Tom Browning's Schooldays

Tom Browning's Schooldays

By

Joel

Chapter SixtyThree

The journey back to Careby from Ashbourne School was without incident other than when Branscombe's mount, startled by the appearance of a large dog on a chain, took off at a gallop and cleared a five-bar gate with no problem but then stopped suddenly with Cedric deposited in a heap with his face in a cow pat. Robin and I on Silver and Blaze had ridden quickly to the gate and Rowley drew the coach to a halt in the road there. "You be no primrose!" called out Robin in good imitation of that raucous cab-driver.

"I'll have your fucking hide!" spluttered Branscombe as he stood and shook his head vigorously to rid himself of most of the evil-smelling turd. Freddy, ever helpful and riding in the coach resting himself from riding Prince, delved into a bag and hopped out bearing a wad of the soft paper. Branscombe carefully wiped the residue away after Freddy solemnly handed it to him. It was too much for Freddy who then burst into laughter.

"Please, you still have some in your hair," he said as Branscombe screwed up the soiled paper and threw it into the hedge.

Branscombe snarled but must have thought better than venting his anger on the lad. "That must wait until we stay at an inn this night," he said more calmly. "That fag of mine had better mind his manners, though!" But even he could see the humour in the moment. He wiped the tousled hair from his face with a remaining sheet or two. "'Tis the same as Maitland in that football game except his running drawers were ruined beyond wearing by tearing and him landing arse first in that cow pat. At least it is only my face dirtied and my dignity hurt."

"You are not bruised?" I called out. He shook his head.

"No, the ground was soft and I rolled when I landed." He looked around. "Where's the bloody horse?"

His otherwise docile mount was recovered from its fright and was standing grazing on some good green grass by a nearby stream.

Branscombe snorted. "I might have landed in that if the bastard hadn't stumbled."

"I suggest you gather him up and get to the road," I said pointing further into the field. A dozen or so fat steers were beginning to advance and if there was a bull amongst the horde there might be trouble. Freddy opened the gate and Branscombe quickly caught the rein of his steed and led him through. It was not a moment too soon as the steers began to move faster. Luckily there were no large hanging cods amongst them as they converged and stared more or less benignly at us. Natty had dismounted and patted one inquisitive beast on the nose.

"There be no harm in them," he averred, "Except they crowd on you and you could be a'crushed. Here me beauty!" He patted the animal again and it lowed. "You'll be on the parson's plate a'roasted a'fore you're a mite older."

Freddy was intrigued. "Why the parson's plate?" he enquired.

"Begging your pardon, young sir, but that's according to my mother. She says that whenever she sees a fine beast like this in a field, for the Reverend Dodd always has a good roasting of beef on a Sunday and she should know for she was in his kitchen as a maid."

Freddy nodded. "It is a fine dish and my father always praises it though my mother says she prefers good lamb."

"And we'd better be moving on," I said before any more of Mrs Neville's partialities were forthcoming. Although I had never made her acquaintance my opinion of her was low. "We have a few more miles to go before we can enjoy a plate of whatever the goodwife at the inn can provide."

There was little said about the happening as we rode on but Cedric did say he had to watch his language as his mother had scolded him roundly when he had issued some expletive over spilling wine on his trousers one evening. I noted that Robin kept to my other side as he expected some retaliation from his fag-master over his comment.

The inn was one we had stayed at before and there were cuts of beef for us for dinner that evening. The four of us shared a room and bed and Freddy was told by Cedric that if he grew any more he would be swaddled in a blanket on the floor. He was not abashed by this.

"Perhaps it should be the biggest who should be placed on the floor for he takes up most of the bed," he said, "That would give those smaller a better rest and not be crushed like with those cattle."

Cedric did laugh at this. "And I will make sure I roll over you if you permit me to share."

"And I can make another wish...." Freddy began to say but fell silent and cast his eyes down.

Neither Robin nor I dared say anything but Cedric lifted the lad's chin. "And what would you wish for?" he asked quietly.

"That my happiness with you and Tom and Robin should continue." He did smile then. "I do not have a brother and I am happiest when with my school-friends and with you. I have much to be glad for and I am grateful for that."

"Are you not looking forward to being at home for this vacation?" Cedric asked quite levelly.

Freddy shrugged his shoulders. "I shall be happy if my father takes me to dig for more old Romans," he said almost resignedly.

"I would hope your mother will allow you to play her fortepiano as you have a bundle of music from Mrs Dimbleby," I said and then wondered if that comment might cause the lad some discomfort.

He shrugged again. "If she does not I can look and learn more and I can write down all those tunes I hear in my head."

I vowed to let Freddy take my old flute back home with him. I would need to show him how to finger for sharps and flats before he went but I knew he would not take long to learn and there were illustrations in the primer which he could have as well. Perhaps he would be like the young Handel in the attic with the clavichord but surely his mother would not object to him playing the flute even in his bedroom!

We settled to sleep and I was awake bright and early. The serving boys brought our hot water and I made sure I was first to use a chamber pot and then douse my head in good hot water like Cedric the night before when he removed the rest of the turd. We breakfasted early and made good time starting the rest of the journey. We made only a short stop for luncheon and arrived in Careby later that Friday afternoon.

I was anxious to reach home. Although I did enjoy my time at school with the companionship of my fellows I really missed my mother and father and my friends in the village. My brother and his new wife would be there, too, and there would be great discussions of all the happenings while Robin and I had been away. I was sure Robin would now be with me all the time. His other family would not be neglected but with his true father in residence there would be time and place for those years of separation to be remedied. Elizabeth had also accepted him and with her brother Cedric also present who was now a firm friend of that bright and spunky lad another family was there for him.

It was so. There was a family gathering having an outdoor tea when we arrived. It was a fine, sunny July afternoon with all happy and smiling and talking animatedly. My Aunt Matty was there as well as old Miss Barnes with Lancelot and Torquil as the only gentlemen present. Servants brought out more seats and the four of us were plied with tea, sandwiches and pastries and many, many questions. First though we were bussed by a radiant Elizabeth who I noticed was wearing a loose gown. Lancelot must have noted my attention and when I smiled at him in greeting as he lounged in his easy chair he nodded and pursed his lips slightly. My sister-in-law was some four months with child! I would have to ask Cedric if any comment was made to him of her condition.

I and the other boys had been slapped on the back by Torquil in greeting as he had leapt from his chair on our approach. He was most carelessly dressed in a shirt and trousers with soft shoes and no hose. He said he had just returned from a good swim in the waterhole and was minded to go again. If we were hot and sweaty after our journey we might join him and save the servants toiling to the bedrooms with hot water.

"Let them eat first," my mother called out, "You and your playmates can then help to drown these unfortunates." We understood she meant Benjy and Timmy who Torquil had been teaching to swim and were now most competent. My mother also knew Robin and I were good at that sport but so were Cedric and Freddy who had enjoyed many an afternoon in the water at Ashbourne.

We soon made short work of all that was on the table and though our stomachs were full Torquil said he would see we came to no harm. I was afeared Miss Barnes was going to follow us as we set off as I knew we would be naked in the water. Benjy, who had been serving with two of the parlour-maids, was sent to fetch Timmy from the garden and before long seven were leaping into the cool water.

I had not seen Timmy since leaving Careby Hall after Christmas. Here he was naked and grown even in those six months or so. Grown in stature and in that other part which was ample before. It was evident Torquil treated him as more than servant just as he did Benjy who was slimmer now and, again, more prominent in certain areas. But then, so were Robin and I who, though no match for Timmy, were proud possessors of lengths which rivalled those of even older schoolfellows.

There was much diving and ducking and grabbing of unwary limbs though, on this occasion, other portions of the anatomy were left alone. Freddy was laughing and squealing as hands tickled him and, more than once, Torquil caught him and threw him bodily into the air and let him splash down before holding him and making him squeal again.

Cedric and Torquil had an almost under water wrestle but neither won as, laughing and clutching each other, the two brothers-in-law made sure they were good friends as well.

More than a little exhausted we clambered out and shook ourselves like wetted dogs and then sat hugger-mugger on the bank while we dried in the sun. I thought of that old saying which Uncle Dodd had quoted at us, 'When Adam delved and Eve span, who was then the gentleman', after Robin had told him of seeing an irate fellow belabouring a poor youth outside the Varley Arms when the lad had not touched his forelock and the man was incensed at such so-called insolence. Here were seven, naked, happy young men, admittedly one blacker than the others, but none showing any difference in station by way of dress or manners. Torquil was in charge but only as if in the role of an older brother.

