Tom Browning's Schooldays

Tom Browning's Schooldays

By

Joel

Chapter TwentyEight

I pondered my father sitting opposite me. He had a passive look but one eye closed slightly as he acknowledged my gaze. Torquil cleared his throat.

"Mother, father, Aunt Fanny, Uncle Digby, my brothers, cousin Rosamund, ladies and gentlemen," he had looked round the table as he made that list, "This afternoon I asked Miss Elizabeth Branscombe if she would consent to marry me. She has. I had also asked her father's permission which was granted readily." He cast another glance round the table. "Father, mother, I ask your blessing."

My father stood in the short silence which followed. "You rogue! You should have asked long before now." He turned. "Mr Tolliver, the champagne!"

Father must have known something was in the air. There was an immediate scurrying as five Bartoli boys appeared with trays and glasses brimming with the sparkling liquid. I was handed mine by young Antonio who couldn't help but grin at me.

Father raised his glass and we all stood and did likewise. I noted Paolo helped the Duchess to her feet. "To my son, Torquil, and his future bride, Elizabeth, a toast!"

We all repeated his words in various ways. 'To Torquil and Elizabeth' was my version. We all drank.

Branscombe walked round the table. "I'm so glad you made up your mind," he said, thrusting out a hand at a grinning Torquil. "It's a pity I missed the meeting this afternoon, but I welcome you to our family as well."

It was then young Antonio piped up. "Please, Mr Torquil, sir, my grandfather says he hopes you give him enough notice to prepare the wedding feast."

Torquil laughed. "Young sir, we have to decide where the wedding is to take place but I wager you will be a page with that brother of yours as well. Not as cats, though!"

I reached round and hugged the boy who had tears of joy running down his cheeks. "You will be just perfect," I said.

It was all chat then. Nobody left the table. My mother was also in tears and Torquil went round and embraced her. I heard her say she was glad he was to marry. I knew it was important, too. He was the eldest son and would inherit the responsibility of the farms and horses unless my father had decreed otherwise in his Will. If Torquil in turn had a son he would also take precedence in the family line. It did not bother me. I knew what I wanted to do with my life. Then there was Terence. It was well-known that second sons went into the Army or Navy. He was military but... I wondered if he might be joining Uncle Digby's enterprise. Anyway, this was such a happy occasion and a second glass was mooted and consumed.

I heard the Duchess ask if Elizabeth liked the ring. I saw Torquil smile and nod. Another little secret I would have to explore. We did go through to the drawing-room then and talk went on and on. I was rather excluded as Miss de Vere and Branscombe chatted on together. I went and sat by Aunt Fanny who said she had already received many cards of thanks for the Ball and I said I was so glad I had been able to attend.

"I think there will be more visits especially if your uncle gets that railway up and running. It'll take some years but he and his friends have great plans. I'm not so sure myself. 'Puffing Billies' they call them and they just add more smoke and noise and people."

We had a laugh as she realised my other uncle could be termed that when he smoked one of his favourite cigars. I asked her if she ever thought she might return to the country. "I think if I could persuade your uncle we could move to somewhere near Careby in two or three years," she said quietly. "As you realise he is a very busy man and he has particular responsibilities." She shook her head. "And there's Rosamund. She will not make up her mind."

I forbore from giving my aunt my opinion of Marmaduke but I sensed he was not a favourite of hers, either.

It was getting late. I saw the Duchess stifle a yawn. Carriages were called and as she rose to make her way to hers at the main entrance I saw an ever-attentive Jabez hand her the usual small article. Even though tired she gave him a beautiful smile and I don't think it was just a sweetmeat he was handed in exchange.

I think everyone was still weary after the previous night

Mehmet was assigned to Branscombe as his valet for the night as the young lads were very tired. Jabez grinned as I got ready for bed. "I think it would be for the best if I did not act as the little Master's warming pan tonight. It would be unfortunate if your friend should rise early in the morning and find you back to back with the lower classes."

I grinned, too. "Jabez, I'll miss you but you are quite correct. You are a much lower class..."

Our tussle then was in my favour at first. I had on nothing but an undershirt and drawers. He was still in livery. Unfortunately his fabric was too thick and sturdy to give him a good tickle but I lay across him on the bed and licked under his chin and managed to grasp something which stiffened quickly in the fold of his britches. I relaxed and that was my undoing. Undoing of my undergarment first. I was on my back displaying myself in a moment.

