Tom Browning's Schooldays

Tom Browning's Schooldays

By

Joel

Chapter ThirtyFive

Our talk continued until Eamonn came back to clear the crockery. He bowed and said that dinner would be served at eight as my father was at the main stable and was likely to be late.

"I wonder what's happening there?" Torquil pondered, "He remarked after lunch he had a deal of business to keep him occupied for some time. I heard him say that some lad from his office is to be ready to take letters to Stamford tomorrow."

"I expect that would be for Mr Grindcobbe," I replied knowingly, "He is the lawyer he was talking about who acts for him."

Torquil nodded. "We are to ride but father says I can convey my uniforms in a carriage he keeps at the stables. That lad and a groom would drive and we would have the use of the coach to get to Peterborough as well."

I asked if he would be riding Phineas. He agreed he would be as he thought a horse like that would impress even the county gentry especially as he would be wearing his full uniform. I forbore from asking if this would be with the shiny cuirass and all the golden drapery. A magnificent sight in any case and I felt most proud of my eldest brother.

Torquil was silent for a moment as he must have had something on his mind and then he was most serious. "I must see that lawyer, too. There are many things I will have to attend to now I'm to be married. I must alter my Will first and make certain provision from my inheritances."

"You have a Will?" I asked as I supposed that was something for old people to worry about.

Torquil grinned. "As a soldier I may be sent off to fight any of the Queen's enemies and who would get what I own if my head was blown away?..." He must have seen my horrified look and there was no more grin. "...Tom, I did not mean to frighten you... ...or scare Robin." I saw that Robin had stiffened beside him. "No, I have to be honest with you, I was reluctant to give my instructions and then to sign as it seemed so final, but it was something I really had to do. Now, I shall soon be married and I must make changes as you must see." He pointed at me. "And do not ask if..." He left it at that and the grin was back.

"And if that coach is driven to Stamford tomorrow the servants can show you the way in case you get lost in the snow," I said and gave him a brotherly sneer as well.

Torquil looked to see if Eamonn was still in the room. He had gone. He leaned forward and bared his teeth. "I threatened to tan your arse. It's not too late!"

"You and whose army?" I said.

He just shook his head. "I give up. Little brothers grow up much too quickly." He looked at Robin. "Think of it. I had to hold your poor old uncle when he was tiny so Nanny Maddocks could clean his little bottom."

I supposed that was sufficient recompense for 'You and whose army?' So I did grin at him. I remembered our kind old Nurse who had died some six or seven years ago. She told me stories about my brothers and sisters and one about Torquil when I was upset one day. I think I was experiencing a loose bowel and she was trying to make light of my predicament.

"Nanny Maddocks told me of a little boy who wet himself when he was chased by a goose. I think she said he was eight at the time. Not so little." I said.

Torquil took that in his stride. "And so would you, Mr Wonderful! That goose was evil. It was big and cross-natured. I was being kind and taking it a bit of old bread but its wings went up and it came at me and I ran." He laughed. "I admit it. I turned and ran in the face of the enemy! And what Nursey said was true. Fright, pure fright!"

Robin looked at Torquil with such a straight face. "In the face of the enemy? That is desertion, I warrant. Mistress Maddocks should have sentenced you to be tied to a wagon wheel and given a good whipping, is that not so?"

Torquil put an arm round his son's shoulder. "I got a good few whippings for misdemeanours but I hope I would never truly turn and run if faced by a real enemy. That would be cowardice of the highest order."

Robin smiled. "I would never think you could do anything like that. All I pray for is that you are never in such danger." He shook his head. "A soldier's life is not for me. I hope you do not think that is a coward's admission."

Torquil hugged him. "You must be whatever you wish, my little Robin. Just as Tom over there wants to be a physician you must choose your path yourself. And, just as Tom will have this family behind him, so will you."

I looked over at Robin and smiled at him. His path was being prepared and as long as I was by his side we could travel that course together. That was all I would wish!

We talked more. Torquil was full of tales about his life with his troopers and the officers who were his friends. It must have been near seven when we decided we had better make ourselves tidy. Torquil said he would not change for dinner and father would be in some old suit since our mother was not around. Just be clean and tidy and brush your hair he declared and got two sneers in return.

In my room I confessed to Robin I had read his translation and his notes. He said he liked to comment on what he read as it made things stick in his mind. I thought that was a good idea and one to copy. He wanted to know what books I had chosen and I said he would have to wait as there were quite a few and they were something else to share. I said I had chosen some for his brothers as well but would not tell them until the coach arrived back at Careby Hall.

I remarked that young Philip, his brother, hadn't been seen that day. Robin said he thought he was spending time at Uncle Dodd's looking at old plans of the building as he had said he was puzzled about something.

"We can find out tomorrow morning," I said, "I must pay my respects to your family now I'm back."

Robin laughed. "Philip keeps asking if you were going to see his friend John Harrison, so there will be questions to answer there."

"And we'd better go and see Natty's mother as well," I said. I told Robin then about giving Natty one of the Duchess's sweetmeats which he was going to present to his mother and I wondered if she had eaten it. He just laughed and said Natty was a trusting lad and his mother adored him. He wondered how he would be if he accompanied us to Ashbourne as our groom.

Dinner that evening was quite a merry affair and all male. The dishes were as plentiful as the conversation. After a slice or two of roasted chicken with small potatoes also roasted the second course was brought in. Two pair of hares had been jugged and there was a good red wine to accompany that fragrant course. Both Robin and I were allowed a glass, something to savour. Lancelot had joined us again and he and Geoffrey were soon exchanging quips and jests and I could see they were becoming firm friends. Torquil at one point said he wasn't looking forward to meeting all the bigwigs of Stamford and Peterborough but father said he knew the Mayor of Stamford very well as they had been at school together. He surveyed Torquil with half-closed eyes and pursed lips.

"Yes, he also had a fine-looking sister, Mary Elizabeth, but I was too shy to court her or I might have pledged my troth there. When I was seventeen your grandfather took me up to Chester to keep me from the wenches, so he said, and I met your mother there. Two years later and we were wed." He smiled properly as he looked at Geoffrey. "She was a Crossley and I hear you have connections there, too."

Geoffrey nodded. "That is true so my father said, but he would have to search the family tree to find them. There are two Crossleys farming around Garthorpe and father always calls them 'cousin'. They have large families scattered around and the friend who helped me destroy that barn was a Crossley. He's married now and has two young boys."

"Of course," father said looking at me, "Your grandmother wondered if I was good enough for her daughter. She was not pleased when I rather overdid the good ale there one evening and your mother had to bathe my head after I fell down. At least that was our excuse. I never did find out what the torrent of French was but it was enough to cut one's ears off. I think that's where your sharpness of tongue comes from, my lad!"

"But Grandmama is quiet and gentle," I said, remembering being taken to see her when I was five or so and the way she had smiled when I parroted the French phrase of greeting I had been taught carefully.

Father looked at me under lowered brows. "Have you ever seen a swan protecting her cygnets? A beautiful creature, but get in the way and she'll have your eyes out!"

"So it was a little more than washing your wounds?" Torquil asked with a laugh.

"You could say that," father said with such a pious look now, "But I did have to take my shirt off in case there was any blood."

"And Mama?" I asked.

"Well, she did have to kiss my forehead to make it better, didn't she?"

"Is that known as courtship?" Robin asked looking thoughtful. "I have seen the cob and pen on the river almost twining their necks together." He looked at Torquil and me. "But the cygnets are such ugly creatures, aren't they?" His face creased up then.

Torquil waved his fork at him. "I heard that, young man. Cygnets become fine fellows, don't they Tom?"

I nodded. "That is true. Fine in their own plumage and not needing to drape themselves with gold tassels and ornaments."

Torquil shook his head. "I have been assaulted bodily this afternoon and now my ears are being assailed."

That was a near miss. For, if questions had been asked, then Torquil's plans would have had to be divulged to our father. Luckily Lancelot said his father had a similar tale to tell. He had tripped and fallen over at the County Ball where he had danced with Miss Matilda Browning and she had ministered to his bruises and became Lancelot's mother and my Aunt Matty.

Lancelot then went on to say his father was getting rather excited about something he and young Philip Goodhew were exploring with the old plans of this house. They wouldn't say what it was but some measurements didn't match up.

"I know there is an old staircase for the servants which they don't use," I said. "Mr Clements frightened me one day when he appeared through a door in the Library I didn't know was there."

Father was nodding. "There's too many bits and pieces about this place. After that Varley got killed in the duel his widow sold it off later to some merchant who added another wing. His son didn't like it so had it demolished and used the stone and bricks to build our dairy and laundry. He lost his money in some speculation, so when my father bought it nothing else had been done for some fifty or so years. Where that old man had lost money my father said he was wise enough to sell as the stock was still rising. He made enough to buy the estate outright. He'd never say where he got the original money from, though."

"Wasn't he apprenticed to a London merchant?" Torquil asked.

"That was the tale he told," father said, "There was more to it I am sure but I was never told anything further. I know your Uncle Billy made enquiries when his commission was bought for him. We knew that was done on a friendly basis, but even then at great cost. Father - your grandfather - did have friends in high places, but all was kept very close and Billy got nowhere except a flea in his ear from our father for daring to ask."

This was all very intriguing as it was the first time I had heard all this. I had been told that Grandfather had been a very successful farmer and horse breeder and the evidence was around me in our very large house, together with land in many acres and the stock of fine horses which my father had inherited and expanded over the years.

Father was enjoying telling his tale. "All I know is my father married late and so was well over forty when I was born. Your aunts were born first, then I and your uncle followed in quick succession but poor Mama succumbed to some vile disease when I was sixteen and father became ill soon after so I had to learn quickly and with your mother's help we've kept the place afloat."

"You've never spoken of our grandmother Browning," Torquil said cautiously.

Father shook his head and there was a hint of a tear. "She was the sweetest, kindest person you could ever meet. Father could be hard at times if things went awry but she healed all wounds and, old as I am, I still miss her sweet smile. My father was so saddened at her passing he destroyed the portraits of the pair of them he had had painted so there is nothing I have but my memories. Nothing to show you." He looked at Torquil. "Your Uncle Digby did find she was a merchant's daughter and came to the marriage with a fine dowry but that family has died away, like many others, with all the illness about."

"You say you know little or nothing about grandfather and his origins?" Torquil asked.

Father nodded. "Although I was the elder boy he never told me anything, nor do I think anyone else. I asked him when my mother died if I should write to any relations of hers or his. He just shook his head and said I had to count myself lucky I wasn't a mudlark on the banks of the Thames. What that meant he never explained and I never enquired. I knew it would be of no use."

We could see Torquil was intrigued. "Some of my fellows pride themselves and say they can trace themselves back to when William the Conqueror defeated Harold and others say they can go back further as their families have owned the same land for many centuries. I know Uncle Dodd can trace his ancestry back only a little but we know even less." Lancelot was nodding at this.

Father laughed. "If I were you I wouldn't poke my nose too far. Enjoy what you have and make the most of it. I have seen too many young fellows of good families who think they can better their fortunes by gambling rather than doing a good day's work. However your grandfather made, or came into his money, does not matter now. It is in the past. I trust you and your brothers and sisters to use what you have well. Your sisters have husbands and children. You have Robin and will soon have a wife. What Terence and this rapscallion will do is up to them."

'This rapscallion' looked pious then. I knew what I wanted. To be with Robin.

I don't think Torquil was satisfied with father's answers. I expect he would take counsel of the person who might be able to find out things. Our Uncle Digby, no doubt. There seemed to be mysteries everywhere. Who was Mr Tuckwell really? I wondered what his connection with the Duchess might be because of the ring and the statement she made about a nephew. Little things to notice! But, wait and see.

Once our repast finished and the sweet course dishes cleared the 'gentlemen' took up their pipes though Torquil also passed his handsome snuffbox around. I looked at it cautiously. "Try it," he said. I took a tiny pinch and placed it by my thumb copying what he had done. I sniffed, then sneezed. That and smoking would not be pastimes for me! Robin tried a pinch. He didn't sneeze and said it actually did clear his nostrils. We sat and listened while more gossip was bandied around and the decanter of port circulated and glasses were filled by Jackson. A small glass of that kept Robin and me at the table longer but the talk was about horses, racing, hunting and the evils of gambling so when our glasses were empty Robin and I politely excused ourselves and left the diningroom.

Benjy was lurking outside the door ready with a sconce to light our way upstairs. Mr Clements was dozing on a settle and we crept past and as silently as possible made our way upstairs. Benjy lit three candles for us and then excused himself as he said he had better get back downstairs in case Mr Clements slept too soundly and wasn't awake when the others left the room. We were quite happy to be left to fend for ourselves and were soon snuggled together under the covers and recalling those odd things about the family.

"I am sure there is more to find out," commented Robin as I said I didn't think Torquil would be satisfied with the scant information we had heard. "There must be documents somewhere which show how much this estate cost your grandfather and probably the provenance of the money. It must have been a goodly amount but I know nothing about money. I expect Mr Grindcobbe would know such things but he is a lawyer and must not divulge his client's business."

"There must be more to find in London, too," I said, "I warrant Torquil will make enquiries of Uncle Digby Wright." I laughed. "Perhaps grandfather had been a pirate and made his money that way." I told Robin about Branscombe's tales of his father's footmen who were old sailors. I nearly said about the ring in Cedric's cods, but stopped myself, describing instead the massage we had both received. Thinking about that set my pizzle tingling and I told Robin to lie on his front and I would try to demonstrate on him. My fingers had hardly kneaded his shoulders when he turned over and another massage began until, head to toe, we savoured those outpourings we had grown to cherish.

Sharing the remains on our tongues we pledged our friendship again and twice more our juices flowed before sated with food and love we slept.

What a din wakened us! Benjy and the twins had each brought in a copper pitcher of hot water. Benjy had poured his into the hip bath and was banging the empty pitcher with a piece of metal which had been among the heap of things on the floor. "Wake up, sleepyheads!" he shouted, "It is past seven o'clock. More snow has fallen in the night and the soldiers will be ready to depart at nine. Up! Up! Breakfast is served below!"

Two nude lads woke and within a moment or two Benjy had his britches to his ankles and his underclout down and his bare arse being walloped which only caused him to yell out more. The twins were standing, looking and laughing.

He wasn't really being hurt though his buttocks were soon tinged red. "Help! Help!" he yelled. I couldn't resist it, as face down and legs apart his good-sized young cods were on full view so I clutched at them.

"Be quiet!" I commanded, "Or I squeeze!"

I did squeeze slightly and was rewarded with a full-blown fart. I let go quickly as three others now laughed heartily. I was tempted to give him a mighty slap but thought better of it.

I was still giggling as he righted himself, turning over and displaying his erect peg before dragging up his clothes to cover himself. Robin slapped his clothed backside then and remarked that he shouldn't display himself to young lads like the twins. One of them must have spotted the carving on the tall chest. He pointed up to it and looked at me, "Sir, he does not match that fine boy there."

There was a clamour then as Robin took the statue down. I said it was really a gift to Timmy but he thought Mrs Bottom might be discomfited if he took it home.

Benjy pointed at the discomfiting object. "She must have seen her Jabez many times and I wager a statue of him would need more wood there than that young man."

The twins were now eyeing Benjy with questioning looks.

"As we grow older so boys grow more here as you have I am sure since I saw you in the river last Summer." He pointed directly at the wooden projection. "Jabez has grown a deal more than most boys and is proud of the fine pizzle he has. You will have to wait a little longer yet to see what you may achieve."

One of the twins nodded. "Our cousin Jimmy Peters has told us that. He said we had to be patient as he had been." The other whispered "Our brother John is big." The other looked at him as if to silence him.

So they must have peeked at their older brother! But all this chat was meaning the water in the bath was cooling. It had been set by the hearth but both Robin and I had evidence of the night to wash away.

Benjy saw I was getting agitated. He pointed to the door. "Take your pitchers and get hot water for Dr Lancelot. He is in the green bedroom. And don't make too much noise." The boys departed grinning at each other. Noise!

As soon as the door closed behind them I used the pot in the commode as my belly was rumbling. Both Robin and Benjy screwed up their noses as I finished.

"Your fart was enough," Robin said to Benjy "But he has beaten you on stink."

"That was the fine jugged hare I expect," I said as I wiped my arse with soft paper. I walked over to the bath and stepped in. "It is Robin's turn now and as he had a second leg you can judge if his stench is worse." I made sure my face was lathered with almost the last of the sweet soap which masked anything he could produce.

Benjy washed my back as Robin completed his task. "It will be Heaven once those jakes are here," Robin said, "Edward Harrison said he could sit and contemplate and know all would be washed away with the turn of a handle."

"That is interesting," I said, "I know there are pipes to be placed to remove our efforts,. How will there be enough water to make it all disappear?"

Robin pointed up to the ceiling. "There are plans for a cistern or two to be placed in the roof space. There is to be a special pump down in the laundry with a rotating handle to drive the water upwards. I heard Dr Lancelot explaining it to Philip and father as he had made enquiries."

Lancelot had told us of the difficulties of pumping water as such things as village pumps depended on the pressure of air to support the water as it rose so they could not be bored too deep. Something else to explore.

I was soon sweet and clean and dried myself as Robin got into the bath. "This could be hotter," he complained.

"Don't worry, the coolness cannot make much difference to your tiny prong," I said and was lucky as he made to throw the dripping washcloth at me.

This set Benjy off giggling. "That Eamonn is amazing. It must be the better food and drink he gets here, but he is sprouting fast."

"And you have been observing closely?" asked Robin.

Benjy shook his head. "I have observed, but not closely. He is a quiet lad and makes his own pleasure most nights."

"While you do every night, I warrant," Robin said.

"I am a healthy boy," Benjy said, standing up straight and thrusting his chest out. "I may not match that carving but I do not want for enough to keep me happy."

"I suppose there must be some who are not satisfied with what the dear Lord has given them." I mused as I dressed, "One always wonders if someone has something better." I realised the pair were staring at me. "I do not know what might be better so am satisfied with my lot."

"Your lot?" Robin said, standing up in the bath and taking the towel Benjy handed him. "That's not a lot in his possession, is it Benjy?"

"Oh, Robin, do not tease the lad, he has sufficient for his needs at present and no doubt will vie with the carving for superiority when he is fully grown," said Benjy. He turned to me. "I will say no more as a poor servant may be rewarded for his kind statements." He gave me a wink as he handed me my jacket which he had taken from the hook inside my tall chest.

"Oh, Benjy," I said, "Those words of yours are worth their weight in gold. 'Tis a pity we cannot weigh such things." I simpered at him as I thrust my arms into the sleeves.

Robin was not hoodwinked. "Benjy, I need to be dried, do your duty!"

Benjy looked at me with another wink. "My, that young master will have his tankard filled with the lees from the barrel I am sure if he treats good servants like the dirt beneath the carpet."

"Dirt beneath the carpet!" Robin called out. "Are you telling us that the servants here are not cleaning the house with care? I will inspect such things personally and certain persons will be on hands and knees with brushes and dustpans..."

His diatribe came to an end as stepping out of the bath with a gesture worthy of a Roman Senator swirling his toga the dear boy stood on the end of the draped towel and toppled in a heap. We didn't laugh but he was rolled and tickled as I had been and all ended in laughter and good spirits.

"There is no time to test his lot this morning," I said, "I need my breakfast though last night's dinner was substantial."

"That is so," said Benjy with a smile, "Mrs Gray gave us boys the remains of that jugged hare with fine boiled potatoes though the twins wondered at the richness of it. I said they would sleep well after that even if there wasn't much meat left in the pot." He laughed. "I must go and see if that dirt is there but I doubt it or Mistress Clements would have given the cleaning maids a good switching."

He went off and after Robin dressed quickly I brushed his hair for him. Like mine it was now lower than our shoulders and we needed it to be cut somewhat before we went back to Ashbourne or one of the young Potts could deal with it. Not that we would look unsightly as many wore their hair long but if running or playing at football it would get wet, muddy and tangled.

I put my arm round his shoulders as we stood before the glass. "Are you happy, my Robin?" I whispered.

He nodded slowly. "More than I can say." He turned and held me tightly. "Torquil has told me I am to have land in St Albans in my name. That sounds impossible."

I lent forward and kissed him on the lips. "We shall both be landed gentry then. I am to have some, too, and I will ask for it to be next to yours."

We held that kiss for some time until with smiles at each other we went in search of our breakfast.

Both Torquil and Geoffrey were already seated and had piled plates before them. We went immediately to inspect the heated dishes and then sat while Eamonn filled our plates with a good mixture of things.

"We wondered where you were," Torquil said waving his fork at us, "It's not like you to be late for food."

"But it is better for you to be off early as when I looked out of the window I saw there had been more snow," I said, "I hope you will ride carefully as it would not be appropriate for you to arrive on the Mayor's doorstep with britches as wet as you had yesterday."

Torquil just sneered at me. "There will be a time when a young gentleman finds his eldest brother not to be in a forgiving mood."

Geoffrey gave a snort. "Torquil, all young brothers are the same. I have one as Tom well knows who keeps his elder brothers in order."

"George keeps me in order, too," I said, "I hope he does not find me too disobedient."

Geoffrey laughed. "My boy, he's full of praise for you. He says he would not have survived this last term without you and that fellow Davis to help him with his studies."

I felt a warm glow inside. I knew George struggled with his learning but he had succeeded. "I will do my best to help him in whatever he needs. And he will have Robin, too, although I think he will be kept busy with our future relative."

Torquil waved his fork at me. "Now, do not forget, lips are sealed or big brother will not be pleased."

Just in time as father came into the room accompanied by Lancelot.

We greeted him with the usual head bows. He pointed at Torquil and Geoffrey. "Good, you are here. Mr Jarvis has sent a message from the stables that the coach and your mounts are ready. I suggest you start as soon as you are well-filled. There has been snow but it should not hamper you too much. Ride carefully." This last was said with a grin and directed mainly at Geoffrey. "No pony today but Jarvis has picked a fine gelding for you." He turned to Torquil. "I trust you to deliver the letters Mr Mead will have given to the lad to lawyer Grindcobbe at your first convenience. Any replies can either be collected before you ride to Peterborough or sent in the mail back to here." As he said this he slipped a leather purse onto Torquil's lap which clinked. A sum of money I assumed to pay any expenses the pair might have on their quest.

We also had our own errands to perform so eating breakfast was the priority now. I heard Lancelot describing his examination of the idiot boy to father. The boy's aunt had said he would be accommodated at the farmstead and would be looked after there. Lancelot said he had tested the other lad and he could read and write well as he had been taught to read by the curate of the parish when younger. He had spent most of his time when caring for his brother reading books which Mrs Cavendish had loaned him from the library at Bitchfield Hall.

Torquil had been listening to this. "So the elusive Mrs Cavendish has a kinder streak than that husband of hers."

Father sighed. "I suppose there is always hope." He turned to Lancelot. "From that boy's speech and manner he has potential. Let your mother loose on him and she will assess what he might be apprenticed to."

As usual father had made a decision from which I felt only good would flow.

Torquil and Geoffrey were soon finished having cleared their plates of any remaining scraps. They bid us farewell and Torquil said he would make every effort to be back by Friday afternoon. As they left father nodded his head. "Milord Harford must be rightly proud to have a son like that. He will be a good addition to Billy's band of warriors, no doubt." Father had made another judgement.

As we ate he asked what our plans were. I let Robin tell him and he listed his household, Natty's mother and Uncle Dodd. Lancelot laughed when he said the last as he would like to be there when we asked about the plans of the house but he had several sick patients to visit. Father said he would be looking at maps Uncle Digby had given him of the Witham farms. He shook his head when we said we would like to ride over there.

"It would be more than a day's ride in weather such as this and we do not know if there is to be more snow. Leave it until you are back at Easter when the snow will be over. With all the lawyers and their machinations I doubt if there will be any advance for some months." He smiled. "One of those letters for friend Grindcobbe is for him to set further conditions for the railway company. Your uncle said the sooner the better to get things clear as there is a clamour for the line to be excavated and laid. The investors want to see a speedy return on their money which can only happen when there are those engines running up and down." He shook his head. "How things change. My father said the canals made such a difference for business and now I see it will be these railways." There was much to think about as usual.

We finished our breakfast and as Eamonn cleared our plates we bid good-day to my father and hurried to get changed for riding into the village on a cold day. This, of course, was accompanied by a hug or two. As soon as we had retrieved hats, cloaks, gloves and scarves we went to the Hall stables. Bobby Brewer was tending to a young bay gelding which had a touch of mange on it's flank. He bemoaned the lack of care which had been given to the animal which father had bought from a dealer some two months ago. "That man had a string of six to sell and all good except they were dirty and ill-kept. I liked this one so Mr Browning said I should persevere with it and it pleases me it has responded well to Dr Lancelot's ointment." Robin and I exchanged amused glances as Lancelot seemed to spend as much time curing horse complaints as dealing with his human patients. Perhaps that was the lot of country physicians. No wonder he was willing to nurture young Timmy.

Our mounts greeted us as usual with neighs and quiet whinnies as we gave them each a carrot. I saw a small heap of my hated parsnips in a basket and Blaze ate one quickly when I held it to him. I thought of Robin's Latin tag - 'de gustibus'. We set off down the drive and the snow had been swept aside for most of the way but the village street was quite treacherous with ice as well. I could see what father meant about not attempting to visit Witham. I hoped the snow would be somewhat gone before our journey back to Ashbourne.

There was a great welcome when we went into Robin's house. He was enveloped in a great hug by his mother and I was too. We were not allowed to leave until I had told of the Ball, the At Home and the SoirＦ. Jenny Goodhew had been taught to play the spinet by Aunt Matty and smiled when she heard I had played a new pianoforte at the At Home. "That must make a grand sound," she said. All this took time and the consumption of two dishes of tea with a small baked cake each.

I asked about Liam and Jenny gave her silvery laugh. "He is doing so well and has control over the imps." She meant Philip and his younger brother. "Steven says he has never known such a willing worker and he is learning all the new skills fast. Steven has new business to complete all the time. There are memorials for two other churches and the repair of a window or something in another but that must wait until the weather improves."

I couldn't say about Torquil's impending marriage but, no doubt, she knew. She looked fondly at their son as he said we would go to the workshop. "You'll find James there but Philip's gone to the Rectory already. He said he has much to do but would not tell us anything."

"I expect it's about the jakes in every bedroom at the Hall," I said, "Both my room and father's are disordered."

"Jakes!" Jenny said emphatically, "That is the only word I have heard this Christmas and New Year. There is Steven drawing plans and Philip telling him how to do them properly and the pair getting sodden wet in the river on the coldest day! All they would say was it was to make sure there was a good flow."

I thought of the descriptions of the Thames where all the ordure and foul remains were poured in all the time. I knew the village used the river to wash away its debris and that and the stables were downstream to us at the Hall. In Spring and Autumn the river had a good flow but was more sluggish in the Summer. Would it become like the Thames?

We took our leave and went through the rambling house to the passageway to the big, old barn which Steven used as the space for any carving. Here it was quite warm as a brazier had been placed so Steven and Liam wouldn't freeze as they worked on the stone. Young James rushed up and hugged his half-brother as soon as we entered. I was greeted most affably by Steven who pointed at Liam with a grin.

"That lad has saved my reputation," he said, laughing.

I said I had heard and he was to be congratulated. Liam smiled as he stood up from the block of stone he was tapping with a chisel. He had on the usual garb of a working mason, a paper cap and grey smock and looked as if he had been at the craft for years.

"Mr Goodhew, that was an error on the clergyman's part," he said, now looking serious.

I went over to him. "But you noticed it. Congratulations." His smile was back.

Robin was looking at the stone his foster-father had been carving. "I must check that no more errors are being made," he said impishly, "Yes, 'Michael' is correct now!"

Steven grabbed his shoulder. "And Liam carved that perfectly, you wretch!"

Liam was looking very pleased. "I had but to take out the roughnesses in the grooves." He looked at young James. "You had a hand in that, too."

"And you told me not to tap too hard as the chisel was very sharp. I obeyed for once." This last said with a smile which told that although James might be losing an older brother he had gained another.

I was shown all the work in progress and was amazed that Liam in such a short time was allowed, and able, to do some of the careful work. As we left Steven said quietly to me that Liam had the makings of a master mason and would be trained to the highest standard.

Before going to the Rectory we went to see Natty's mother. She said that whatever her boy wanted to do, as long as he didn't join the military, she would be happy. I said my Aunt would no doubt supply any things Natty needed when he left for the school with us. I didn't mention the Duchess's sweetmeat but saw it had pride of place on a saucer on her kitchen dresser. There would be more for her when my Mother returned with my chest and bags.

Aunt Matty was out when we arrived at the Rectory as Simpson the butler announced most pompously. He followed that with "The Rector and the boy Goodhew are in the study looking at papers." Somehow I didn't think Mr Simpson thought the Rector should be wasting his time on such trivial pursuits. He must then have realised that Robin was with me. He was more than unctuous after that. I and the second boy Goodhew were ceremoniously ushered into the study once we had divested ourselves of our outer clothing. "Master Thomas Browning and Master Robert Goodhew for the Rector." None of us dared to correct him though there was more than a hint of a smile on Uncle Dodd's face. We greeted my uncle and Robin's half-brother who were standing by a large table set up near the main window.

When the door was shut Uncle Dodd let out a snort. "Come over here." He beckoned us to the table on which a number of sheets of old paper were spread out. On top of some were new pieces with sketches of walls and rooms on them. As we peered he said to Philip, "Explain what you think you have found."

"Master Tom, there is something in the corner here where the walls come together." He set side by side one of the old pieces and a new sketch. "When I was measuring the two corner bedrooms I found they do not touch back to back. There is a discrepancy of some six or seven feet and it is the same in the corner of the ballroom and the anteroom on the ground floor. I have not explored the cellar yet as there is a deal of old lumber piled but I crawled through and found a small iron wicket gate. I could not open it and we shall have to wait to have that part of the cellar cleared."

I looked at Uncle Dodd who was smiling broadly. "I think our young explorer has made quite a discovery. While Philip has been measuring and crawling in cellars I have been delving into old chests from the attic. I should have looked before at what my predecessors had left behind and these were the documents hoarded in the old priest's room in the tower of the church. They were moved here when this Rectory was built at the end of the last century and the bells rehung in the church tower." He picked up a faded piece of parchment. "This tells us that while the Puritans were knocking down statues and the priest had been turned out someone had hidden two carvings of Our Lady. It doesn't say where but we might have a guess." He picked up an even older document, frayed at the edges. "This is an order for the arrest of any Roman Catholic priest found in the district and is dated as far as I can make out in 1590. As it is in Latin I doubt if the local constables could read it." He handed the parchment to Robin. "Now, Tom, look over here." He pointed at a sketch of part of a building. "This is the earliest drawing of your home I can find and it has the date of 1665 on it. It is a plan for rebuilding part of the original house on the site. There is little detail but this piece shows the corner of the house young Philip has been measuring. I think this plan is a ruse and does not show something much older. I suspect there is one or more hidden rooms. Who would ever notice six or seven feet missing at a corner? There had been new building much before but in secret and inside."

I realised what was being said. Those discussions about Sir Thomas More and other Catholics. "You think there might be a room to hide a priest?" I asked.

Uncle Dodd nodded. "There are many examples in old houses where the families did not reject their Catholic heritage. The Varleys were Catholic I am sure right up to the last one killed in the duel. This part of Lincolnshire had many old Catholic families. The boy Niall now with Mr Grindcobbe is lodged with a Catholic family who have been merchants in Stamford for generations." He smiled. "The family were delighted to take the boy in and I hear he is well-settled."

"That is so," Robin said, "But were any priests found here?"

"I do not think so," Uncle Dodd replied equably, "If any were hidden they were hidden well. That family in Stamford had a kinsman who went to the seminary in Douai in France sometime around 1600 but as far as they know he never came back to England. At least he is not listed in those from Douai who were found and killed."

"Found and killed?" I asked.

Uncle Dodd shook his head. "In the name of religion over one hundred and fifty Catholic priests from that one college were killed for their beliefs after being discovered in hiding all over this country."

All four of us in the room were silent for a few moments until young Philip broke the silence. "Uncle, I do not understand. They were priests, why were they killed?"

"Philip, it is a long and difficult story. It is not one I am proud of as I am a clergyman. In a nutshell, Queen Elizabeth had plots against her especially after the Pope of the time wrote that her reign was not legitimate. The Catholics in the country were accused of being against the Queen as well and an Act was passed requiring allegiance to Her Majesty and punishment by harsh penalties if not obeyed. A priest, if caught, was asked who was supreme, the Pope or the Monarch? How could he answer?"

"Uncle, how could anyone be so evil?" the young lad asked with such a look of consternation on his face.

"Unfortunately there are many even now who would do evil things in the name of religion," Uncle Dodd said and put his hand on the lad's shoulder. "It was only in 1829 that an Act of Parliament was passed to allow Catholics to take public offices from which they were barred under those earlier Acts. Even King George was against the passing of the Act and it was passed over much opposition from many of the aristocracy and gentry as well as clergy."

"But we were all Catholics before Henry the Eighth..." Philip said then stopped.

Uncle Dodd smiled. "You are thinking of the Apostles Creed, eh? I believe in the Holy Ghost; The Holy Catholic Church; The Communion of Saints... We are still Catholics even though our allegiance is to Her Majesty as head of our Church of England and not the Pope who is head of the Church in Rome." He patted Philip's arm. "I know it is difficult but believe me I had to make decisions myself before I was ordained. You know I had to take Holy Orders to be a Fellow of my college as I have told you that before. I was then a deacon. I was made a priest when I was offered this living by Tom's grandfather and I did not take that step lightly. However I have never regretted it. I hope I am a good parish priest."

"Sometimes the sermons are rather long," Robin said and dodged the friendly cuff which was directed at him.

"I do my best, young man, and I will hear your construe of the next part of Herodotus on Thursday afternoon." He turned to me. "And you need not be idle, either. Greek adjectives for you. I want a list with comparative and superlative. For example, 'black', 'blacker', 'blackest'. Then, 'light','sweet', 'poor', 'clear', for a start. You can decide on five more."

I picked up the nearest piece of paper meaning to note what he had said. My hand was slapped down as it was already drawn upon. Philip grinned at me at Uncle's action and handed me a blank piece together with a sharpened pencil.

"'Black' would have the stem 'melan'?" I said, thinking of the four humours and 'melancholic'.

"That is for you to decide. The new lexicon should be useful," was all Uncle Dodd said.

Uncle turned his attention to Philip. "When these young gentlemen are ready to visit Mrs Reynolds to see what she has in the pantry for us all we can pursue the task we started on." We were ignored as Uncle Dodd went on, "I think we might find there are rooms one above the other from cellar to attic, do you not think so, too?"

Robin looked at me and raised his eyebrows as Philip said "I agree, and we can see if there are other measures which do not match.". Robin nodded towards the door and we made our way out down to the kitchen which was quite hot and steamy.

Mrs Reynolds was in a flustered mood, then we heard the news. "That daughter of mine is to be married on Saturday and not before time!"

To be continued:

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