so quickly did
those days of dreams pass by. And yet, though it may sound like a
contradiction, the sun seemed ever to be shining; for we had it in our
hearts. Oh, had we but known the clouds that were to pass over,-- But
there, I must draw the rein again, or I shall be telling the end of my
story ere I shall have come unto it.
So the days flew past like sunbeams, and the evening when the great
ball was to take place at length arrived.
Both Harleston and I had engaged the best tailor in London, and when we
walked into the great audience hall that night there was not a soul in
the place which could compete with us, for elegance of dress--except,
perhaps, the Duke of Gloucester. And let me here put it down; that
room contained all the best of fashion that English tailors could
produce. The secret of our success lay in the fact that it was
Gloucester's own tailor which did make our garments; he being not over
busy whilst the Duke was absent in Scotland.
As the King (for some reason then unknown to us) had not yet arrived,
the ladies and gentlemen, after having been presented to the Queen,
were standing about, in groups of four or more, gossiping and making
all manner of remarks as each of the guests arrived.
After we had been presented to her Majesty, and saluted the girls, we
walked to the far end of the hall, where Gloucester, Buckingham, and a
fellow by the name of Sir William Catesby, a lawyer, with whom I shall
have to deal later on, were standing. The Prince was giving some
instructions to the musicians as we came up, but when he saw us he
turned, and in that voice, as smooth as the finest silk, he said:--"Ah!
Bradley, my dear friend, I am delighted to see thee here this evening,
and thee, Harleston. I have heard how swift were my messengers, and I
assure you both that it shall be none the worse for you that it was so."
We thanked his Grace for his pretty speech, in which, however, I could
not help but detect some insincerity; but could not, at that time,
imagine what his object could be--for this man ever did have one,--when
he acted in this manner. However, I learned it later.
Just then the King did enter, leaning upon the arm of Lord Hastings.
He looked very pale and his magnificent form seemed tottering as though
with age, and yet Edward was still a young man. I could scarce believe
mine eyes, so greatly was he changed since last I had seen him. "If so
short a time can work such a marvel, he must be nearing his end,"
thought I. Then Harleston's prophecy, when first I had met him,
flashed through my mind, and I wondered if it were going to be
fulfilled. "But yet, he may be suffering from some temporary attack,
and it will soon pass off." Thus did I try to convince myself that all
was well.
But Harleston nudged me with his elbow, and said, in a voice that no
one else might hear:--"Dost thou observe the King? If he doth live a
month it shall greatly surprise me; for if the stamp of death be not
upon that brow, then there is no such thing."
Then Gloucester and Buckingham came forward and, when his Majesty was
seated upon his throne, enquired as to how he did, and kissed his hand,
as though they loved him; when, at the same time, I verily believe, one
of them at least had been happy had the King been dead.
Every one remarked upon the great change in the noble Edward, and
hastened forward to enquire as to his health; when, if they did use
their eyes, they could see their answer writ in bold letters upon that
pale, yet handsome face.
His Majesty did not seem to like these enquiries; for he frowned on
some which expressed their hope that he was not ill. When my friend
and I paid our homage to him, however, he smiled and spoke most kindly
unto us. This action of the King's did not seem to please some of
those which had met with a reception less warm; for I observed on the
faces of some of these lords and others, sneers and smiles; then would
they turn to each other and converse, and look in our direction, and
shrug their shoulders, as much as to say:--"It matters not; those upon
whom he smiles to-day may be in the Tower to-morrow."
But to this we paid little attention; for it was but natural for them
to feel jealous, after their cold reception.
When the presentation of the guests had been completed, King
Edward--though it must have cost him an effort,--spoke in a clear
voice, and told them the object of this entertainment, which was given,
said his Majesty, in honor of his Royal brother, the Duke of
Gloucester, and the brave nobles and knights who had assisted him in
gaining a victory over our enemies, and so adding another jewel to the
crown of England, by the acquisition of Berwick. Then came a surprise.
The King turned to Gloucester and said: "My brother informs me that
Scotland was assisted, to a great extent, in her unlawful and hostile
acts against us, by our ancient foe--France. Several French noblemen
of importance were taken prisoners on the field of Berwick; which is
strong evidence against that disturber of the peace of nations, across
the Channel.
"In a few short months we hope to see ye gathered in this same room,
for the purpose of celebrating our victory over France."
Then, as the King ended this speech, which appeared greatly to exhaust
him, we all did break into a roar of applause, which did not stop until
his Majesty raised his hand, which did command our silence. Then
another motion from the King, and the musicians started up.
