Tom Browning's Schooldays
By
Joel
Chapter SixtyFour
We had many questions to ask Lancelot after he had told us about our proposed journey across the sea to France. Travel on the sea was new to me. I had seen the waves and what seemed a limitless stretch of water on my journey with my father to the Wisbech horse fair and he had taken me to witness those rolling waves on the coast. I knew that King John had lost his jewels in the Wash somewhere there so my thoughts ran to the dangers of such a crossing from England to France.
My thoughts were on that part of the journey but Robin was thinking of the railway. On our return from London we had passed over the tunnel near Swiss Cottage on the Finchley road bearing the Birmingham railway and had tarried a while to witness a train puffing clouds of smoke and steam before entering it. Lancelot had said then he had once been a passenger to Birmingham and had been exhilarated by the prospect of such travel with all the plans to construct new railways. The short journey I had made to Greenwich had excited me, too.
Robin sounded somewhat dubious. "Are there not dangers in travelling at such a rate? It is much faster than even a good gallop on Silver and it would be a terrible spill if he stumbled."
Lancelot smiled. "Fear not, Robin, I can assure you the wheels turn smoothly so there is no fear of stumbling and the engine has greater power than a single horse. You are aware that those engines and the ones used to raise water in mines have the work they can do declared in horsepower. I am not really conversant with how they make the measures but some of the engines are mighty indeed."
I remembered the table engine which Rufus had shown Aubrey and me. He had said he had to measure the work it could do with various devices. I kept silent as I was also unaware of those measures!
"The steam packet?" Robin asked. "Is that like an engine?"
"It has an engine," Lancelot said, "I have seen an illustration and am told it makes a thunderous noise as it ploughs its way through the waves."
"Does it go on wheels?" Robin enquired.
"That it cannot do as the sea is deep," Lancelot explained. "It does not have sails though there are masts. I do not know what propels it but we will find out more on our voyage. I have only been on the sailing packet and with it one must hope the weather is good."
I knew from the Johnsons' journey being delayed that if the weather was bad then it made the crossing difficult. If the steam packet did not use the wind then it might be more reliable unless storm-tossed. It would however be summer and I hoped the sea would be calm.
Lancelot drew out his fob watch. "I must hurry away. I have to visit the Miss Haycocks at Hornby as they have some fever in the house. I will take care as each of their servants in turn have succumbed and have been put to their beds." He shook his head. "I do not know its provenance but a nephew returned from America two weeks ago and was taken with it immediately on his arrival. His fever raged mightily but he has since recovered and others are now abed. I must question him closely about his travels."
I had listened closely to this snippet of news as I had visited the house with my mother some two years previously. I had found the ladies most lively then and wanting news of my mother's recent visit to London and the theatre she had attended. Lancelot had told me of the perils of long sea journeys so I hoped our shorter crossing to France would not be too hazardous!
"You have talked of fevers aboard ship on long journeys," I said to him, "Is that not so?"
He nodded. "Yes, there are many stories and accounts of such maladies but I have not read of then on ships as the one this nephew would have sailed on. Bad air and the close quarters on convict ships or on those full of emigrants would be cause enough but the nephew would have arrived on a ship with well-aired cabins and spacious accommodation."
I did not dare to ask his recommendations for the fever for that would take another hour! He gathered up his array of documents and coins and placed them in his case.
"I will be here tomorrow so save anymore questions till then!" He laughed, waved and was gone.
Robin raised both hands and grinned at me. "There will be many questions I would pose once we set out. There is more to this venture than taking that gruesome head to its resting-place."
I nodded. "We will have to be patient. I will say I look forward to the train journey."
Robin sniffed. "At that rate of travel it is a wonder our heads will not be blown away."
I said that we would, no doubt, be accommodated in closed carriages and not in those open carts in which we saw some of the passengers being carried on that train from Birmingham. This did not appease Robin so I said it would be good to have the company of Jabez on the journey.
Robin laughed. "The more I hear and see of that establishment in Charles Street the more I wonder!"
What could I reply? "You are not the only one!" I said and joined in the laughter, perhaps rather hesitantly.
