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LADY ROSAMOND'S SECRET:
A Romance of Fredericton.
by
RE. AGATHA ARMOUR.
St. John,
N. B. Telegraph Printing and Publishing Office.
1878.
INTRODUCTION.
The object of the following story has been to weave simple facts into
form dependent upon the usages of society during the administration of
Sir Howard Douglas, 1824-30. The style is simple and claims no
pretensions for complication of plot. Every means has been employed to
obtain the most reliable authority upon the facts thus embodied. The
writer is deeply indebted to several gentlemen of high social position
who kindly furnished many important facts and showed a lively interest
in the work, and takes the present opportunity of returning thanks for
such support. In producing this little work the public are aware that
too much cannot be expected from an amateur. Hoping that this may meet
the approval of many, the writer also thanks those who have so
generously responded to the subscription list.
Fredericton. August, 1878.
LADY ROSAMOND'S SECRET
A ROMANCE OF FREDERICTON.
CHAPTER I.
OLD GOVERNMENT HOUSE.
Breathes there a man with soul so dead,
Who never to himself hath said,
This is my own, my native land!--_Scott._
A September sunset in Fredericton, A. D. 1824. Much has been said and
sung about the beauteous scenes of nature in every clime. Scott has
lovingly depicted his native heaths, mountains, lochs and glens. Moore
draws deep inspiration amid scenes of the Emerald Isle, and strikes his
lyre to chords of awakening love, light and song. Cowper, Southey and
Wordsworth raised their voices in tuneful and harmonious lays, echoing
love of native home. Our beloved American poet has wreathed in song the
love of nature's wooing in his immortal Hiawatha. Forests in their
primeval grandeur, lovely landscapes, sunrise, noonday and sunset--each
has attracted the keen poetic gaze. Though not the theme of poet or
pen--who that looks upon our autumn sunset can deny its charms? The
western horizon, a mass of living gold, flitting in incessant array and
mingling with the different layers of purple, violet, pink, crimson, and
tempting hues of indescribable beauty; at intervals forming regular and
successive strata of deep blue and red, deepening into bright red.
Suddenly as with magic wand a golden cloud shoots through and transforms
the whole with dazzling splendour. The bewildering reflection upon the
trees as they raise their heads in lofty appreciation, forms a pleasing
background, while Heaven's ethereal blue lies calmly floating above. The
gently sloping hills lend variety to the scene, stretching in
undulations of soft and rich verdure; luxuriant meadow and cultivated
fields lie in alternate range. The sons of toil are returning from
labour; the birds have sought shelter in their nests; the nimble
squirrel hides beneath the leafy boughs, or finds refuge in the
sheltering grass, until the next day's wants shall urge a repeated
attack upon the goodly spoils of harvest. Soon the golden sheen is
departing, casting backward glances upon the hill tops with studied
coyness, as lingering to caress the deepening charms of nature's
unlimited and priceless wardrobe.
Amid such glowing beauty could the mind hold revel on a glorious
September sunset in Fredericton, 1824. To any one possessed with the
least perception of the beautiful, is there not full scope in this
direction? Is not one fully rewarded by a daily stroll in the suburban
districts of Fredericton, more especially the one now faintly described?
If any one asks why the present site was chosen for Government House in
preference to the lower part of the city, there would be no presumption
in the inference--selected no doubt with due appreciation of its view
both from river and hills on western side. Truly its striking beauty
might give rise to the well established title of "Celestial City."
Though unadorned by lofty monuments of imposing stateliness, costly
public buildings, or princely residences, Fredericton lays claim to a
higher and more primitive order of architecture than that of Hellenic
ages. The Universal Architect lingered lovingly in studying the effect
of successive design. Trees of grace and beauty arose on every side in
exquisite drapery, while softly curved outlines added harmony to the
whole, teaching the wondrous and creative skill of the Divine. The
picturesque river flows gently on, calm, placid, and unruffled save by
an occasional splash of oars of the pleasure seekers, whose small white
boats dotted the silvery surface and were reflected in the calm depths
below.