"Don't be arrogant with me, young sir," Jabez said as my undershirt was lifted to my chest, "If that is all the gentry can show then who is lower or higher?" A hand reached down and fingers lifted my ballocks. "And these pretty objects? A cuckoo could cast these out of a nest most easily." The hand strayed up my hard prong. "Yes, Tom Tiddler might be slightly more than a finger length now." It didn't take long before I spurted. I was breathing hard. "My! Look! The creature's spat at me! But I've seen more cream left in the bowl when our old mog has had his fill." He couldn't keep it up. I grinned up at him as his face creased in smiles.

"Your turn, varlet," I said, but he shook his head.

"Mehmet and I will be sharing our bed tonight."

He needed to say no more. I smiled at him and shook my head, too. "I will miss these times together when I return home and to school. But I will have my Robin for company, though at school it will be difficult to be together like this."

"I am so glad we can be together, too. Mehmet does not believe half the stories I tell him about all the adventures at Careby."

"Not just stories like this, I hope."

"No, I have told him about the church clock and when old Flaxman chased Jaffer Cutts and me out of the back of the Assembly Rooms. Remember I got beaten then for changing the labels round on the necks of his bottles in his storeroom at the Varley Arms."

"Jabez, you've received more cuts across your arsecheeks than any other boy I know."

He laughed. "But it has done me no harm as I've done no harm to others. Like your father said about him and his brother. When your father asked if I would like a place here he said I was just the spunky lad your uncle would want on his staff. I didn't know what he meant then but I have been accepted and I am confident I have a good place here. Mr Pemberton and Mr Purrett have been good guides and they say I am assured of employment..." Here Jabez stopped. He smiled. "I will say no more. Time will tell. Now let us get you clean and bedworthy."

The next few minutes were employed in washing me after a final visit to the jakes. As I donned my nightshirt I gave vent to my thoughts. "These damnable stations in life. Those who rule and own!"

Jabez snorted. "Do not swear or I may have to slap your arse again as I have had to many times before. But I agree. I watch and observe as your uncle advises. That young William. There is no more good and wholesome boy. You heard he arrived in London on a haycart. I will tell you why. His family was cast out from their home because his father did not stop his cart and tug his forelock when the Squire went past. No matter he did not know the evil man was approaching. The boy is the last of that family who starved rather than beg at the Poor House. He was found on this doorstep as a starveling by your aunt. Her pity for others knows no bounds. Mr Churcher has nothing but praise for him and he is more deserving of respect and admiration than half the so-called higher classes I have encountered."

I walked over to the padded settle by the fire and sat down. Jabez came over and sat by me warming his hands at the blaze. "Jabez, I get very confused. I could not treat you, or Natty, or even that boy William as other than my equals in many ways. I have watched and observed, too. It is all too clear that although we are all supposed to be created equal there are great divides."

He laughed. "And you should hear what happens in many households. Here we all respect Mr Bartoli but there is no hierarchy other than family for him. Because of your uncle's interests all the staff treat each other well. I will say no more than all are involved. However, I talk to the scullery lads around and they have tales of how they must bow and scrape even to the lowest footmen and they in turn..." He waved his hands in ascending steps. "...Think of Careby. How is the Servants' Hall arranged? Then in the village. Mr Hine may have his nose in the air at times but Mrs Hine thinks she is better than Mrs Flaxman, a publican's wife, who then turns up her nose at Sarah Rogers as she is only the Constable's wife, and so it goes on."

I had even more to think about. Things I had observed but only dimly understood. I grinned. Branscombe's mother and the lady's maid! One an Honourable, the other now a Countess!

I changed the subject. I had only seen Jabez's brother Caleb in the distance at the Ball. He was in his full-dress as a Trooper and was at the steps of the carriage awaiting my brothers as they made their exit from the house. He had smiled and bowed his head when I waved to him. A Trooper in the Hussars does not wave!

"You met with Caleb," I said. "Is he still enjoying life in the Army?"

Jabez nodded. "He is more than happy. Your brother has him marked for promotion as Corporal of Horse. He will be a very fine fellow then and your Uncle Digby has promised him his new uniform."

"Uncle Digby knows him?" I queried.