We settled then to reading and were not disturbed until the sounds of the return of the four from their excursion. Only two came to the Library, Cedric and Freddy. Freddy went immediately to Robin and began recounting all he had just seen. I was standing by the bookshelves when they entered and Cedric came to me and held a finger to his lips.
"I have a secret to impart," he whispered.
I guessed what the import of that secret would be. "May you divulge a secret?" I asked and pulled out a book somewhat at random.
"Listen," he almost hissed, "My sister is..." He patted his belly.
I did not like to ruin his pleasure by saying Robin and I had already guessed the good news. I would hang the telling a little longer. "She is disordered?" I asked rather gravely. "Should I fetch that bottle of my cousin's balm? As you well know it is most efficacious."
He grimaced. "Stupid boy! She's with child!" he said rather loudly which made both Robin and Freddy pay attention.
"Oh, is that all," I said still with a straight face. "I came to that conclusion yesterday. Thank you for confirming my diagnosis." I could not help but grin then.
"You fool! I suppose that fag of mine knows, too?" he said shaking his head.
I nodded and put out a hand. "I am sure this will unite our families even further."
He did smile then and shook my hand heartedly. Both Robin and Freddy joined us. Freddy was a little bemused until informed quite straightforwardly that Mrs Torquil Browning was with child. He smiled also.
"I would wish I could be an uncle but that will have to wait until my sister marries," he said rather sweetly.
Cedric patted his shoulder. "That will be some time yet I would say so you must share with us." He looked at Robin and put out his hand. "This will be a half-brother or sister to you. I hope you are pleased?"
"What else could I be?" he asked with a smile and shook Cedric's hand. "I shall make sure we both share in our uncle's goodwill." He turned to me. "And not forgetting this uncle, too!" We all grinned at each other.
I think Freddy was a little bemused at this until, again, the relationships were outlined. I wondered how Mrs Neville would receive this news when recounted by Freddy on his return home?
I asked Freddy to pull the bell-rope and a pot of tea and cakes soon appeared. There was hope we might have time for a swim before dinner so I went in search of Torquil who I found with my mother and Elizabeth in the parlour. He was enthusiastic saying he was quite hot and excused himself from their company with vows that he would return when cooled.
"I am not used to female conversation yet but I am learning fast," he said as we almost bounded along the corridor to collect the other three.
Just the five us sported in the water and splashed and teased each other with Torquil being hounded by us as he tried to swim away. When we were tired we sat on the bank and dried in the sun. I noted that Freddy cast covert glances at all of us, no doubt comparing each as we lay with no shame. It was with a little amusement I saw a stirring in his young peg just before Torquil announced it was time to dress and make our way back to the Hall. Freddy was near that time when youthful pleasures would crowd all other thoughts from his mind as they had for me.
Dinner that evening was attended by the Squire and Mrs Matthews, Miss Barnes and all the Dodds, including a quite ebullient Erasmus. At some point the conversation turned to the forthcoming visit to France but the ducal head was not mentioned. Erasmus said it always pained him that both his father and his brother had visited that country but the studies and the curacies before his appointment to his living had made it impossible. Now that he would have vacations as a Fellow of St Mark's time might be available to allow him to travel. The Squire was quite adamant that this country was quite adequate for him. I had not known but he had not ventured even to London and father joshed him and said when the railway passed his backdoor he would have no excuse then.
We heard then that the navigators were already only some ten miles or so away and plans for the cuttings across the level ground were all agreed. Lancelot said he would hope that the plans he had seen would allow a halt to be placed at Careby for our convenience. My father said he had been in correspondence with Digby Wright, who as a director of the Railway Company would have some say in the matter, and he was agreeable to that scheme. It would mean employment for men or lads from the village as there were also plans for a short line which would branch to the side. This would allow special carriages to wait ready to load before being used to transport cattle and horses instead of driving them along the roads. I think we were all in wonderment about all this for Lancelot then divulged that a parcel of his land at Essendine had also been purchased so all would be ready for the line from Grantham through to Peterborough in no more than a year's time.