I was able to question Timmy about his time in Cambridge at the apothecary's and we heard how he had visited the Botanic Garden and had brought back so many plants and seeds the walled garden was now full of growing plants. I could see both Cedric and Freddy were more than entranced by this fine, young man so different from any they had seen before but showing he was equal, or more than equal to them, in his knowledge and confidence. Torquil, I knew, had sensed that Timmy was no ordinary individual and in his good-natured and kind way had made it his business not to belittle him as a person of lower station.

When dry and the sun was over the trees we dressed and said we should make time and effort to repeat the experience. As we walked back up to the Hall we could hear more merry shouts from further down the river. These must have been from the stable-lads exercising the horses in the water and Torquil said he wondered if Miss Barnes had gone home that way. Robin and I knew those lads would be naked as well but said nothing to Cedric and Freddy.

Timmy bowed his head and thanked Torquil for allowing him to join in the swimming. Torquil said if Mr Bottom allowed him to desert his post in the garden he was always welcome. He would always be welcome, I thought, if he showed off that fine body and that most enticing appendage and I knew Robin agreed as he nudged me when Torquil was saying his piece.

Benjy said he had to get back to his duties or Mr Clements might whack him with the gong-stick if he were late to be ready for serving at dinner. As Torquil had slapped his backside several times when Benjy had splashed him I didn't think another couple of blows would harm those now most muscular young arse-cheeks.

Cedric said he couldn't think of a better way in which to cleanse oneself after a hot and dusty journey and Torquil said it was the preferred way his troopers had refreshed themselves after a hard ride on the warm June days when they were at Careby. When questioned he did say he did not join them. I forbore from asking whether he was afraid he might have been out-ranked in some dimension by any of his men. That thought would be shared with Robin later!

Dinner that evening was another merry affair. My father had made several good sales in the past week or so and said that I might stay at Ashbourne at least until I had outgrown my present clothing which at the present rate of growth would be about half a term. Poor Freddy must have thought I would not be there for much longer as he, sitting beside me at the dinner table, put a hand in mine and gripped it. I did say to him later that I was used to my father saying I was a great expense. I wondered then if my Aunt Fanny and my mother had been recompensed for the outlay on Freddy's new clothing and shoes when in London?

Lancelot was at dinner and whispered to Robin and me as we waited beforehand for the sound of the gong that he would show us on Saturday afternoon all the arrangements for our journey to France which we would begin the next Wednesday. Lancelot also said he would take Freddy to his grandfather's on Monday morning for he had to see how Colonel Neville was progressing and to leave him with enough medication while we were away. Of course, Cedric would be staying at Careby until his sister and brother-in-law returned to London. It was decided Cedric and Freddy would share a room until Freddy departed. I think he was rather in two minds about being parted from us so soon but he wanted to see his grandfather. I did say we would visit the forge in the morning and he smiled and looked most happy at that promise.

I was ready for my bed that evening and Freddy had been taken up as soon as dinner was finished as he was yawning and almost falling asleep. Cedric came upstairs with us and asked if we might talk before he joined Freddy. We sat by the window and looked out at the vista on that fine summer's evening. Cedric had heard Lancelot's mention of France and wanted to know what was to happen. We had not told anyone else other than the Johnson twins and Pederson at Ashbourne so we had to confess we knew little of how and where we were going except it was to return a part of an executed aristocrat from the French Revolution to a suitable resting-place.

"What part?" inquired Cedric who was not mollified having only just heard of our forthcoming adventure, "Is it his heart?"

We had to be truthful and it was Robin who quietly said it was his head. I then had to tell him all we knew which was not a great deal except there was also a family connection with the area of France as my grandmother had come from a village called Riom near the ducal seat of Clermont Ferrand. I think Cedric had a wrong opinion, which I did not disabuse, that my grandmother was from such an aristocratic lineage! He said he was envious of our proposed enterprise and would spend the rest of the summer idling away his time at their house near Canterbury. He then moved to another topic which was probably more at the front of his mind.

"That black boy," he started, "Was he not in the stables at Ashbourne? I remember he was discussed as Maitland and I had not seen a lad like that before."

I let Robin say that was so. Of course, Cedric knew of Black Jack and his expulsion but we did not enlarge on this. What had impressed Cedric more soon emerged. He shook his head.