"Of course. Although I do not see him often he..." Again he stopped. He shook his head. "My mouth runs away with me too much." He grinned.

"Another one?"

"Oh, Master Tom, do not ask!"

I thought I would ask outright. "And which brother is more equipped?" I stood up warmed by the fire and was ready for bed. A mistake. He did slap my backside then.

"You are not only cheeky but too inquisitive," he said, then hugged me. His head was by my ear. "At the last general inspection two private soldiers matched exactly." He sniggered. "I wager on promotion there might be a tugging and a pulling to see if another quarter of an inch might be gained but he confesses he is sure he is fully grown."

"And you?"

He sneered. "Time will tell! I am just turned eighteen so we must see." He laughed. "And you are still a young thing with several years of growth before you."

But to beat Jabez I would need longer than that!

"To bed, to bed," he chanted, "A busy day tomorrow. I have errands to run in the morning..." He stopped and waved a finger. "..Hush!"

I was bundled into bed, given a quick hug, covered and he was gone after turning off the gas jets. I was left contemplating the flickering flames of the fire and was soon asleep.

Morning came all too soon. I had dreamed of sights seen and imagined. London was a quite magical place as Natty might have said. So much to see and experience and I would need a deal of time to explore even a small part of it. Today I would be busy but if I played well perhaps this morning's practice with Rosamund might be shortened and I could make use of the chaise again. Perhaps she could accompany me as Jabez said he would be on errands.

There was a tap on the door. It was Mehmet's brother Karem. He bowed his head.

"Sir, I have been instructed to be your valet this morning as Master Jabez is on other duties."

That I knew. I looked at Karem. He was in plain grey livery and had a distinct likeness to his brother. I stretched in the bed. My bladder was full. I had been a good boy and was properly clothed in my nightshirt. I crept out and stood and stretched again, yawning and raising my clenched fists. A particularly wrong thing to do as although I needed a good piss my stalk was upright. Through half-closed eyes I saw Karem stare at my thrust out middle. I relaxed but the protrusion was still there. I smiled.

"Thank you, Karem, Jabez said he was otherwise engaged this morning." I pointed towards the jakes. "I must visit first."

He nodded. "Sir, I will have the boys bring hot water."

I eased myself in the comfort of the small warm room. I had to bend my pizzle down first to get a flow but then sat and emptied my over-full bowels. Comfort, yes! I would look forward to this at Careby but there was only the cold outside privy or the uncomfortable commode there still. And Ashbourne! Cold seats there. I had heard that smaller boys in Pratt's and other houses were sent out first to sit and warm the seats for the older ones. As George made us rise early to evade the stink in our privy there was no chance of that for us though those following had the advantage. At least the coldness meant one did not tarry. Here one could take one's time and I did. I heard boys' voices outside my closed door. Hot water had arrived.

I waited a while longer then emerged to find the bath was steaming. Only Karem was present as I took off my nightshirt. My unruly prong was quiescent now. The hot water was most relaxing and Karem soaped my back with a more gentle touch than dear Jabez. I felt clean and ready for the day. A large towel dried me and I found my day clothes had been neatly laid out for me on the bed. I smiled at Karem as I finished dressing with his help.

"I hope to have another massage. Probably tomorrow. Will you be helping your brother?"

He smiled, too. "I have been told to be available both today and tomorrow at midday. I was told yours will be tomorrow. I think the other young master will be offered as well."

Oh, ho! Branscombe to have a massage! I wondered... "I will ask him if he wants one. I will tell him how good it is. Your brother ceratinly cured my aches and pains."

"My brother is most proficient and I hope I may be as good one day."

"Will you stay with your father at the Baths?" I asked.

"Yes, he has said if I make good progress I will be able to assist him. Monsieur Serge helps in my instruction and I think I am learning fast."

I thought I might be a little inquisitive. "Do you have many men who come to the Baths for massage?"

"Yes, it seems sometimes too many. With my brother here so much we are kept very busy." He nodded. "Some men ask for me as they say I am more gentle than my father and Monsieur."

"Are you?"

He smiled. "I may be, but there are certain men I try not to encourage. There is one who comes three times a week and I am cautious if he asks for me. My father understands and watches."

Yes, Jabez had said Mehmet was wary of certain customers. I thought I hadn't better ask more in case he thought I might tell of his worries. "I hope you will be gentle with me," I said, "But don't worry I am sure you will remove any aches I may have still."

