Tom Browning's Schooldays
By
Joel
Chapter Forty-Four
George had once again triumphed in the view of his fellows. The merry band broke up and went off back to their Houses laughing and joshing each other. Gordon was handed the empty phial and patted George on the back. I heard him say that was better than seeing George tripping over his own feet at the Garthorpe Ball. George was still wiping the tears from his eyes as the others of us mounted and waited for him.
We set off at a good walk. The road beneath us was like that travelled those days before. It was quite treacherous in parts as the frost had made the packed earth and stones swell and where carts had passed there were ruts filled with meltwater. I rode beside Natty for a while and asked how he was faring. "'Tis a good stable," he said, "And I have a warm room. The boy I share with is very quiet." I smiled to myself. I wondered if the boy managed to say a word with our most talkative Natty in full flow.
"Tell me if there is anything you need," I said, "I could not bear any complaints from your mother when I see her next!"
"That I will and thank you most heartily Master Tom. I have all I need at present but would beg a piece of paper to write to my mother. I quite forgot though she had said not to forget her."
"You have money for the postage?" I asked.
He nodded. "That I have. Mr Mead gave me an extra crown so I am well-provided for. Master Shem says I must ask if I have any worry and he has been most kind and his mother sent some tartlets from her shop for us all last night and we did not have to pay."
I said I had paper and would send what he needed by one of Shem's younger brothers who were servants in our House.
"That I have not fathomed," Natty said, "All this talk of Houses. Are there no mothers to keep them."
I explained that all the boys were divided between a number of Houses each in the charge of a Master such as Mr Ridley. No one had their mother with them though the younger boys did have a Matron to keep them looking clean and tidy. I did not mention the Ushers. Let Natty find out about Pullen, Norris, Grant and the rest of that motley crew. He seemed satisfied with my explanation and I said I would ride forward to be with Robin. He was beside Maitland and they were deep in conversation so I rode further on and caught up with George who was riding steadily by himself in the centre of the road.
He was smiling broadly as I came up beside him. "I am so happy. I have a choice of mounts at Garthorpe but I have never had one of my own. I must praise your father and his stable. Barbary is the finest steed I have ridden. He responds exactly to all my commands and is so obedient to the rein. I am sure he will do well at the gallop and take a good hedge."
"Take care," I said, "Your brother said you are impetuous and he fears you might injure yourself."
He laughed. "I have heard that from Geoffrey many times. I like to feel that sense of freedom and I am sure I would not wish to cause Barbary any harm. I promise I will take care."
We rode together quite companionably without speaking anymore. We were enjoying the quietness and even the chilliness of the day but I was thinking hard. Should I ask George if he had heard more of his cousin? Was this the time and place to divulge what I knew? The others were content with their own company and I noted we were a good twenty yards beyond them. I would ask a question.
"George, have you hard anything about your cousin?" I began and got his attention. He turned in his saddle and looked straight at me. His smile had gone.
"We have heard he is in London. Why do you ask?" he demanded.
"I confess I know more," I said and watched as he frowned. I hurried on. "He is confined in a house near where two of my uncle's servants work in their father's Turkish Baths." I thought that to be the best beginning though it sounded a mite garbled. "Another servant spoke to the lodge-boy there and heard dreadful things." I must have sounded hesitant.
"Tell me, please, I wish to know." His request was urgent. "You say he is confined?"
I nodded. "Would it not be better if I told you what I know when we are back in Ridley's?"
He sighed. "Yes, I would just get agitated and I want to remember this first ride. That demon can wait."
We rode for almost another mile until we reached a crossroads. George drew Barbary to a halt and I did likewise with Blaze and we waited for the others. Maitland asked him if he was satisfied with his gift. George was smiling again and said he would write to his father and to mine to express his feelings of happiness. Maitland then said we should return and take the road we had ridden rather than turning right or left as he did not know where those roads led. As none of us had any notion of any other road back to Ashbourne School we turned and retraced our steps.
With Maitland and George now riding together I was alone in the centre as Robin talked with Natty. This gave me time to put my thoughts together. I had to explain not only how the contact had been made but also that Jabez was keeping further watch under my Uncle Digby's instructions. There was also the matter of the Bank and the Honourable, or Dishonourable, Philip Lascelles M P. I must not say too much as the Deeds of Cobblers Farm were in my father's possession as long as no legitimate claimant emerged. That subject could wait!
Our return was led by praise by George and a reward of several carrots for Barbary who neighed softly as George stroked his muzzle and talked softly to him. Maitland was rather blunt and luckily was out of the hearing of any of the grooms. "I warrant you would know how to caress any maiden after that practice. Any young maid would coo and blush with delight with those hands of yours and the sweet nothings in her ear! I saw you with Miss Woodward at the Ball but she was wary of your feet and I would say her blushes were more from what you were saying under your breath."
George just gave him a good-natured sneer. "My dear Gerald, I think you were a mite jealous as she kept me company though I admit I do not dance well. I did whisper but they were apologies. However, I think she was much taken with Angus Gordon..."
"...You and she were looking at him. You did not divulge what he wears under that kilt?" Maitland was grinning and I waited for an answer.
"I did not and she did not enquire. I do know but I will not say. You must ask him but do not lift his hem or that dirk might flash!"
I had not thought of that. Many of the village boys did not wear anything under their britches but if they were servants in the Hall then it was a rule that an underclout must be worn so as not to soil their livery. As far as what girls wore all I had seen was the spectacle of Bessie Phillips showing what she possessed and she certainly did not wear any drawers! Why the question about Gordon? Perhaps when he twisted and turned in his dance he might display himself like Bessie? I would have to observe!
Robin was unsaddling Silver though Shem was trying to dissuade him saying that Natty had care of our mounts. "I am so used to dealing with Silver it is but natural for me," Robin said. "If Natty will allow me I would wish to continue this task whenever I have time. I think Natty will understand and he has enough others to ready."
We were finished in the stable and were just leaving when Mr Dimbleby rode up. Shem helped him to dismount and I was beckoned again. "Young Browning, I must congratulate that boy for choosing Castor for me. I loved my old Newton for I had owned him for many years but this mount even surpasses him. I will write to the lad and wish him well. He is settled?"
I assured Mr Dimbleby that Timmy was being taken good care of and had proved to be a boy with gifts not only in choosing horses. Mr Dimbleby saw Robin then as he came from Silver's stall. He held up a finger. "Mr Ridley has told you of the extra work you have?"
Robin bowed his head in greeting and then smiled. "Sir, it will be a privilege. I hope I will prove a worthy pupil. My greatest joy is to make a calculation or to understand a proof. I would wish to explore mathematics a deal further."
"Then we will try. You will have a good companion in Bayes. I have corresponded with his father over several difficult proofs and he is of the opinion that his son will be a better mathematician than he." He laughed. "After you asked if Ptolemy was able to count when shown the cards inverted I have found he can distinguish between four lines and two lines even when one card is turned. He stamps his foot and caws but he gets his reward! I will show you when we have the first lesson." He looked beyond us. "Ah, there is Mr Darlow. I must talk to him next."
He left us and we continued on our way out. There was no sign of George or of Maitland. As we walked I asked Robin if he was happy so far. He laughed. "It is so strange. Where I was invisible as a servant I am noted now by all who pass."
I asked him carefully what had transpired with Collett. He smiled. "He was full of apologies about any slight I might have felt if I had heard of his remarks. He said it was only this New Year he heard that his great-grandfather rose from the lowest of the low. He had started life as a foundling and survived by begging on the streets and probably thieving until one day when he was twelve or so he had rescued a merchant's young son from a bunch of ne'er-do-wells who were intent on kidnapping the boy. He had taken him to the father's house and was welcomed and became an apprentice in reward. Over the years he had prospered and had inherited much of the business when the old merchant died. His further money was made in the spice trade and so he was able to purchase an estate and his son was able to buy more land and farms. Collett said he knew nothing of this until his father told him the story for he had been quite unwell and wanted his sons to know their origins." He put his hands together as if in prayer. "Collett said his father is quite well now and he was to give thanks in Chapel today for his recovery."
I said that was a fine story. It had echoes for me over what my father had said when Torquil had questioned him. There was mystery also in our family I was sure!
I said I would see him at luncheon and we parted at the top of the stairs and went to our rooms to change into school clothes. The door was locked so I had to use my key. There was no sign of either Theo or George. I changed swiftly and hung my riding clothes . I noted that the slices of cake were still on the small table so George could not have returned. I went out and locked the door behind me and went along to find Robin. He had changed also and was chatting to Cedric Branscombe who was showing him a fine naval telescope. I was informed that it had been a Christmas gift from his father and had been made by the same makers that had supplied Lord Nelson with his. It had been his father's and as the leather covering had been worn this had been replaced.
"I shall be able to stride around my ship with the best telescope on board under my arm," he said very proudly.
I think both Robin and I said simultaneously "Aye, aye, Captain!" and the three of us burst into laughter. At least Branscombe had no pretensions. Both Robin and I were allowed to peer out of the window using it but I wondered how useful it would be as one had to squint and the trees I was looking at seemed to be somewhat blurred. I did not say this but Branscombe did say he would have to get used to looking through it.
It was getting near time for our meal and it was strange there was no George or Maitland. We made our way downstairs and found the reason. Mr Pretyman was in the courtyard thanking them most heartily. It transpired that Gresham, the farmer of the land adjoining the School grounds, had let a bull into a further field and it had broken through and had been attacking the wall and fencing belonging to the School. Mr Pretyman had sent all the Pups and Whelps into the House as the bull must have seen them and had been ready to cause havoc. Luckily George and Maitland had skirted the House and had seen what was happening. While George had been trying to entice the huge animal away towards a brick wall so Maitland had run to find two of Gresham's cowherds to get them to capture the beast by the ring through its nose. We could hear the snorting of the animal as it was being led away.
We stood and waited for the pair and heard what had happened. Maitland was still quite red in the face from his run to find the farmhands who, he said, had seemed little concerned at first until they realised the bull was loose and rampaging. George was very angry as he said bulls were the most dangerous of animals unless well-controlled. "We have had two hands killed though negligence on their part," he said. "The damn fools had drunk too much with their midday victuals and left a gate open. The beast attacked both and trampled them down."
I knew of stories of the danger of bulls so said both were brave to have ben around especially George who could have been charged if the wall had not been stout. Being lads they waved the danger away and said it was something they had to do.
The School clock struck one so we said we would keep places for them at table but they would have to hurry and not to forget we had to be in our schoolrooms at two o'clock. Of course, the dining hall was busy and then busier as Mr Pretyman led his Pups and Whelps through the other door. We found sufficient seats on the benches and kept the end two places for our two brave fellows. Others heard the story and when the pair appeared there was a general 'Hurrah' which made the Praepostors and Sixth Formers look up but Mr Pretyman shook his head and must have informed them of the reason.
Two o'clock came too quickly but I felt a quiver of excitement as I let Robin precede me into Mr Martin's room. We shuffled into places and stood together waiting for Mr Martin to give the signal to sit. Glancing round I could see all had assembled, even the two from Calais and their friend from Dover but then I remembered the pair had been in England with their guardian. Aubrey Bayes came in with Theo and were almost the last to enter. Aubrey came and stood by Robin while Theo stood by me.
Mr Martin scanned the room and said in French 'Asseyez vous, mes el¸ïes'. Most of us sat. Mr Martin smiled and waved the rest down. "I see that we shall need the services of Monsieur Lagrande who is to be our professor of French from this term. The governors have decided in their wisdom that those who wish may have French language as an extra. Before we decide who would benefit I bid you all welcome." There was a hum of low voices in response. "And I welcome in particular one new member of this room." He nodded towards Robin. "Master Robin Goodhew joins us this term and takes his place most rightfully here." The low murmur broke into quite a roar of approval while several clapped a welcome. Poor Robin went quite red. Bayes leaned towards him and took his hand and shook it. Then smiled and winked at me.
It was work, work, work after that. Mr Martin set two passages in Latin and one in Greek. There were also two sheets of calculations mostly on ratio and proportion. All this he said he would look over on Tuesday of next week so we had plenty of time for preparation. A ghost of a groan was heard but he ignored that! He also stated that by Lent we would start on the New Testament in Greek and that would teach us many interesting new words and phrases. However, as it was the first afternoon of the term he said we could listen while he read some more from Mr Pepys' Diary. This was sad in many ways as Mr Pepys wrote about the visitation of the Great Plague in the year 1665. Mr Martin then told of the havoc this had wrought in many towns and villages but especially in the crowded confines of the city of London. He went on to read the passages telling of the great storm which had happened in January 1666 when the wind was so furious that chimneys and houses were blown down. I think we were all gripped by the way Mr Pepys had written of these calamities. With all the happenings over the New Year I had not taken any opportunity to read my own copy. This I vowed to do at Easter.
As we left the room I heard Simpson asking if the contagion we had heard about in Chapel was the same as the plague. Aubrey Bayes said he was sure it was not. He had heard his father describe the symptoms of the plague with swellings and black lumps and these things did not seem to happen with the contagions which spread nowadays. I could not make any comment. This was something to discuss with Lancelot though I had read about 'buboes' in one of his books on disease and these were the swellings. Theo was talking to Simpson and indicated we should go on. As Robin and I walked with Aubrey I said I had heard of some contagion near my Uncle's house in London. Aubrey was nodding. "These contagions arise all the time in the city. I fear it is all the filth and stink and people who succumb live where the stink is greatest in the mean streets and tenements."
"But surely," I began hesitantly, "That mother and son were of good quality and certainly the houses around where I saw the procession are of fine construction and more newly built. I admit there is filth from the horses but is it enough to cause such amounts of disease? And was there sufficient stink to carry a contagion to those good people?"
Aubrey again reiterated what he had heard his father and doctors say. He had no reason to disbelieve them. In any case he had no desire to be a physician and grinned at me knowing my aspirations. We decided we would walk first to see what was on sale in the baker's shop. Hot gingerbread was my favourite and I treated both Robin and Aubrey to a piece. In turn we all treated each other with our favourites: Aubrey bought sugar-coated buns and Robin chose slices of raisin cake. I said all that would keep us happy until the evening. meal. I knew George had those slices of cake which he would share with us later. At least I hoped he would!
As we walked back to our rooms Aubrey said Angus Gordon was most amused as Farquar on the floor below had brought his kilt as he was determined to show he was as good a dancer. Saturday evening would tell. I said Robin and I would talk to Farquar at the evening meal about the accompaniment he needed. "If he has no music for us he will have to cavort to the two tunes we know and Gordon will want those as well," I said and tried to do a step or two and nearly tripped.
I suggested we should practice ready for Saturday in any case and we had near an hour before the meal so we collected our instrument cases and sidled into a room downstairs next to the wash-room. It was now quite dark but we knew the tunes and just had to make sure we made no errors in rhythm or in the two-part harmony. As we emerged after going through several including country dances as well as the Scotch Reel and one called a Strathspey we were accosted by two of the older lads in our House.
"Was that a Scotch air you were playing?" one asked. I recognised him then in the darkness. He was named Coombes and was also on the floor below us. I said it was and we were practising for Saturday. He and his companion laughed. "We are in the room next to Farquar and he whistles that tune. He said he's going to dance. You'd better come and see him."
I said we did not wish to disturb him but they insisted so we followed them into the House and up the first flight of stairs. Farquar was in his room alone. He laughed when he heard what we had to say. "Och aye," he said in an accent even more pronounced than Gordon's. "I hae a wee book o' tunes. I saw that guid fellow Gordon dance on't they swords. I'll dance a Ghillie Callum wi' him ony day."
Being most ignorant of the ways of North Britain I asked what he meant by a 'Ghillie Callum'. He smiled and explained that was the name of the sword dance. He showed us the book and whistled and sang two of the melodies to us. The notes in the staves were old- fashioned in character. Robin peered closely at them in the candlelight and said he thought we could read them but would need to take the book to practise.
"I'll hae Gordon wi' me on Saturday afternoon and we can try the steps then," he said quite positively. 'What if Robin wished to play at football?' I thought, but as the big field was still quite covered in snow that might prevent the game.
Robin took charge of the book and we went up the further flight of stairs to deposit our instruments in our rooms. Robin mouthed 'See you later' as his door was ajar and we could hear Branscombe laughing. Theo was alone in our room. He was industriously writing out a construe. I wondered where he had been after our class? He didn't enlighten me.
"I think the sooner we get these passages out of the way the better," he said, holding up his Latin dictionary. "Mr Martin has seen fit to begin with difficult pieces and the sooner you make a start and tell me if I am correct I will be much happier!"
"But, Theo, you are more than my equal...," I began.
He snorted. "...two heads are better than one. Listen! Omnia fert aetas, animum quoque. I have tried those first three words to no avail."
"Let me see the page," I said. He put the sheet near to the candle. Three seemingly simple words! I would try. Turn it around. "'The years take away everything'" I said and he nodded.
"I have the same but was not sure. Let us look at the next two words? I have 'also memory'.
"That looks sensible," I said, "My father says as he gets older it is more difficult to remember things." I looked further on. "Perhaps if we try the next sentences it may become clearer." I thought then of Uncle Dodd's Greek Adjectives and grinned.
