Courtland. A novel. By the daughter of Mary Ann Wellington. Edited [or rather, written] by the Rev. R. Cobbold

Chapter I

Entreat me not to leave thee, nor from thee now to part ; And break not thou the love-wrought chains, that bind us heart to heart ! Whither thou goest I will go, whate'er thy fate may be ; Be bright or drear, thy future lot, it shall be shared by me. Ruth. Reader, if you have travelled through North Wales — if you have admired its wild and stupendous scenery, its rugged rocks, its lofty mountains, green valleys, VOL. i. B COURTLAND. and circling hills, whose luxuriant beauties fall imposingly on the view, in native loveliness and startling grandeur, your heart must have throbbed with admiration of no common kind, in praise of the Great Creator of all, Who, in every feature of His work, presents fresh variety to delight the heart of man. Foremost in your observation must be the remembrance of sweet, romantic Aber faldy.

Nature seems to have chosen it as her favourite retreat ; for among its pic turesque beauties, she is seen to revel as it were in very glee. On a slight but agreeable eminence, at a short distance from the Uectory, stands a large, old-fashioned house, strictly gothic in its style of well-proportioned architecture; commanding a fine view of the adjacent country. It abounds in woodland scenery being surrounded by venerable trees, an extensive Park, and many delightful gar dens, which, together with the family re- COURTLAND. collections, connected with it, render it a much valued dwelling to its inmates. It had for many generations been the residence of an ancient Welch family, who were staunch loyalists, and through all suc cessive changes, were warmly devoted to their country, church, and king, and whose de scendants were in possession of it at the time our narrative begins.

Colonel Hughes retired thither toend his days in tranquillity, after his long and eventful campaign abroad. Long had that been, and though at its termination, as in the beginning, honour acknowledged his indefatigable services, and crowned them with a soldier's glory; much human affliction was connected with its recollections ; yet his days were com paratively tranquil, for he possessed so strong a sense of christian faith and duty, that these roused him to aid in the benefit of others, instead of indulging too deeply in his own grief. But we must refer to years preceding the period I have now mentioned, or the " chain of events," would not be B COURTLAND. successively narrated. Willing to follow minutely in the worthy footsteps of his brave ancestors, the present Colonel en tered the army at the youthful age of fifteen, and in less than three years was joined by his brother Edward, whose heart and soul were as noble and magnanimous as his own.

Their united determination was to be distinguished for honours in their profession ; they succeeded to their utmost wishes, and at the end of a few years, during which their characters gained a stability uncommon to their years, they received promotion from the hands of their commanding officer, who afterwards consented to the union of his only daughter with Edward. At the period of his marriage with the beautiful object of his early love-dream, Edward Hughes was in his six-and-twen tieth year, of the middle stature, with a pleasant countenance, well-featured face and commanding figure. He was an ex tremely handsome man, and in addition COURTLAND. 5 owned an even temper, intellectual beauty of mind, depth of understanding, and great worth of character. These virtues shone surpassingly bright in the new career of life upon which he had now en tered.

This union had been blest with a son, who was named Alfred, after his uncle, who was then the major of Edward's regiment. According to the wishes of our Aberfaldy friends, the regiment was at that time lying in Wales. Bosanna, his lovely young wife, dwelt therefore very much with Mrs. Hughes and her daughter. In this affectionately united circle, time glided peacefully on, till at length the regiment was ordered on foreign service. Short was the notice given them to prepare, and amidst all the hurry and con fusion, which naturally succeeded, a de pressing gloom was thrown over the whole family at the thoughts of a separation. Rosanna had no mother, and having found an affectionate one in the mother of her COURTLAND. husband, she felt deeply the anguish of leaving her; Catherine too, the sister of her beloved, had become so endeared to her, as to increase the pang of parting ; the gentle, tender-hearted, loving, little girl with her melting blue eyes, and tones of thrilling kindness, had won her heart.