He flexed his fingers. "I will be ready, sir."

I laughed and gave him one of the sweetmeats I had on the shelf of my closet. "This is prepayment if you are let loose on me."

He had a most beautiful smile. "Thank you, sir, I will do my best and with the other young gentleman, too."

I almost laughed out loud. That phrase 'young gentleman' again. I wondered what Branscombe's 'young gentleman' was like?

Breakfast called! Karem said he would tidy my room and make up my bed so I left him to find what delights were downstairs.

I was first in the breakfast room and surveyed the hot bubbling vessels under the lidded dishes. Servants always seemed to know when they were required for Paolo appeared almost immediately and showed me the range of contents. My favourite of beaten egg with smoked fish was there. I chose that with two plump sausages, three slices of crisp bacon, two kidneys and the usual soft white bread. This would help to fill any empty hole! There was a pot of the strange tea and that was also poured for me. Paolo left saying he would be back after serving my uncle in his study.

I was savouring the tastes when Mehmet appeared leading Branscombe. As one should I greeted Branscombe first and asked how he had slept. "Like a log!" was his response with a smile. "I only wish I had a valet like Mehmet here at home." Mehmet bowed his head. "My father employs old sailors and I think the footman I have is an old pirate! Pigtail, gold earring and all as I've told Mehmet!"

I stared at him as Mehmet gave a little laugh.

"It's true!" Branscombe said with a great grin on his face, "But he wasn't a pirate, he was a good sailor. Jake was invalided out of the service as he had a fall but he'd done fifteen years and was recommended to my father as a reliable man. But I mustn't demean him as he is a good valet. He has looked after me the past ten years or so since I was so high!" He waved a hand a couple of feet from the ground.

"An earring?" I queried. I had seen those vagabonds who tried to steal our horses and two had pigtails I recalled. But no earrings.

Branscombe nodded. "It's a way of keeping your money near you. It's gold and Jake keeps touching it for luck."

"For luck?"

"You do ask a lot of questions, Tom. I don't know why, but he does. He tells a good tale or two as well." He winked at Mehmet. "Some not for a young boy's ears so I won't make him blush. But Jake did say some of the sailors keep their gold or silver elsewhere as Mehmet knows."

Mehmet smiled. "That is true, sir, for some gentlemen, too." He stopped and it was he who blushed. "I should not have said that. Please forgive me."

Branscombe laughed. "You know exactly where." He pointed down. "Am I not right? Seen this morning, eh?"

Mehmet looked at me then nodded slowly. I stopped eating. I think my mouth was wide open for another reason.

"What have you seen?" I asked.

"Do not embarrass him, Tom, I have to confess something. Mehmet saw me naked this morning and I have a small silver ring through the left edge of my sack."

I squirmed. A silver ring in his cods? I had seen bulls with great nose rings which were used to lead them. But a boy with a ring in his... Ouch!

"Jake says it's a known thing in Arab lands. He has one there, too, which I have seen many times when we have swum in our lake and I said I wanted one. He was fearful it might hurt too much and my father might not approve." He laughed. "It did hurt but he pierced me for my sixteenth birthday last year so I had the rest of the summer to get used to it. And what my father does not know won't hurt!"

I winced again. I had been hit in the cods, only by accident when playing, and the pain was terrible. But to be pierced? As ever, I was curious. Too late. Heavy footsteps and a tuneless whistle meant my father was approaching. Any further revelations would have to wait.

Mehmet went with Branscombe towards the serving dishes and picked up a warmed plate. Just in time as my father entered the breakfast room.

"Trust the youngster to get here first. Picked out all the good things, eh?" Father was in a very good mood. "Good morning to you both! You seem to have lost your tongues." He pointed at me. "His, no doubt, fully employed in shovelling hot sausage down his throat!"

We both murmured proper greetings. My nose twitched. Actually, my mouth had been empty.

"And where's that other son of mine?" my father continued, "Still snoring and dreaming of his good fortune in finding someone willing to bow to his every whim."

I didn't know that Torquil had stayed the night but I had to reply. "Is that a lady's task?" I asked, "I will have to ask my mother."

