Peveril of the Peak Read online

  CHAPTER XXXVII

  Henceforth 'tis done--Fortune and I are friends; And I must live, for Buckingham commends. --POPE.

  The spacious mansion of the Duke of Buckingham, with the demesnebelonging to it, originally bore the name of York House and occupied alarge portion of the ground adjacent to the Savoy.

  This had been laid out by the munificence of his father, the favouriteof Charles the First, in a most splendid manner, so as almost to rivalWhitehall itself. But during the increasing rage for building newstreets, and the creating of almost an additional town, in order toconnect London and Westminster, this ground had become of very greatvalue; and the second Duke of Buckingham, who was at once fond ofscheming, and needy of money, had agreed to a plan laid before him bysome adventurous architect, for converting the extensive grounds aroundhis palace into those streets, lanes, and courts, which still perpetuatehis name and titles; though those who live in Buckingham Street, DukeStreet, Villiers Street, or in Of-alley (for even that connectingparticle is locally commemorated), probably think seldom of the memoryof the witty, eccentric, and licentious George Villiers, Duke ofBuckingham, whose titles are preserved in the names of their residenceand its neighbourhood.

  This building-plan the Duke had entered upon with all the eagernesswhich he usually attached to novelty. His gardens were destroyed--hispavilions levelled--his splendid stables demolished--the whole pomp ofhis suburban demesne laid waste, cumbered with ruins, and intersectedwith the foundations of new buildings and cellars, and the process oflevelling different lines for the intended streets. But the undertaking,although it proved afterwards both lucrative and successful, met witha check at the outset, partly from want of the necessary funds, partlyfrom the impatient and mercurial temper of the Duke, which soon carriedhim off in pursuit of some more new object. So that, though much wasdemolished, very little, in comparison, was reared up in the stead, andnothing was completed. The principal part of the ducal mansion stillremained uninjured; but the demesne in which it stood bore a strangeanalogy to the irregular mind of its noble owner. Here stood a beautifulgroup of exotic trees and shrubs, the remnant of the garden, amidyawning common-sewers, and heaps of rubbish. In one place an old towerthreatened to fall upon the spectator; and in another he ran the riskof being swallowed up by a modern vault. Grandeur of conception couldbe discovered in the undertaking, but was almost everywhere marred bypoverty or negligence of execution. In short, the whole place was thetrue emblem of an understanding and talents run to waste, and becomemore dangerous than advantageous to society, by the want of steadyprinciple, and the improvidence of the possessor.

  There were men who took a different view of the Duke's purpose inpermitting his mansion to be thus surrounded, and his demesne occupiedby modern buildings which were incomplete, and ancient which werebut half demolished. They alleged, that, engaged as he was in so manymysteries of love and of politics, and having the character of themost daring and dangerous intriguer of his time, his Grace found itconvenient to surround himself with this ruinous arena, into whichofficers of justice could not penetrate without some difficulty andhazard; and which might afford, upon occasion, a safe and secret shelterfor such tools as were fit for desperate enterprises, and a private andunobserved mode of access to those whom he might have any special reasonfor receiving in secret.

  Leaving Peveril in the Tower, we must once more convey our readers tothe Levee of the Duke, who, on the morning of Julian's transferenceto that fortress, thus addressed his minister-in-chief, and principalattendant: "I have been so pleased with your conduct in this matter,Jerningham, that if Old Nick were to arise in our presence, and offerme his best imp as a familiar in thy room, I would hold it but a poorcompliment."

  "A legion of imps," said Jerningham, bowing, "could not have been morebusy than I in your Grace's service; but if your Grace will permit me tosay so, your whole plan was well-nigh marred by your not returning hometill last night, or rather this morning."

  "And why, I pray you, sage Master Jerningham," said his Grace, "shouldI have returned home an instant sooner than my pleasure and convenienceserved?"

  "Nay, my Lord Duke," replied the attendant, "I know not; only, when yousent us word by Empson, in Chiffinch's apartment, to command us to makesure of the girl at any rate, and at all risks, you said you would behere so soon as you could get freed of the King."

  "Freed of the King, you rascal! What sort of phrase is that?" demandedthe Duke.

  "It was Empson who used it, my lord, as coming from your Grace."

  "There is much very fit for my Grace to say, that misbecomes suchmouths as Empson's or yours to repeat," answered the Duke haughtily,but instantly resumed his tone of familiarity, for his humour was ascapricious as his pursuits. "But I know what thou wouldst have; first,your wisdom would know what became of me since thou hadst my commands atChiffinch's; and next, your valour would fain sound another flourish oftrumpets on thine own most artificial retreat, leaving thy comrade inthe hands of the Philistines."

  "May it please your Grace," said Jerningham, "I did but retreat for thepreservation of the baggage."

  "What! do you play at crambo with me?" said the Duke. "I would have youto know that the common parish fool should be whipt, were he to attemptto pass pun or quodlibet as a genuine jest, even amongst ticket-portersand hackney chairmen."

  "And yet I have heard your Grace indulge in the _jeu de mots_," answeredthe attendant.

