However that
was, and whether the stroke had been actually determined upon long
before, or had been suddenly decided upon at the news of his coming, it
fell out that, as the husband and wife were actually within sight of
Derby, on turning a corner they had found themselves surrounded by men
on horses, plainly gathered there for the purpose, with a magistrate in
the midst. Their names had been demanded, and, upon Mr. Thomas'
hesitation, they had been told that their names were well known, and a
warrant was produced, on a charge of recusancy and of aiding her Grace's
enemies, drawn out against Thomas FitzHerbert, and he had been placed
under arrest. Further, Mrs. FitzHerbert had been told she must not enter
the town with the party, but must go either before them or after them,
which she pleased. She had chosen to go first, and had been at the
windows of the inn in time to see her husband go by. There had been no
confusion, she said; the townsfolk appeared to know nothing of what was
happening until Mr. Thomas was safely lodged in the ward.
Then she burst out crying again, lamenting the horrible state of the
prison, as it had been described to her, and demanding to know where
God's justice was in allowing His faithful servants to be so tormented
and harried....
* * * * *
Marjorie watched her closely. She had met her once at Babington House,
when she was still Elizabeth Westley, but had thought little or nothing
of her since.
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