Tom Browning's Schooldays

Tom Browning's Schooldays

By

Joel

Chapter Forty

The look on my father's face was a picture which changed rapidly from surprise to a smile, but then two great tears welled from his eyes.

He put his pipe down and beckoned Uncle Dodd to him. "That was my mother's and though she gave it to me for my seventh birthday she kept it hanging on the wall of her boudoir to keep it safe."

Aunt Matty was openly weeping and Lancelot passed her his white handkerchief. "Oh, Sam, I remember how you loved that plate. Our mother used to make up stories for us and your favourites were those where the boy had adventures with his friend the hare." She did smile then. "Fanny and I enjoyed those particular stories as we surmised that the hare was a little more astute than the boy."

Father ignored that gibe from his sister. I surmised he had heard it before. He took the plate carefully from Uncle Dodd. He was shaking his head. "I cannot believe I'm seeing this again after all these years." He sniffed and brushed his nose with the back of his hand. "Many times I asked my father if I could have a hare for myself but he always said I could not. I did not understand but the gamekeepers said their rightful place was in the fields. Many's the time I was taken by old Amos Cooper our head gamekeeper to watch the mad March hares sparring and boxing. He did let me hold a young leveret which had hopped from its form but warned me I could not take it away as it would die without its mother's care. I thought of that many times when my own mother lay dying. Would we survive, my sisters, my brother and me?"

My mother moved towards him and clasped his hand. "Sam, you have told me many times of that plate. It is almost a miracle it has been found." She turned to Uncle Dodd. "Where was it?

Uncle Dodd smiled. "We were on an exploration in one of the cellars..." he paused, "...Lancelot, young Philip Goodhew and me. I had better explain. Philip has discovered certain measurements of rooms do not tally with what one might expect. We think there are secret rooms, but that is a story for another time." He turned to my father who was still looking at the plate. "Sam, we found some other things. Let me fetch them." He nodded at Lancelot and the pair went from the room and nobody spoke. My mother took the plate from my father and was also looking at it intently. Uncle Dodd and Lancelot were soon back each carrying a box.

Lancelot opened his and took out one of the Hogarth pictures. My father was shaking his head slowly. "'The Good Samaritan'. That was on the boudoir wall as well. Are there others? I remember 'The Pool of Bethesda' with the flying angel."

"Uncle, there are six in the box and one is of the 'Pool'" Lancelot said. He went over to a side table and placed the six in three rows of two.

My father got up and looked at the array. He nodded and smiled this time. "These were all my mother's." He looked over at Uncle Dodd. "And I can but guess what you have." He turned to his sister. "Matty, come and stand by me."

Uncle Dodd placed the four miniatures on another side table. He held up one. "I would say this is you," he said to Aunt Matty.

It was her turn to smile. "Yes, that is me! I remember the Signor coming to paint that. He was a welcome guest. He had painted both Mother and Father some time before and they had each of us depicted when we were five or so. Fanny was the first as eldest and then me." She looked at my father. "I think you and Billy were depicted at the same time." She pointed at one of the ovals. "And that is dear Billy. How he will be delighted to see it again, but we must forewarn Torquil not to make remarks." She laughed. "He was such a pretty boy in that lace collar with his long hair. We used to vie, Fanny and I, over who should brush it for him in the morning." She turned and pointed at Robin and me. "You boys were the same at that age so there is no need to sit and grin. Look at you now. Your hair is still as long even if it does not curl."

I am afraid we looked at each other and sniggered. I had difficulty in imagining either my father or Uncle Billy as small boys. But they must have been. They had been scamps in the village as much as us. They had enjoyed boyish pleasures. Oh! my thoughts then strayed to that supreme boyish pleasure! Father and Uncle were boys, too! I had to think of other less alarming things.

"Uncle thinks some kind servant rescued these pictures and hid them," I remarked in order to change the way my thoughts were running. "Who would that have been?"

Aunt Matty thought for a moment. "I would say it was Mr Jubb. He was our butler and he died soon after our mother. He was devoted to her and had come from London with her when she married our father so we were told. He lies in the graveyard just a yard or two from our parents' tomb."

I had seen the plain table-top tomb many times and had seen their names carved on it but I had never noted a stone for Mr Jubb. Robin spoke up.

"Is that the one for Hezekiah Jubb?" he asked. "Father says it has uncommonly fine lettering."

Aunt Matty gave a little laugh. "No one knew what his Christian name was until our father made enquiries. He was the brother of our cook so of course she knew."

"She is in the same grave," said Robin, "She must be Hephzibah Jubb and that is all it says other than giving their dates."

"You are most observant," Aunt Matty said approvingly.

Robin said no more but confessed to me when in bed later that his father Steven had said having long names cost more to carve. He had said it was fortunate their surname was not Featherstonehaugh as well which would have been most expensive when their long Christian names were added.

My father left his contemplation of the pictures and turned to Uncle Dodd. "Which cellar were they in, Alfred?"

Uncle then explained that Philip had noted the measurements he had taken in the bedrooms at the back right-hand corner of the Hall did not add up. He had tried to explore the cellar beneath but it was full of lumber. The three of them had gone down to find what had to be moved and they found the three boxes on a shelf above an old escritoire.

"I have never ventured down there," my father said. He looked at Robin and me who were still grinning. "The only cellar I check is the one in which my store of good wine is kept. And that is securely under lock and key!" he said quite firmly.

Why were we being singled out? He smiled then. I dared not sneer.

Uncle Dodd smiled, too. "Sam, this other cellar was also locked. Mr Clements said as far as he knew no one had been down for many years as it had been filled a long time ago with old furniture and unwanted utensils and so on."

"Father, you said there had been portraits of grandfather and grandmother. Could it be they were not destroyed?" I asked.

"That is an interesting question," he said. "Your grandfather said they were burnt but if these were saved, I wonder?"

"Perhaps Mr Jubb was instructed to destroy everything but disobeyed," said Lancelot. "I think we should take care when the lumber is moved to discover what may be amongst it and not just discard everything as rubbish."

My father nodded. "May I leave it to you, Alfred, to conduct the search? It is not something I feel I can do."

"Sam, I will gladly do it and hope that there will be an even more eventful and happy outcome." He looked at Lancelot. "We will have to ask Steven Goodhew if we may borrow Jesse Flagge as we suggested but as soon as possible. Let us say next week sometime."

I looked at Robin and we were both frowning. We would not be party to any discoveries down there of any kind. We would at last be going to school!

My mother had been passed two of the Hogarth prints. "Sam, I think we should display these in the passageway by the parlour to give everyone the pleasure of seeing them." She laughed. "I would have suggested otherwise if they were 'The Rake's Progress' which Lady Catherine has fully on show to all and sundry."

"But, my dear," Uncle Dodd interjected, "There is a moral tale in those which I'm sure all young men should take to heart." The look he gave us was one just short of full laughter. I would have to explore and see this 'Progress'. The word 'debauchery' had been used when it was mentioned before.

It was then decided that a dreary picture of some fields in the country would be taken down in the Library and replaced by the miniatures and the plate. Jackson was nodded at by my father so he would have to pass the instructions on to Mr Clements.

Pipes were relit and port and the sweet wine circulated again as discussion then moved to the list of guests for the dinner on Saturday.. I think the total of participants came to eighteen and I noted that although the Jeffersons were invited only their daughter, Millicent, was mentioned as accompanying them. Algernon had probably been told he had made a spectacle of himself over the dog and that sort of language was not to be heard in polite company. I thought another explanation might be that he didn't relish having his pizzle decorated again. Anyway, as well as the usual guests from the village I heard Mr and Mrs Westrup mentioned. They were not usual participants and I hadn't seen her for at least two years. Looking after nine offspring must be quite a burden although no doubt she was well supplied with help. It was then Aunt Matty asked would there be dancing or some other entertainment?

My mother looked at me. "I think as we will have a surfeit of young men we will have just entertainment." I wondered if being referred to as being within a 'surfeit' was quite what I felt myself. I knew one of the old Norman kings had died after 'a surfeit of lampreys'! But, counting up, if 'young' included Rass and Lancelot, with Torquil, Geoffrey and Robin and me, there would be six of us without female partners other than Millicent and the elderly Miss Barnes. My abstracted cogitation was interrupted as my mother went on "I heard some sweet sounds this afternoon so our two young musicians can divert us. Is that not so?" This was plainly not a question but a firm order.

Uncle Dodd turned to Robin. "You've collected your new violin from Mr Venables then?"

Robin was smiling broadly. "Yes, it's a most wonderful instrument," he said with enthusiasm.

"Then perhaps we might enjoy some sweet sounds before Saturday, eh?" my father asked.

"Gladly," said Robin as we both got up and rushed off upstairs. "Don't get out of breath," he said after we had collected our boxes and the book with the duets. We walked more sedately down and back to the parlour. There we unpacked our instruments and while Robin checked his tuning I set the book up on the old music stand which was kept in the corner. I found the piece by Sebastian Bach and as soon as Robin was ready we set off intertwining our melodies and making good harmonies. There was a respectful silence as we drew the piece to a close. There were nods of approval, none more decided than from my father, and Robin's grandfather.

"That lad," he said obviously referring to me, "offered to play on street corners in London and I think he is better than that. Robin, you need not join him, just give me the pleasure of hearing you here." He waved his churchwarden. "Another piece!"

On that instruction we set off on the next duet, a lively movement by Mr Corelli. It was most generously received. Aunt Matty was full of praise and my mother said we should play those two and at least two more. Not too long but tuneful! She would leave it to us to choose. That we would do gladly, I thought.

Talk was desultory after that as far as Robin and I were concerned. Mother and Aunt Matty were discussing what dresses they would wear. The three men set to putting the world to rights as father always said most men's conversations were of that nature, or about the weather and the price of corn! He did say he had decided to place Mr Johnson in Cobblers Farm as soon as possible and would also put a fair amount of land to beet this year. This was a good crop whatever the weather might do.

That was interesting as Mr Johnson was a deputy constable. If Rogers was moving and Johnson was outside the village at the farm a new constable would definitely be needed. I thought there could be only one candidate as I had thought before. Isaac Barker, the doughty farrier! Was he too young? He would be nineteen come the summer.

As we had already put our instruments in their cases we said our goodnights and left the parlour. Benjy lighted us upstairs and said he had been told by Mr Clements to go to bed early tonight and tomorrow as Saturday evening would be very tiring for the servants. Robin said he shouldn't tire himself too much when he got into bed either night. He was not a respectful servant as he said he did no more than others of some higher station who were known to perform most regularly. We just laughed but I was kind and gave him two wrapped sweetmeats to share with Eamonn.

We did perform and that most lovingly and lengthily twice over and held each other close as we settled to sleep.

On waking I found I was alone but being entertained by the quite ethereal sounds of Robin quietly playing his new violin. It was still quite dark so I could only see him outlined against the flickering flames from logs he had placed on the embers, the planes of his slim and naked body illuminated in the warm red glow. He was like the Greek boy I had seen in a picture, except he had the violin rather than the double flute which the boy was playing. I imagined I was the other figure lying on the bed listening. My Robin looked so beautiful I wanted him, I needed him, but I was captivated by the sweetness of his playing.

He saw me and smiled and continued playing. I did not recognise the melody but as it rose and fell I was enthralled by it. I wondered if he was extemporising. He finished and placed the violin and bow carefully on the side table. He came to the bed and held out his arms and we kissed deeply and I almost pulled him in to lie beside me. We smothered each others' cheeks, necks and chests with flurries of kisses as we lay and held each other close. Again I could but see his face dimly but we smiled at each other with such love.

"My Robin, your love is all I want..."

"Tom dearest, your love, too. I played that to wake you with my tenderest affection."

"What was the melody? I do not know its name?"

"It has no name. I thought of you and it came to me as I played. If anything it should be called 'My Tom's Melody'.

"That was your own making?" I whispered. He nodded against me. "It was so fine: could you play it again?"

"My Tom, I would play it forever, if I could, but I will write it down so we can share it. As I played another melody entwined with it inside me. I will endeavour to make sense of that, too."

I hugged him tight against me and we kissed again. The church clock struck seven so we knew we could go no further as there would be an interruption soon. In the growing light we looked at each other and our smiles were those of enduring love.

The interruption came all too soon. Just Benjy and Eamonn bearing their pitchers of hot water. We were bathed and ready dressed for the day by half past seven. A busy day. Breakfast first and then we decided we had better practice a little more before we set out for the church and the burial of the poor mite. We had promised ourselves time in the church to play the organ which would take us to luncheon time. I had our lists of requirements for school so we would be ready for our chests to be packed that afternoon and the following morning. I had seen the two fine cambric shirts which Robin's mother had ready for him and we would have to visit Jenny and Steven again. We would then await the arrival back of my brother hoping that there would be news for him from London by the mail.

At breakfast Jackson said my father had already gone to the stables and that we had been invited for luncheon at Robin's house. Jackson said that was most convenient as the servants would be busy setting rooms to rights and hanging pictures as well as doing all the rest of their duties. So, orders had already been given over what had been decided the night before.

As we would be luncheon guests we changed into our neat suits before we began our practice. Dressed like that we would have to ask to be taken around the village by my mother's chaise. I knew she would be busy today with all the arrangements for tomorrow. I rang. Benjy appeared and said he would pass the request to Mr Clements for the chaise to be ready for half past nine.

Our practice went well. We chose two other items to play. One was a Mozart Duet and the other Mr Handel's 'Entry of the Queen of Sheba' which we thought would be a good end piece. We were very pleased at our progress. All too soon, as far as our enjoyment of playing was concerned, we were interrupted by Benjy saying the chaise was ready as soon as we were. We packed our instruments away and went downstairs to collect our cloaks, hats, scarves and gloves. Standing by a grave in winter would be a cold affair.

We arrived early enough to ask Uncle Dodd, who was already waiting in the porch of the church, his permission to play the organ after the burial service. He said we were to call at the Rectory as soon as we had finished to collect things for both of us for school. It was then time for Uncle, followed by Mr Thatcher the Parish Clerk, and Briggs the Sexton and gravedigger, to go to receive the coffin and the mourners at the lychgate. We followed, too, at a respectful distance. Poor Mrs Lovell was not there but Mr Lovell and all the children were, with several of their neighbours. The twins looked so sad and I wanted to comfort them but it would not have been considered proper. We all walked to the graveside with Mr Lovell carrying that so small wooden box. A stone still remained at the head which read that several other Lovells were already interred there. There was only a small but deep hole dug and as Uncle Dodd said his final words of the Committal so two men lowered the tiny coffin into that cavity. 'Earth to earth, ashes to ashes, dust to dust' - it all sounded so final as the first spadefuls of earth were cast into the grave. I had to speak to Mr Lovell. I would represent my father and a few words on his behalf would be appreciated. I went to him, surrounded by his family, and offered my condolences and that of my family. We bowed our heads to each other and I had done my duty and that action would be recognised and, no doubt, commented upon.

The mourners dispersed quickly as the wind was chill. We walked with Uncle Dodd towards the church. "I am proud of you, Tom. You did the right thing just now. However young or old their dear one was, such words are a comfort to those who mourn." He led us into the church which for a chilly January day was quite warm. "I ordered Briggs to stoke the Squire's fire and there is another lit in my vestry. I must complete the Register as Mr Thatcher has gone back to the cottage with the Lovells."

Robin said he would pump first as that would warm him as well. I unlocked the cover over the keys and set up a book of John Stanley's Voluntaries which Aunt Matty had left on the bench. I chose the first in the book and played through the first movement marked 'Siciliano' on the Stopped Diapason on the Swell manual. For the second movement I chose the Flutes at eight foot and four foot on the Great manual with the Vox Humana on the Swell to contrast the solos and the echoes. Robin said I should play another before his turn so I turned to the third Voluntary which needed a Cornet stop in the second movement but there was none so I made use of the Dulciana with the four foot Principal. It sounded a little harsh but I persevered. I did enjoy playing but Robin had to have his turn.

His first choice was the fourth Voluntary. Again this needed Diapasons for the Adagio. He added the Fifteenth for the first part of the second movement and then used the Stopped Diapason for the sequences of quavers against the long-held notes when that passage appeared twice. He added the trills perfectly and it all sounded most musical as he reached the last few bars. He then played the sixth Voluntary. Our organ of twelve stops did not have the Trumpet required so he played the Andante movement using the Oboe stop instead. It still sounded fine and used the Dulciana alone for the third movement. His final selection was the Eighth Voluntary where the first movement was marked Full Organ. I had to watch the mouse carefully as he set most of the stops with the two manuals coupled and that used a deal of wind. He left that registration for the second movement and used the contrast between the full organ 'forte' against the not quite 'piano' of the Swell. It was a most accomplished performance. 'Robin you have great skill', I thought to myself.

We didn't know but Uncle Dodd having finished writing the Register had settled in the Squire's pew with the curtains drawn. When he emerged he was most profuse in his congratulations as Robin closed the organ and I settled the pump handle. "I marvel at you boys with your music. You must make sure you do not let your skills diminish," he said as he stood and came back into the chancel.

He said he would walk across the lane to the Rectory and would see us there. Two of the young village boys had been instructed to keep an eye on the chaise and horse which had been left not far from the lychgate. One was stroking the muzzle of the old gelding while the other sheltered in the covered gate. "We took it in turns, Master Tom," this one said as he pushed the gate open for us. "'Tis a cold day and a burial makes it feel colder," the other one opined as we reached him. Luckily I had had the foresight to put a few coins in my trouser pocket and handed each two pennies which they took and smiled. They touched their caps in response and smiled at each other. That meant a good few sweets from the shop. I guessed they were about ten years or so. Two pennies would be like riches for boys that age. Robin nudged me as they scampered off.

"You've made two good allies there, Tom. I know that pair as they are friends of young James. I think they're good lads and your generosity was well bestowed."