Yet, mueh as she loved these valued friends, she would not hear of re maining with them ; she was determined to ccmbat all the dangers of a foreign climate. Mrs. Hughes, aided by Catherine, used the most persuasive eloquence, but to no avail : her heart was fixed on accom panying her husband, and woman's un shrinking sense of love and fortitude ren dered her resolution immoveable. On the morning previous to their de parture, Mrs. Hughes said — " Rosanna, my love, in thinking of the voyage you are about to undertake, I tremble very much for the safety of your self and child ; indeed, I wish, more than ever, that you would remain with us. There COURTLAND. 7 is yet time for you to alter your resolution?" The young wife seemed deeply touched by this appeal, but in answer to the en quiring looks, and earnest manner of the speaker, she mildly, yet perseveringly ex claimed, "Dear, dear mother, urge me not to stay ; for I should like to make it the study of my life to please you; and the thought of disobeying you, pains me bitterly ; but, oh ! my Edward, I cannot — will not lose him!

I could not exist through so long an absence. And our dear boy, my own Alfred, is it not right that he should be with his noble father? and where is there a fitter place for a wife, than at her husband's side? We go to a strange, distant land, but we shall still have the same God for protection ! the same all seeing Providence to watch over us !" Here Rosanna's voice sank, tears filled her pensive eyes, but she smiled through them, for a sacred hope was within her COURTLAND. heart. And what reply could Mrs. Hughes make to so wise an argument as she had offered, since duty and love were its all prevailing features ! She could only kiss her affectionately, and call down blessings on her innocent head, admire her beautiful spirit, and pray that she might be pre served through the many difficulties which lay before her.

Whilst they were speaking, the drawing room door opened, and the two bro thers entered, each holding a hand of the sweet child, who, on seeing his mama, ran eagerly to her, and caught her robe by the hand, saying that he had just bidden everybody good-bye, except their own household. This announcement started the subject afresh; Rosanna looked fondly from the child to her husband; he read her glance, and leading her towards the window addressed her in a very tender strain. He, too, had at first tried to dissuade her from accompanying him, as he bad entered into his mother's fears, whilst listening to her COURTLAND, advice; but he had of late found her so firmly resolved, that he ceased to hear her with other feelings than those of increased love and admiration for the great fortitude she evinced ; and in reply to the last en quiry that he made to her, she trustingly said — " Yes !

I have been thinking over all the slight fears you have expressed for my safety, but nothing shall tear you from me and our dear child ; it would be mad ness in us both, to part willingly, for we might never meet again ; so, for the love of your wife and child, mention it no more. Time may glide on peacefully there as here, aud even were there dangers to encounter, I could brave all, if supported by you !" A tear stole down the cheek of Edward, as he embraced her, exclaiming: " My own beloved, noble-minded wife, now that I find you thus firm in your resolution t" accompany me, with our brother -B COURTLAND. and your father, fear not, that I shall again offer any objection to prevent your doing so. This fresh instance of your unshrink ing love fills my heart with inexpressible delight of the most promising and exalted nature; for if you do but continue in health — as you will, if my perpetual care can ensure it — what a blessing will your society be to me! and, with the favour of God, we may again return home to join our mother and Catherine in the quietude that you, my Rosanna, have so oft admired!"

She returned the wfixm pressure of her husband's hand, "murmuring: — ''May Hea ven grant we may ! — for my trust is in that all-wise Providence, by whom all events are ordered for our good!" The expressions of piety which fell from her lips, inspired her husband with renewed hope; and all things were now settled for their departure. Although it was no uncommon occurrence for Mrs. Hughes to have to part with those dearest to her on earth, she grieved COURTLAND. very much in the thought of a separation from her two only sons, who had for many years been the comfort of her widowhood, the earthly staff of her existence; and, at frequent intervals, the companions of her home. She had still the comfort of her lit tle Catherine's society to look forward to, and that cheered her ; so with resignation, she, on the morrow, bade adieu to her sons, the wife of Edward and their child.

