Tom Browning's Schooldays
By
Joel
Chapter TwentyFour
I thanked Jacobson for the outing and said he controlled the pair very well. I asked Natty if he enjoyed what he had seen. "Oh, Master Tom, I would never believe a boy like me could be allowed to see such things. It's not country like I know." He shook his head. "I would be quite befuddled if I lived here."
I grinned at him. "There is more to come for tomorrow. We shall see the new University College and if we can persuade Jacobson he might show us the Tower on Wednesday or Thursday."
Jacobson gave Natty a nudge. "That I will and we might leave you at the Bloody Tower."
Poor Natty gasped. A very rude word, but I knew it was the proper name. With a laugh Jabez left saying we would send the Bartoli boys to the Mews to bring my books and clothing parcels into the house. Jabez did rescue his packet, whatever it was, which he said he had to take straight to my Aunt.
I waited in the stable talking to Natty, telling him the little I knew of the Tower until the boys arrived. I told them they should take all the books and other things to my bedroom. I spent a little longer in the stable as I wanted to see and brush my faithful Blaze. I found his coat was already well-tended and just stood stroking his muzzle and talking to him, too, but not about the Traitor's Gate or the fate of so many in that hateful place.
At last I thought I would brave the turmoil in the house. As I took off my cloak and hat there was quite a bustle around me as servants I hadn't seen before scurried past carrying boxes and packages. Being inquisitive I slipped up the back stairs again to the ballroom floor and found it even busier. Pembridge and Purrett were supervising the hanging of lanterns while Mr Tolliver was walking up and down making sure the small tables set up round the room were placed at equal distances from each other with chairs around them. Two women were placing cloths over them while two others were arranging small vases of flowers on each. I saw that the gallery above me had a number of music stands set up and in the hallway at the top of the servants' stairs I had just ascended were two tables laden with glasses ready to be filled with wines. As far as I could see the dining room had also been set out with lots of chairs and small tables as well and two other servants were laying out the silverware carefully.
I took the stair to the second floor where my bedroom was. One lot of books and my parcels of clothes were already there. As I undid the clothing package so the lads came in with the rest of my purchases. Luckily I had small change so thruppence each was handed out. I had quite forgotten about lunch and wondered if there was any food available. Jabez had still not returned so I ventured down the two flights of stairs again. I found the family dining room empty but there were tureens in the breakfast room keeping hot in the row of chafing dishes. I had just lifted the lid of one which had a rich-smelling stew bubbling in it when Jabez appeared with Mehmet. "Lor', Master Tom," Jabez said and shook his head, "You would think Her Majesty herself was visiting. The Mistress has a list as long as your arm of all those who have agreed to attend. More than seventy the Signor says. Good job there's no full dinner at midnight just four or so courses. Plenty to eat though." The guests would have dined before as well but I had heard there would be a collation of various dishes available and, of course, plenty of cooling drinks for the over-heated dancers.
I pointed to the dishes and my mouth. He smiled. "Mehmet, the young Master needs feeding. You announce the dishes and I will serve."
Jabez would be served as well. I would make sure he was pummelled when he was least expecting any retaliation. But first, my lunch. I asked where my father was. He was having a quiet luncheon with my uncle in his study I was told. So I made a good repast of the mixture of things available - some tender wild fowl breasts, two good sausages, two slices of roast mutton and a heap of fried potato was a good start. Jabez explained that the family would have a small dinner at six and the Ball would start at eight o'clock and probably go on to after three in the morning.
Jabez and Mehmet kept laughing together but would not tell me what it was about. Jabez just wrinkled his nose and said 'Wait and see'.
After a second plate of the tasty offerings including the stew this time, followed by a slice of fruit tart with clotted cream, I said I would rest in my room. Jabez agreed it was best as I would not want to experience the bustle and the bad tempers of those preparing. In fact I was so replete I felt quite drowsy when looking at the first of the volumes of the history and nodded off and must have dozed for a good hour.
I had a strange dream with all sorts of images and memories jumbled together. I knew one of the things was the sight of all the advertisements set up on a hoarding behind which new building was taking place which had intrigued me. Another, not at all pleasant, was Black Jack ranting and raving. This was unsettling as I woke quite suddenly and, for a moment, wondered where I was. I needed fresh air but when I peered out of the window all seemed most murky. Still I went downstairs and evaded more hurrying servants and made my way to the Mews after picking up my cloak. Jacobson was busy oiling harness while Natty was stirring a pot of oats and other cereals ready for the horses. Natty said again how much he had enjoyed the excursion this morning and he was ready to see more tomorrow. I asked Jacobson if he knew where Gower Street was. He explained we had passed a road leading to it next to the British Museum this morning but he thought that Rowley Roberts would be driving me. When he found I hadn't been to the Museum he said I must visit it some time as he often explored there when he had an afternoon off. After chatting a while I thought I had better report to my Uncle and thank him for all the books.