  "Sirrah Jerningham," answered the patron, "discard they memory, or keepit under correction, else it will hamper thy rise in the world. Thoumayst perchance have seen me also have a fancy to play at trap-ball, orto kiss a serving wench, or to guzzle ale and eat toasted cheese in aporterly whimsy; but is it fitting thou shouldst remember such follies?No more on't.--Hark you; how came the long lubberly fool, Jenkins, beinga master of the noble science of defence, to suffer himself to be runthrough the body so simply by a rustic swain like this same Peveril?"

  "Please your Grace, this same Corydon is no such novice. I saw theonset; and, except in one hand, I never saw a sword managed with suchlife, grace, and facility."

  "Ay, indeed?" said the Duke, taking his own sheathed rapier in his hand,"I could not have thought that. I am somewhat rusted, and have need ofbreathing. Peveril is a name of note. As well go to the Barns-elms, orbehind Montagu House, with him as with another. His father a rumouredplotter, too. The public would have noted it in me as becoming a zealousProtestant. Needful I do something to maintain my good name in the city,to atone for non-attendance on prayer and preaching. But your Laertesis fast in the Fleet; and I suppose his blundering blockhead of anantagonist is dead or dying."

  "Recovering, my lord, on the contrary," replied Jerningham; "the bladefortunately avoided his vitals."

  "D--n his vitals!" answered the Duke. "Tell him to postpone hisrecovery, or I will put him to death in earnest."

  "I will caution his surgeon," said Jerningham, "which will answerequally well."

  "Do so; and tell him he had better be on his own deathbed as cure hispatient till I send him notice.--That young fellow must be let looseagain at no rate."

  "There is little danger," said the attendant. "I hear some of thewitnesses have got their net flung over him on account of some mattersdown in the north; and that he is to be translated to the Tower forthat, and for some letters of the Countess of Derby, as rumour goes."

  "To the Tower let him go, and get out as he can," replied the Duke; "andwhen you hear he is fast there, let the fencing fellow recover as fastas the surgeon and he can mutually settle it."

  The Duke, having said this, took two or three turns in the apartment,and appeared to be in deep thought. His attendant waited the issue ofhis meditations with patience, being well aware that such moods, duringwhich his mind was strongly directed in one point, were never of solong duration with his patron as to prove a severe burden to his ownpatience.

  Accordingly, after the silence of sev
en or eight minutes, the Duke brokethrough it, taking from the toilette a large silk purse, which seemedfull of gold. "Jerningham," he said, "thou art a faithful fellow, andit would be sin not to cherish thee. I beat the King at Mall on his bolddefiance. The honour is enough for me; and thou, my boy, shalt have thewinnings."

  Jerningham pocketed the purse with due acknowledgements.

  "Jerningham," his Grace continued, "I know you blame me for changingmy plans too often; and on my soul I have heard you so learned on thesubject, that I have become of your opinion, and have been vexed atmyself for two or three hours together, for not sticking as constantlyto one object, as doubtless I shall, when age (touching his forehead)shall make this same weathercock too rusty to turn with the changingbreeze. But as yet, while I have spirit and action, let it whirl likethe vane at the mast-head, which teaches the pilot how to steer hiscourse; and when I shift mine, think I am bound to follow Fortune, andnot to control her."

  "I can understand nothing from all this, please your Grace," repliedJerningham, "save that you have been pleased to change some purposedmeasures, and think that you have profited by doing so."

  "You shall judge yourself," replied the Duke. "I have seen the Duchessof Portsmouth.--You start. It is true, by Heaven! I have seen her, andfrom sworn enemies we have become sworn friends. The treaty betweensuch high and mighty powers had some weighty articles; besides, I hada French negotiator to deal with; so that you will allow a fewhours' absence was but a necessary interval to make up our matters ofdiplomacy."

  "Your Grace astonishes me," said Jerningham. "Christian's plan ofsupplanting the great lady is then entirely abandoned? I thought youhad but desired to have the fair successor here, in order to carry it onunder your own management."

  "I forgot what I meant at the time," said the Duke; "unless that Iwas resolved she should not jilt me as she did the good-natured man ofroyalty; and so I am still determined, since you put me in mind of thefair Dowsabelle. But I had a contrite note from the Duchess while wewere at the Mall. I went to see her, and found her a perfect Niobe.--Onmy soul, in spite of red eyes and swelled features, and dishevelledhair, there are, after all, Jerningham, some women who do, as thepoets say, look lovely in affliction. Out came the cause; and with suchhumility, such penitence, such throwing herself on my mercy (she theproudest devil, too, in the whole Court), that I must have had heart ofsteel to resist it all. In short, Chiffinch in a drunken fit had playedthe babbler, and let young Saville into our intrigue. Saville plays therogue, and informs the Duchess by a messenger, who luckily came alittle late into the market. She learned, too, being a very devil forintelligence, that there had been some jarring between the master andme about this new Phillis; and that I was most likely to catch thebird,--as any one may see who looks on us both. It must have been Empsonwho fluted all this into her Grace's ear; and thinking she saw howher ladyship and I could hunt in couples, she entreats me to breakChristian's scheme, and keep the wench out of the King's sight,especially if she were such a rare piece of perfection as fame hasreported her."