Hope indeed spread her fluttering wings over the parting circle; but fear intruded upon and hurried its flight from the presence of those so dear to her. Presentiments of the future will arise on such occasions. In the reflection that we have a relative in the army, no matter whether he be an affectionately attached father, husband, or brother, there is something very gratifying to a loyal heart; for we must be assured of his motive being a noble one; his profession is such; and we rely on it as the constitu tional staff of that peace we are thankfully enjoying. Besides, the calling is one much COURTLAND. spoken of in the histories of olden time; it is one universally admired ; the dearest associations are all connected with it. It is pleasing to have a loved one be longing to it, with whom there is sometimes the pleasure of going to hear his own band, seeing his regiment march out on field-days and reviewed in the dazzling glory of military display, perhaps by some brave general whose name has been coupled with heroism and honour at the ever-to-be-remembered period when the present welfare of the country was secured.

But, alas ! we have, in deed drawn the brightest side of the picture: the dazzling, recommendatory pleasures of a military life are fleeting, and no other profession is so liable to change. A regiment may return home, and fortune may quarter it in the country to which many of its brave fellows owe their birth; in such a case, they are happily united to their friends; the exposures to which they may have been subject, and the trials that have befallen them in the course of ten years' COURTLAND. foreign service, are recounted to the wonder of their hearers, in whose renovated affec tions they are restored to felicity; and the pleasures first-mentioned may, for a time, be enjoyed. But uncertainty interrupts their bliss — the route is known to-day — the regiment off to-morrow — the pangs of sepa ration follow, and whilst the loved ones are hurried away by the strains of martial music, the remembrances of dangers under gone by them, rush on the memories of those they leave behind.

All this was deeply felt by our Aberfaldy friends, with wdiom time crept on slowly ; but as this is merely an introductory chap ter, my readers' patience shall not be tried too much, by relating every trivial circumstance which occurred. At length the mother's heart was gladdened by receiving letters from all parties, stating that they had reached their destination in safety; but, alas! they also contained more than that announcement. The rumour COURTLAND. of war was on foot ; their regiment had received orders to hold itself in readiness, in case it was called out, for action ; and poor Mrs. Hughes feared the worst. In early life her constitution had been re markably good ; but through the trials of later years, nature seemed suddenly to be giving way : her sight failed her, and from fits of sickness, that, from time to time, assailed her, she gradually became weaker, and, at length, so feeble, that she was compelled to keep her chamber continually.

Time wore on, she grew worse ; and though Catherine, who was her sole com fort and companion, attended to her wants with an exclusively affectionate devotion, which warmed the sufferer's heart, and lightened her sorrows, it was, at times, very perceptible, that her sojourn on this earth was drawing to a close. Painful fears had long taken possession of her maternal mind, and Catherine, to obliterate them, read to her suitable passages of scripture from the sacred volume that she had ever COURTLAND. chosen as her guide ; and frequently con versed with her in a strain even more cheer ful than her own hopes really allowed ; but still, Mrs. Hughes trembled much for the safety of her children. She suffered from suspense; and, in her anxiety, magnified the time that elapsed without hearing from them.

She did hear again ; but the accounts were brief, carefully written, and generally pointed to fresh disturbances. The period when Mrs. Hughes appeared past hope of recovery, was the commencement of Spring ; and, it was said, that she could not possibly exist through it ; life, however, yet lingered on. March with its tempestuous gusts of wind; April with her smiles and tears, had each passed away, and were followed by beauteous May before any visible change took place Catherine dreaded the further approach of Summer ; for she saw, with considerable pain, that since the warm weather had set in, her parent's health had undergone a very rapid change ; then, the looks of her physician plainly COURTLAND. assured her of the irretrieveable loss that she was likely to experience; and in her sad despondency, she already felt the desolation of being left an orphan.