The next few days seemed to drag. Freddy was both happy and sad in that he would have no young companions when he returned home though he would first be seeing his much-loved grandfather. I spent time on Sunday afternoon teaching him the fingering for sharps and flats on the flute. He said that instruction with the help of the primer should be sufficient for him. My mother had given quick agreement to my suggestion that he might have the flute she had given me as I had the one presented to me by Miss Barnes. I also said to him that he should make friends with the curate's son even though his mother disapproved. Perhaps he could persuade his father that the boy would be another pair of hands on the Roman dig. He said he would try as he knew Charles was lonely, too.
I think even Cedric missed Freddy once he departed on Monday but as that day and Tuesday were sunny and hot we made sure we spent our time in and out of that pool by the river. When Torquil was allowed, as he said, he also joined us though he and Elizabeth had visits to make to other neighbours which she said tired her.
There was, of course, packing of chests and bags for our travels. Lancelot said I need not take my apothecary's box as he was well-supplied and would be visiting the most up-to- date chymist or 'pharmacien' in Paris to garner any new or better remedies. So, after farewells to my family, including Cedric, and the Goodhews, we set off on the road to London at eight o'clock on Wednesday morning.
The journey did not seem so tedious though the roads were busy and we reached a good inn past Bedford that evening for we had a lighter coach which travelled at a faster rate than usual. I sat on the box with Rowley Roberts at times for the inside of the carriage was hot on this July day. I found he was most apprehensive about travelling on the railway. He was not perturbed about the sea voyage nor of driving a carriage in France but the thought of reaching Dover in such a short time was too much for him to comprehend. I did console him somewhat for he knew my mother and I had travelled to Greenwich on the railway and he was mollified further when I said that the Queen's husband had travelled on our proposed route. His other concern, as before, was how the railways would take employment away from good horsemen. I could not answer that worry but remembered what had been said in at least two of Mr Ridley's classes that the new manufactories now employed many who had moved from villages where they had struggled for work on the land where, since 1841, crops had been consistently bad.
I think Peters was a mite jealous that he had not been chosen to accompany us on the journey from London. He did say he was happy that he would be at the Charles Street stable and had been promised a position as the coachman for the new Browning household along that road. His worry was how long would it take him to learn all the roads in London!
Our arrival at Charles Street late in the afternoon was as welcoming as ever. Lancelot, Robin and I were ushered immediately into Uncle Digby's study where we found Lancelot's contrivance blowing a draught of clean and sweet-smelling air. It must have been doing good as Uncle Digby had colour in his cheeks; he maintained his chest was clearer and he did not cough. I could see that Lancelot was most pleased at that intelligence. Uncle Digby said there was much interest in the device as Professor Bayes had demonstrated it to several well-known and, as Uncle Digby put it, 'modern' doctors who wished to try out their own copies on patients who were afflicted by the sooty air. A patent had been applied for and manufacture would take place after that was granted.
It was decided we would rest before dinner and just partake of tea and pastries in the breakfast room. Uncle Digby said he had much to impart about the forthcoming journey but that would wait until the morrow. I think Robin and I were glad of this as Lancelot had spent most of the journey rehearsing and reiterating all he had told us in the Library at Careby Hall.
We wondered where Jabez was as Paolo escorted Robin and me to our room. He shook his head when we asked. "Master Jabez has been sent on an errand to Sir Digby's bank and Mehmet is accompanying him," he said, "I do not know the nature of his business but he said he was pleased at the trust put in him."
I said nothing but this more than confirmed my own thoughts about dear Jabez's progress.
Our chests and bags were already in our room and our evening suits were brushed and hung ready for us to change. Hot water was brought up and we stripped and washed thoroughly as we felt quite sweaty and grubby after our journey. It was close in the bedroom as it had been a hot day but the windows could not be opened or we would be soon dirtied again. Although the sun was shining there was a yellow haze in the sky which we had noted as we approached London along the Finchley road. We would soon be leaving London again and I wondered if the same happened in all great cities and would we see and smell such in Paris?
Paolo said the other house was almost readied for Major and Mrs Browning's occupation but he thought the Signora, as he called Elizabeth, would be going to her parents' house near Canterbury now the Season was almost ended. He had heard she would be returning to London from Careby the next week. This was news to us for, foolishly, we had not asked or, more likely, not listened when this was discussed.
After lounging, en deshabille, as my mother always described my liking for as few clothes as possible when younger, Paolo helped us to dress and made sure the pins in our cravats matched in a jaunty angle.