  "And your Grace has promised her your hand to uphold the influence whichyou have so often threatened to ruin?" said Jerningham.

  "Ay, Jerningham; my turn was as much served when she seemed to ownherself in my power, and cry me mercy.--And observe, it is all one to meby which ladder I climb into the King's cabinet. That of Portsmouth isready fixed--better ascend by it than fling it down to put up another--Ihate all unnecessary trouble."

  "And Christian?" said Jerningham.

  "May go to the devil for a self-conceited ass. One pleasure of thistwist of intrigue is, to revenge me of that villain, who thought himselfso essential, that, by Heaven! he forced himself on my privacy, andlectured me like a schoolboy. Hang the cold-blooded hypocritical vermin!If he mutters, I will have his nose slit as wide as Coventry's.[*]--Harkye, is the Colonel come?"

  "I expect him every moment, your Grace."

  [*] The ill-usage of Sir John Coventry by some of the Life Guardsmen, in revenge of something said in Parliament concerning the King's theatrical amours, gave rise to what was called Coventry's Act, against cutting and maiming the person.

  "Send him up when he arrives," said the Duke.----"Why do you standlooking at me? What would you have?"

  "Your Grace's direction respecting the young lady," said Jerningham.

  "Odd zooks," said the Duke, "I had totally forgotten her.--Is she verytearful?--Exceedingly afflicted?"

  "She does not take on so violently as I have seen some do," saidJerningham; "but for a strong, firm, concentrated indignation, I haveseen none to match her."

  "Well, we will permit her to cool. I will not face the affliction of asecond fair one immediately. I am tired of snivelling, and swelledeyes, and blubbered cheeks for some time; and, moreover, must husband mypowers of consolation. Begone, and send the Colonel."

  "Will your Grace permit me one other question?" demanded his confidant.

  "Ask what thou wilt, Jerningham, and then begone."

  "Your Grace has determined to give up Christian," said the attendant."May I ask what becomes of the kingdom of Man?"

  "Forgotten, as I have a Christian soul!" said the Duke; "asmuch forgotten as if I had never nourished that scheme of royalambition.--D--n it, we must knit up the ravelled skein of thatintrigue.--Yet it is but a miserable rock, not worth the trouble I havebeen bestowing on it; and for a kingdom--it has a sound indeed; but, inreality, I might as well stick a cock-chicken's feather into my hat,and call it a plume. Besides, now I think upon it, it would scarce behonourable to sweep that petty royalty out of Derby's possession. I wona thousand pieces of the young Earl when he was last here, and sufferedhim to hang about me at Court. I question if the whole revenue of hiskingdom is worth twice as much. Easily I could win it of him, werehe here, with less trouble than it would cost me to carry on thesetroublesome intrigues of Christian's."

  "If I may be permitted to say so, please your Grace," answeredJerningham, "although your Grace is perhaps somewhat liable to changeyour mind, no man in England can afford better reasons for doing so."

  "I think so myself, Jerningham," said the Duke; "and it may be it is onereason for my changing. One likes to vindicate his own conduct, and tofind out fine reasons for doing what one has a mind to.--And now, onceagain, begone. Or, hark ye--hark ye--I shall need some loose gold. Youmay leave the purse I gave you; and I will give you an order for asmuch, and two years' interest, on old Jacob Doublefee."

  "As your Grace pleases," said Jerningham, his whole stock ofcomplaisance scarcely able to conceal his mortification at exchangingfor a distant order, of a kind which of late had not been very regularlyhonoured, the sunny contents of the purse which had actually been inhis pocket. Secretly, but solemnly did he make a vow, that two years'interest alone should not be the compensation for this involuntaryexchange in the form of his remuneration.

  As the discontented dependant left the apartment, he met, at the head ofthe grand staircase, Christian himself, who, exercising the freedom ofan ancient friend of the house, was making his way, unannounced, to theDuke's dressing apartment. Jerningham, conjecturing that his visit atthis crisis would be anything but well timed, or well taken, endeavouredto avert his purpose by asserting that the Duke was indisposed, and inhis bedchamber; and this he said so loud that his master might hear him,and, if he pleased, realise the apology which he offered in his name, byretreating into the bedroom as his last sanctuary, and drawing the boltagainst intrusion.

  But, far from adopting a stratagem to which he had had recourse onformer occasions, in order to avoid those who came upon him, though atan appointed hour, and upon business of importance, Buckingham called,in a loud voice, from his dressing apartment, commanding his chamberlaininstantly to introduce his good friend Master Christian, and censuringhim for hesitating for an instant to do so.

  "Now," thought Jerningham within himself, "if Christian knew the Duke aswell as I do, he would sooner stand the leap of a lion, like the London'prentice
bold, than venture on my master at this moment, who is evennow in a humour nearly as dangerous as the animal."

  He then ushered Christian into his master's presence, taking care topost himself within earshot of the door.