My father snorted. "He has got a tongue and I feel the edge quite often." I got what I hoped was a friendly cuff. Mehmet was staring at the pair of us. My father pointed to the dishes. "A good plateful of any of those and the same for this poor soul whose tongue will drool if he's not fed soon." Branscombe picked up a second plate and passed it to Mehmet.

I picked up my fork again but waited with some sausage on it. "I did not know Torquil was staying."

My father snorted again. "I have to make provision for more expense so I didn't get to my bed until that clock struck one. It took that long to tell him what I could afford. Anyway, Torquil crept off somewhere upstairs with a small smile on his face. Our Mr Grindcobbe will be earning another fee." He looked at Branscombe. "I must say your father has been most generous with the settlement."

Branscombe smiled. "I think Elizabeth is his favourite though he loves my other sisters, too."

A large plateful was placed before my father. "You're a good lad, Master Sevinc, that will comfort me for a while." He picked up his own knife and fork but waited. "I hear I am to receive your attention later this morning. After all the riding I have done I am looking forward to it."

"Sir Digby has given me instructions that both he and you will be available at midday," Mehmet said very precisely, "My brother Karem will be with Sir Digby and I will attend you in your bedroom. I hope that will be convenient?"

I hadn't known what their surname was but father, as usual, had found out and used it. It was a polite thing and I knew I should copy him.

"I will be ready and waiting," my father said. "Sir Digby says you have a good touch. I do not think I could face the Baths so this is most convenient."

Mehmet bowed his head and went out as Paolo came back in.

There was a companionable silence as we set to with our good breakfasts. Each indicated that another plateful would be welcome and just as I was forking in more of the delicious scrambled egg a rather dishevelled looking creature appeared at the door followed by Mehmet who looked rather concerned. It was Torquil himself, yawning and rubbing his eyes. His evening dress clothes were rather crumpled.

"I'm starving!" my dear brother announced. He braced and flexed his shoulders. "And am I stiff. No fire in that room so I just crawled under the covers and thought I would freeze."

My father guffawed. "Major Browning, sir! I do not think you are quite ready for parade."

My brother was still wriggling. "Father, please! I have had an uncomfortable night after such a happy day. I didn't sleep well thinking of everything and I need food, a bath and my clothes ironed. I sent Caleb back with Terence last night..."

"...So you are not used to having to shift for yourself," my father declared with a decided snort. "Wait until you are in a battle! Who is going to press your underclothes there? Or see your hair is properly dressed? And, remember there is a full parade at half past two today!"

Torquil groaned. "I know. We have practised all the manoeuvres enough times but I don't think I shall be at my best."

Father softened. "You will be the best. You're my son and I know you will be the pride of the regiment. Even your Uncle Billy says he's proud of you and that other son of mine. So, sit, eat whatever your brother has left in those pots and lose that hangdog expression." He looked at Mehmet. "Find a robe for him, please. He can strip in the corner and I know Mr Purrett wields a good hot iron."

Mehmet bowed his head and disappeared through into the corridor. He was soon back with a brightly coloured silk robe. Torquil stopped eating from the piled plate supplied by Paolo and swiftly undressed as Mehmet held up the robe which he then slipped on. His evening clothes were whisked away and stillness, apart from steady eating, prevailed.

When my father finished he patted his stomach. "There is nothing like a good breakfast before a day's work, eh, Torquil?"

Torquil was still plying his knife and fork. "I agree, father, there is nothing like this spread but we in barracks have sterner fare. We have many Scotch Troopers and for them a good plate of hot oatmeal fills their bellies in the morning. We have the same most often in the colder weather."

I laughed. "Then Dr Johnson was right. In that dictionary of his he says in England oats is a grain generally given to horses but in Scotland supports the people."

Father gave another of his snorts and both Torquil and Branscombe laughed.

"That is too true," Torquil said, "But do not think of me as a horse."

I suppressed Terence's statement that Torquil was 'hung like a horse' which was more interesting than Uncle Digby's jibe about lampshades. Instead I said that we had hot oatmeal porridge often at school but George Lascelles had a supply of sugar to sweeten it.

Branscombe nodded. "He's a good fellow and shares it."

"Do you have it with sugar?" I asked Torquil.

Torquil laughed. "We do, though those Scotchmen have a good helping of salt on theirs. They say it gives them extra strength."