"You say he is but fourteen or so. I have never seen anything that big on a boy even of seventeen or so." He sniggered. "Even when he came out of the cool water it was not much diminished." He nudged Robin. "Not like someone we could mention, eh?"

"Me, or him?" the wretch enquired. He then turned to Cedric and looked pointedly down at his lap. "And there was a person of seventeen who was no more than a child of thirteen when dripping wet so even Freddy bested him I would say!"

This was too much for dear Cedric's sensibilities. He turned and grabbed Robin and was about to administer some dire punishment on his fag but he laughed and then pulled his head towards him and gave him a lasting kiss on his lips.

Robin was perplexed at this and as they parted looked quite dazed. Cedric was smiling broadly.

"That was for all the pleasure I have had in your company," he said. "If the other one," - meaning me I assumed - "was closer he would receive the same." He looked at Robin who was still being held tightly. "I hope I have not disconcerted you but like young Freddy I could not have wished for better company and friendship." He held out a hand to me. I took it and was gripped even more firmly than Freddy had done so earlier. He had not finished joshing me, though. "I would say you have some way to go to measure up to your brother. I would aver he and that black lad were about equal!"

I just sneered at him and wondered if I might say he, even when warm, was no match for dear Jabez who had accompanied him back and forth at Charles Street. It was interesting, I thought, how boys were most eager to compare themselves with others in that particular respect.

We bid each other good night and he departed with a great smile on his face. Robin and I clutched each other and said it was time for bed. Hot water had been left for us but without a fire in the grate it was cool so comments were made as we tussled with each other then fell to our boyish love-making under the coverlet before casting that aside on this most warm July evening. Though expressing tiredness we did not sleep until at least two hours had passed in those passions which we now more than accustomed to. At some time, I thought, as we finally settled to slumber we had to decide to experience that further expression of our love and togetherness.

Another fine and hot day greeted us and after breakfast we set out both to visit the forge but also for Robin to be with his mother and his family. Torquil and Elizabeth were to ride out in the chaise after lunch and had said the night before they would like the company of Cedric and Freddy as that would release Robin and me to meet with Lancelot to discuss our journey.

Freddy was excited about seeing the Barker brothers again and asked if he might pump the bellows as he done before. This he was allowed to do while the pair not only carried on with their work but regaled us with the happenings of the military camp which was accommodated on nearby fields in June. Torquil had mentioned it when we were at the pool yesterday but he was rather circumspect in his descriptions. With Freddy more or less out of earshot we other three were regaled first with the description of their big brother, Abel Barker the farrier, marching up the ranks of the assembled Troopers and holding the biggest pair of pinchers imaginable. He warned the assembled, rather cowed, soldiers that if any unwanted baggage was left behind when they returned to barracks after their stay then the reputed causes of such undesirable events would be deprived of certain valued possessions. With the now Corporal of Horse, Caleb Barker, marching behind him they knew any dalliances had to be pure as the pair were quite formidable!

We three knew what 'unwanted baggage' referred to and Branscombe asked if the threat had born fruit and caused a laugh at that turn of phrase as it was other 'fruit' which was not to be born.

"That is to be seen, sir," said Isaac with a grin as he gave a red hot piece of iron a mighty blow, "We were ready here with the branding irons as well but other than two wenches from Hornby who were found bedded down in Farmer Lowe's barn we heard of none who may have allowed more than a buss or two after the dances in the Assembly Rooms on the Saturday evenings."

"Which you attended, no doubt?" I queried. "With a pot or two of Mr Flaxman's ale?"

"He did," Jacob said pointing his hammer at his smirking brother, "My father would not let me as he said I was too young and innocent to be led from the Path of Righteousness. Father went and played the bass fiddle much to our mother's amusement and she allowed me to go and watch through a window but I had to be back home before father returned."

"And Abel did take him out a pot to keep him company in his loneliness," Isaac added and grinned at his younger brother.