The Duke of Buckingham led the Queen to the centre of the room, and
started the ball in earnest. The scene that followed, reminded me of
one rock starting to slide from the top of a hill: presently, as it
goes, others do join it in its journey, and soon the whole hillside is
one sliding mass. So soon as her Majesty and Buckingham had completed
a measure, others joined in, and in but a few short moments the whole
hall was swaying back and forth, first this way, then that, yet ever in
harmony, like the waves as they rush upon the shore and then recede,
and come back again, with the same delightful time, but ever with a
restful variation.
Needless to say, I was not long in finding my delightful partner.
However, I was not pleased when I came up to find that fellow, Catesby,
endeavoring to persuade her to give unto him my dance. I was close
beside him ere he knew it, and then I heard him say (the which, had he
the manners of a dog, he had left unsaid) "Methinks, Lady Hazel, thy
partner must have forgotten thee."
"Thou shouldst not think of matters which do not concern thee, Sir," I
said, quietly, in his ear, as I took Hazel by the hand and led her
forth.
"And such a trifling matter," said the impudent knave, as he shrugged
his shoulders and walked off.
Had he struck me a blow upon my cheek he could not have more insulted
me. Verily, I boiled with indignation, and swore a great oath, to
myself, that I would make him eat those words, the first time that I
should have an opportunity. So greatly was I occupied with thinking of
the pleasure I would have when my good sword should be sticking through
his body that Hazel, at last, had to pull me by the sleeve, in order to
attract my attention.
"What is the matter with thee, Walter? Thou art walking as though in a
dream; and an evil one at that, judging from the expression on your
face. I do hope that my little presence is not so unpleasant as to
make thee look like that."
This recalled me to my senses; so I apologized for my conduct, and
joined with the others, in their gaiety.
When I look back at that night, and see that fairy form passing through
the movements with me, it doth seem, unto mine old eyes, like a dream
enacted by the mind, where angels appear in mortal form and glide
around us, with their feet touching nothing more substantial than the
air. And indeed it was a dream, and one that can never be too oft
repeated. Ah, that was indeed a happy night; and so many years ago.
Hazel had not heard my remark to Catesby, nor--by some happy
chance--his insolent retort, which latter had, to mine ears, sounded
loud enough for the whole great room to hear. But that must have been
on account of the sting it carried for me. Be that as it may, she had
not heard; and for this I was thankful; for had she, it should have
worried her, and the evening had then been spoiled for both of us; and
I would not have had that happen for a kingdom.
When we had finished our set I asked Hazel if I might have the next.
"No, Walter," she replied; "I have already promised it to Sir William
Catesby; although I do not think much of lawyers," she added.
Of course this made me to boil again; but I did not say so, to Hazel,
for fear she might be frightened. All I said was:--"I detest that
fellow, and do not like to see thee dance with him."
"Well, 'tis much more disagreeable to me," she answered; "and thou
mayst be assured that I will not dance with him again to-night."
"Nor any other night," thought I, "if I may but get my sword betwixt
his ribs."
When the next set did start, as I had no desire for dancing with any
other woman, after having danced with that dainty flower, I strolled
into one of the adjoining rooms, and sat myself down in a comfortable
seat, behind the open door; so that I might not be disturbed in my
meditations, which made my heart to beat the faster the further I let
them run. For the one thought in my mind was how and when I had better
declare myself unto the dear maid which I so madly loved, and get her
promise to some day make me the happiest man on earth, by meeting with
me at that trysting place, where the most high ambitions of love are
realized, namely, the altar of Holy Church. Just as I had fully made
up my mind to have Hazel give me a definite answer the first time I
should catch her alone (and now I felt certain what that answer would
be) Gloucester and Buckingham walked into the room; the former leaning
upon the arm of the latter, as was his wont, when the two were
together. I saw them through the opening where the door hangs to the
wall; but they evidently thought that they were the sole occupants of
the room; for, the moment they entered, I heard the Prince say in a low
tone:--"As we are alone here I may say that which thine ears alone
should hear." Then, before I could make a move, and make known my
presence (for Heaven truly knows I have never had any desire to play
the eavesdropper) he continued: "His Majesty's time is short; dost thou
not see the seal of death upon his brow?"
"Indeed, my lord, methinks that thou art right," replied the other.
"Then, Buckingham, we may play our hand. Our time is coming; watch and
be prepared for a bold stroke.
"Hereford, thine own by right of birth, but now usurped by yon grasping
brother of mine, is a grand earldom, is it not, Cousin?"
I could not hear Buckingham's reply, and in another moment some others
did enter, and the two, after speaking to them pleasantly, left the
room.