That Scotch Trooper who had been at Careby was certainly strong though of small stature. I had seen him lift one of Mr Flaxman's barrels of wine with no effort and then was rewarded with a flagon of good strong beer after he carried it to the storeroom.

"I hear they are quite fearless in battle," my father said. "Your uncle says he would rather have a dozen of them in his ranks than a hundred Frenchmen anytime."

Torquil nodded. "They are the mainstay of the East India Company's army rankers, too. I hear they are now taking many places in these new-fangled steamships in their engine- rooms. Do you know of that?"

This question was directed at Branscombe. "Sir, I have little knowledge yet of these inventions. My father has little liking for them as he has always been used to a life under sail. I must assume that these new ideas will prevail and I shall have to learn skills undreamt of before."

My father was nodding, a sad look on his face. "There are so many new ideas and inventions. I see my trade in horses being diminished by these new railways. Your Uncle Digby says we will soon be travelling from London to Scotland in a few hours rather than days."

"But won't there be many uses still?" I asked. "Our draughthorses will be needed on farms and for pulling heavy drays in towns. There are many carriages and cabs here in London which have to be supplied with good horses. It must be the same in other cities."

My father was nodding. "But there will be one day some new invention to turn wheels I am sure."

I told then of the visit to the College in Gower Street and the question Jabez had asked on seeing that table engine.

"That boy has a head on him," my father said quietly. He laughed and said a little louder. "My boy, perhaps you should invent rather than be a physician. Or we could put you to sea in one of these new boats and see how you fare."

I shook my head. "Father, I do not think I have the head or the skills for such things."

My brother leapt to my defence. "I think Tom will do great things in the care of our bodies. I heard you praising him for curing your flatulence."

I grinned. "I did that with the help of one of Lancelot's mixtures." I turned to Branscombe. "George Lascelles was grateful as well as Charteris and Crawford for the same elixir."

He nodded. "I heard that, too, and also about that good potion you gave Maidment. I hope I don't need your ministrations but I am glad you are there for a consultation. No charge I hope!"

My father was listening intently. "So you are practising as a physician already? No harm done yet, I hope, but you must be careful."

I smiled. "I am. I go no further than the instructions Lancelot has given me. My box of remedies has nothing too powerful in it, except for the poppy-juice, and that I have used once only and that was for Maidment's toothache." I nodded towards Branscombe who was his room-mate.

"I am glad you are of some use," my father said, with a smile, "But I must be away I have things to discuss with your Uncle Digby." He stood and turned to Torquil. "I'll see you on parade this afternoon all spruced up with that brother of yours!"

He patted both me and Branscombe on our backs as he went out.

"Phew!" Torquil let out a gasp as our father disappeared along the corridor. "I must be the best on parade this afternoon or I will never hear the last of it." He laughed. "But he never changes."

"I would say he is proud of you both," Branscombe said. "I am looking forward to seeing your parade."

Torquil snorted. "It is not my parade to marshal but I guarantee if some wrong move is made I will get the blame." He patted his chest. "I must admit I am the officer in charge today with Uncle Billy taking the salute." He leaned over and poked me in the arm. "You said I was hung like a lampshade. Wait until you see your uncle in his full uniform. He has enough gold braid to hang a dozen Frenchmen!"

"I thought they cut their heads off with some big device," I said. "And why all this animosity towards the French? Lancelot says they are well ahead of us in medicine and other arts. And remember our grandmother is French!"

Torquil shook his head. "I suppose we have never forgotten Bonaparte but if I do not get dressed and take my leave of you my head might be on the block." He screwed his nose up. "I must be away but I need my clothes and a good bath."

Paolo, of course, had been standing attentively by the serving dishes. He nodded towards Torquil and hurried out. I was just about to ask Torquil how many Troopers would be on parade when Mehmet tapped on the door and came in.

"Sir, the Master says you may bath in his closet and the boys are taking hot water in now. Mr Purrett has your clothes and has some clean linen as well for you."

"All efficiency here, as usual," Torquil said as he stood and held the silken robe closer to him. "I'll see you two with all the others after the parade. There are plans for some gathering in our Officers' Mess Hall for some celebration or other. I'll find my way." This last directed at Mehmet. He waved and was off.

