Tom Browning's Schooldays

Tom Browning's Schooldays

By

Joel

Chapter TwentySeven

It was only after the boys had gone on their way home in the Hackney cab called by Mr Petheridge that I realised one person had been missing all morning. My valet Jabez was neglecting his master!

All was revealed when I had finished luncheon, which I had taken with the ladies and Uncle Digby in the downstairs small diningroom. My mother and Aunt Fanny had repeated how well-set up, well-spoken and well-behaved the three boys were, as if the behaviour of boys was generally reprehensible. My mother rubbed it in when she asked me when I would be practising ready for the At Home as I was off gallivanting again. I said I would be quite happy to practice after my visit this afternoon and in the morning as well, especially if Rosamund would play the accompaniment to the piece I liked by Mr Handel. Aunt Fanny agreed to my playing two of the country dance tunes I knew very well. Uncle Digby laughed. "Make it lively then. Last time I nearly went to sleep through boredom and was only kept awake by some fiddler scratching away."

I found the three ladies were going shopping and would not be back until late afternoon, at which statement Uncle Digby smiled then grimaced. As soon as Mr Topping came to wheel him back to his study I went off to my room to get ready for my own excursion. I had just finished making up another parcel of goodies when a tap on the door revealed my errant valet wearing a rather drab plain black suit and tugging at something at the edge of his upper lip. Jabez didn't look penitent and began speaking before I could say anything.

"I'm sorry, Master Tom, I have been so busy and there is much to tell. Please excuse me as I must change if I am to accompany you then I can explain all that's happened. I saw your Uncle before I came up and he says I can report to him later when we are back. I am famished, too."

Poor Jabez did look flustered and most untidy. I said he shouldn't delay as we must leave by two o'clock otherwise we might be late. He rushed off and I wondered what he had been doing to be away so long and what was that above his lip. It looked like hair. I'd find out later no doubt!

There were a few minutes left before I needed to go to the mews so I went downstairs to check that the book of Mozart sonatas was still on the shelf near the pianoforte in the parlour. It was and there was also a book of Handel arias as well and the one I played was in it. There was a note on the music stand saying the pianoforte would be tuned on Wednesday afternoon and moved to the drawing-room ready for Thursday afternoon. I was glad of it being tuned as I had noticed some of the notes jangled against each other when I was playing the other day.

I retrieved my cloak and hat and made my way to the stable block in the mews. The chaise was ready and Natty was full of joy. "Mr Churcher says I may have two hours tomorrow morning and Mr Jacobson will take me to that museum with William in the Captain's old coach as it has a repair to be made..." He stopped and took a deep breath. "Oh, Master Tom, I wouldn't a' thought such good things could come to a boy like me."

I smiled at his excitement and guessed that William was the stablelad he shared with. "Natty you deserve it. Look and remember, then you can tell me all you've seen. I haven't been to the Museum yet, so you will have done something I haven't."

"Oh, Master Tom, I'm so afeared 'tis all but a dream. But no, I pinch my arm when I wake in the morning. William laughs and says I had better pinch him, too, as he's had nothing but praise from Mr Churcher about his work with the horses these last few days."

"So you've made a friend, too?"

He nodded. "William has been so good to me. He must think I'm daft as everything is so new and I keep asking questions. He just laughs and says he came to London on a hay cart when he was fourteen and he was the same."

A hay cart? I wondered what that meant but I wouldn't ask questions, yet!

Rowley came out of the mews and greeted me to say he would be driving. He knew the way but needed to know the number of the house in Gower Street. I said I had been told it was a house on the corner of Gower Street and University Street with the new College building almost opposite. "We shall find it," Rowley said. I heard the church clock strike two and no Jabez. A moment later he came hotfoot still heaving his cloak around him.

"Are we ready?" he announced. Natty looked at him askance but said nothing as he lowered the step for me to enter the chaise. I settled myself and Jabez climbed in beside me. I looked at his face. He must have washed it as the smudge I saw on his cheek earlier had gone but there was a small patch of black hair still above his upper lip to the side. He must have caught my glance and as we steadied ourselves with the chaise going over the cobbles he put a hand up and pulled. He was laughing.

"I'm sorry, Master Tom, I must explain. It is not safe to walk to the Baths in our livery so we always wear those old suits of clothes." I was about to ask why but he realised I needed an explanation. "There are too many young toughs about. We could find ourselves bundled into an alleyway and be stripped afore you could say Jack Robinson. That happened to a lad a few doors away. He had a bash on the head as well. But this..." He held up the hairy object. "...I always put on a false moustache. I've used it a good few times and it's coming apart. Your uncle suggested it as he said it made me look older and it's been most useful."

It was my turn to laugh. "A disguise?" I asked.

"That is so," he said most seriously. "Now, let me tell you about this morning and you will see it's use." I nodded as I was eager to hear his tale. "I told you I gave that lad at that house a twist of tobacco." I nodded again and knew the house he meant. "Well, your uncle suggested I might talk to the lad again and told me to purchase some more. Mehmet went to the Baths and I wandered down that road. Sure enough the lad spied me and I went over. He had the most blackest eye and was swearing and cussing. I didn't have to ask what had happened as he was so furious about it and told me the whole tale. The day before he had taken that Black Jack's food in at midday and although he had his arms tied down he managed to free one and gave him a straight fist to the head. He went down and the food went all over the floor. Two of the guards rushed in and tied him down again."