On such an evening more than half a century ago when the present site of
Government House was occupied by the plain wooden structure known as
"Old Government House," a group of ladies was seated on the balcony
apparently occupied in watching the lingering rays descending behind the
hills. Suddenly the foremost one, a lovely and animated girl whose
beauty baffled description, espied a gentleman busily engaged in
admiring some choice specimens of flowers which were being carefully
cultivated by a skilful gardener. Bounding away with the elasticity of a
fawn, her graceful form was seen to advantage as she stood beside the
high-bred and distinguished botanist. The simple acts of pleasantry that
passed shewed their relationship as that of parent and child. Sir Howard
Douglas was proud of his beautiful and favorite daughter. He saw in her
the wondrous beauty of her mother blending with those graces and rare
qualities of the heart which won for Lady Douglas the deep admiration of
all classes. Beauty and amiability were not the entire gifts of Mary
Douglas. She was endowed with attainments of no ordinary stamp. Though
young, she displayed uncommon ability in many different branches of
education; shewing some skill as a composer and musician, also a talent
for composition and poetry. With simple earnestness she placed her hand
lovingly upon her father's shoulder, exclaiming "Papa, dear, I have come
to watch you arrange those lovely flowers." "Well, my dear, you are
welcome to remain. I am certainly complimented by such preference. You
must allow me to acknowledge it by this," saying which, the fond parent
plucked a white rosebud and fastened it in the snowy lace upon the bosom
of his child. "Papa, dearest, one act of love certainly deserves
another," exclaimed Mary, as she fondly pressed the lips of Sir Howard,
adding "remember that you are my chevalier for the remainder of the
evening. When you have finished, we will rejoin the company." Mary
Douglas seated herself in a rustic chair and chatted in gay and animated
tones while her father listened with a deep interest. The well tried
soldier, the gallant commander at Badajos, at Corunna, the hero of many
fierce conflicts, and the firm friend and favourite of the Duke of
Wellington, listened to the conversation of his daughter with as much
keenness as a question involving the strongest points of diplomacy.
"Papa, this garden will fully repay you for your labour. I do wish that
I could understand and enter into the study of plants and flowers as you
do." "Ah, my Mary," exclaimed Sir Howard in a deep reverential tone, as
his thoughts went back to the days of his boyhood, "I had a kind
benefactress, and I may say _mother_ in my aunt Helena. She created in
me an early love for flowers, and I have always cherished it. Often
during my campaign in the Peninsula, the sight of a lovely flower would
call up emotions that would for the time unman me for the raging
conflicts of battle. I always look upon flowers as the trophies of God's
grace. Mary, I trust you yet will be able to attend to the cultivation
of Heaven's choicest offerings, and remember, that by so doing, you only
contribute a small share in the beautifying of nature." Having enjoyed
this strain of converse for some length of time, Mary Douglas rose,
exclaiming, "Now, Papa, you are at my service." Sir Howard bowed, and
offered his arm to his fair daughter. Together they went out, being
greeted by the merry party still lingering on the verandah. "Explain,
Mary," said the foremost of the party, "this breach of confidence and
utter contempt of the necessities of your friends. We have been vainly
waiting your appearance to join us in a walk, and now it is nearly time
to dress for dinner." "Very prettily said, Lady Rosamond," replied Sir
Howard, "but as I wear my lady's favour, you will grant me a hearing on
her behalf." Pointing to the spray of mignonnette and forget-me-not
which Mary Douglas had placed on his coat, he continued, "I hope that
your company has employed the moments as profitably. We commenced with
vows of love and constancy, then followed topics of general
conversation, and ended on the study of flowers. With this explanation
perhaps some of this goodly company might favor us with a like result."