"I am not good with money, Robin. I was told I was far too generous when I was in London," I said as we climbed aboard and Robin took up the reins.

"Then I will have to return your gift to me. As I said, it was far too much." He shook the reins and the old horse set off at a slow steady pace

"No, Robin, it is for you. You will need a little to see you through the term and we can ask my father to keep any money you want to leave behind safe and sound as I will do. Remember there will be many workmen tramping around while we are away. Not that we do not trust them but temptation may be their downfall."

He laughed. "Tom, you think of everything!"

Aunt Matty had Robin's school chest ready in the parlour. I saw it had a deal of clothing in it all carefully wrapped in paper. "Don't peer too close, nephew," she said to me as I was itching to explore, "I have followed the school list exactly and a bit more. You have things to add?"

I said there were football and running togs and books in our bedroom. She laughed when I said 'our' but made no comment. Robin got a hug and a smile when he thanked her for all she had given him. "No more than you deserve," was her response. We closed the chest and the gardener and the stableman were called to carry the chest to the chaise and strap it to the back. We smiled at each other as I took the reins this time. Robin mouthed 'Time for luncheon'.

The warmest of welcomes awaited us at his house. The greatly-loved son may be leaving for a completely new life but all was happiness. Six of us, including Liam, sat around the table and were served by two of the village girls. Steven said Grace and I noted that Liam made the sign of the Cross at its end.

It was a substantial luncheon of good wholesome country food. A large sirloin of roast beef was brought in to be carved by Steven. With it were roasted potatoes and preserved beans with plenty of thick brown gravy. I had to have two more potatoes as they were so tasty and just a slice more of the beef. All the boys did! There was a treacle pudding to follow which Steven Goodhew said was his favourite and he was glad I had been invited. This made Jenny laugh as she said she was always having to prepare the dish.

After this most substantial feast I went with Steven and the boys to the workshop as Jenny obviously wanted time with her son, Robin. I saw that the white stone previously covered with paper was now being lettered in black pencil ready for carving. The boys had made a good start on their task. While Philip and James were teasing Liam over something I had the opportunity to tell Steven I would make sure Robin was treated as an equal by all. Steven smiled. "I think Robin will astound us all. I have never had to chide him other than when another mischievous imp had led him astray." I grinned at him. That was me. He continued, "Robin is his own man and will take his rightful place in society whatever might befall. I know you and he are the greatest of friends and long may that continue. I should not tell you this but your father has made even greater provision for Robin and has been most kind and more than generous to my own boys. I know there will be plans for Philip soon but we must wait and see." I held out my hand and we clasped and shook and I vowed that Robin would never be put at any disadvantage.

It was then that Philip crept up behind me. "Please, I have something for you," he whispered. I unrolled the paper he gave me. It was a drawing of Robin and me, heads and shoulders, looking at each other. Somehow that young boy had captured the love shining in our eyes as we gazed with half smiles. I bent down towards him and gave him a hug. I turned to James who had joined him. I hugged him, too.

"I will miss all the excitements which will happen in the next few weeks," I said mainly to Philip, "And make sure Robin and I have a comfortable closet..."

"...or we'll lock Philip in those rooms he thinks he's found," James said with his cheeky smile. "I want to see the pictures they found and that plate, too, I would like to write a story about the boy with the hare."

"You will," I said, "If you help the architect here with his measurements you will see all the pictures found."

Their father laughed. "I have to buy more and more paper for the pair of them. One drawing, the other writing and both asking the most awkward questions. How is this or that made? How long would it take to walk to Rome to see the statues?"

"But father, you have said pilgrims walked for many miles and I would be a pilgrim to see all those things in Rome Mr Harrison told us he saw on his travels," Philip said.

"No doubt one day there will be these trains we hear so much about all over and you won't have to walk," his father said, "And I shall be old and grey and you would have to read me your tales, James."

Liam had been listening to all this badinage. "And I pray by then I may have finished my apprenticeship."

"You will, my boy, but we had better set to work again or the moment to learn more will be lost!"

I said my goodbyes and wandered back along the passageway to the house. Mother and son had finished their conversation and were enjoying a dish of tea. I had to join them, of course, as there was a piece of gingerbread ready for me.

Once we had finished we collected the chaise and Robin drove us back to Careby Hall. There was still an air of quiet pandemonium when we peeked down in the kitchen. Mrs Gray was calculating how long the haunch of venison would take to roast and whether the spit was well-oiled and wouldn't squeak. Robin and I just smiled at each other and arranged for the chest to be brought up by two of the grooms who were stacking wood ready for the fires and stoves.