"Is he still shackled to the bed," I asked.

He nodded. "Wait, there is much more to come. That doctor came early this morning and said he thought he was free of the drink and the laudanum, but his real madness lay in his constant frigging. The lad said he heard the doctor tell the guards that the asylums were full of men and boys who were in that state and that he should have his hands sheathed so he would not be tempted. I asked the lad what he meant and he said he would show me as the guards were in the back scullery smoking and drinking even at that time. I followed him in through the lodge and I must say that house is ruinous. There was broken furniture in the first room which I think must be the parlour. He said that was the boy's doing when he was first in the house before his father had him confined to the room upstairs. The father left and hasn't been back since."

"Are there any other servants there?" I asked.

"I think not, other than the three guards and the lodgeboy's mother who is the cook." He shook his head. "I don't know how they live there. The place stinks worse than any privy and the lad said he has to clean the upstairs room but it so filthy with shit and piss it would take an army to clear it. There was a table still upright in that first room and there were pots and jars of potions and medicines on it as well as two leather gloves without fingers. The lad said the boy would be given a dose of some liquid tonight to quieten him and then the gloves would be tied on and he would be told if he behaved he could have his arms free though he was still tied to the bed."

Oh, I thought, does madness really lie in that most delightful of acts? This idea alarmed me. It was common amongst boys to say too much firing your musket meant you would end in the madhouse and now here was an eminent doctor who was saying the same. What was too much? I thought of Robin's and my attempt to best Jabez. Would trying that again mean one step nearer being confined ourselves? I had to concentrate on Jabez's tale at the moment.

"You were inside the house? Did you see or hear anything else?"

Jabez nodded. "I started up the stair and I had gone halfway when the lad clutched at my coat and whispered I should go no further. It was far enough. I heard moaning and sobbing. It sounded like some soul in torment. When we got back downstairs the lad said the boy still cursed the school he'd been at and would have his revenge. I asked if he would be confined longer but he didn't know, just that the doctor was visiting every other day."

"He wants revenge. What can he mean?" I thought back to his raving as he was dragged to the black coach. "Jabez, it means that we must have him watched carefully and quietly. I heard his threats before and I am frightened what he may do."

Jabez put a hand out and took mine and held it tight. "Your uncle will make sure that a watch is kept once I say what I have seen and heard. Do not fear, we have our entry to that house. That lad is a firm friend now just with two small gifts." He sniggered. "I might also find what his acquaintance with Lord Palmer is as he kept touching himself there, too."

I sniggered, too. 'Lord Palmer' was a new one. "Jabez, you must watch your step. You must not let him guess you are spying on him and that household."

He shook his head. "That lad is no more than a dullard. I wager he thinks no more than when his belly is to be filled, how he may find some tobacco and where he might hide to pull his Boney's leg! I will not impose myself. Your uncle will see to that."

"That means you have had other errands, eh?" I asked catching his emphasis on my uncle.

"That I will not say," he said and squeezed my hand. I stayed silent.

By this time we had turned into Oxford Street which was not as crowded as before. Jabez said it probably was because most people hadn't finished their luncheon and he was missing his. I spied a cookshop and rapped on the roof. Rowley slowed the horses and I said poor Jabez was hungry. Rowley laughed and drew up.

"Be quick about it," I heard him call out as Jabez clambered down. I had passed him two sixpences. He was quick running back with a steaming piece of some meat pie wrapped in a piece of news-sheet.

"Thank you," he said as he nimbly re-entered and sat down, "I got all this for tuppence as it was the end." He handed me back some sticky coins. The chaise was filled with the aroma of hot meat and gravy. He took a bite and chewed away as we set off again. The 'end' was soon finished and he carefully folded the piece of paper as he licked his lips. "Much better," he averred with a smile, then looked serious. "Tom, may I tell you something. I think you may be a little generous with your money. I know the others appreciate it, but you give sixpence where thruppence would be more than ample. Please don't be offended, but you gave me a shilling to spend just then. That would have bought two good dinners in that place. I did not need it and I would not keep it."

What could I say? Here was Jabez being so honest with me. "Jabez, I could not be offended," I said quietly, "I am not used to having money like this." I explained how I had earned my little fortune. He laughed.

"I heard that story when I was with your father and uncle. You earned that fair and square as I have heard your uncle many times bemoaning their inability to find the owner and that a more expensive route might have to be cut."

"I was lucky. Another hour or two and my father would have seen that map."

Jabez took my hand again. "Your father is mighty fond of you," he said...

"...As he is of you," I added.

My hand was squeezed again. "I am thankful for that," he said with feeling.

We had turned into Tottenham Court Road and then into Great Russell Street before turning again into the road to take us into Gower Street. I noted that most of the houses were very newly built. We found the house we needed very easily. I looked out of the chaise and there was Aubrey looking out of a window. We had hardly stopped when he rushed down the steps leading from the front door.

Jabez unlocked the door and leapt out and then handed me down the two steps. I solemnly shook hands with Aubrey who said he was so happy to see me. He turned to Rowley who was sitting impassively holding the reins and keeping the pair steady. He pointed to a side alleyway.