He and Topping were busy looking at documents when I tapped on the door and was invited to enter. I glanced at Curly and was amused to see someone had draped a silk scarf over one of his arms. Uncle saw me looking. "Tom, just in case any ladies need to rest in here tonight would you tie the scarf round the dear boy's waist. We mustn't shock any sensibilities and cause a scandal." Both he and Mr Topping laughed. "I must make an appearance at the Ball so I cannot keep guard down here."
I looked at him in case he was making a goat of me in jest. But no, he was quite serious. I went over and unhooked the gauzy silk and arranged it around the statue. I tied it prettily in a bow at the side. The silk was so thin and delicate the boy's little pizzle was outlined against the material and was almost fully visible.
"That would please the Pope," Uncle said with a laugh. "All the statues in the Vatican have been mutilated." I wondered what he meant but Topping replied immediately.
"So I have heard, sir," Topping said, "At least the David is safe." He turned to me. "You must visit Florence one day, Master Tom. I was there on business two years ago and it is a fine city."
"But you didn't get shot at," my Uncle said.
"Sir, I'm sorry I mentioned that place."
Uncle Digby held both hands up palms towards him. "No worry. It was impolite of me to remind you. But I also have happy memories of that city in spite of the other things."
I then said I was so pleased about the excursion and I had done all my shopping and visiting the bookshop was such a treat.
"And you found all you wanted? Mr Pepys?"
I said I had chosen a good number of books and, yes, I had Mr Pepys' Diary as well another by Mr Evelyn.
"Yes, that one has not been discovered long but is quite different from old Samuel's. John Evelyn was a very learned man and he was a friend of Sir Christopher Wren. Anything else interesting?"
I said there was a history and some mathematical and scientific books and I had discovered some organ pieces as well as plays and poems.
"All that will keep you busy, my boy, and I hope you will bring young Robin with you on your next visit. I hear nothing but praise about him from your Father and Mother."
I said he was my greatest friend and I had vowed I would share all my good fortune with him and we would work hard at school together.
Uncle Digby smiled. "Amen to all that, but I have much work to do now as well. If you have the patience I would like to have you near me this evening when the guests arrive."
I smiled and said I would be happy to be with him, then thanked him again and left quickly as Mr Topping was rustling a piece of paper rather urgently.
I could hear chatter along the corridor so crept along and found my mother and aunt with their maids in the parlour dealing with a pile of dance cards. Aunt Fanny was reading out a list of names and my mother was inscribing each card in her neat penmanship. I listened for a while at the door and found much of the merriment came from the descriptions my aunt gave of the ladies who would be attending. I knew I wouldn't be very welcome so crept back and went up to my bedroom.
Jabez knocked at the door just as the church clock struck six and said I need not change for the family meal which would be in the breakfast room when the gong sounded. He would come back at half seven to get me dressed ready for the evening. He then asked if I would give him permission for Mehmet and he to use my room after to get ready for their own part in the evening. I had a long mirror glass and that was needed to check themselves. There was something brewing but, as to what it was, Jabez just smiled and said 'Wait and see'.
I carried on reading Oliver Twist and was on the last few pages when I heard the gong. Never a slouch when food was ready I was down the stairs so quickly I nearly went over on my arse as I just missed a toiling servant carrying a pile of small cushions. Even Uncle Digby was in the breakfast room when I arrived. My father said "Last but not least!" and I realised they had all assembled before the gong was struck and I was the victim of a trick. My mother just smiled and said I shouldn't eat too quickly as we had well over an hour. Although the Ball started at eight I gathered that guests wouldn't start arriving in numbers until some time after that.
I listened while the others discussed the guest list as we ate. Aunt Fanny was quite elated in that no one she had invited had declined. It meant that if all turned up the Ball would be discussed in every lady's salon and people not invited would feel most disgruntled. "My seventy include a good proportion of the best rank, not particularly the highest, but those who count for something," she said.
"Glad you invited me, then," my father said, "Your country bumpkin brother means anyone else must be of higher and better rank."
"Fool!" Aunt Fanny said, "I warrant you will know a good number of the guests, even just by name, but there'll be those who want to meet you and our dear brother."
"He's a General now so he outranks his elder brother. I was only a Captain in the Militia before I retired from that."