"Now what in the devil's name means all this?" thought I. "His
Majesty's time is short." "Hereford is a grand earldom." These two
remarks kept ringing in mine ears and, although I could not at that
time tell what they did mean, yet was I convinced that there was some
deviltry afoot which meant no good unto the Queen, in case the King
should die; for Gloucester ever did dislike both her and her favorites.
However, my reflections were brought to an end by the musicians, who
started playing for the next set.
I at once made my way to the crowd, and found Hazel and led her forth
and joined in the dance. I danced next with Mary, and Harleston took
my late partner, so it was a fair exchange. The next two sets I went
through with other ladies whose names I do not now recall and, as they
have no bearing on this tale, it matters nothing. However, both these
ladies seemed prodigiously relieved when our dances were finished; for
I was too much engaged with taking care of a whirl of thoughts, with
which my mind was struggling, to be very talkative. When I had led the
last of these unto her seat, I had fully made up my mind what my course
of action was to be. So I walked over to that fairest of maids, and
asked her if she were not tired dancing.
"In faith I am, Walter," she answered; "and, when I saw thee coming, I
feared that thou didst want me to go through a set with thee; and then
I should have been afraid to refuse, for thou art such a sensitive and
fiery mortal thou mightst have been offended."
I led her into the smaller room, where I had been sitting when I heard
Gloucester's remarks to Buckingham, and where I was now going to make
some remarks myself, and personal ones at that, but not to Buckingham.
How fiercely my heart thumped, as though it were striving to burst
through my ribs and fly unto its little mate.
When we were seated all my fine speeches seemed to have forsaken me,
and I sat there as mute and dumb as the Tower of London. Now why this
should be I know not, for this was the opportunity I had so long
awaited. At length the dear maid began to be uneasy and, as she told
me afterwards, to suspect what was the matter. Then I saw my time was
come, and if I were to say anything I should have to do it now; so I
started in recklessly, as a sailor throws himself from his sinking
ship, into those tempting waves, and, no matter how great his
confidence may be, yet he knows not if there be rocks beneath the
swells or no.
"Hazel," said I, "thou hast known me long, and I that same have you,
and ever since the day when first thou earnest to court, I have felt it
mine especial duty to watch over and protect thee, shouldst thou ever
need it. This latter you have never guessed; for what right had I to
so appoint myself your guardian?
"Until to-night my tongue would never put into words the pleasant
agonies with which my heart hath for so long been bursting. But
to-night, since I have started, I feel as though my tongue were a bell,
rung by mine uncontrollable heart strings, and, as that thumping engine
doth swing back and forth, my tongue rings out the universal notes,--_I
love thee_. For thy happiness and pleasure I would freely give my
life, and then rejoice at having served thee. I can say no more; for
my heart smothers me; so I lay it at thy feet. Do not spurn it, but
give another to fill its place, and one that will be more faithful unto
its keeper."
During this speech, which was the outburst of mine overloaded soul, the
dear one sat with her precious head bent as that of a dainty flower
before the hot blast of summer. Her hand toyed nervously with a tassel
which hung from her waist. Her bosom rose and fell so quickly that it
seemed like the ripples on the beach; and her whole frame quivered with
emotion,--and so did mine.
When I had finished she did not speak for a moment, and I began to fear
that I had frightened her with my passionate declaration. But
presently she raised her eyes to mine, and they were full of tears.
Then she laid her head upon my shoulder, and sighed and smiled, both at
once, as though her happiness had forced out her tears, and the smiles
were sent to dry them.
"There is my hand, Walter," she said, "and with it goes my heart. Take
both of them, for they belong to thee. In faith, the latter thou hast
had some time. I am sure thou wilt be kind to them; for I know thou
lovest me truly.
"Oh, Walter, when thou speakest to me, with mine ears I hang upon the
flower of thy so earnest speech, and they drink in the precious
sweetness from its bloom."
I kissed away love's dewdrops from her cheeks, and now I say it truly,
without the recklessness of youth, there has been only one other moment
in my life in which I have felt such heart-expanding joy. But I shall
tell ye of that anon.
So there we sat and spoke those words which are so dear to lovers,
until that set was over, and we were reluctantly compelled to go back
and join the others in the ball-room.
So soon as I had taken Hazel unto her place near by the Queen, I
started in search of Harleston. I found him engaged in conversation
with my lord Hastings. As I came up he turned and exclaimed:--"Ah! the
lost is found. I had surely thought that thou must have grown tired of
the dance and gone to bed."
The High Chamberlain here left us, and took his place beside the King.
"Frederick, I have something of importance to say to thee. Kindly come
with me to another room, so that we may not be overheard; as that which
I am about to tell is of a private nature."