"There is a mews behind, we have no need for a coach but my father has borrowed a stableman for you. If you come to the backdoor there will be refreshment for you."

That done I introduced Jabez as my valet and both he and Aubrey bowed their heads in greeting and acknowledgement. The pair of us followed him into a warm and well-lit corridor. As at Charles Street gas jets provided the light. After doffing our outerwear we were taken into the front parlour which was the room overlooking the street. A handsome man with a short cropped greyish beard stood as we entered. A lady was sitting in an armchair by the fire with a book on her lap and a large ginger cat beside her on a footstool. I couldn't help but notice that the cat was regarding us with large green eyes. Professor Bayes came forward and thrust out a hand.

"Welcome! You must be the Tom Browning I have heard so much about!" he said with a broad smile. There was a muted 'Father!' from his son. "And you in that fine livery?"

I stepped forward and shook hands and introduced Jabez. I could see Professor Bayes was much amused at a lad my age with his own personal valet in livery. He turned to the lady who was also regarding us like her cat with wide open eyes.

"My wife, who has also heard much. Sophia, I think a dish of tea and some plum cake would be welcome."

Both Jabez and I bowed our heads as she reached out and pulled on a bell-rope. I went forward to her and handed over the parcel with the box of bonbons. I said we were pleased to be invited and I hoped she would accept this small gift in thanks. She had a beautiful smile as well as a beautiful voice. She said she was so pleased to meet me, she nodded towards Jabez, and my trusty companion. I noted she did not say 'valet'.

We were soon seated, even Jabez was put on a chair by my side instead of being directed down to the servants' quarters. Professor Bayes was not an ordinary man! I had to answer many quick-fire questions from the Professor. He knew of Careby and my father's reputation. Yes, he had also heard of my Uncle Dodd. What had I seen or done on this short visit? Had I more plans? Aubrey stayed silent. I guessed he knew his father's ways and grinned as I was interrogated. I had just said I had attended my aunt's New Year's Day Ball and was to visit my Uncle Billy's barracks tomorrow afternoon with an At Home and a concert on Thursday when we were disturbed by a maid pushing a trolley with tea things and a whole plum cake in pride of place.

"Thank you Kate," Mrs Bayes said in her deep mellifluous voice, "Please serve us."

There was a few moments silence as cups were filled and the cake sliced. Aubrey was on his feet and helped the maid hand plates to us. The cake was delicious and I only hoped my stomach would not rumble with its richness. The cat had looked steadily at us then suddenly sat up. It left the footstool and went to Jabez and leapt up and curled on his lap.

"My boy," Mrs Bayes said, "You have been accepted as few others have been. Rameses does not choose lightly."

"Sophia," her husband chided, "The cat knows a comfortable lap I'm sure. If Rameses becomes burdensome just say."

"Sir, I am used to my mother's cats. I have always found them most friendly."

Yes, I knew Mrs Bottom always had at least three cats which followed her around at home and hissed if any stranger came to the door. Many the time as a young boy I had been left in her charge and had dangled wool or a string to make them play. I remembered one which after licking her kitten came and licked my face, too.

Our food was finished and Professor Bayes nodded to his son. "Aubrey, take Tom and talk to him of boyish things." He laughed. "I do not mean that disparagingly but poor Aubrey has had little young company since he returned from Ashbourne." He turned to Jabez. "I think there is a plan for Aubrey to take Tom to see the College. Most is newly built and there are also some exhibits worth seeing. I suggest you accompany them. The College is generally a safe place but we do get some undesirable characters at times. I would have suggested an excursion also to the Museum but it is not open to visitors on Tuesdays."

I thought suddenly of the promise to Natty. "Sir, is it open on a Wednesday? Two of the grooms have been promised a visit tomorrow."

"It is, and from ten in the morning. Grooms?"

I explained about young Natty and his first visit to London and the friend he'd made already. The Professor laughed.

"Then I will give you my card with a note on it for your boy to present. We must make their visit as pleasant as possible."

"Father, I would be willing to be there to show them things and explain. It is bewildering for anyone on their first acquaintance." Aubrey turned to me. "Will you be there?"

I said I had to practice for the At Home on Thursday so I would have to put off the Museum until the next time I was in London.

"You sound as if you are being kept busy," Professor Bayes said.

"Sir, if this is London Society I wonder if I am on my head or my heels!"

Mrs Bayes laughed. "A Ball, a barracks and two more engagements as well. When do you return to Careby?"

I said I would be riding back with my father, my eldest brother and the groom on Friday. Both the Professor and his wife shook their heads and laughed.

"We live a more cloistered existence here," he said, "Though there is much bustle and a deal to see and do in London we spend more time with the College and the life surrounding it." He nodded. "We may not extend to Balls and the like but we have music and good company. It could be said that we have transplanted a miniature Oxford or a Cambridge into the midst of the metropolis..."

"...But without the religion," Mrs Bayes added gravely.

I must have looked slightly startled.

"We have our rival, King's College, nearer the river to take up that lack which, in my opinion, has never harmed us. Have you been to Cambridge yet?" the Professor asked.

