As Buckingham came into the great room of the inn, Katherine proposed they set out at once, as she would reach Whitehall, if possible, before Sunday.

It was not the Duke’s wish to proceed further without resting himself and horse; but being anxious to please Mistress Penwick, he said ’twould be his pleasure to start at her convenience; whereupon she relaxed her ardour, finding no opposition, and asked him if he thought the weather would permit.  He answered that the weather must permit, and that they could easily reach their destination without killing more than three relays.

“Nay, nay, your Grace, if one horse only were to die, I would not permit such hurry!”

Suffice it; the Duke had his rest, and being of no mind to remain longer, at five o’clock in a gale of wind and rain set forth.

They had but common post-chaises as any squire would have, as these travelled about without drawing the attention that a London coach would.  They rattled and slid along at their own convenience on the muddy road, and the postilion were soon reeking with mire thrown from the horses’ feet.

For five hours the chaise jostled Constance, until she declared she would go no farther.  Buckingham, who rode with his secret in the chaise that followed, said if they stopped to rest over night, they could not reach Whitehall before the King should leave.

This was a ruse planned by himself and Monmouth, as the latter had settled where he should take Katherine, and the former, not having had time to examine the contents of the bags, was loath she should see the King ere he had done so.

Katherine, seeing that Constance’ lips were blue and her face pale, and forgetting her ladyship’s evil ways, agreed they should stop at the first inn and there lie until the next morning; Janet having declared privately to her mistress that she should not waste any time with her ladyship.

Though the night was black and the road uncertain, yet they maintained a fair pace over the open downs, having left the shadowy trees behind; but there were no lights ahead and the prospects of getting shelter for the night were dubitable.

Constance became more and more impatient, pulling up the window every few minutes to inquire if any lights were to be seen, each time letting in a shower of rain that deluged her dress.  This dampness was soon felt by her ladyship, whose temper could hardly keep her warm, and she called for blankets.  There were none.  At this knowledge she grew worse, and cried that she was in a chill and must have aid from somewhere.

For a truth, her teeth were chattering and her hands were cold, but it was nothing but mimosis brought on by the evil caldron that boiled within her wicked body.  She had heard Buckingham tell Katherine that the King would be gone from Whitehall if they were delayed.  Her plans were now made, and this sudden illness was a ruse to detain the maid.  No, she must not see the King.  She must now, first of all, become Monmouth’s mistress, then Cedric in his wild despair would turn again to her; his playfellow, his old love, Constance.