So we entered the room which had that night been the scene of two so
important conversations. When I had made sure that we were quite alone
I motioned Harleston to a chair, whilst I remained standing before him.
"My friend," said I, when he was seated, "I have two communications of
importance to make. The first I know thou shalt be pleased to hear,
the other is not so pleasant; for it may mean great trouble to us all,
if mine interpretation of what I overheard be correct. The first is
this,--" and there I stopped and stood first on the one foot and then
on the other, and felt my face get red, for all the world like a small
boy making a confession when he has done something wrong. Why I should
feel like this I know not, unless it be one of the many peculiarities
of that very eccentric person known as Master Human Nature, of whom we
know so little.
My friend regarded me with the faintest suspicion of a smile playing
around the corners of his mouth, and also showing itself in a barely
perceptible twinkle in his eyes.
At length he said:--"Well, Walter, what is it? Out with it man, or
thou shalt never know whether I will be glad to hear it or no."
"Well, then,--_I have told her_," I almost whispered.
"Told her what?" he asked, laughing outright at mine embarrassment.
"Why,--why,--that,--that,--"
"What in the devil's name is the matter with thee?" cried he, not
giving me time to finish.
"That I love her,--Hazel,--Lady Hazel Woodville, Lady-in-waiting on her
Majesty the Queen," I answered; thus trying to give the impression that
I had made it perfectly clear before, but that his skull was too thick
to permit my meaning to pass through.
"Bravo, bravo! my dear friend," cried he, as he sprang to his feet and
grasped my hand and slapped me on the shoulder. "Thou didst get it out
at last. Why, Bradley, I knew it the moment thou didst start to
hesitate and fidget so. Those symptoms, following those dreamy fits,
from which thou hast been suffering of late, are the surest indications
of that peculiar disease of the heart which so sadly affects the mind.
One is almost sure to catch it when one doth come in frequent contact
with fair maidens. Now the one with which thou hast been associated so
much is simply a human moon, to make men mad. Therefore, my dear
fellow, I was quite certain that thou wouldst soon cry out for it. But
tell me," he said, more seriously, "what did she say?" Then before I
could tell him:--"I need not ask; 'tis writ upon your smiling
countenance."
He had scarcely finished his congratulations when in walked Hazel and
Mary, arm in arm. When they came up to us, my dear maid's face was
crimson with blushes, and Mary's contracted with joyous smiles.
"Hast thou told him yet?" asked Hazel, glancing in Harleston's
direction.
I nodded. "And doth Mary know?" I asked.
"I just told her," she whispered.
Then Harleston and Mary came up to us, and as my little golden haired
cousin took my hand and congratulated me for having won the dearest
maid in Christendom, Frederick reached across, and taking Hazel's hand,
wished her all happiness, and said some pleasant things of me, the
which I shall not put down.
So there we stood and talked and laughed--for laughter is ever waiting
to burst forth, when the heart is light and young, and filled with
love's tender passion--till we heard a commotion in the ballroom. We
rushed out to see what was the cause of these unusual sounds. The
scene we beheld prodigiously surprised us. Every one was hurrying in
the direction of the throne, and making all sorts of exclamations. I
left Harleston to look after the ladies, and hurriedly I made my way
through the crushing guests, until I was near the King. His Majesty
was hanging over the arm of his chair; and leaning his head upon the
shoulder of Hastings. He appeared to have fainted; for he was deadly
pale, his eyes closed, and the lids trembling like the wings of a
wounded bird. Some evidently thought that he had already died, or was
just dying; for they were wringing their hands and muttering prayers,
when they might have been of more service had they stood further back,
and so allowed the King to get some fresh air, which--in these cases--I
do consider a better physic than most men's prayers.
Presently the Physician Royal, which had been sent for by the Queen,
arrived. He at once ordered every one, no matter of what rank he might
be to stand aback. Then he had a bench brought forward, and two
gentlemen carried the King and laid him at full length upon it.
Vigorously did they rub his hands and face, and then they bled him.
Then the noble sufferer did show some signs of recovering. Hastings
and Stanley did now lift up the bench, with its Royal load, and carried
it from the room. The Queen followed, wringing her hands and weeping.
The great ball was over, much before its time.
The guests stood, for some time, talking in little groups; most of
their conversation being scarce above a whisper; for there is something
which doth awe us, when the great are thus struck down.
I went back to the girls and Frederick; but a dampness had fallen upon
our happiness and made us to feel quiet.
We remained only a short time, and then made our ways unto our several
apartments.
Thus in sadness ended the entertainment given by his Majesty, King
Edward, the fourth of that name, in honor of our victory over the
Scottish king. But in the hall I did kiss Hazel ere I did let her go
that night.