It was now past eight o'clock, as I had heard the clock strike. I had to get myself and my flute ready for the practice with Rosamund at nine o'clock. I needed to play the piece through first but I also wanted to find out more about Branscombe and that ring through his cods. I explained I had to get ready for my rehearsal with my cousin. Branscombe said he would listen as he was partial to hearing a good tune. I said if the session was not too long we might be able to have the chaise and have a drive before luncheon. Branscombe thought this was a capital idea and he would check that my playing was tip-top. I gave him a sneer and scurried out hotly pursued by him and an amused Mehmet.

He followed me into my bedroom and settled himself on the padded seat by the fire as I opened my flute box ready to assemble the pieces. Mehmet had entered also and quietly shut the door. I put the pieces together slowly as I was thinking of some way to continue the earlier conversation. I had completed my task when Branscombe spoke.

"I don't think you do that so slowly each time, eh? You want to know more but didn't know how to ask. Is that so?"

I nodded.

"Tom, if we are to be friends, as I hope we will with Robin as well, then we must be quite open with each other. Your Mehmet saw me this morning and I have explained part but there is more ." Branscombe was in full flow now. "My piratical valet Jake says he's seen young Arabs with sometimes six rings on their sack and some even have small bells which tinkle as they walk." He looked over to Mehmet. "Have you seen such things at the Baths?" Mehmet shook his head. "But you have seen more than that so you said. I think we can tell him."

Mehmet replied with a nod and a quiet "Yes". A faint blush suffused his cheeks.

"At the Baths? Rings through their end, eh?" Branscombe inclined his head at him.

Mehmet nodded again. The blush did not recede but he was more recovered now. "Yes sir, and there is much talk at the Baths about the way these new tight trousers may be worn."

I looked at Mehmet. "What do you mean."

"Master Tom, if I say you promise not to repeat, or say it was me, please. I have said too much already but Master Branscombe did ask me earlier if I knew..."

He stopped but Branscombe only laughed. "...I asked him if he knew about the new fashion as that fop Jopling was boasting that his brother was having a dress ring fitted and he wanted one as well."

"A dress ring? Where?"

Branscombe laughed. "Through the end of his cock."

I nearly dropped my flute. I must have grimaced.

"Come on, Mehmet, you have seen them more than once I wager?" Branscombe asked.

A little more redness. "Yes, sir, I have. I have given massage to three of the younger men who come regularly and they have been pierced with silver rings in that way."

"But you would not like it?"

"No, sir!" Mehmet was quite adamant. "My circumcision was painful enough..." He stopped. "Oh, sir, I am saying too much."

Circumcision? Yes, I had seen that small wooden statue of the African boy at old Miss Barnes. His cock end was bare. Was Mehmet like that, too?

Branscombe stood and went over to him. "Do not worry. There is no fault in talking about such things. Another of our footmen was born a Jew and he was circumcised as a baby before his parents converted. He was put to the Navy when he was thirteen when his father died and he was on my father's last ship as a clerk. Father has him as his secretary now."

I had to ask. "And you have seen it?"

"Of course. He and Jake have taught me to swim and who wears clothes in the water?" He turned to Mehmet. "You said it hurt. Reuben does not remember anything as he was very young."

"Sir, I was seven and my poor brother Karem was five as we were cut together."

"Cut!" I was squeezing my legs together.

"Yes, Master Tom, we were taken to the Surgeon's Hall as there was no sunnetci here. We were given some medicine which made us sleepy but it was afterwards when it really hurt as it healed. I could hardly walk for over a week and Karem cried each night for longer."

I was puzzled. "Are you a Jew?"

Mehmet shook his head. "We are a Muslim family though I know nothing more than that we and the Jews are all sons of Abraham, who circumcised Isaac. My father says it is a custom, but it is not one I have enjoyed!"

"My lad, you are quite forthright and I can sympathise though my hurt seems minor to having a piece of you taken away," Branscombe said with a grin then became serious. "You say it is a custom. I have no knowledge of that Muslim religion though my father has spoken of Mussulmen as Barbary pirates in the past."

"I know no more, sir, except my father said it was done to all young boys in his village and thought it right for his sons to be cut as well."

I wasn't squirming now but full of questions which I dare not ask. What did his pizzle look like? Did he have no skin on it? What happened when...? I was in a turmoil. I could not ask. But, of course, Jabez would know.

Branscombe must know more, too, but he had finished questioning Mehmet. "Come on, Tom, are you ready with that pipe of yours?"