Oh, what loneliness to the young heart is the fear of being left without a natural protector ! it brings a view of this lower world, with all its trials and crosses, to the naked eye ; it lifts the trembling spirit of the orphan above this earth, whilst it still must remain on it, to act the part allotted it; and if really unprotected, in the coldest sense of the word, the prospective view is one of desolation indeed ! Catherine Hughes had, in early life, been deprived of one parent ; but the acute pangs accompanying his death had hitherto been much spared her, as it occurred when she was too young to be fully sensible of it; and since then, a beloved mother's care under which her nursing and education had carefully passed, had softened the re collection ; but the keenness of reality now rushed, in painful force, upon her feeling COURTLAND. 17 heart, and brought her to a sense of life — of life in which the acutest feelings of humanity are called into action.

Oh ! the hour of death ! trying it is to the most experienced of us, and to the young, there is something indescribably awful in the very thought of its approach. But Catherine dreamed not how shortly she was to know it as the trial of her strength. Though she had long been assured that her mother would soon be taken from her, she did not think the hour of her departure so near at hand ! It was at the close of an unusually sul try day in June, that Mrs. Hughes, who had been listening to a chapter from scripture, read to her by her child, requested, in an almost sepulchral voice, to have her pillow slightly raised ; that being done by her gentle and affectionate nurse, she expressed a wish to again see Dr. Barnnet, their reverend minister, whom she had, a few days before, secured as a temporary guardian to Catherine until her brother, should return.

COURTLAND. That excellent divine immediately obeyed her summons, and having received fresh assurances of his future protection for the young and lovely girl, she was about leaving to the united care of himself and his wife, she seemed to have obtained greater peace of mind ; for a few minutes' calm sleep succeeded, after which she awoke much refreshed, and apparently with renewed strength ; but, as a lamp is seen to flare brighter in the moment ere it becomes extinct for ever, so is the " expiring flame of life ;" for there are similitudes of heavenly things in all things on earth : and those friends around the bed-side of the invalid, who had previously watched the flickering departure of a spirit from its yet habited form of clay, plainly perceived the " angel of death," to be hovering near the attenuated white hand which lay tremblingly by her side ; her breathing was quick — low — uncertain — now loud — now silent as the grave itself ; but there are quick transitions to be seen with departing life ; a longer silence from COURTLAND. respiration than usual succeeded ; and, when all, save Catherine, thought her spirit had flown, the dying patient once more raised herself energetically from her pillow; she placed the hand of her child within Dr. Barnnet's, then kissed her, with soft words of kind advice, blessed her with those present and afar off, and casting her Heavenly countenance towards her future home, breathed a few inaudible words which sounded like the silvery tones of angelic prayer.

Catherine leaned tenderly over her, pressed her hand to her lips, and looked imploringly around, as if she thought some power could restore her. Alas ! poor girl, she was soon aroused from the dream into which she had apparently fallen ; for, whilst she wondered at the increased stillness that pervaded the chamber, the soft voice of Dr. Barnnet brought her to a sense of what had passed, as he, from his heart, exclaimed : — " She is now at rest in the bosom of thy peace, 0 Lord!" COURTLAND. She gazed vacantly on the lifeless form of her departed mother, whose spirit had indeed been taken by Him who gave it ; her future guardian continued in silent prayer, and Catherine kneeling by the bed side, prayed also. Sacred feelings were alive within the breasts of all present, in sympathizing with the afflicted daughter, whose intense grief did not even find ex pression in tears.