We left Cedric happily chatting to the pair with Freddy fully employed with the bellows and discarding his clothing as it was mighty hot in there. We left Blaze and Silver with instructions they were to be re-shod and walked down the lane towards the village and the Goodhew house. There was the usual reception. Both of us were greeted and hugged by his mother. She had received a glowing report of Robin's progress at Ashbourne from Mr Ridley and a letter from Mr Dimbleby commending his mathematical prowess. Philip and James listened as we recounted the happenings of the term and there was much laughter when Robin said Philip's designs for the substitute arrangement for chamber-pots had been well-received and were to be constructed. I had not realised but the three pieces of paper had been prepared and sent to Robin by Philip after he had written home with the general measurements which he made without telling me. No wonder those pages were so neatly drawn and presented. We also heard that full arrangements had been made for Philip to begin his studies at the Royal Schools of Art in September and his father would be accompanying him to see him settled both there and in his accommodation in Mr Harrison's household.

Lancelot had told Mr and Mrs Goodhew of the journey to France and, although somewhat apprehensive, both had said Robin should go if he was minded to. His mother said he must come and say farewell before he set off and his brothers said it was something they wished they could do.

We then had to visit the workroom where, as usual, there was much activity. Steven was carving the lettering for a large stone to ornament the grave of a recently deceased baronet whose less-than-grieving widow he said had chosen the cheapest marble with the least number of letters needed to commemorate him. Still, he added, he had been paid in advance so was most happy. Liam was grinning as he was assisting by smoothing the curves at the top of the stone.

"She said she wanted straight edges to reduce the cost," he said waving a finger along the top of the stone, "but Mr Goodhew said it should match the father's stone next to it and she had to agree."

I looked at the name and was pleased it wasn't Sir Montgomery Wagstaffe but was for someone I did not know, whose surname began with 'Mor' as these were the letters so far carved for that name and I could not discern the roughed-in charcoaled letters further on.

After leaving the workroom we called in to see Mr Venables in his shop and gave him news of our progress at school, especially with the lessons we were having from Mr Skrimshire on the chapel organ. We said we would be ready to play at the morning service on the morrow and he said we were welcome as usual. We heard that both Philip and James had joined the church band though they had not told us.

We arrived back at Careby Hall just in time for luncheon in the breakfast room where we boys would be eating alone. Cedric and Freddy were already there and Benjy was serving them with excellent cold cuts and roasted potatoes. We had hardly been seated when an exuberant Freddy began telling us between mouthfuls of food how much he had enjoyed being at the forge. "And I have been his nanny," Cedric grumbled good-naturedly as he speared a prime piece of beef on his fork. "I had to wash the grubby urchin when we returned here as he managed to blacken himself by deciding he would heap more coals on the fire as well as pump the bellows."

The urchin grinned at him. "You wanted to beat that piece of iron but were too afraid to ask in case you got too hot and had to remove your clothes like those boys. I did!"

Cedric had to explain that as the forge was hot and got hotter so Freddy calmly took off all his clothes until, like Isaac and Jacob, he was clad only in his drawers. They had found an apron and put it on him in case any sparks burnt him but he, of course, had managed to get black smudges over his sweaty body so had to be almost bathed on his return to Careby Hall.

"It is something I shall not tell my mother," he said quietly. "Especially as that boy Isaac was beating that iron so hard his drawers fell down and he did not bother to pull them up until he had quenched the horseshoe he was making."

Cedric was trying not to laugh. "He has fine muscles, eh Freddy? He said you should become a blacksmith and they would take you as an apprentice."

Freddy smiled. "I would wish to make such fine iron gates as they have done." He shook his head. "I see all these things around me but do not know their provenance."

"I would say they are as much artists as any other good craftsman," said Robin. "Yet their work does not make them the equal of the gentry who employ them."

Cedric looked at him closely. "The more I hear and see in this household and Sir Digby's in London I know I must question many of those notions I have taken for granted. My father is quite open about his opinions of some of his acquaintances and there are many at Ashbourne I would not wish to continue with any form of association."

Robin bowed his head to him across the table. "You have accepted me for which I am most grateful..."

Cedric cut him short. "...You have proved yourself more than worthy than many and there is no reason for you to feel grateful. I only wish I could learn as fast and as well as you..." He laughed . "...And that rogue of an uncle of yours! He has lotions and potions as well as his learning! I get more and more confused with all I am confronted with! A quiet life in Her Majesty's Navy is all I desire. Though it was anything but quiet for my father who saw many battles. Will I?"

I think we were as confused as poor Cedric. I was beginning to realise that life for most was not so straightforward as I had accepted for my lot. Was my path so smooth? I would have to wait and see.

Freddy's eyes had then opened wide for one of the twins brought in a large fruit tart from which Benjy cut substantial slices for each of us. The other twin had a jug of fresh, beaten cream which was poured liberally over the glistening fruit on the pastry. Little was said then until our luncheon was complete.

We sat a few moments surveying our empty plates until Mr Clements appeared to take Cedric and Freddy to the parlour where Torquil and Elizabeth had lunched with my mother. It was time for their excursion. Robin and I went along to the Library to await Lancelot and to hear the details of our coming visit to France.

As usual, Lancelot was a while before he came hurrying along. He had been out to visit a rather sick old gentleman at his house in Creeton. "Another case of gout," he said as he explained where he had been. "As you are aware it would seem to be an affliction associated with indulgence especially of port. I am more than certain this is so in Major Barton's case for bottles both full and empty are always lined up in military ranks in his parlour. He is most generous as I had to take two substantial glasses before he allowed me to leave."

"No pain in your ankles yet?" enquired cheeky Robin.

Lancelot waved a dismissive hand at him. "One has to humour one's patients as well as setting their humours in balance!"

I knew better than to ask any questions of a medical nature, for my cousin would then make sure we would be given his strong opinions on the antiquated ideas of the ancient Greeks. Instead I plunged straightforwardly into the matter of greater importance to us. "You said you would have information about our journey for us this afternoon," I said and gave Robin as severe a look as I could muster behind Lancelot's back.

Lancelot turned and held up a sizeable leather case. "It is all here. Let me put all the documents on the table but ring the bell, please, as I am famished and need a bite to eat before we continue."

Benjy soon appeared and was instructed to see what cook had which would be easy for her to prepare. In that interval we stood either side of Lancelot as he opened the case and laid out a succession of papers which he arranged across the table. "First, I am most grateful to Uncle Digby as he has also corresponded with Mr Johnson and between them they have made appreciable plans for us. My friend in Paris can accommodate us as well so we must make time to see the wonders there." He looked at Robin and gave a laugh. "You have not travelled yet on the railway, have you?" Robin stared at him and shook his head. Lancelot held up a hand. "I am getting ahead of myself but I must eat first so you can look at the documents until I have finished but do not touch them as I have placed them in order." Obediently we did as told. Robin looked at me and grinned but neither of us spoke. Benjy was soon back with a tray on which was a tankard and two plates with new bread, cheese and that tangy pickle we all liked and Lancelot was soon enjoying his repast.

There was plenty of time for the perusal but it was annoying that we could not pick up the documents to actually read them. I could see there were several letters. The first two had Mr Johnson's address at the top. By their side were two others each of several pages, with the tapes which had held the sheets together loosely undone, and these I could see were covered with Uncle Digby's scrawly hand. I could also see the copies of the letters which Lancelot must have written seeking information and lastly there were other pages which were folded over but I could see there was printing showing through. Lancelot ate fast and finished by downing the tankard in one draught. He wiped his lips with the napkin on the tray and a curious Benjy was dismissed. I winked at him as he passed and he raised one nostril at me!

Lancelot waited until the door was closed then beckoned us to stand by him. He paused putting a finger to his lips as if thinking of the order of things. "Let me start from the beginning. Our journey to London will be as usual. My uncle Sam is providing a coach for us and Rowley Roberts and young Peters will be driving us there. We leave here on Wednesday and arrive there on Friday." He picked up the first letter. "This is from Mr Johnson with the admonition that it is likely to be hotter the further we go into France as it will be full summer." He then pointed to the nearby letter of several pages. "Uncle Digby has arranged for us to visit the tailor on Saturday to collect suitable linen suits and light shirts. Mr Levy has all our measures from our previous visit and will make allowance for growing boys!" He gave Robin a nudge with his elbow.

"That is a necessity," Robin said, looking round Lancelot at me. "I would say Tom and I have both gained at least an inch in our height even since Easter."

Lancelot nodded. "I would be most surprised if you had not." I got a nudge this time. "I noted that your jacket seemed a little short in the sleeves for you at dinner last night. However, it may have been just a falling back of your cuffs as you forked those slices of fine capon so quickly as if you had starved for a week!"

I managed a sneer. Lancelot was always chiding me for eating too fast and not chewing each mouthful sufficiently in his opinion. I ignored that jibe as I wished for more knowledge of what would happen on the Wednesday and the days following. "Will Rowley Roberts and Peters also be driving us to France and over there, too?" I enquired carefully.

Lancelot shook his head. "Our Uncle Digby and Mr Johnson have arranged everything." He looked at Robin and pointed down at some unfamiliar papers which, when he picked one up, I could see was partially printed but with handwriting on it. "You will be travelling by the new railway to Dover and this is what is called a ticket." Robin looked rather startled. Lancelot laughed. "If it is good enough for Prince Albert to travel to Dover that way it will be good enough for us!"

We heard then that the complete line to Dover from London had been completed and opened only in February of this year. Prince Albert had used the railway to Dover in March because of its quickness when he had to go to a funeral in Germany. This had caused great interest from the reports in the newspapers and Uncle Digby had suggested we might take advantage of it, for if we were on the train at eight in the morning at the London Bridge terminus we would be in Dover ready to take the eleven o'clock steam packet to Calais.

"We would sail overnight?" asked Robin.

Lancelot shook his head. "No, the boat sails at eleven in the morning not at night. The train will get us there in but two hours and a half at most."

Robin mused on this. "Dover is some eighty or so miles from London so Martin Johnson told me."

Lancelot held up another piece of paper. "Here is the route which is somewhat more as the track meanders and is not laid in a straight line. I think it is some one hundred miles all told."

"In two and a half hours? That is..." Robin paused as his mental processes were set in motion like the train's wheels. I thought hard, too. I think he was a moment or two ahead of me. "...that is forty miles an hour. A coach and four cannot travel more than six or seven miles an hour and that on a good road. Is that true?"

Lancelot nodded. "The railway is our future, I am sure!"

I had made the same calculation but was also puzzled about another matter. "Will we have to wait for our coach?"

Lancelot shook his head. "No. I am sorry if I have not made things clear. Only Rowley will accompany us as he will learn to drive on French roads in the company of Mr Johnson's coachmen. Young Peters will remain in London and will be in Mr Churcher's capable hands and will be able to visit his relations as well." Lancelot pointed down at Uncle Digby's letter. "We will be accompanied by our Jabez Bottom who has certain instructions to carry out according to the cryptic comments written here."

I was not surprised. Here was Jabez being entrusted again and assigned to a task which was, no doubt, another test of his aptness for employment in Uncle Digby's enterprises. "How will we travel in France?" I asked then realised Lancelot had already mentioned Rowley Roberts driving in France. I had been thinking of Jabez's promotion! Robin had said nothing. He was, no doubt, mulling over some of our adventures with Jabez here and the demonstration of Jabez's venture in London.

"That is all arranged, too. Mr Johnson will provide a coach with two experienced coachmen one of whom will be always armed in case of trouble." He grimaced. "He says it would be unlikely but he always errs on the side of caution."

Robin laughed. "Martin Johnson says they often go hunting with their father and he is a better shot than his brother so will they be armed as well?"

"All the better if they are," said Lancelot. "He says here he has no qualms about their fitness for this their first travel further than Paris. Make what you will of that!"

"How far is our journey in France?" I asked, not wishing to contemplate being held up by highwaymen even though guarded by my friends the Johnsons!

Lancelot unfolded a map and flattened it on the table. I could see it was marked with a heavy black line from the coast inland and down.

"Mr Johnson has sent this map and calculations in miles." He picked up another sheet. "I will not bore you now with the names of the towns and villages but we go first from Calais to his house in Coquelles and stay there overnight to make ourselves acquainted more fully with the details. He wishes his coachman to deal with business as well but it should not delay our progress." He pointed to the map. "From Coquelles to Paris is some one hundred and sixty five miles. He says the road is good and we should complete that in two and a half days. My friend Armand and his father live at St Denis which is less than five miles outside Paris itself." He made circle with his finger over what I assumed must be the city of Paris. "I suggest we spend at least two or even three days in their company and I can show you some of the wonders of the city. Armand is a fine fellow and both he and his father are physicians and he says he is looking forward to entertaining us." Another letter was indicated. "'Tu et tes cousins' he writes so you are included as friends as well, eh?" He sneered at me this time. I knew the convention for the use of 'tu'!

"There are inns to stay at on the road?" I asked for Uncle Dodd had said he and the young men he was accompanying on their Grand Tour had slept under haystacks or in barns more than once.

"Of course and as good as we have here in England," Lancelot said with a laugh. "You are thinking of my father's tales, eh?"

I nodded. If Uncle Dodd had survived, so would we!

"What is there to see in Paris?" Robin enquired.

"Wait and see, young man," Lancelot waved a finger in admonition, "You will not be disappointed." He pointed at the map again. "When we are ready we will continue down into almost the middle of France. Mr Johnson had calculated we have somewhere nigh on two hundred and forty miles to reach Riom and a little further if we need to go to Clermont Ferrand."

Robin was quicker than me on calculating this time. "In ten hours each day we should travel a good sixty miles if the roads are good so we should reach Riom in four or five days."

"I think we should be tired of coach travel by then," I said, thinking we should be well supplied with books and cards to pass the time but those activities could be tiring as well. "What is there to look at on the way?"

Lancelot held up both hands. "I do not know. I have ventured as far as Versailles and to Fontainebleau on that side of Paris and there are fields and rivers and we shall see vines growing. There are ruinous churches and monasteries but we can ask Mr Johnson if there are particular sites to explore. Remember though, although we can allow some four weeks in France, we still have a particular task to perform."

We were silent for a moment. The head! That had to be carried in the coach as well Of course, it would be in its box but what if the road was rough and the glass container shattered? I would not think of that as I was sure it would be well-protected from such hazards. I had a thought of another matter.

"What money will we need?" I asked. "I know from talking with the Johnsons the French have different coins from those we use."

"That is so," said Lancelot picking up one of two small leather purses on the table. He loosened the tied string closing it and tipped out a number of coins. "Uncle Digby sent these so we would become acquainted with their coinage." He picked one up. "These are everyday coins some are francs or divisions of them like our shillings and pence. I am told there are at least twenty-five francs to each sovereign and that we should be able to have good accommodation for less than the price we pay here."

I leaned forward and picked up one of the nearer, larger coins. Like our own silver coins there was an engraved head on one side. A rather ugly man, I thought, with heavy jowls and a circlet of leaves around his brow. I squinted at the coin to read the inscription around the head. 'Louis Philippe I Roi des Francais' I was aware there was now a king in France but had not known his name. I turned the coin over. Here the inscription in the centre was '5 francs' with this year's date '1844'. Robin took the other coin from Lancelot and looked at that one.

"This is for five francs," I said, "I calculate it is worth four shillings of English money, is that not so?"

"It will be at least that," Lancelot agreed with a laugh. "We shall live like English Milords with enough of those."

"Enough?" asked Robin. "Who will supply enough? This is for one franc which is worth near ten pennies. We would need plenty of these would we not?"

"We are on an errand for St Mark's College and they wish to make our journey as pleasant as possible," Lancelot said carefully as he picked up the second purse. As he shook it open so a number of gold coins slid out. "The Bursar at St Mark's has been most generous as he found he had ten gold Louis in his safe which had been bequeathed to the College by the Frenchman when he died. I do not know their value now but either Uncle Digby or Mr Johnson will advise." He picked up Uncle Digby's second letter and riffled through the pages. "He says here that two promissory notes will be forthcoming, one which we can draw on Mr Johnson for any initial expense and a second which may be drawn on a bank in Paris in his name. I must then apply to the Bursar for Uncle Digby to be reimbursed."

He picked up the letter again. "He says here he has obtained passports for us as well from the Government office in London." He saw the questioning look on my face. "Those are necessary for any traveller abroad to guarantee a safe passage and no interference from petty officials. I have had to wave my passport a number of times at some minor functionary who would otherwise demand recompense for allowing the carriage to proceed. I must admit the French are a mercenary race!"

I stared dumbly at the documents and coins on the table. A train ride, a sea crossing, long journeys in a an unfamiliar coach and country, all in the company of that ducal head! Robin was laughing most probably, I thought, at the sally against the French which would not be relayed to our hosts for I knew Mrs Johnson was French. However, Robin just pointed to the array.

"I would say that this is planned like a military campaign. William the Conqueror came here. Dr Lancelot Dodd and his troopers will be victorious, too!"

Lancelot laughed. "That is exactly the sentiment dear Torquil expressed! I think it was with difficulty I dissuaded him from accompanying us with a band of fifty troopers to avenge that defeat!"

To be continued:

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