I had to return my thoughts. My pipe! Not that! My flute!

I played the opening phrases of Mr Handel's Air from Xerxes and Branscombe smiled. "That is a favourite of my mother and sisters. Elizabeth sings it most prettily and you played it well. Shall we go and see if your cousin is ready?"

I think Mehmet was also glad we were off. I smiled at him as he opened the door for us. He closed his eyes slightly but also smiled.

As we approached the drawing-room we heard the sounds of the pianoforte. Rosamund was already there and I knew the piece she was playing was by Mr Haydn. It sounded very tuneful and was being played with skill. We tried to enter silently but she was facing the door. She finished the movement before greeting us and before either Branscombe or I could congratulate her she stood and greeted us. "Good morning Master Cedric. Did you sleep well?"

"Most decidedly," Master Cedric replied most politely with a bow of his head, "And I have breakfasted well."

"And you, Cousin Tom...?"

"...He has breakfasted well also," dear Cedric replied. I would have to think hard of some suitable punishment for that!

Rosamund laughed. "Well, Tom, your friend has also noticed."

'Friend' indeed! 'Fiend' more like. I couldn't be annoyed. I loved my cousin and I liked Cedric and his straightforward ways.

"I both slept well and ate well as one is accustomed in this so well-set-up establishment." I was echoing a phrase I had heard my Aunt Fanny Wright use about her own house.

Rosamund pursed her lips. "My mother! Shall we start?" I saw the music was open on a stand. I lifted my flute and we checked that C on my flute was in tune with the pianoforte. I played a scale up slowly and other than a jangling G as Rosamund did the same we were together. She hit the G again. "That and any others will be remedied this afternoon. I must ask that this is moved further from the fire as the heat affects the strings Monsieur Bonheur says. Are you ready?"

She played the little introduction and I followed her timing. I tried to play my very best. Branscombe clapped as we finished. "If it is as good as that tomorrow it will please everyone."

Rosamund did a mock simper. "Thank you, kind sir, but I think we should try that phrase just before the end once more. Tom, just a little more slowly. I know it is marked Largo but we could slow a mite more and hold the last note. I will try to keep the strings vibrating with this pedal device I have now. Do you see what I mean?"

I nodded and we played the last twelve bars again and I copied as she slowed and I held the last note even though my breath was running out.

"Good," she said, "We shall have an appreciative audience I hope. Now, I must hurry. I am going with Letty de Vere to fetch our new dresses for Lady Bridges' SoirＦ."

"Another new dress?" I asked.

This time there was a real simper. "You sound just like my father." She wagged a finger at me. "But you are not to tell him, please..."

I grinned. "Of course not. It's a pity Cedric won't be here to attend the SoirＦ as he will miss seeing Miss de Vere in her new finery. I think he was getting information on the latest fashions in those long conversations he had with her at dinner last night." That might pay him back somewhat.

As Rosamund laughed I received another dig in the ribs. "True. Miss de Vere and I were exchanging views on whether some young fellows were au courant with all the Paris fashions or were relying on old-fashioned English tailoring. Of the highest quality, of course!"

Hunh! If that was the best he could do! And what French did he really know? I suspected he had heard that phrase from his sisters! I just gave him a sneer and did not comment that evening suits in Canterbury had only three buttons on the cuff whereas mine, from a very high-class London tailor, had four!

Rosamund said she had better hurry off as Letty's father was sending his second coach for their excursion and she must not be late. We both bowed and she was off.

"What a delightful lady," Cedric said, "And she not married."

I explained about Marmaduke and the comments that she could not make up her mind.

"I think my sisters might be the same," he said, "Father is very protective of them, though. He was so delighted when he realised your brother was a serious contender for Liz's hand. There have been several others who have hovered around but...," here he slapped me on the back, "...but I think this is a good match!"

I hoped so, too. I could see Branscombe was fond of his sister and I liked him also. Brother-in-law as well as school-fellow! Oh! And uncle-in-law to Robin!!

As we left the drawing-room I met Mr Pemberton one of the other footmen. As I knew my uncle and father were in conference I couldn't disturb them so I asked if he knew if the chaise was being used this morning. He said it wasn't and if I wanted it's use there was no problem and he would arrange for it to be ready for ten o'clock. Branscombe and I went up to my bedroom to plan where we might explore.

To be continued: