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| Nov. ? |
114. Declaration [by Mrs. Calfhill] in answer to the accusations
of Lord Strange. Lady Margaret Strange having sent two messengers
to me in Ireland, to come over and enter her service, and my
husband being departed, I came to Bristol, where she resided, and
after much persuasion, agreed to serve her, she promising to take
care of me while she lived. Soon after she removed to Knowsley,
determining to be brought to bed there, and being altogether
unfurnished with money and other necessaries, she requested me to
lend her some, whereupon I advanced her 80l., alleging it was all
I had there, but if she wanted more, I had 300l. in the hands of
some friends in London. She thanked me, and took the money I brought her. |
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At her delivery, I employed many of my own things to her use;
and after churching, she came to London, to do her duty to Her
Majesty in the first year of her reign, and lay at one Kellat's in
Westminster; and having but 90l. a year of my Lord, which he
had granted her eight weeks before her coming up, to find herself
and her servants, not having yet received a penny of it, she
burdened me with my promise of the 300l.; believing in her
honourable dealing, I lent it to her, contrary to the wishes of my
friends, who alleged that I wrought my own mischief, considering
my husband left me very little more than I had of my own. Her
Ladyship gave me a bill, which, as I then knew, was of little effect,
inasmuch as she was under coverture; nevertheless I was content
therewith. Then the two gentlewomen who were with her when I
came died, and she delivered me parcel of this money to disburse for
apparel, as she had none but such as was too rich for every day's
wear, and commanded me to keep account of the same, and to take full
charge of her things, which I had always previously refused to do,
and only then accepted it for want of others to supply that room;
and for five years afterwards I kept account of all disbursements.
After the 300l. was spent, I was forced to take up all kind of ware,
jewels, or money that my Lady had need of upon my own credit,
which my friends being worshipful were bound for, saving her
annuity, which was paid in such order that I never dared make
account of it, lest I should have been deceived, and so break my own
and my friends' credit. |
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My Lady having this money, furnished herself with apparel fit to
repair to Her Majesty in, and Her Highness tendering my Lady
very much, ordered her a lodging in the Court to lessen her charges,
much to my Lady's comfort. Perceiving that for supplying my
Lady's wants these five years, she spending every year 600l., I
was repined at, and had daily the like practices and devices that
now they work,—but knowing my conscience clear, I never
feared,—I desired both my Lord and my Lady that account might
be taken of her debts, and that I might give up my accounts to my
Lord's auditor and officers, which my Lord commanded I should do.
They had my books in examination more than three weeks, and
could find no fault, whereupon my Lord gave me a discharge up to
that day, since which time I have not had to do in so large a sort;
but when my Lady has had need of money, my friends and I have
taken it up for her, which she and others at her command have
disbursed. I have never received wages for nine years' service,
but 18l. that my Lady gave me when I lent her the 300l. |
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What reconciliations I have made between my Lord and Lady
I leave to the report of all my fellows in the house. I understand that it is my Lord's request that I should depart from my
Lady. It has been my desire these three years. I have craved
leave to go into the country, and being amongst my friends, have
asked leave to remain there and serve no more, and my Lady has
written in displeasure that I should not tarry, not only to myself,
but also to my brother. |
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On Corpus Christi day last, I came to my Lord, and desired his
leave to depart, when he told me it would be against his will, as
he would profess before the whole parish he dwelt in; wherefore I
remained until Whitsuntide, and then my brother Crayford came |
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for me, with horse and men, but my Lord would not let me
depart. |
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Let the world judge if I have done the duty of a servant, and
be well recompensed for nine years' service; my Lord seeks my
utter undoing and discredit, yet knowing the duty of a servant, I
will not touch his Lordship unless compelled. [Book, 5¾ Pages,
3 blank leaves. Endorsed by Sir Wm. Cecil.] |