As well as the chest they made another journey and brought up the rest of the packages for me including the books for Philip from Uncle Digby Wright. Being inquisitive we had a quick look and were amazed how generous the gift was. There were fully a dozen books of drawings of figures and statues as well as plans of houses and ornamental gardens. I noted they were nearly all from Florence or Rome and vowed these were places Robin and I would visit at some time.

Robin looked so pleased as he closed a thick book of drawings of strange contrivances, "My mother said that next time father has to go to Stamford he will take Philip with him to visit Mr Carteret the drawing master there. He knows him as he had occasion to carve a headstone for a relation. We must see what his opinion may be."

We swiftly unpacked all the rest of the parcels and the cases and found there was an assortment of clothing of various sizes as well as seventeen packets of sweetmeats. An odd number, I thought, and wondered if Jabez had sampled at least one other as there were six cakes of good soap also wrapped carefully in the bottom of that case. Nestled against these were six packs of soft paper for use after the jakes. I did not grudge dear Jabez anything he may have fancied with these added to the bounty. However, moving the packages I found a note from Jabez saying he had packed everything carefully and had given Mehmet, Karem and the young Bartoli boys some of the sweetmeats on my Aunt Fanny's instruction. I gave one of the cakes of soap to Robin and said he should use it when he was muddy and smelly after football. I said we would take the soft paper with us, too, and give each of our roommates one for their comfort. I was not enamoured of some of the rough paper I had had to use during the last term.

We were attentive to any activity in the corridors as we expected my brother and Geoffrey to return sometime this afternoon. Just as we heard the church clock strike four there was a commotion. Not wishing to appear too inquisitive we made our way quietly downstairs and there Torquil and Geoffrey were, just coming in still becloaked. Both were smiling hugely and greeted us warmly. Jackson and Benjy were hovering ready to take their outer garments. Mr Clements was saying there would be tea in the breakfast room as soon as they were ready and the boys would bring hot water to their rooms immediately. Two not quite clean travellers would be unwelcome in the parlour in Mr Clements' eyes as I had surmised when we had invaded that room on our return from London.

Neither took very long to make themselves clean and tidy. We were first in the breakfast room in any case and Torquil made some remark which made Geoffrey laugh as they joined us. We ignored them as it was the usual comment on boys and food. While we ate and drank they enthused about their reception by all the gentry they had met. The militia commanders would be pleased to join in the Easter camp and their detachments would act both as the infantry and the enemy. That would be a sight worth seeing.

It was while we were talking together that Mr Clements brought in at least three letters for Torquil. We waited until he opened the first one. I couldn't resist the temptation after the taunt about boys and their stomachs. "Should I read it to you, brother?" I asked in my kindest tones as he scanned the page, "You will be a long time stumbling over all those words."

He shot me a look as both Geoffrey and Robin laughed. "You keep your words to yourself, young man, or I might suggest you stand in front of my troopers for their sabre practice," Torquil said quite solemnly, then sniggered and shook his head. "Four days away and I come back to that tongue of yours! But this is such good news!" He sneered at me then. "I must go and tell our mother first and then I might let you line out the words like the Parish Clerk you might become." He stood and smiled. "Geoffrey, I must ask your pardon leaving you in the company of this pair but I must haste upstairs." Geoffrey laughed again as he rushed from the room.

"I warrant that is good news from London, eh?" he said. "It is all he has talked about on our travels. It will be a great affair if it is at that church. I wait to see the place as I have only seen drawings of it."

We both said it was the biggest and grandest building we had ever seen. I said it would appear that James, my brother-in-law, had been successful and the marriage would take place in Great St Paul's. After more chat Geoffrey asked if we would deliver a letter he would write to George. He looked at us with lowered brows and neither of us dared ask if we should write the letter for him!

He told us more about their visit and how the Mayor of Stamford was a most agreeable fellow and had entertained them handsomely with a dinner attended by numerous of the gentry. From what he said the Browning name was well-known and respected in the town.

Torquil did not reappear so we parted and went to our rooms to rest and to prepare for this evening's dinner. Robin and I played over our pieces for the next evening and we decided we were well-practised.

At dinner we were joined by Uncle and Aunt Dodd and Lancelot. The discussion was all about the impending wedding and my mother could not keep from smiling all through the repast. Her eldest son was to be married and to a most delightful young lady. After dinner we repaired to the Library where the miniatures and the plate had been hung. Torquil could hardly contain himself when the two dear little boys were pointed out to be in fact Father and Uncle Billy. Father did say in a loud voice that sons had been cut off with a shilling for saying less than whatever might be opined that evening. We did all laugh at that though Torquil was grinning and kept pointing at the two representations with such an amused look.