"I believe you outgrew your uniform," Uncle Digby said quietly.
Father snorted. "I am besieged on all sides. If I'm to twirl around tonight I need good fuel inside." He pointed at an attentive Bartoli lad who was our server. "Another ladle of that fine stew, my lad."
"The Hunter's Venison, sir?" he asked as he took my Father's plate.
"A fine name for a fine dish, eh?" he said.
I nodded at the lad and my plate was filled again with that most fragrant fare. And I added another boiled potato to mop up the gravy.
Rosamund was laughing at this and also asked for more of the same.
"Watch how tight your lacing is, my girl," her father said, "We can't have you having a fit of the vapours."
"Don't worry, Papa, I have a new style dress just like the Queen's."
"Not at her price, I hope," he said, "Why not wear that good dress you had for the Goldsmiths' Ball in December?"
She shook her head. "Everyone saw that, so Madame has suggested the one I have tonight."
Uncle Digby just sighed but I knew he wanted his daughter to be happy.
At last all had finished eating. All said they had to get dressed ready. My mother hugged me as I passed her. "You'll look good, Tom, and make sure to enjoy yourself."
I wondered at that, laughing inwardly. It would not be my usual way of enjoying myself. That thought made me hard as I hurried up the stairs. Good! Jabez had already laid my new tail suit out so I stripped down to my nether garments and went into the jakes. My hardness was soon dealt with quite joyfully. I was ready for anything! But what? A Ball! I would not and could not dance. I would observe.
But first I must get dressed in my fine new suit. There was no Jabez to help me as I pulled off my everyday woollen stockings. I picked up, and was admiring, my new white stockings when a tap on the door meant Jabez had arrived. I called out and he came in holding a wooden box. He was closely followed by Mehmet who was struggling with a creaking wicker basket.
"Let's get our little Lord ready first," said Jabez grinning widely, "Then he can watch and judge us."
Mehmet shook his head as he carefully laid the basket down. "Master Tom, I am not used to the way he talks to you. If I spoke like that at the Baths my father would give me a good beating."
"Mehmet, do not worry, I have known Jabez for many years. When we are together like this we are not master and servant. I would wish you to be a friend as well. My uncle has said that when my aunt comes to Careby after the Season you will come with Jabez. If that is so we can all go riding to explore the countryside. You can ride?"
"Sir, I have ridden since I was ten or so but I do not have a mount of my own."
"Nor does Jabez, but my father will find a good mount for you and some docile old nag for him as he is such a ninny he doesn't know if he should ride facing the ears or the arse!"
Mehmet didn't know whether to laugh or not. Jabez snorted. "Just because I rode arse about face to show you minions what a good horseman could do...."
"...and the good horseman ended up face first in the largest cow pat in the field!" I countered.
"Not my fault. That fool Natty Dyer bellowed in the ear of my steed and it bucked. The bastard got his comeuppance, though, as I wiped the shit off my face and lathered his chops with it. His mother clouted him when he got home and my mother set about me with a besom so we were quits." He laughed. "And we're the best of friends. So watch it, Mehmet, Master Tom will probably tie you to a tree with your britches down and throw mud at your bullseye."
It was my turn to complain. "Just because I wanted to piddle. You and that oaf Jackie Mills grabbed me when I'd finished and before I could button myself, Mehmet, they were so cruel to a poor young boy. They had my britches round my ankles and used my bare backside as target practice. I had to tell my mother I was taken with a sudden urge but fell back into a muddy puddle."
Jabez made a long-nose at me and sang out, "Yah! yah! baby-boy, had his arse washed by his mummy!"
Mehmet was looking from one to the other of us as I took up the chant.
"Bah! Bah! Silly fool, had a boy bite on his tool!" I thought my scansion was a mite better!
We all roared with laughter then as Jabez told of his wrestle with Jackie Mills when we were all naked in the river on a hot day. Jabez had upended Jackie whose open mouth, as he was gasping for air, was invaded by the flapping monster and he closed his jaws on it. Jabez had screeched and dropped the lad who floundered about yelling he couldn't swim. Jabez had then proudly shown off the bite mark for the next few days saying he had been attacked by a crocodile in the river Nile!
I think Mehmet was getting a rather strange impression of the ways of country boys. I almost asked Mehmet if he bit but thought he might be embarrassed.
Between them they then got me dressed, brushed down, hair combed and looking quite the dandy. I sat on the padded settle by the fire as both Jabez and Mehmet stripped off their livery right down to just their undergarments. Mehmet opened the wicker basket and produced not a fine new livery but a surprise for the guests, as Jabez said with a wicked grin.
To be continued: