Tom Browning's Schooldays
By
Joel
Chapter SixtyTwo
On Sunday morning I woke early and having consumed more liquid the night before than was advisable I required the pot most urgently. I pissed as silently as possible for both George and Theo were still fast asleep. I crept back into my warm bed and let my thoughts wander. It would be my fifteenth birthday soon and I was sure there would be celebrations for that with Robin and with Aubrey Bayes as we were all born within three days of each other. I would have to talk to the Johnson twins tomorrow to find if their father might be willing to aid Lancelot's venture into France. I would have to tell them in some confidence the reason and that Robin and I would be accompanying him.
I had other tasks, pleasurable I was sure, such as escorting Freddy Neville for his lessons with Mrs Dimbleby together with my own lessons with Mr Skrimshire on the organ. I also remembered I had lent Freddy my other flute but he had not mentioned that over our sojourn in London. I would have to enquire of him if he had brought it with him and spend more of my time teaching him. I also thought about what had happened the day before and the number of my fellows I had treated for their hurts. Was I rising above my own competence? I had a little skill but was it sufficient to distinguish between a simple bruising and, perhaps, more serious damage? I would have to tell Dr Dimbleby of the confidence placed in me not only by those in Ridley House but now in Carstairs' House. I would have to do it with expediency before he heard that I was, perhaps, poaching on his preserve as physician to the school. I could, of course, consult his mother but did not want to put myself forward in such a way. I also needed to ride my Blaze and I must not neglect Natty though he said he was more than happy to return to Ashbourne. On the journey he said he had many tales to tell and would entertain the stable-lads with his reports about his second visit to London.
With all this going on, I knew I must not neglect my Robin either. We must find time to be together but he had his own interests to pursue as well especially with Aubrey Bayes. Then there was Henry Radcliffe. He could be a friend, a good friend I was sure but no more. I knew I had a certain yearning which must not be succumbed to. He had a friend in Aubrey Bayes, too.
I heard George snort and then yawn. He was waking. I crept out of bed and was donning shirt and britches ready for the morning run to the privy before he had time to drag the coverlet off me. Poor Theo received that treatment but said he was more than ready to empty bowels and bladder and was first out of the door as George could not readily find his shoes. I carried enough soft paper for George for I was sure he was in such haste to have forgotten his own. Although we were noisy in rushing down the stairs we did not wake Pullen even though Theo had to rattle his door to take the key from the hook. What a sot, I thought.
Although I had fed and drunk well the night before I was ready for breakfast and relished the new baked bread and the boiled hen's egg which was very fresh as the serving- boy said for they came from his mother's hens. George was in an expansive mood and had liberally dusted our bowls of porridge with his brown sugar. "This in thanks for that good soft paper you gave me," he said and made me smile as I thought that to be a fair exchange.
The morning passed quickly with breakfast then the service in Chapel and a visit to the stables to see my Blaze at least. There was no riding out as the weather was poor and heavy rain had greeted us as we left the Chapel. Mr Skrimshire had not beckoned either Robin or me to play but afterwards a note was sent commanding us to stay after the afternoon's service for arrangements to be made for lessons. There was also a message from Mr Pretyman to fetch Master Neville at half past two for his meeting with Mrs Dimbleby.
There were letters to write home to my mother and father, to Aunt and Uncle Dodd and to my Aunt and Uncle in London so I was not idle before or after luncheon. Then it was time to collect young Freddy to take him to see Mrs Dimbleby. I think we were both a little apprehensive but we were greeted most warmly and Freddy was set to play. He delighted Mrs Dimbleby who said he was to come on two afternoons each week and she was sure she would be able to teach him though he would have to practice many scales and arpeggios to make sure his fingers were fleet and supple.
While Freddy was playing Dr Dimbleby poked his head round the door and, though it might be considered presumptuous, I stood and went to the door and followed him out. He smiled as I asked if I might speak with him.
"Is it about all the wounded from that so-called game yesterday?" he asked with a laugh.
I said it was and that I had apologies to make but also I needed to ask his advice. He took me into his father's study where Mr Dimbleby was busy writing and Ptolemy was cawing in his cage. I was flummoxed though Dr Dimbleby told me to sit while he went over to his father and whispered in his ear. He turned round not having realised I had followed his son into the room. I immediately stood and bowed my head.
"Ah, young Browning, musician, physician and excellent judge of names for horses, what have we here?" He laughed as I reddened.
I rather stammered as I said I needed to consult Dr Dimbleby but he just laughed more and said I didn't look ill so he must assume it was professional business and not to mind him.
"Father, you embarrass the boy. Come, Tom, take no notice. What is the trouble?"
I was not aware he knew my Christian name and for someone in eminent authority to address a youngster in that way was not common for it usually meant a certain amicable relationship as between close family friends. I thought I had better be forthright.
"Sir, there are two matters. First, I apologise if I have been in error but I was consulted by a number of Ridley House but also some from Carstairs' House after a very rough game of football yesterday. I did no more than attend to bruising and anointed some with a salve my cousin had given me." I did not dare say yet about the battered cods and the cold compresses. "I was sure there was no greater damage or I would have advised them to go to the Sick Room for you to make a judgement." He heard me out and just nodded as I reached that point. I thought it best to continue. "The second matter is the level of my own competence. I have observed my cousin Lancelot with his patients and he has instructed me on simple remedies such as I used yesterday. However, am I doing wrong in treating those who ask me?"
He looked at me straightforwardly. "Tom, you have done no wrong. I was impressed when you told me how you would have treated Master Bayes with his fever and cough and then this morning on my way to Chapel I saw two fellows with black eyes and asked if they needed treatment. Both said they bore the black eyes with pride but their other hurts had been more than satisfactorily dealt with. I knew the pair well as their families are old friends of ours so they were quite at ease with me when they said they had good faith in the young doctor. I might say they were from Mr Carstairs' House which made me smile knowing who they were referring to. So, Tom, as to your first point I am not displeased. In fact I would have been more than short-tempered if a host of roughs had appeared yesterday at the Sick Room for I had three more patients to reassure over their spots and itches with the measles and that spotted pox."
Mr Dimbleby turned in his chair. "My dear friend Carstairs told me this morning he was more than amused when he surveyed his battle-scarred rabble at dinner last night. They did receive a tongue-lashing though for not winning. However, he informed me of the praise for one from another House who had even made a house-call without charging three guineas for the privilege of his attendance." Both he and his son laughed at this while I tried not to grin thinking of Villiers on his bed with his ballocks swathed in a cold damp rag! Did they know of that? That matter was not alluded to but Mr Dimbleby rang the bell and ordered tea for us as I sat and was questioned by his son most thoroughly on what I knew. He was satisfied, he said, that my knowledge was well-grounded and that I should continue with such injuries as might occur in games. However, if I was puzzled I should immediately send the enquirer to the Sick Room. He would be most willing, with Mr Ridley's permission, for me to accompany him at times when he had patients in the Sick Room. I asked if I should not also have their permission. He smiled and said most would rather have a boy with him than Matron. As he looked pointedly downwards I assumed those consultations would be for somewhat private boyish matters which would extend my knowledge though I knew what he meany by 'the itch'.
We had been supplied with tea and small cakes during this questioning and as we finished so Mr Dimbleby said he must go to the Chapel for the afternoon service but I should remain as he would tell Mr Ridley where I and Neville were. I said I was to see Mr Skrimshire after the service. Mr Dimbleby was most amused at this. "My boy, he is another who has mentioned you and my other young mathematician..." I knew he meant Robin. "...and enjoys the time he spends with his unsuspected discoveries as he calls you. He is a well-respected musician who might have graced a cathedral organ but prefers a less arduous position as a schoolmaster. Why less arduous I do not comprehend but that is what he says." He turned to his son. "Take care you do not overburden this young man with too many of your enthusiasms. What I have heard gives me confidence in predicting he has chosen his destiny and I can do no other than wish him well." He then addressed me. "I will no doubt see you here often and you are most welcome."
As he left I stood and bowed my head again. My thoughts were racing. I had much to do to succeed and I could see I had a particular path to follow. However I had other interests as well. I did enjoy the mental exercise of wrestling with those sometimes more than stubborn languages of Latin and Greek and I was curious of our heritage and our place in this expanding world. I had to add my love of music and the demands it put on my time in its practice. I could then but conclude I was so privileged to be in such a station of life to be able to choose to such an extent my future. What of others? Robin was now in such a position but those I could call friends as Benjy, Jabez and even Natty, would they be able to decide their own destinies? So much indeed depended on a privileged education which was provided for so few.
My reverie was broken as a manservant appeared with the summons for me to wait on Mrs Dimbleby. I thanked Dr Dimbleby for his forbearance and he just smiled and waved me on my way saying I would no doubt hear from him soon.
Freddy was sitting by Mrs Dimbleby's side and they were perusing a volume of music.
"Ah, Thomas, we are deciding what Frederick might learn next," she said indicating I should sit by her, too, on the chesterfield. "These are several Sonatas by Signor Clementi. I have played two which I think we may start with." She pointed to another volume. "These are Sonatas by Franz Haydn and we will try those as well. However, I have also set Frederick the task of playing scales in C, G, and D first and he may come and play these whenever he has no other studies. I will arrange with Mr Pretyman for suitable times and someone to escort him here. He says there is a serving-boy who is Mistress Williams' son who might be chosen for that task."
"That would be either Ham or Japhet, ma'am," I said.
"'Tis Ham," Freddy said, "He keeps our room tidy for us though Matron says that is an uphill task." I think Mrs Dimbleby smiled at that statement.
"Then I will send a note to Mr Pretyman for it to be arranged." Mrs Dimbleby must have noted a crumb or two on my jacket. "Oh dear, we have been so busy I have been so remiss. Frederick, please pull the bell-rope and we will have some tea, I see Tom has already been served." She smiled at me. "I am sure you would be able to manage another tidbit or two."
I just bowed my head in response. The young footman who then appeared had already prepared a tray and we were soon served. We were asked about the wedding and Freddy proudly told of his part in the ceremony even though it was just as a helmet-bearer. Mrs Dimbleby confessed she had never been inside the cathedral and had only visited London twice. "It is much too far and I prefer our countryside here," was her opinion.
We were then ready to depart and both of us thanked Mrs Dimbleby for her hospitality and kindness. She said she enjoyed young people's company and now her sons were grown she had time for others.
No sooner had I left Freddy with Matron than I had to hurry to the Chapel as the service would be ending. I only had a minute or two to wait in the porch before the inside doors opened and an orderly rush of pupils emerged. I slipped in and made my way down to where the organ stood. Mr Skrimshire was still playing so I was not late and joined Robin who was already standing there. We were not to play today but to appear at four o'clock on Monday and on Wednesday and as well as progressing to Johann Sebastian Bach and his 'Chorale Partitas' we would learn to accompany the hymns, too.
There was time now to make our way to the room next the washroom. Two happy boys emerged from there some fifteen minutes later having once again pledged their love for each other with actions we now knew so well. A final expression of that was the tapping together of our signet rings to signify our togetherness in both mind and spirit.
Time flowed quickly. First though there had to be discussion of the journey to France. At the break in the lessons on Monday morning Robin and I were able to talk to the Johnson twins. They were most intrigued with my story especially when I said the purpose was to take the severed head of a Duke to a suitable resting-place. They said their father would, no doubt, be most pleased to assist. I asked that they should forewarn him that my cousin Lancelot would be writing and would also need information about the supply of certain plants. They said they had not finished the letter to their parents the day before and would do that this evening. I wondered if there would be two more on that excursion as their French was so much better than even Lancelot's! A letter was hastily written to Lancelot that evening with a full address for Mr Johnson in a village just outside Calais named Coquelles.
Our birthdays were celebrated with great feasting and much merriment. Although we three were but fags to our elders and betters, or so they said, our fag-masters and others did us proud. My birthday came first on March the thirtieth which was, fortuitously, a Saturday, with Robin's the next day and Aubrey Bayes' on the Monday. There were three more birthdays that week to celebrate, including the eighteenth for Frobisher who said that there was only one birthday to venerate and that his and any other mortal's were quite insignificant. His strictures were ignored!
It was decreed that we have the festivities for all on the Saturday. This was but a week after we had all returned to school and a week after that combative football game. There was no football that day as a great thunderstorm occurred. One wag said it was Divine Providence to ensure that my skills were not required and I could enjoy the feasting without bathing bruised ballocks. Another said that was fine alliteration and could be added to as 'Browning's beneficial bruised ballock bathing'. Ah well, it only added to the jollity of a most memorable evening with six, even the absent Frobisher, being toasted more than six times I was sure. Two of the hams Robin and I had brought back were added to the festive fare together with two roast duck from the kitchens donated by Aubrey Bayes with piles of pastries, tarts and cakes from the others and all agreed that more birthdays were required to celebrate. Needless to say there were more occasions before the end of term including Theo's own seventeenth.
The next week saw a conference between representatives of each of the Houses with Winstanley in the chair to decide proper rules for our game of football. These were admirably few with 'no deliberate kicking or punching of opponents allowed' being foremost. Any foul, as these were designated, would be adjudicated by an umpire whose decision would be final and the side penalised would forfeit a kick at goal by the other side. As the weather improved so there were fewer football contests and cricket became the game of choice. I spent many a hot, happy hour during a more than warm Summer watching my Robin both bowling and batting as he was most enthusiastic in his playing which I was not! Someone who became a good friend to Robin and helped him improve his skills at cricket was Collett who said his own ambition was to become a gentleman player for his county. Another summery pastime which I enjoyed was the bathing in the pool filled from the river. On a hot Summer's afternoon there were many of us frolicking quite naked and unashamed splashing and swimming. Angus Gordon was most enthusiastic as he said it was much too chill in the burns and lochs in his native Scotland to disport as we could though even the pool was cool when first entered. As Mr Pretyman judged that Robin and I were good swimmers we were asked to supervise those Pups and Whelps who wanted to learn. Branscombe was also enrolled for that task and between us a number of the younger ones made good progress. Maitland said he wasn't interested in swimming but just in those good fish which could swim by nature so he and Farquar took themselves off with rods and lines and on several occasions added to our evening sustenance in the Dining Hall. At other times numbers of us laid naked in the sun and tickled each other with fronds and had al fresco afternoon teas with fruit and buns bought from Mrs Williams' shop though none dare go there unclothed!
Of course, there was no let-up in our learning. Mr Martin's lessons were filled with interest for he not only set us translating but also explored with us the history of ancient Greece and of Rome. I vowed that when I was older I would try to visit those other parts of Europe which Rome had conquered and ruled. Perhaps, one day I might be able to visit Athens and see the Parthenon which Mr Martin showed us in drawings. Our own English history was not neglected and we heard even of Scotch, Welsh and Irish happenings. Mr Martin was quite forthright in his opinions about the Highland clearances as he said many had been dispossessed. He said he was glad there were no sons of Scotch landowners in his room as he had had many arguments about the consequences of such happenings. I was tempted to ask Angus Gordon about his opinions but thought better of it in case it caused a rift in any friendship we might have. Mr Martin read to us some of Dr Johnson's account of his journeys to the Highlands which made the place sound both desolate and grand. We were set to read one of two of Sir Walter Scott's novels, 'Rob Roy' and 'Redgauntlet'.
Both Robin and I had read the first so concentrated on the second which we found rather protracted and somewhat rambling. The kidnapping by Redgauntlet of his nephew to attempt to increase the support for Prince Charles Edward was exciting reading as the quest for his release proceeded. However we found many rather boring passages even though there was humour in the Edinburgh descriptions. I think Mr Martin agreed with us though he pointed out the immense popularity of Sir Walter's many novels, poems and plays. We still did not begin our study of the Greek New Testament and were promised that for next term together with mathematics from Mr Dimbleby.
Mr Ridley's classes were a special time in each school week. We discussed government more than once and I began to understand the differences between the Tories and the Whigs but it seemed that the Corn Laws were the great divide in our ranks. I kept silent during these exchanges as I would wait to consult my father for his opinion. Aubrey Bayes and Robin were congratulated when they set up their telegraphic mechanism. As a key was pressed so electricity from a chemical cell was made to flow along wires ending in a box in which a pencil was suspended. The pencil moved and made marks on paper. Aubrey said he wanted to improve on this with the paper moving under the pencil so that the marks would be more distinct and separated. Megson, of course, derided this and said it seemed to be no use unless the pencil was made to write proper words. Winstanley said it might be possible to make one mark for A, two marks for B and so on. Even so, he decided this would be most cumbersome and Megson sneered even more. Much interest came towards the end of term when I displayed my apothecary's box one Friday afternoon and explained the use of each of the contents including 'Senna', 'Tinc. Papav.', 'Paregoric', 'Laudanum' and, finally, 'Lancelot's Balm'. This last had received general approbation as it had been administered to even some present when a sickness had made its appearance one hot summer's weekend and too much over-ripe fruit had been consumed.
More great interest, and some merriment, came from Robin with his displaying of a plan to diminish, or obviate, the use of chamber-pots at night. The nuisance which brought this about was the accident when poor Japhet tripped and the contents of the full chamber- pot he was carrying cascaded down the stairs in Ridley House. Unluckily for him, Frobisher the Praepostor was waiting below for his companion Prig - I mean Praepostor - Porter when this occurred so he received more than his fair share of the contents and Japhet felt more than a fair share of blows from Frobisher's cane. Frobisher did have the heart to say it was no doubt an Act of God and he would pray that no further incidents of the kind occurred.
Robin described the accident first without mentioning the unhappy outcome, especially for Frobisher, but most had heard of it and there was a general snicker as he said it was something which could occur even in the most well-run House. I noted Mr Ridley reached for his handkerchief and held it to his nose and held it there for some little while.
Three pieces of paper were passed around to be shared. Each had the same well- executed drawing of the small room by the head of the stairs on our second floor which at present held an assortment of discarded bats, clothing, pots and pans and other once useful articles. In the drawing there were none of these but the depiction of a kind of trough as found in the stables for placing oats and feed so they would not fall out. From the bottom of this was a pipe but also above the trough was a small cistern. Robin then explained that the trough would act as a fixed chamber-pot cleansed by water from the cistern above and the pipe would lead down and out of the building where the liquid could be disposed of. Although he had drawn up the system for just one of the troughs he said he thought space might be found on the first and ground floors for others to be installed. There was a deal of merriment at this but Mr Ridley, who was also amused, said it was a modern version of the urinals which the Emperor Vespasian had erected in Rome to sell off the liquid produced to the tanners. Heads nodded as this was common knowledge for schoolboys who delighted in such matters.
Baring was first to comment. "That is a most admirable and sensible idea," he said then smiled. "Would it not also provide a source of income for the school."
It was then that we heard that those pots were not poured away. Winstanley said most of that liquid was already collected and sold to a tannery on the other side of Ashbourne. Mr Ridley smiled at this and I think the rest of us received that statement with a nod of recognition as we had all seen tubs being wheeled away. Winstanley commented that there were also other uses for that substance which made us sit up. We heard then that he had thought at some point to try and extract an element named phosphorus but he would have required a great deal of the excreted liquid to accomplish this. He remarked that he would have needed a good three hundred gallons to extract a reasonable amount which caused a burst of merriment. He explained that phosphorus was first discovered in the 1660's by an alchemist evaporating quantities of urine thinking this might be a method of creating gold but had found something which glowed in the dark. Dennison immediately said the name must be from the Greek, was it not the Greek name for the morning-star, the 'bringer of light'? Mr Ridley said this was so. Winstanley continued saying that it was then found that phosphorus could be extracted from large amounts of bone ash which was the common method now. Megson, of course, was getting agitated. He declared in the end that this was all nonsense for he knew he did not glow in the dark and he had bones and... I think we all sniggered as he refrained from saying he was full of piss!
Winstanley carefully said that considerable quantities of both the liquid and the ash were needed and that some might know of the use of phosphorus as Vestas, small wooden sticks dipped in the substance, which could then be used to light fires or cigars by rubbing the tip on a rough surface. Both Graves and Baring remarked that they had seen these but Baring's father had said they were dangerous as they might spontaneously burst into flame. Everyone agreed that Robin's proposals were worthy of consideration and were amused when he said his ideas had been inspired by the diagrams and plans for the new water closets being installed at Careby Hall for the use of Master Browning and his family.
Robin was called to Mr Ridley the last week of term and told that the sketches had been discussed with Mr Dimbleby and he had said he would be responsible for the installation of at least one trough which could take place over the summer holidays.
Robin was most pleased that he might be contributing to lightening the burden on the serving-boys. George, of course, grumbled that we still had the dash to the privy in the mornings and if Careby Hall had the luxury of water closets surely Ashbourne School should have them as well. He did confess that Garthorpe Hall relied on commodes and there had been accidents through clumsy or careless servants numerous times. Theo said he was sure Japhet was neither clumsy nor careless but had merely tripped where the floorboards were uneven. Anyway, he said, there was a difference between Japhet's small feet and the giant clodhoppers of some of the inhabitants of Ridley House. George gave a good-natured wave of his hand at this sally as it was well-known whose boots needed the longest time to clean.
It was after Robin and I had made use of the small room next to the washroom for one of those occasions where we could be together and share that great fondness we had for each other that Robin remarked he was sure we were not the only ones who frequented the space. He pointed to what appeared to be a hastily rubbed cleaner patch on the rather begrimed wall.
"That was not there on our last visit here," he said and pointed to another further along. "I noted this one and footprints in the dust on that occasion. Here, look!" He was looking down into the dust by the more recent one. I could also see what was there. The dust had received some drops of liquid which had dried and made quite a discernible trail. It was quite evident what that liquid was.
"Is it one or two?" I asked.
"I would infer it is one," Robin said slowly and deliberately. "The footprints were from one person I would say. I suggest we keep watch."
It was just a few days later we were returning in the dusk from an organ lesson with Mr Skrimshire and saw a furtive figure emerge from near the washroom door. He did not see us but we both recognised him. It was Laidlaw, Frob and Prot's fag. This was confirmed within the week for George, returning from a hasty visit to the privy one afternoon, heard sobbing. He found Laidlaw hunched up behind the bushes and though fifteen was crying like a small child. Good-hearted George was most tender with him and found he had been beaten by Frobisher as he had been found in their room rubbing his engorged pizzle still within his britches. As this was a heinous sin in Frobisher's eyes his britches had been lowered and he had received twelve cuts with the cane, which all Praepostors carried, while Porter held him over the back of a chair. George then noted that the lad had red marks around his wrists and Laidlaw confessed that the pair tied his wrists together at night with a leather thong for he had also been found pleasuring himself more than once in his truckle bed.
I knew all this as George had brought a red-eyed Laidlaw to our room where he asked me to see if the poor lad's arsecheeks were bruised and bleeding. They were bruised with heavy dark welts though the skin was not broken. Again my pot of arnica was retrieved from my box and Laidlaw winced as I painted over the weals which were red and angry-looking. George was also angry-looking and it was all Theo could do to constrain him from going down immediately to give Prots and Frobs a taste of their own medicine. We found that Laidlaw wished to play cricket but the bigoted pair had said it was a pastime of the Devil. George put Laidlaw's name on the list of players for the next game which was between Ridley House and Parker's House. Although a muted protest was made George said it was the first time his aristocratic station in life had been of use as he certainly outranked the sons of minor clergy. We celebrated that small triumph with a beaker of rum posset that evening as I treated George for the bruise he had received when the ball he was running for caught him on his right shoulder. I received a little more than the rum posset when I commented he should rest his right arm that night though it was only his tongue which delivered his chastisement of an unruly fag!
Theo was also a comforter for Laidlaw for he pointed out that both of his tormentors, rather than mentors, would be leaving Ashbourne at the end of term and he would be coming to an age to have a fag of his own. "I would wish to share a room with Crawford Minor if that is possible," Laidlaw said, "We know each other as his father is squire of the next village to us and my father hunts with him." George said that might be arranged for at least five would be leaving when term ended and as one was Winstanley, who had the younger Crawford for his fag, new pairings would be made. We found that although Mr Laidlaw was a clergyman he spent a deal of his time with local Hunts and left the running of his parish to his nephew who was his curate. Laidlaw was adamant he was not going into the Church. "I will decide on my own path when I am of an age," he averred.
Young Freddy progressed well under Mrs Dimbleby's tutelage and, I think, I improved, too. There was great fascination when Mrs Dimbleby received a letter from Mrs Neville saying she was much obliged to her for her interest in her son and saying that she was most pleased some talent had been discovered for which she was most thankful. Mrs Neville added that Lady Digby Wright had also corresponded with her expressing the same sentiments and arrangements would be made for his future at a suitable music establishment perhaps in two year's time. I could see that Mrs Dimbleby was not impressed with Mrs Neville and her sentiments! Still, Freddy was happy and he said his friends were pleased for him. He did confess he did not seem to have time to practice the flute.
During the term letters had passed between Lancelot and us concerning the proposed journey to France. Mr Johnson had proved to be most helpful. He had travelled several times down to Clermont Ferrand and knew the village of Riom as there were plentiful vineyards around there. He would supply a carriage with a driver and groom who had travelled with him in that area. They would be able to deliver orders to his various connections for his business. Business? Perhaps not just wines, cheeses, I thought. Perhaps I was getting suspicious having realised that Uncle Digby most probably knew him!
One thing he did note was that he was sure any chateau belonging to the family would have been sacked and probably destroyed during the Revolutionary Years but there was no doubt there would be memories handed down. He was able also to make a list of possible vendors of the herbs and plants needed for the distillation. He was willing also to supply sufficient good brandy to which the resultant liquor could be added.
Lancelot had also written to my grandmother in the village near Chester to ask if she had any recollection of the village which she had left at the age of eighteen some fifty or so years ago. She said she had lost touch with any surviving relations though there must be some in either the families named Fontane or Le Ferreur. She knew of the deaths of many of the aristocracy and had been sent to England by her father the year after the king was guillotined in 1793. She thought her father was fearful for his own life and that was why he had been insistent she found a position in this country. So we had names and places to explore.
We shared our knowledge with the Johnson twins and it was agreed they would accompany us. Both were now sturdy seventeen-year-olds and said they would be armed with pistols for their father never travelled anywhere without his own pair and his coachmen were also chosen to be marksmen as well. Whether they said this to make us fearful we did not know but they seemed quite open about possible dangers. We heard there were many who had been cast aside after the wars against Napoleon and if they knew we were English might be ready to rob us. The other advantage was that their command of the French language and the dialects we would encounter was much in advance of ours and, most probably, of Lancelot's though he had spent a full year in Paris.
So my first year at Ashbourne drew to a close. We had a most momentous final Sing- Song on the final Saturday at which even Winstanley sang a solo. He had been most gracious in his farewells to both Robin and me at the last of Mr Ridley's classes he attended. He was also presented with a fine engraved silver tankard subscribed to by all the members of Ridley House who been rather in awe of his learning but had appreciated his fairness in all his dealings with us. Little was said of Prots and Frob who were departing for a Dissenting College in the north of England, much to their parents' disapproval so we heard. We heard also that Shem, the senior stable-lad, was also leaving but he was going to a quite different Dissenters' College at which his uncle now taught. The most momentous thing for me was the great acceptance of my Robin by all our fellows. So on those last days of the Summer Term of 1844 we said farewell to classmates and members especially of Ridley House vowing we would all return rested and raring to go!
Rowley and the coach arrived ready for our journey back to Careby. Both Branscombe and Freddy Neville would be accompanying us as we heard that Major and Mrs Torquil Browning were in residence at Careby Hall but would be returning to London a week or so hence with Cedric accompanying them. Freddy could visit his grandfather who was now up and about, his gout not cured but in abeyance. He would then be taken to Ipswich by a young relative of his late grandmother who was at present at Moss Hall waiting to take up a position in that town as a partner in a firm of solicitors. So all was arranged. Lancelot would be ready to begin his odyssey to France and his faithful Argonauts would be at his side. I was roundly told off by Robin when I said this as he said I was not likely to find a Golden Fleece and Odysseus was on a different venture!
To be continued:
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