"No, sir, but I am no doubt destined for it," I said, wondering at the turn of the conversation.

"Then you will see a wonderful place, each College with it's own magnificent Chapel, but a stultifying atmosphere caused by lazy clerics and sometimes even lazier dons." He laughed. "I hope I haven't made light of the place but I was a student there and also had experience of two other Colleges when tutoring students on behalf of absent dons. Perhaps my experience was bad, but here there is a liveliness of learning and scholarship with none of the ancient trappings."

"But if I am to study to be a physician?..." I started.

"...Then pick a College which has a good reputation," was his immediate response.

I knew this was something to discuss with Lancelot. The conversation finished there as Aubrey stood and said we should go on our visit while there was good light. The three of us collected cloaks, hats and gloves and set off crossing the road into a courtyard where a fine building with columns was erected in white stone. A smartly uniformed porter touched his hat as we approached. He must have known Aubrey as we were not challenged on our way to the steps leading to the main entrance.

Aubrey so far had said nothing. There was no need as both Jabez and I were gawping at the houses and the setting like the country bumpkins we were. As another porter opened the door for us and we entered Aubrey breathed out.

"I do hope you did not think my father overbearing. He is so proud of this place and he is quite eminent here." He smiled. "I like it, too, there are some fine students attending and we have two who lodge with us but they are away now until the new term starts. One is studying mathematics and the other history and they argue all the time and then ask my opinion. I find that most stimulating, but you know me and my ways." He turned to Jabez. "And you do not seem to be my idea of a valet."

I wondered at that but Jabez was ready.

"Sir, I have been with Master Tom since we were both small. Perhaps not as valet then but as both a companion and guard." He grinned. "Not quite a savage dog, but now I am in service to Master Tom's uncle here in London."

I wondered what Aubrey would make of that. "I can see there is more of a bond between you than that of servant and master just as I perceived with Tom and my new schoolfellow Robin Goodhew."

Jabez smiled. "Country boys know who their true masters are. If I may be bold I would say that you will not find another fine schoolfellow better than Robin."

"What about me?" I said, "Do I not count high in your estimation?"

Both Aubrey and Jabez laughed. "You are the highest I can see," said Aubrey. "Now we must explore what is around here."

We set off and Aubrey showed us first two big halls with tiers of seats where he said some of the lectures were given to big groups of students. There were large blackboards set up behind large desks on a dais, some still with formulae or with quotations on them. We saw smaller rooms where students would meet their tutor in a smaller group and then he showed us a room with glass-fronted cupboards where devices for demonstrating all manner of mechanical inventions were on display. He said this was a room his father most often used and as he said this a young man who was polishing a strange apparatus espied us and greeted Aubrey warmly.

"Hello, Aubrey," he said, "And have you designed another contraption to add to this collection? I have finished cutting the pieces for that circular saw you think might be driven by this..." He indicated the curious machine set up on a sturdy bench, the like of which I had never seen before.

Aubrey held up a hand. "...Wait, Rufus, let me introduce you first." He explained who we were and as Jabez was in a plain dark grey cloak made no reference to his status. We found that Rufus had been awarded his bachelor's degree the year before and now served as Professor Bayes' assistant and hoped for a position as lecturer at some time. Rufus smiled and said he was sorry to have been so hasty but he was rather absorbed in his task.

I was staring at the imposing assembly of cylinders, cogs, struts and a big wheel. "What is it?" I asked.

"It is our new model of a table engine," he said proudly, "This one we have to work by compressing air in a bellows but when set up in a manufactory it is worked by steam. It will be very useful for the smaller traders. It can be made in various sizes and can be as powerful as you need. Let me show you."

He set to and heaved a lever up and down as I had done on so many occasions at the forge. Gradually the mechanism started and the big wheel began to turn. He stopped pumping but the wheel remained turning until it slowed and stopped.

"It needs brawn to maintain its output when set like this. My study is to measure the input needed and the force of the output for such a machine under different conditions of work. We place a belt of strong leather over the wheel and attach various devices to it. Others have used machines like this elsewhere but we need to know much more about its general usefulness and to gauge its efficiency."

Jabez was looking closely at the wheel. "Sir, if the device was on a carriage could not the machine turn the wheels instead of using horses?"

Rufus laughed. "That is so. In fact we measure the output of such a machine in horsepower. But to your question, we have many ideas like that. The big engines of the new railways to be made small like this and to be portable. There is much work to be done, though, before those carriages might be commonplace. A machine like this is very costly to manufacture. There is much speculation though about what might be done and others have experimented with such ideas."

I felt rather proud of Jabez as all I could think of a use for such a machine was to turn a spinning wheel as the big wheel reminded me of the yarn makers some of the ladies in the village spent their time turning by means of their feet on treadles.

Rufus showed us some other curious machines much to our delight. One being a model of a device invented by Archimedes to raise water and another by Leonardo da Vinci which showed how a ball ran down a slope with increasing speed and small bells rang as it passed. I said my cousin who was a physician was more interested in chemicals and Rufus laughed.

"We have a good number of students here who are making a study of chemistry. Mostly delighting in the noxious smells they can make. But that is a most important branch of natural philosophy as new discoveries are always being made some of which, I am sure, are relevant to the study of the body and to medicine in general. I have been to some most instructive lectures about the progress being made in such matters."

We thanked Rufus for his time and Aubrey took us to show us some of the cabinets of curiosities dotted along the corridors. Old coins, stones axes and implements from prehistoric times were there in plenty. There were also artefacts from around the world brought back by explorers and adventurers. Elaborate headdresses, strange cloaks of skins or huge feathers, decorated drums, horns of ivory or beaten metal. Aubrey explained there was so much of this that it was difficult for the scholars to keep abreast of all this material as new sources were always being explored.

I think we were sated with all this and I could see why Aubrey had suggested he might accompany the lads to the Museum which would have so much more than this on show. As we went back to his house I said it had been an experience not to be missed. He laughed and said I had seen nothing. It was a pity I could not see the Museum on this visit but by the time I came again there would be so much more to see.

The Professor and his wife were still sitting in their parlour when we arrived back. First he handed me his card with a scribbled introduction on the back. "The boys may not need it if Aubrey takes up the challenge. It will be if he is to show them the most interesting exhibits in just the space of two hours."

"Father, I have promised. I wager seeing the finds from Egypt will keep them more than occupied. Then, if time, the statues and artefacts from Mesopotamia, plus the coins from Roman times here."

His father laughed. "Do not overwhelm them. Let them wander and don't overburden them with explanations. Looking and seeing, and let them ask questions. Like you!"

That reminded me. Looking and seeing! "Sir, my cousin the physician has a new microscope. I wonder if you know where there is a shop here which sells them."

The Professor smiled. "You are thinking of purchasing one? They are expensive if well-made and powerful."

"I would like to see if I could afford one. Perhaps not on this visit but I could make enquiries."

He nodded. "Then you need to visit Carpenter and Westley's. They call themselves opticians but their merchandise runs to much more than eyeglasses. They have devices for projecting images as well as microscopes and all manner of other items such as telescopes. Their premises are on the corner of Regent Street and Jermyn Street."

I saw that Jabez was nodding, too. "I know the place, sir, but I did not realise the extent of the business. I can show Master Tom where it is."

Yes, Jermyn Street was where the Baths were. If I could not visit the Baths I would visit this emporium.

"Yes, I can recommend it if you can go there. You will be delighted with just a viewing of all they have on offer, but there is also an exhibition which they charge for and is a good demonstration of what their various sorts of apparatus will do. I will say no more as it would spoil the enjoyment."

"You should visit it, Tom," Aubrey said, "I saw the presentation last year just before I returned to School and I was very impressed."

That sounded interesting. But if I bought a microscope what could Robin have with his share of the guineas? I would not decide. That would be up to him.

Time was getting on. I thanked the Professor and his wife for their kindness in receiving me and Jabez, and I would be seeing Aubrey once we returned to School. He grimaced at this. Not I hope because he would be seeing me again! He said he would be at the Museum entrance at ten in the morning and as we said our goodbyes I handed over the packet of sweetmeats I had left on the table in the hallway. He came with us to the mews behind the house to show us the way as dusk had fallen.

Outside there was no Rowley nor Natty. They were in the kitchen being entertained, or entertaining, the maid and another young woman who were laughing at some tale of Rowley's. The lads were most apologetic about not being ready but the stablelad had the chaise and horses ready. Jabez mouthed 'Three pence' and I passed a silver coin to him for the lad.

Aubrey had said to Natty he would be glad to be his and the other boy's guide and I passed him the Professor's card which he clutched as he thanked Aubrey very politely.

By now it was quite dark and the lanterns on the chaise were lit. However the streets were quite well-lit by the gaslamps in their serried rows. It was strange as at home in the dark one relied completely on the horses either knowing the way or the dim light from a bullseye lamp if there was no moonlight. Many the time I had heard my father cursing the darkness on arriving home later than he wanted because of a cloudy sky. I couldn't imagine the streets in Careby Magna being lit like this, nor the rough lanes between us and the surrounding villages. What prodigious amounts of gas would be needed. Even here the cost must be tremendous. I would have to ask Uncle Digby how it was paid for.

When we arrived back Natty was almost jumping around with joy. I hoped he would not be disappointed. Rowley sent him off to his room above the stables to tell his friend. Jabez went indoors saying he had to see my Uncle but wouldn't neglect me.

Rowley was laughing. "I must apologise again for our tardiness but I would blame those girls, though..." Here he bent down to my ear. "...I warrant they wouldn't have been averse to having our britches to our ankles and poor Natty got most embarrassed with some of the things they said. I did tell a few tales to keep them on the path of righteousness..." Here he winked. "...Mustn't outdo Zeb, but those were two hussies..."

"...And you would have liked time with them without Natty, eh?" I said quietly.

He laughed. "Another time, perhaps!" He bowed his head as we parted.

I went indoors and could hear talking as I passed the door of Uncle Digby's study. Jabez was reporting back. Paolo came along bearing a tray of cups and a teapot. I smiled at him. He nodded. I said I would be in the drawing-room where I assumed the pianoforte had already been moved.

The instrument was set up ready for the tuner and chairs were arranged for the guests. There were twenty-four of them. Aunt Fanny had left a piece of paper on the music rest. 'Tom: On Thursday afternoon you will be first. Just the first movement of the sonata. There will be three other items then your flute. Mr Handel's Air from Xerxes. Rosamund will practice with you in the morning. Three more items then you can finish the afternoon with two country dances and a Scotch reel on your flute. Love. Aunt F.' Oh, orders! Now to practice, but first Paolo had entered with tea and two pieces of a fruit tart.

That over I spent a good hour playing the sonata movement even though some notes jangled against each other. I played parts of it slowly, then speeding up. I noted where my fingers should be in one passage and played that several times and then hooked it between what came before and after. When I was satisfied I played through all of it slowly and noted two places to watch carefully. I then played it through twice at what I considered a good speed and my fingers did not get in a muddle. I rested a little by trying some parts of other sonatas then finally I played it through again and was pleased that I did not make any mistakes.

I hadn't realised but both Rosamund and Jabez had come in silently. Rosamund said I would be the highlight of the afternoon. There would also be a lady singing and a gentleman who played the cello. Starting at two-thirty it would all be over by four-thirty. That included tea. She said we would have a quiet dinner at six as we had to be at Lady Bridges' for the concert at eight o'clock that evening. The evening would be a formal affair so I would have to be properly dressed. I asked where Lady Bridges lived and Rosamund said it was off Belgrave Square and the house was very large. She said I was not to be surprised as her Ladyship mistrusted the gaslights so we would just be in candlelight. "Like Careby," I said.

I arranged that we would meet at nine in the morning to practice my flute piece and she said that if I played the flute as well as I did the pianoforte I would have no problems. As Jabez and I went up to my room I wondered why someone as delightful as Rosamund hadn't been snapped up and married. But, I realised that it would have to be someone very special, not like Marmaduke, nor, I assumed like any of the previous suitors.

Jabez was quite forthcoming as we went into my room. "Your cousin is such a lady," he said, "I have never heard her say an unkind word and I always get a smile."

I agreed. Perhaps she would meet someone who was her equal.

Jabez then said he had reported all to my Uncle Digby. As he talked I thought I had better try my flute before the morning so fetched it from it's case and fitted it together. He said he had been commended in getting into the house and being very much accepted by the lodgeboy but he had to keep clear of the guards. "I am sure your uncle knows there is more nastiness in that family to come. I have to keep watch each time Mehmet goes to the Baths." He laughed. "And you can have another massage Thursday morning before your grand performance. Mehmet has an unusual oil for you which his father only uses for very special people."

I said I knew I was very special and deserved proper treatment and put my flute onto the table by the bed because I expected some remonstration in response. I was not quick enough to move away as I found myself over the bed and being held and tickled with Jabez saying I was 'unusual'. I managed to squirm free and caught Jabez by his wrists and managed to get a little bit of my own back. I think we were laughing too much and just lay side by side while he said how much he had enjoyed the visit to the Bayes' and also seeing the College. He thought Master Aubrey was a good fellow and was glad I had a friend like that. I said I thought he and Robin would be friends, too.

We were interrupted in our chat by a rap on the door. Jabez hurried over and it was Paolo. "A young gentleman has arrived," he announced, "And her Ladyship wishes Master Tom to entertain him while we prepare his room."

Oh, I had quite forgotten that Branscombe was to come on the visit to the barracks tomorrow. I must say I had assumed he would arrive in the morning and just stay one night. But he was here now. Jabez quickly tidied me, that is, combed my hair and made sure all my buttons were done up. Downstairs I found Cedric, as I now thought of him, deep in conversation with Uncle Digby. In fact, Uncle was questioning him on some naval matter concerning the rigging of a ship. I stood by the door and listened while Cedric explained the difference between one type of rigging and another. I tapped on the door and was commanded to enter. "Our young sailor has arrived," my uncle declared, "And he has corrected my knowledge of the difference of the rigging on a frigate and a sloop. He'll do for Her Majesty's Navy I'm sure. He should go as a Midshipman now as in the old days. Two of my companions went at sixteen and one said he felt the rope's lash before he was even commissioned when he forgot to salute the Admiral or some such old bird."

I grinned at Uncle Digby as I knew he was disconcerting poor Cedric who couldn't keep his eyes from straying to Curly.

"Uncle, I am sure Cedric..." - I thought that would be a good retaliation for the digs in the ribs -"...wishes to complete his schooldays at Ashbourne. I doubt if they play at football on Her Majesty's vessels as he does. You could lose a ball easily over the edge."

My uncle tossed his head. "Evidently my nephew is not of a naval cast. 'Over the edge' he says and would that be correct?"

Cedric smiled at me. "Thomas..." - I would get my revenge for that! - "...as a scholar is possibly correct, but as a sailor I would say the ball was 'in the drink'."

My uncle laughed. "Good! Now, Tom, pull the bellrope and we shall splice the mainbrace with a dish of tea and some hard tack!"

I looked at Cedric and raised my eyebrows. This was getting wearing. He just laughed as well, but I did as instructed.

Paolo was at the door immediately and an order was taken for something to fill the interval between now and dinner. I let Cedric have my share of the almond and fruit tart as he said he had missed luncheon as he had taken a Hackney cab to see the river before arriving here and hadn't even seen his parents leave to return to Canterbury.

Uncle and he chatted as I looked again through two piles of old books. I found one of the designs for ships of the East India Company and Uncle Digby said that Cedric should have it as well as copies of works by Herodotus and Aristophanes. I got the impression Cedric was not so enthusiastic about those two gifts. I think Uncle Digby was teasing!

Paolo returned to clear up the tea things and announced that the room was ready. His bags had already been taken up and Antonio and Carlo were to be his servants for the stay. I wondered what he would make of that pair.

I accompanied Cedric up the two flights of stairs. I remembered what he had said about his father extending their house so wondered if this house might be small in comparison. It was definitely smaller than Careby Hall but Aunt Fanny had explained that the land in the better parts of London was getting scarcer and also more expensive than when they had decided to build. Even then, she said, it took a small fortune to provide something reasonable. I didn't dare ask what a 'small fortune' entailed and the house seemed quite reasonable for everything I had experienced so far.

The two young lads were waiting at his open door. Both were in grey livery with neat knee britches and white stockings and bobbed their curly heads in greeting. I think Cedric was impressed as both Jabez and Mehmet joined us in their best livery of green and gold jackets. Aunt Fanny was obviously putting on a show. I guessed it was for Torquil's sake. Whatever Cedric saw was sure to be relayed to his mother and Aunt Fanny was not going to have the family labelled as country bumpkins newly arrived in London.

Between them they got him installed and it was announced that dinner would be at eight this evening and other guests would be the naval Captain from next door, the Duchess and Mr de Vere and his daughter.

Once settled I took him back to my room and we sat by the fire and chatted. Yes, he was impressed. He said his mother thoroughly approved of our family and thought my father and my uncle, the General, were very fine men. He said Elizabeth was so in love with Torquil, here he made a real grimace, it was unbearable but, here he smiled, "I think an announcement will be made soon!"

Good, I was glad Torquil would be settled. But where would he live?

He said my Uncle Digby was very clever. "I'm sure he knew the difference in that rigging all the time and he wanted to see my reaction to the gift of those two other books. Father said he is something important but didn't say what. I thought I was being tested like Mr Dimbleby does." He laughed. "You don't get anything past him."

"Are you in his form?" I asked. I was dreadfully ignorant of which masters other of my fellow pupils were under.

"Yes, and I am glad I am. That Arbuthnot fellow who slouches around has several of our House and he is idle in correcting work. Maitland was in his form until last term and asked to be transferred as we would be sharing a room and would work better. He was not pleased and it's only because Maitland's father was at Oxford with Arbuthnot's brother that he was allowed to change."

"So you are both under Mr Dimbleby?"

"Yes... ...and we do work though we are not exalted bodies like those in Mr Ridley's extra class!" He did grin at that and I could see he wasn't jealous.

I said I didn't know why I had been chosen except, perhaps, my Uncle Alfred had recommended me.

"And what about young Goodhew? Robin, Rob, or Bob?"

I said everyone called him Robin and he had better make sure he did work or Robin would be on his tail.

He laughed. "If I'm to appear before the Navy Board I've got to have a good recommendation from school and Mr Dimbleby will not write untruths. I shall have to be a good pupil and I think Robin will be just what we need. No, I don't mean to be a servant for us but to work with us."

I laughed. "I can guarantee Robin will not be a servant. I have to watch my step with him. He is very much his own master but he is my dearest friend."

Branscombe nodded. "He is more like a brother isn't he? I have missed that. I have three older sisters but until I went to Ashbourne when I was twelve I had had little boyish company at all. I and Maitland are good friends and have been since we met on our first day there. Poor Travis has had tragedy in his life. He had an older brother but he died three years ago of a fit and I have been his new brother he says. He does have a younger brother, but he is only ten, with a sister in between."

I said I was the baby of the family but never felt left out although my two brothers and two sisters had all left home. My brothers were in the military as he knew and my sisters married. I think Branscombe was rather impressed when I said my brother-in-law, whom he had met at the Ball, was a minor canon at St Paul's and my other one was a lawyer in Edinburgh.

We chatted on and I saw him look at my flute. I said I had been commanded to play both that and the pianoforte at Thursday's At Home. He grinned and said he hoped it might be better than some he'd been to in Canterbury. I said this was my first experience and he would probably be attending.

"As long as I can get to the Bull and Mouth for the Dover coach at half past six I will be most happy to hear what is on offer. I know you play well as I have heard you during the evenings in Big School." He smiled. "Would you play to me now?"

A good idea so I went through several of the country dances and had just finished a Scotch tune when Jabez knocked and entered. "Please excuse my interruption but it is time for you to dress for dinner." He turned to Branscombe. "I have taken the liberty of laying out your clothes. I have also put out a pair of clean white stockings for you."

"Oh Lord!" Branscombe said, "I had forgotten there was a hole in the heel in one and a mud stain on the other from when I got in the coach last night. I must thank you." Jabez bowed his head. "Whose stockings are they?" Branscombe asked.

Jabez smiled. "Mine, sir, but I can assure you they are of the highest quality..."

I giggled. "...And not worn on human feet, eh Jabez? Who's the boy who swims like a duck so we always said he's got webbed feet, eh?"