Aunt Matty was amused, too. "Torquil, my dear," she said with a smile, "Do you not think your aunts were sweet young girls?"

"Aunt Matty, what can I say? All the family are the most handsomest even now."

"Is that in our old age?" Aunt Matty retorted.

"Aunt, you will never be old and less beautiful than you have always been," Torquil said and put his fingers to his lips and blew her a kiss.

"Flattery, flattery," my father said gently.

Both Torquil and Geoffrey enthused over the plate and father had to tell his tale. Uncle Dodd then recounted what young Philip Goodhew and he suspected about hidden rooms. Geoffrey listened intently at that.

"I have heard the same about old houses near us. Garthorpe is not old enough for such things I am sure, but I would like to see whatever you find here," he said.

As the port and the sweet wine circulated and the pipes were lit so all were regaled with the meetings that Torquil and Geoffrey had had on their tour. At one point Torquil looked at me. "The Mayor has a very comely grand-daughter, fourteen like you dear brother. Perhaps you should meet her." I smiled and said nothing. I had all I wanted. My dear Robin grinned at me following Torquil's teasing and he was mine.

In bed that night Robin asked if such a meeting would interest me. We both said we knew no girls, but even so they seemed to have no interest for us. I think we hugged and kissed and caressed each other more ardently than ever after we re-avowed our love for each other.

Saturday dawned and I was wide awake before the church clock struck six. My Robin was still asleep so I put my arms round him and contemplated all that had happened over the last week or so. I could not be more content with my lot and my good fortune. Thoughts then of returning to school arose and I remembered we would have young Frederick as a companion on the journey. Natty Dyer would be with us as well and would be a groom under Mr Dowler. I wondered what this new term would bring. I had enjoyed my new adventure of being at school and I hoped that Robin would be settled in his new enterprise there. I knew I would do all to help and was sure my friends and his roommates would do the same. Even at my age and with my little experience I knew what Steven meant when he said that Robin was his own man. He had strength in his character which would stand him in good stead whatever might befall him. I then thought of another excitement for the day. The wedding of Nellie Reynolds to Bert Perkins at midday.

All these thoughts were disturbed when Benjy and Eamonn brought our hot water. He was much quieter today and said they also had to supply my brother and the Honourable Mr Lascelles. I don't think Benjy was too impressed with titles. He did remark at some point that whoever a man might be he had to wear the same sort of drawers as any other man even though they may be silk!

We were warned we would not be welcome to visit the kitchen as one of the serving girls was confined to her bed with a great cough and another was sneezing and Mrs Gray would be sending her off to her room as well. This meant more work for the wicked, as Benjy said with a wry grin.

After breakfast we went back upstairs and re-packed our school chests. Lancelot had replenished my apothecary's box and the new jars had to be placed in safely. I noted he had supplied me with two good bottles of liniment. We decided we would need two pounds each to see us through the term so I placed the rest of our coins into two wooden boxes which Benjy had found for me in the butler's pantry. These I would give to my father to keep safely. Both weighed quite heavy with the guineas and the sovereigns which Robin had also been given. I said we would not need to worry about coinage for the journey as Rowley would be supplied with any necessary for our sojourns at the inns.

The chests were well-filled as we added books in both and the big lexicon in mine. We would need our instruments for the morning service on Sunday and, as last time, I was sure some extra sustenance would be put in before the boxes were strapped to the coach. We had saddle-bags for our nightshirts and spare clothing and I placed a good-sized packet of sweetmeats to share in one of mine.

By now it was near eleven so we strolled to the Hall stable and found Bobby and another groom very busy. As well as Blaze and Silver being curry-combed and brushed were the mounts for Freddy, Mr Dimbleby and George. All looked most well-nourished and ready for the journey. Bobby Brewer said Natty would ride from the main stable on Monday morning and accompany Rowley and Peters who would be in charge of the coach. We would be a real cavalcade on our way!

We took charge of Blaze and Silver and rode to the village. I needed to visit Mr Hine's shop as Benjy, Eamonn and the twins deserved a present each for the care we had received. I thought also of the lad whose hand had been damaged and now healed. Some sweets for him and a kerchief or a new cap for the others. Being boys we did not take much time in choosing and were amused at the attention Mr Hine had to give to Mrs Fincham one of the farmers' wives who was trying to choose which length of material would be suitable for her new Spring curtains in her parlour. Our next stop was at Mr Venables' shop. I had found an extra book of works for flute or violin in the collection I had bought at the stationer's shop. It was a small gift but something in recompense for all he had done for us. He said he would value such a gift and would take great pleasure in playing all the pieces. We said we had orders to play after the dinner this evening and he said he was sure we would be much appreciated. I heard then we would be missing a grand dinner which my parents were planning for the tenants and those in superior places in the village during February before the beginning of Lent.