But, we will not continue a description of this scene, as it is one which memory alone can draw. Due respect was shown by the Dr. aud Mrs. Barnnet to the memory of their departed friend, whose daughter they took under their kindest care ; and through their affectionate attentions, her sacred sorrows were alleviated. COURTLAND. 21 CHATTER II The heart that sorrow doomed to share, Has worn the frequent seal of woe, Its sad impressions learn to bear, And finds, full oft, its ruin flow. But when that seal is first imprest, When the your_g heart its pains shall try, From the soft, yielding, trembling breast, Oft seems the startled soul to fly. Langhorne. It has been correctly remarked that one trouble very rarely comes unattended; and though Catherine had endured much, there was still more of a similar nature in store COURTLAND. for her ; and whilst she laboured under the grievous loss we have lately mentioned, she suffered great anxiety, through not having heard from her brothers, upon several occasions, when tidings had been naturally expected to arrive.

One lovely morning Dr. Barnnet, accompanied by his wife, aud protegS, en tered the breakfast-room full of the ex pectation of receiving letters ; but none had arrived. Miss Hughes felt the disappointment, and with the expres sion of sorrow in her youthful countenance, she looked very melancholy, as she thoughtfully walked towards the open window at which her guardian was stand ing ; taking her hand, as she advanced, he feelingly exclaimed — " My dear girl, you look very pale this morning— have you not slept well, or is it this lengthened delay that distresses your mind? It is painful tome, my child, but whilst we hear nothing we must hope for the best, and trust in the Almighty that COURTLAND. the future may be worked out for our good !" Looking pleadingly into the face of the kind Rector, she sweetly replied — " Dear sir, I thank you for your timely advice ; and trust, if I have shown any impatience, that love for my brothers will partly excuse my fault ; for, oh, you do not know how anxious I feel concerning them ; Rosanna, and her boy too! — Surely, some of them must have written by this time?"

Here she again became excited, and again her companion soothed her with words of religion and love; he tried to draw her at tention from the subject by pointing to the beautiful clematis, whose sweet blosoms peeped in at the open window ; and was about making some further remark, when the servant entered with the post-bag. The opening of it was but the work of an instant, and a letter was immediately handed to Catherine, who received it with great surprise, as the post-mark was evidently from her brother's regiment ; but COURTLAND. the handwriting unknown. With down cast eyes, and pale, tremulous lips, she stood for some minutes perusing it. An inarticulate sensation of horror entered the heart of her guardian ; he took the letter from her extended hand, and whilst reading it, she watched him with such intense agony, that she must have fallen to the ground, had not her kind friend, Mrs. Barnnet, led her to a seat.

On examining the letter, Dr. Barnnet saw that, from some cause unknown, it had been delayed several months. And, ah ! what sad accounts did it relate ! It was written by the officer in command, and it stated, that the brave father of Rosanna had fallen in battle; thus she was left an orphan — and sadder still — she was a widow ; for the once handsome, noble, and loving Edward had also fallen in the fight, whilst defending the cause of his country. So fatal had the wound proved, that on the spot where he received it there he died! — Not so with his brother, who COURTLAND. had been alike brave and gallant ; for he had gained honour without the loss of life : he had received a wound in the right arm ; but, happily, a slight one, though it had for the time prevented him from using his pen to communicate the sad intelligence to his poor, afflicted sister.

" But, what of the lovely Rosanna," the reader may ask ; she, the possessor of such exalted love and fortitude? Alas! all that fortitude failed to support her in the hour of need. The shock was severe and awful, and the blow inflicted by it, heavy and apparently fatal. Her nature had been one enlightened by a clear and steady trustfulness in her Maker ; but the early death of her husband whom she adored, and that of her parent whom she revered, weakened her senses, destroyed the quietude of her mind, and robbed her of her faculties. She had loved the object of her early affection so devotedly that hers must have been a trying life of de spondency had she long survived him; vol. i. c COURTLAND. and, after speaking of the unerring wisdom of Providence, the writer continued to state, that it appeared as if the Almighty were already drawing her closer to that home to which her husband had preceded her ; in truth, he did not consider that she could long survive him.

Dr. Barnnet read, and re-read, without perceiving one gleam of hope for her re covery. But his thoughts were religiously just, and a melancholy satisfaction warmed his breast on seeing the high character for honour that the writer had given to Rosanna's departed husband, as well as to his brother, who had had the distinguished title of Colonel conferred upon him for the un erring rectitude of his conduct when warmly engaged in his duty ! The state ments regarding his private character were equally gratifying, and the kind doctor read with pleasure, that Colonel Hughes had made a firm promise to protect his unfortu nate nephew, who is to form the principal hero throughout these pages. COURTLAND. But, to return to the afflictions of Miss Hughes; her cup of misery now seemed complete, and it required all the pious exertions of her friends to rouse her from the state of lethargy into which she had fallen ; and when restored to reason, her only hope was in thinking of tbe comfort she might yet be, at some future day, to her surviving brother and nephew, when they would be restored to her and their home.

Considering the many trials that had be fallen her, she bore all with Christian firm ness; and whilst her guardians sustained ber in her sufferings, by watching over her with tender and parental affection, she returned thanks to her God for having mercifully spared the life of one brother, to whom she might look for future protection ! It was from the seeds of religion, that had early been implanted in Catherine's breast, this patient resignation sprang; thus, in stead of complaining at the will of Provi dence, she bowed her head in humble subc COURTLAND. mission, grounded her hope on being re united to those it had for a season removed from her, and in so doing, her disposition seemed to gain additional mildness. As time glided on, she became much comforted by the long and affectionate letters, so full of tenderness and sensibility, that shefrequently received fromherremain ing brother ; notwithstanding, in one of the earliest, he had related the account of Ro sanna's death : at this, though deeply affected, she did not repine ; for she felt it would be selfishness to have wished her stay prolonged in this trying world, from which the dearest ties of life had been withdrawn.

It was a source of comfort to Miss Hughes to hear, that during her sister's last illness they had met with two of their most intimate English friends, Lord and Lady Montague, who had kindly taken Alfred under their protection, having promised his uncle that he should receive the same at tention as their own family until their ar- COURTLAND. 29 rival in North Wales, which, after many delays, was at length spoken of with certainty. Miss H ughes, with the greatest anxiety, now looked forward to the time when she should be restored to the affection of at least one of her family, and for several days, ere she thought it practicable he could arrive, arose much earlier than usual to think over all that had happened within the last few years, and how all was likely to terminate. On one occasion, when in earnest soliloquy — and, at such times, she always seemed to think of her nephew as the little golden haired boy that he was when she parted with him — she fervently exclaimed : " Yes !

I will devote my whole life to his comfort. True he is an orphan; but the loss he has met with shall not be irre trievable ; I will strive to repair it; young as I am, the duties of a mother may be dis charged faithfully by me towards him : God will direct me in the right path !" she COURTLAND. paused, and then continued, with excite ment—" What a world of trouble do we live in : and, alas ! how many of its trials have fallen to my lot ! — Well, I will never marry ; for I have seen too much for that!" With this resolution, she descended to the breakfast-room where Dr. Barnnet was awaiting her with a smile on his venerable countenance, and kissing her extended hand, he presented her with a letter, saying— " My dear child, there are good tidings for you, this morning, as I bave myself received a note from Lady Montague stating that she, with your nephew, had safely arrived in town, and that with the blessing of God he may possibly reach our sequestered home to-day.

Let him journey hither in peace, and may he long continue with us ; for I feel assured he will be found to possess the same goodness of heart that stamps the disposition and character of my much loved COURTLAND. 31 Catherine. If my opinion of him be justi fied, in his coming, we shall indeed be happy !" The heart of Miss Hughes was over powered at this frank declaration, yet she spoke not, but the starting tears of grati tude answered more impressively than mere words could have done. The letter from Lady Montague gave her joyous satisfaction, as it enclosed one from her nephew, and she found that he had progressed beyond all expectations in his education under the tutors employed by Lord Montague. Their morning meal lasted longer than usual, yet no one seemed much inclined to partake of it ; for their attention was en tirely engrossed by the fulness of their joy.