The master and servant barrier was breached. "And I suppose you've never belly- flopped trying to dive in? Can't get your hands right!" Jabez waved his arms around in a good imitation of the worst of my early poor efforts.

Branscombe gave a great laugh. "I guessed the pair of you were more than master and servant. I saw the way you treated each other last night. Firm friends, eh?" We both grinned and nodded. "Same here. It wasn't quite true about not having boyish company. On going to Ashbourne I had to leave behind my greatest friend who is now one of my father's valuable grooms. He's really a cousin as my uncle Jarrold was rather forward with one of the maids. I thought of that when Robin Goodhew appeared. I miss the times my friend James and I had together. But he's happy to see me and I'm happy to see him even though we are apart so much."

"I have several good friends I miss, too," I said. "Jabez is one. I must tell you he is not my cousin or any other relative. He's definitely his father's son and he's just like his brother Caleb." I wasn't quite sure about that as though they looked alike I had never seen if Caleb shared any other resemblance.

"No," said Branscombe before Jabez could make a reply, "You certainly don't look alike." He grinned. "I am not sure who is handsomer, though." He nodded. "You both looked so good last night. My mother said young Tom was a delightful lad and was also most impressed by the costume you wore, Jabez. That other bruiser? Is he going to be a prizefighter?"

Jabez laughed. I was quiet. So I was 'a delightful lad'!

"Sir, Mehmet is the gentlest of creatures. That is, unless he is giving a massage."

We then had to explain about Uncle Digby and the massage routine. I said I had been under Mehmet's hands and was promised another on Thursday. Oh, I thought, perhaps dear Cedric could have one, too.

We then had to hurry. Jabez went with Branscombe to his room and came back laughing. "Those two imps are having a fit of the giggles but are trying hard. I said as soon as my baby was dressed I would come back and see he was properly tidy." I was about to remonstrate a second time but I was pushed onto the bed again. "Come on now, get down to your drawers! We haven't got all night!"

Through giggles and groping I was undressed. My faithful valet then helped me clothe myself in my best black britches and tailed coat. I did manage to reach back while he was combing my hair and squeeze a rather lengthy object. I wondered if brother Caleb was so equipped as well. I would have to ask. Not Caleb, of course.

When he had finished his tasks with me we looked at each other and grinned. Yes, we were good friends and I said so. He nodded. "Your Master Branscombe will be a good friend to Robin, I'm sure. I did ask if he would like a massage if we could arrange it. He said he would. Mehmet is with your uncle at the moment so I will ask later."

He disappeared off as I stood by the fire and contemplated how lucky I was. I felt Branscombe was also a friend now. I heard laughing in the corridor and a clattering. The door was thrown open and there stood my two brothers. They were not in full dress uniform tonight, just in ordinary tailcoats and trousers.

"Hello, little brother," Terence bellowed, "We thought we might catch you unawares!"

"Or in your underclothes," Torquil added a bit more quietly. "My, you do look a dandy!"

I stared for a moment. "At least neither of you are hung like lampshades with all that braid as you were at the Dinner or the Ball."

I was entrapped on both sides. "Who said that?" demanded Terence at the same time as Torquil laughed and said "Uncle Digby I warrant!"

"You looked very splendid," I said, "You almost outdid Jabez and Mehmet in magnificence. Perhaps you should join them at the next Ball and help them to hand out the wine. At least you could get round to the rest of the young ladies."

Terence laughed. "You wait and see what you might hear!"

Torquil put an arm round my shoulder. "There's only one young lady!"

So, something was in the air!

Just then another visitor appeared at the door led by the two grinning youngsters. Branscombe was introduced again and I thought I detected a slight reddening of Torquil's cheeks. Jabez said it was time to go downstairs and I had an idea. I picked up my flute and played a well-known tune. Branscombe and my brothers laughed and joined in as we marched in step to the stairwell preceded by the youngsters with Jabez at the rear. 'Some talk of Alexander and some of Hercules, of Hector and Lysander and such great names as these.' The song I had played at two of the sing-songs at Ashbourne. 'The British Grenadier.' A great favourite.

As we reached the bottom stair we heard clapping in rhythm with us from the parlour. Aunt Fanny was laughing as well. "Well my boys, that would be a good introduction to an At Home, but I'm sure some of the old dears would think we were being invaded."

"It'd do them good," Uncle Digby said. "That was well-played, my lad, let's have another one."

Because Branscombe and the old naval Captain were there I played a Sailor's Hornpipe which set up the clapping again. Just as I finished the dinner gong sounded. No music as we processed in. I noted Branscombe was placed on one side of Mr de Vere's daughter and Terence on the other. She was more lively, I thought, this evening and she and Branscombe were soon chatting away. Rosamund was next to Branscombe and I completed the side being by my aunt at the opposite end of the table to my uncle who had the Duchess next to him.

I was quite hungry as usual and tasted several of the offered courses. I think Branscombe was hungry as well and kept the footmen busy. I saw him counting at one point. Seven footmen on duty! That would get back to Mother I was sure! But Mr Tuckwell was still missing.

As we finished the last of the puddings in that final course I saw Torquil look at our father who nodded. Torquil stood up. "Ladies and gentlemen, I have an announcement to make."

To be continued.

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