We went to see what had been prepared for the wedding feast at the Varley Arms. The Assembly Room had been decorated with colourful streamers and Mrs Flaxman was being helped by two of her kitchenmaids to set out platters of meats and pastries and there was to be a great cauldron of soup as well as the barrel of good ale. It did not seem polite to tarry but Mrs Flaxman said all were invited meaning it would be appreciated if someone from the family made an appearance at some time. We rode to the church and left our steeds with two boys playing hopscotch in the mud and dirt of the lane. As we went inside there was a tearful Mrs Reynolds being comforted by Aunt Matty who was saying she should be thankful Nellie was being wedded to such a good man as Bert and she was gaining a son and not losing a daughter. Mrs Reynolds said she would go home to see the daft girl was ready. I also thought Nellie should be thankful and not left in the lurch as she was obviously in foal, or with child, or whatever.

When Aunt Matty saw us lurking she said we could make ourselves useful and play something on the organ as that would drown any chatter from the many onlookers who would no doubt come to see the ceremony performed. I said I would pump if Robin played but Aunt Matty shook her head. "It would not be proper in the eyes of the village to be that way round," she said, "I cannot see that it matters but it would be gossipped about and we do not want Robin to have an unhappy leaving."

I settled at the keyboards and played through two of the pieces I had practised the day before. Just as the clock struck twelve I heard Uncle Dodd speaking to Bert as they stood in front of the step to the altar. "Do not worry, my boy, brides are always late!" I played on and started a March by Mr Handel and could hear some chatter from those arriving. I had almost finished the piece when there was a whisper from Robin that Nellie and her father were at the door. I pulled two more stops and played the last few bars just that bit louder to welcome her to her husband-to-be. I finished right on time as Uncle Dodd then began 'Dearly beloved, we are gathered here...'

I remembered that at the end of the ceremony the Register had to be signed so played a slow quiet piece by Mr Stanley during that time. I looked across to Robin who signalled the end of that by winking and then mouthed 'Play that March again as they go out!" I did, having pulled all the stops, which made Robin grin, to make a grand sound as Bert led the new Mrs Perkins up the aisle to the church door with all their assembled friends.

I had never played the organ for a wedding before so was very pleased at my effort. Uncle Dodd also thought so as he said I should have received half his fee for the ceremony for my excellent efforts but, as he was doing it for free as a present to the bride and groom, I would have to look on it as part of life's experience. Aunt Matty was kinder and said she would see we both had something extra for our school chests which she would deliver to us before the dinner this evening.

Playing made me feel hungry as I said to Robin and he countered by saying he had exercised his muscles more by pumping so would need extra sustenance. We collected Blaze and Silver who had been petted and stroked by the two youngsters and were almost reluctant to be taken off by their rightful masters. I was able to reward the lads with tuppence each rather than the nothing I had received for being a good musician. Robin just laughed as I said this as we rode to the Hall. He said I was mercenary and he had pumped for no pence either.

Bobby said he would go to the Assembly Rooms as soon as he had stabled our mounts. We warned him not to indulge in too much ale. He just laughed and said with it being free he would be lucky to get a gill rather than even a half pint with all the elbows that would be pushing to get to the front. Anyway our luncheon in the Hall was quite a poor affair, just a platter of cold cuts with bread. Benjy served us and said my brother and Geoffrey had gone to the Varley Arms as they would get a better repast in the dining room there and would be able to comment on the bride. I looked at Robin and laughed at the last statement. Then I sneered. We had not been invited to join them! I hoped they might brave the throng around the barrel in the Assembly Rooms next door and get their ribs bruised!

We spent the afternoon lounging around in our room and played Snap or looked at books. Robin showed me two card tricks his father had taught him. One needed twenty cards and ten pairs were laid out face down with one pair to be chosen and remembered. The cards were then taken up and placed in four rows of five face up. I was asked in which single row, or two rows, my pair of my cards were. Robin got it right each time until I realised that I had said both were in the second row on two occasions and he had picked up the first and last in that row each time. He confessed he had to lay the cards out to a pattern and the four rows of five were given by 'David Lovel in yon Abbey'. The twenty letters were in ten pairs with either two in the same row or spread into two other rows. Something to cozen dear George with!

To be continued:

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