"Don't look so happy," Theo said, "What is it?" He realised I was thinking of something else.
"My Uncle Dodd set me to learn some Greek comparative adjectives and I had to apply 'clear', 'clearer' as one."
Theo shook his head. "You have a good tutor to aid you. As I have said before my father is too busy to set me work and his chaplain, though a good scholar, is no teacher. He mumbles on and says I should be able to understand as it is so simple. It all may be easy for him but so many words in Latin can have several meanings."
"That is why I said we should go on. My Uncle Dodd says that often gives more indication of the sense than struggling with individual words."
"A month away and I lose my confidence." He did smile then. "I am glad you were chosen as our fag."
There was the usual clatter outside as George came hurrying along and threw open the door. He must have heard those last few words.
"Why should you be glad?" he asked, "The lazy tyke had left a good towel in the washroom this morning and it is only that young Potts recognised the dirt on it as from behind his ears I can return it to him!" He threw the bundled towel at me and laughed.
I thanked him and was very glad as it was quite a new towel which I had purloined from my sister Peg's old room. It was not such a rough texture as others I had. I would have to thank young Potts in the morning. But, George had been in the washroom again!
"What's all this?" George demanded as he marched over to the desk before I could enquire. "Theo, you have not started work already? It is but the first day of term and here you are scratching away like some old fellow in a counting-house."
Theo was not perturbed and I grinned at George's phrasing. "Did not Mr Prior set any preparation for you for tomorrow? At least this does not have to be completed before Tuesday."
George drew out a crumpled piece of paper from his jacket pocket. "Then you will have time to help me with this!" Although George could be rough and ready in many ways he did write a fair hand. Four lines of Latin and two calculations to be done. The calculations made me grin again as the second was one from a book my Uncle had used with Robin and me last year. It needed a deal of multiplication and then a long division to finish it.
"After our meal," Theo said and waved a stern finger at George. "And what is this I have heard about you and bulls? I went to Carstairs' House with young Simpson so missed all that excitement."
I thought I would explain. "George and Maitland were very brave and thoughtful and probably prevented a disaster..." I began. George waved a hand at me.
"What we did was without thought for ourselves. The Whelps and Pups were trying to make snowballs to throw at each other and one of Gresham's damned bulls must have seen them and made a hole through one fence and was about to attack ours and I got it to butt the brick wall. Maitland ran like the wind and fetched two of those shiftless churls Gresham employs and they unwillingly led the beast away."
"Does Gresham not realise how dangerous an animal like that can be particularly when there are young boys screaming and yelling?" I asked.
Theo shook his head. "There is always trouble with that man Gresham and he has two sons who will be worse."
George started and looked sharply at Theo. "What do you mean? I know the old man has riled Mr Ridley many times."
"Perhaps I should not say too much," Theo began and put down the pen he was holding. "Please, George, and you Tom, do not repeat what I will tell you." He looked rather worried. "I heard my father talking with one of the other Governors of our School. I shall not say who, but he has our full interests as he had ridden a good day and a half to consult my father. Gresham, I know, has always hated the School as his grandfather sold his manor which is now Main School and the fields and where this House was built. After that Gresham's father sold more land on which the other four Houses and the Chapel were fashioned. The other Governor has heard Gresham has offered a good price for a parcel of land which will make his holdings almost encircle the School. The Governors heard too late and have not been able to match his bid."
"So the old bugger'll try any tricks to make it difficult, eh?" queried George.
"Difficult for what?" I enquired.
"There is a plan for another House to be built to make the School begin to match such a place as that Rugby we hear so much about," replied George. "If we do not have more land then we would lose a good field for the games..."
"...And with a bigger School as planned there will be a greater need for space for games," continued Theo. "There is some glebe in the Rector's possession and the advowson is in Gresham's gift. A good thing is that the Rector is young and Gresham made himself an error in his appointment. If the Rector is so minded he could let the land to the School but not in perpetuity."
George grunted. "But if the next Rector were in Gresham's pocket that letting would fall."
"And Gresham has two sons, one of whom is a curate over Ely way and that is how the other Governor heard." Theo laughed. "I tell you this so your tongues may not wag too much at home. That curate's second footman and the other Governor's third footman are brothers. That footman has no liking for the Reverend Gresham so when there was discussion which was overheard about the possible purchase it passed from one brother to the other. A word or two then made its way to my father's friend."
I was grinning to myself again as the news of Robin's and my good fortune had soon passed to the Servants' Hall and, no doubt, beyond.
"The School would suffer if that Reverend Gresham became the next Rector of the parish here?" George surmised.
"I think that would be so. Without land, the School cannot grow as the Governors wish," said Theo.
"But this is a good school as it is, is it not?" I asked.
"It has a good reputation," Theo replied and nodded, "But there are other schools being built and others being made bigger. There is a demand for places for sons with the money that is being made in trade and manufacture." He laughed and pointed at George and me. "The aristocracy and the landed gentry will find they will be with the sons of tradesmen to a great extent and the clergy will not be able to afford to send their sons. My father says these new schools have fees which he would be loath to pay."
"My father complains now," said George with a snicker, "But he says he is free of me creating mischief. Rather here than at home he says!"
"I haven't noticed any mischief," I said with a straight face, "Do you mean we have this to come?"
"You will have mischief if that tongue of yours wags, I tell you," said George, but with a grin. "We must frustrate that man Gresham but not annoy him so he knows what is afoot. I note he is constructing a piggery along where the back end of Mr Ridley's own house is. I warrant Gresham is arranging to make a stink and we must retaliate."
"You mean we should have our privy closer to his property?" I asked. "Perhaps he might get some contagion from whatever you might produce."
"What do you mean?" George demanded. "What contagion?"
Theo gave a sigh. "Tom is merely repeating what is always said that disease comes from the stink of the privies."
"That I know," said George "And keeping the stink down with the lime tipped down means we are free of horrible diseases. So, making Gresham live in the stench without lime might cause him a great affliction, eh?"
That made me think. Again the assumption it must be the miasma which carries the disease was being held. If that is so why do we not all succumb?
"We do not wish to discuss the stench you make, my friend," said Theo quite tartly, "At least with you not supping so much ale any farts you produce are not so strong."
"Do you think George might be guilty of spreading a contagion with the stink he has produced in the past?" I asked quietly, "And that explains the insistence on our early visits to the privy?" This did not please George and I found myself caught around the arms and hoisted from my chair onto the bed. Here I was turned over and tickled until, unfortunately, a small fart erupted from my backside. I was rewarded for that by two quite hefty slaps as well as a deal of laughter from both of them.
"I wager we will have an eruption of boils as the consequence of that!" Theo said through his laughter.
"But that was through the casting of ashes in Exodus," I said, "Mine was but a gentle zephyr..."
"...Boy! You have the gift of tongues we know. Now get up, squeeze your buttocks tight and aid me in my pestilence here! If I can complete this prep now we shall have time for good conversation later." George waved the piece of paper on which were his prep tasks. "There are words here Mr Prior said would be assistance to all who crave sweetness. I heard Culshaw whisper 'bees' so is that correct?"
I took the paper and read the first sentence 'Principio sedes apibus statioque petenda.' "That is true," I said and drew my finger under it, "Now, can you find a word there which might mean 'bees'?"
"Why ask me such a question? I will look at each word in my dictionary and take a meaning from that," he retorted.
Theo looked over my shoulder then shook his head. "George, you will not! There are words here which you have construed before. 'Principio' is one you should know."
"I do," said George almost triumphantly, "That is 'in the first place' is it not?"
Theo nodded. "That will do but it might be better 'first'. Now the verb and I will say it is not a common one."
I did not know it as I looked at it: 'petenda'. I thought hard and remembered 'peto' 'I seek'. I did not say it until George cast me a worried look. Theo just nodded when I mouthed it.
Theo was patient. "George, look at the two words 'sedes' and 'statioque'. The first you know and the second you can surmise from a word we have.
George smiled. "'Place' and 'stationary' I would say."
Theo looked pleased. "Now what do we have left?"
"'Apibus' must mean 'bees'!" George was nodding.
"That is correct. And we have 'apiarist' for someone who keeps bees, is that not so?" Theo said. "Now put it all together and make a good sentence."
"'First seek out a stationary place for the bees'" George said hesitantly. "I do not like that word 'stationary'," he continued. "I know our hives are placed in a quiet place where they will not be disturbed."
"Then use another word where you can place the hives safely," Theo encouraged George by pointing a finger at the words on the paper.
"A good settled place, I would say," said George smiling. "So it could be 'First seek a settled place for your bees', is that not so?
Theo nodded. "You can do it if you try. Write that before you forget."
George was happier now and with some help completed his four lines in a short time. I said I would look over his calculating. This was also accomplished with some speed and other than reciting the eight times table with him all was well.
"All is done and it is not time for our meal. I have not heard the clock strike." George drew out his turnip watch from his waistcoat pocket and dangled the useless object in front of us. "My father has promised me a fine watch if I am accepted for a commission in a good regiment of horse!" He sneered at me.
I forbore from sneering back at him but said quietly "Perhaps my Uncle Billy will not take your brother either especially if I write and say you do not treat me with due reverence having bruised my ribs and slapped me like a small child!"
He was not perplexed by this. "If I hear my brother is not accepted because of what you might write your drawers will be down and your arsecheeks more than reddened. I think we should start now." I was grabbed again and to Theo's laughter I was held and tickled until I fairly screamed with the sensations.
Someone rapped on the door loudly and came in. George stopped the tickling but held onto me. "Are you murdering the little wretch?" asked Branscombe. "I was coming to ask if you and Davis wished to join us for a sup of some good liquor after our meal. If he hasn't wet himself with all that he can come as well." He pointed at me.
"He needs regular chastisement," said George, letting go of me. "He lets his tongue rule and though he is useful for my construes and has not yet burnt the toast he needs to be controlled."
"George, do not be cruel," said Theo, "You would not have had Barbary in such good condition if he had not been led here by such a gentle lad!" He winked at me.
"Gentle? I warrant that poor old nag was whipped to make it canter and gallop. It is no wonder it has no wind and hobbles even when at a walk." I was about to protest when George turned and hugged me. "I repent! Young Tom, you are like the young brother I never had. Branscombe, my friend, if that other one is as fly as this one you will have a treasure."
Branscombe laughed. "My soon-to-be nephew has just corrected that prep Mr Prior set which he told me is from a 'Georgic' and said if I spent more time on Latin verbs rather than tying knots I would not swear so much and disconcert poor Travis. One day as our fag and he has us in order!"
Both George and Theo were also laughing and I was rather disconcerted. I had been bested by Robin already who had recognised the passage was from a 'Georgic'. This was one in the slim volume I had given young Freddy and I had made headway with some of them with Uncle Dodd! However, I faced Branscombe and bowed my head servilely. "I accept your invitation on behalf of my masters," I said very politely. "If my master the Honourable George hasn't devoured all the cake I am sure he will donate what may be left to whatever festivities are planned."
I received another slap on my buttocks, but not so hard this time. "You are giving away my gift from Mistress Ridley..." He stopped as, no doubt, he might be accused of being a favourite. No! Branscombe just grinned at him.
"Do not fret, dear George, we have spied you skulking round the back door many a time and seen you coming back with such a smile on your face."
George sneered at him this time. "Thank you for saying such kind things. Remind me not to share any of my purchases from Thacker next time round!"
"Sausages, sausages!" Theo repeated the word most theatrically with uplifted arms, "I am most partial to Thacker's best." He stood up and caught hold of George's sleeve. "We might reciprocate this evening's invitation on Saturday evening after the Sing-Song. My dear father remembered to place a coin or two in my purse...."
George laughed. "...At your mother's bidding no doubt. But I agree, something good to eat after listening to Weary Willie here blowing and puffing and watching Gordon and Farquar prancing around like spinning tops enough to make us giddy."
"And if I tell them what you say you can be the target for the dirk throwing like at a Hiring Fair, eh?" said Branscombe.
I was amused at this as two years past a travelling fair had been in Careby Magna on the village green and we lads had marvelled when a mountebank had thrown sharp knives around a woman standing by a straw target without wounding her. None of us dare stand and let the others practice when they had gone as stupid Charlie Parminter the lodge-keeper's son had found a discarded blade and had winged it towards another of the grooms. Luckily it missed him and hit the side of a barn and bounced off and buried itself in a good fresh cowpat!
"If they pin him to the wall we can have his share," said Theo pretending to throw a knife aimed at George's left ear.
"I thought you were my supporter," said George holding his fist up. "I forgive you and will willingly share your gift as recompense for your unfriendliness."
Theo sniffed. "George, you know I would not deny you good sustenance but would there be sufficient in a pound or two to satisfy you and any others?"
George laughed. "Let us make a count of those who could be invited. Three here and another three of you from the end room. Now Collett has come to his senses there would be three from next door and if Angus Gordon and his whisky is one we had better invite Farquar and the pair with him." He waved his hands. "I do not have enough fingers for that calculation but my head tells me it is a round dozen." He turned to me. "You, scoundrel, three sausages each and twelve to eat them with six to the pound, how many pounds?"
I immediately said "Seven!" and got a real sneer from George. Both Theo and Branscombe laughed.
"He has you there, George my boy! Three each for normal mortals but nine for thee, eh?" Branscombe slapped him on the back.
I dodged George's grab at my coat. "That may be but I calculated that if word gets around we might need some extra and no doubt any over will be devoured most readily," I said, "But even so, have we room in here for a dozen?"
"A dozen?" George had forgotten my apparent gibe, "Why, we had sixteen or more when Billy Parsons celebrated his eighteenth birthday and most were too drunk to move off the floor even to take a piss."
Branscombe was laughing at this. "I remember it well. My fag-master Gordie Coville was so fuddled he clutched at Pullen after he fell down the stairs and said he should help him get his pego out or he would wet himself." He clapped his hands with glee. "Pullen was shouting at him as Gordie emptied himself on the doorstep until he turned and sprayed Pullen's boots and gaiters. You remember, George, we youngsters stood and laughed and Pullen went more than mad and we all felt blows from his cane!"
George was in a very good mood. "If that paper I received today is worth what is written on it then I will make some contribution. I will take the draft to Mrs Williams and ask her for its value. Five whole pounds!"
"That should be enough to buy enough cake and sausages to fill your belly for at least three days," said Theo with a grin.
George was not discountenanced. "Three days? I would consume that on Monday evening alone if you and the wretch kept your hands off anything which might be delivered."
The 'wretch' grinned at him. "I imagine you would be like the fat Knight in Mr Shakespeare after that. A portly belly to be sure."
"Boy, what are you prattling about?" asked George, "What has Mr Shakespeare to do with me?"
Theo was laughing. "George, you must have heard of Sir John Falstaff. He was fat and ended up in a basket of dirty linen and tipped into the Thames."
George was waving his hands in incomprehension. "Do not make mock of me. Branscombe support me. I am a simple lad and all this learning passes me by."
Branscombe was all solicitous. "George, do not worry. These two show off their erudition quite freely and it entertains me. I have seen that play in Canterbury and I did not understand the old language though the action was good and that made it plain. My mother has a great love for a visit to the theatre and I have accompanied her many times." He shook his head. "There is not much else to do in Canterbury."
Other than having a ring placed in your cods, I thought. I wondered if that had been displayed to Robin yet?
George was shaking his head. "That is somewhere I have not been. A theatre. We have travelling players at Garthorpe at times and we sit and laugh at silly antics." He held a fist up. "Yes, the pair of you, I have heard of Mr Shakespeare! My mother says that Romeo and Juliet surpasses any other play. Is that so?"
I said I had read that play and agreed that the language was old but the story was very fine except that everyone seemed to die. Theo nodded and said that was the same with Hamlet.
George just shook his head. "I will have to wait until I can be in London. If you say there is little to do in Canterbury, Branscombe, there is just work and hunting at Garthorpe."
Branscombe laughed and said he was not too partial to hunting as his father did not keep a good stable and preferred shooting or fishing which he also enjoyed. I did not say that Robin was good at tying flies or his free time might be spent on that occupation as I had noted fishing rods in their room. As Branscombe went out he said he would see if Mrs Williams had any tartlets and with George's cake we should be satisfied. I didn't say but I would take a packet of bonbons to add.
We settled down quietly after Cedric left and waited for the clock to strike ready for our evening meal. I excused myself and took my bottle of arnica to find Angus Gordon and anoint his ankle. He was delighted to see me and his foot was made ready and the deed was done. Collett was laughing and said he would need treatment, too, if there was a football game on Saturday. On return both Theo and I went on separately with our construes just mouthing that we would check each other's later. We were quiet as George dozed in his chair.
As soon as the clock struck George was up and ready. I could not comment on the great connection between George and food as I knew I was also very fond of my stomach! We collected the three from the end room and, as usual, we were some of the first to enter the diningroom where all the Pups and Whelps were already seated. As we went to take our seats Mr Pretyman came across from supervising the younger lads. "Ah, Browning and Goodhew, I would like to see you after you have eaten. Please come to my rooms."
To be continued:
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