"I venture to say, your Excellency, that in the present instance, we
might too clearly prove the old saying as regards comparisons," returned
Lieut. Trevelyan, "and would therefore enjoin silence." "Ah, no, Mr.
Trevelyan," said Miss Douglas, "we will not allow our claim to be set
aside in this manner. We must muster courage in our own self-defence as
an offset to your acquiescence, or else papa will wear his laurels very
lightly."
"In the first instance," said she, "we were admiring the beautiful
sunset, the soft outline of the hills, and the beauty of the landscape.
Is that not worthy of describing, papa?" The eldest daughter of this
distinguished family made this appeal with a face beaming with the
enthusiasm of her deep appreciative nature. Anne Douglas possessed not
the great beauty of her sister Mary, yet was a lovely and loveable
woman, capable of inspiring deep regard. Sir Howard acknowledged by
saying, that if she continued, the comparison would turn the weight on
the other side. "Not yet, papa dear," said Miss Douglas, "you must hear
further. We were speaking freely of our warm reception from the citizens,
of the social resources of Fredericton, its commercial interests; and
before you joined us, were planning to ask your assistance, by giving
your views and opinion of Fredericton in its general aspect, as presented
on your arrival." "Mr. Trevelyan," ventured Sir Howard, "I am sorry to
acknowledge that the ladies have sufficient cause to charge you with
desertion of your colours; but the end may not justify the means." "Ah,
papa, your inference is indirect--you will not surely justify Mr.
Trevelyan." "In the present state of affairs," exclaimed Sir Howard, in
playful military tone, "the enemy is preparing for action. The only
chance of success is thus--retreat under cover of fire, or fall back on
the strength of defence." "Your Excellency has a stronghold in the
enemy's quarter," joined in Lady Rosamond, who had been seated at the
side of Captain Charles Douglas, their eldest son. "Before testing the
strength of our forces let there be a short truce, on condition that His
Excellency will give us the desired information this evening," said Mr.
Trevelyan, playfully endeavouring to conciliate Miss Douglas. At this
moment Lady Douglas formed an attractive feature to the group. Her
graceful form, dignity of gesture and gentle expression was a subject of
admiration. Her winning smile was greeted by recognitions of deep and
respectful courtesy on the part of the gentlemen.
"My Lady, fortune has at last condescended to favour me by your
appearance among us," said Mr. Trevelyan, rising and advancing towards
Her Ladyship, while a blush suffused his handsome face, hastily making
its way with deepening colour, showing the clear and open hearted spirit
of the young Lieutenant. "We now have hopes of a speedy restoration." Mr.
Trevelyan then related the foregoing sallies to the fair arbitress, who
listened with keen relish and enjoyment. "As I have arrived at this
unfavourable moment," said Her Ladyship, "I will try to end the matter
satisfactorily to all parties. His Excellency being one of the chief
actors, shall forfeit his liberty by devoting an hour in satisfying the
present demands of the company. Mr. Trevelyan also, will only extricate
himself from his present position by giving one of his many excellent
renditions from Shakespeare or any of the favorite authors. Do you not
all agree to this decision?" As Lady Douglas glanced towards her daughter
Mary, she read in those beautiful eyes a mischievous flash directed
towards Miss Douglas. "If I judge aright there is yet another to be
brought to hasty retribution," said the former. "Pardon me, but I think
your Ladyship is rather severe," said the youthful lieutenant with a
boyish flush of youth upon his brow. "I beg that the penalty imposed upon
Miss Douglas may be something which rests upon her direct choice."
"Treason within the camp," exclaimed Captain Douglas, in his military
tone. "Trevelyan, beware, you are being caught in a pitfall." Lady
Douglas smiled as she turned to Miss Douglas, saying "Mr. Trevelyan's
request shall be granted, you can choose your own task of imposition,
music, reading, or any other pastime." "The matter is settled, thanks to
her Ladyship," exclaimed Sir Howard, "and I beg leave to withdraw to
mature my views for the coming lengthy topic of this evening." The hour
being announced warned the ladies to prepare for dinner, the group
separated leaving the verandah to the romps of two favorite hounds, a
spaniel, and a pair of tame rabbits.
While preparations are thus going on in the different apartments of
Government House, a carriage arrives with its occupant, Mr. Howe,
private secretary to Sir Howard. The carriage, a handsome one, is driven
by a span of full-blooded Arabian horses; magnificent specimens of their
species; proudly sits their owner in his costly equipage. As a man of
wealth, high family, Mr. Howe occupied a prominent position in the
household of the Douglas family. His coming is awaited with eagerness.
Captain Douglas, his friend and companion, is at his side in a moment
addressing him with hearty familiarity, "Howe, you are late. Has business
been pressing? Takes some time to get reconciled to the hum drum of life
in New Brunswick! Well, old fellow, send around the horses and we will
yet have time for a cigar before dinner. Strange, I enjoy one better
before than after. You know I am an odd bird in every sense. Was odd last
evening at mess when we got the rubber." "Douglas, one thing is
confoundedly odd." "How did the natives of New Brunswick ever impose upon
the British Government to send a governor and a private secretary,"
interrupted Charles Douglas. "Ha, ha, ha," laughed the latter, with
repeated and renewed attacks. "Howe, you have been baulked in some design
to-day; perhaps the fair one smiled on another, or odder still, some
rival is ready to exchange a few kindly shots." "Oh, Douglas, for
Heaven's sake stop and save your breath for more interesting topics,"
exclaimed the latter. The secretary lit a cigar and sat down to glance
over the contents of a letter. Muttering some irreverent expressions upon
the writer. "Howe, you 'see through a glass darkly,'" yelled Captain
Douglas, "to-morrow you will see face to face Major McNair and the sports
of H.M. 52nd. It will be mightily odd if you do not give them a brush.
Count upon me, too, as I intend to show in earnest what stuff Prince is
made of." "One thing you show," said Mr. Howe, with a strange grin--"a
desire to turn parson or priest. I might make a few suppositions without
interruption. Perhaps you have been initiating yourself in the good
graces of a Rev. Clergyman, by a few such quotations. Perhaps the church
might take better in New Brunswick than the army. Douglas, with all your
perhapses, you are a cunning diplomatist." "You certainly do me credit,
Howe," said his friend; "I possess enough cunning to perceive that you
are not in your native element this September 22nd, 1824."
The private secretary of His Excellency, Sir Howard Douglas, was a man
of no ordinary stamp. He had ability and coolness; the last named
quality had gained him much favour from the veteran commander, and a
desire to retain his service. Tall, slight and athletic, Mr. Howe was
foremost in all feats of physical sports. Horse racing was his greatest
mania. Few could manage a horse as he, and fewer still could own one
faster than his favourite mare, Bess. Quickly he rose to his feet with
"Jove, Douglas, I feel angry with myself and everybody." "Then keep your
distance, I beseech you," returned Captain Douglas, in his usual jolly
manner. "Listen for a moment and hear my scrape," said Howe. "Down in
the mess this afternoon we got talking,"--"horse, of course," said the
Captain--"yes, horse," said the former, "and got mixed up into one of
the greatest skirmishes ever heard of. Captain Markham swore and raged
like a wild beast Captain Hawley bit his lips with anger, and when I
tried to conciliate matters, they turned on me like a set of vipers. In
fact, with two or three exceptions, they hung together and irated me in
good round English, forward and backward with little regard to Johnson
or any of the time-honoured lexicographers. It was a hot encounter. In
spite of anger, I cannot help laughing, to think how they abused each
other, and, in turn, united themselves into a general force, directing
the fire of their battery upon me. By St. George of England, it was too
much. Of Course this is only the beginning of a series of such
demonstrations." "All's well that ends well," returned Captain Douglas,
"a night's sleep will restore all to a former footing. Major McNair
would frown upon any breach thus made."