We had just finished admiring ourselves in the pierglass when a rap on the door announced Jabez's return. He was most smartly dressed in a black tailcoat and striped trousers which Mr Topping and Mr Purrett also habitually wore when not in full livery. Neither Robin nor I commented on this but could see another lifting in his position.
Much to Paolo's amusement we exchanged hugs of welcome and greeting with him. Paolo was more than aware of our friendship from his observations on my previous visits and that one of Robin's for the wedding and, no doubt, as with all servants, the habits and happenings 'above stairs' were fully discussed.
Of course, we said how pleased we were that he was coming with us to France. Jabez nodded and smiled, "I look forward to that as I am used to caring for young cubs..." He did stop there and we could hardly make an attack which he, both older and bigger, would no doubt win and we in our best clothes would come off worst!
Robin put out a hand and grasped Jabez's right arm. "Come here, rogue!" He pulled Jabez to him and kissed his cheek. "That is from your mother...," he said, then slapped Jabez's tightly-trousered arse, "...And that is from your father as you did not send a message on his birthday."
Jabez laughed. "Thank you for both. I cannot send you back with a return for my mother as I shall be seeing her myself when we have finished our pilgrimage. As for the other there is a parcel which ought to have been delivered this last week but it will arrive I am sure within a day or so. He should be pleased as there is a shirt and a fine cravat for Sunday wear." He bowed his head. "I must excuse myself as my duties are not finished and I must change into my livery." Without further ado he was gone leaving us grinning at each other.
"May I be excused also?" asked Paolo, "There will be ten at dinner this evening so I must be changed, too."
We did not delay him to ask who would be attending but that would be of second interest for hungry boys to those delectable dishes which no doubt Paolo's grandfather would have prepared. Rumbling bellies were our lot for the moment as we waited for the sound of the gong.
We had the door ajar and heard scurrying steps and far off greetings as others arrived below. I think we were fairly certain of the ten as we whispered names together. Our heads were nearly knocked off as we did not hear Lancelot approach and he pushed the door open.
"I guessed two hungry creatures would be eagerly a-waiting," he said and tapped his own stomach. "I am, too, and it is time for that gong to sound!" No sooner said when that welcome sound was heard.
We did not rush but still walked quite briskly down the sweeping stairs to where we could hear chatter from the Library. It was almost a family gathering. As well as my Aunt Fanny and Uncle Digby in his wheeled chair there were my sister Hatty and the Reverend James with Terence. My cousin Rosamund had her Hussar by her side, the Honourable Geoffrey Lascelles. Lancelot had led us in so was greeted first but both Robin and I were kissed by Aunt Fanny, hugged by Hatty and Rosamund and shaken by the hand by James and Geoffrey. I knew by the smiles Rosamund and Geoffrey were exchanging he would soon also be a member of the family! Terence merely sneered at the pair of us and pointed at the matching cravat pins. We, politely, smiled back.
Dinner was in the lower dining-room as that was more convenient for Uncle Digby who was helped from his wheeled chair by Mr Topping. He needed only one arm to help him so Mehmet's massage was working a small wonder. Of course, there were questions about our progress at school but most of the conversation was on the proposed journey. There were suppressed moans from the ladies when Lancelot said he had the head carefully placed in its box in his room. After the dinner was finished and the ladies had retired to the parlour there was more interest expressed by the gentlemen present in seeing the gruesome object. That is, other than James who said he'd seen enough old remains when two of the vaults in his previous church had fallen in. I looked at Robin who had been contentedly sipping a glass of port until then but he grimaced and took rather a large gulp which set him coughing. Terence said a pinch of snuff would put him right and produced his gold snuff- box and the coughing did stop.
Of course, Terence almost disgraced himself by asking what did we expect to see in Paris? He said he had never been but brother officers had described... Here he took a large pinch of snuff as I saw Uncle Digby give him a reproving look. As that made him sneeze the sentence was not completed and Lancelot said we would be visiting the Louvre and the cathedral of Notre Dame which caused Geoffrey to laugh. I would enquire of Terence what he was about to say for Cedric Branscombe had told us that Paris was considered to be the height of wickedness and didn't know what that meant, so we were also none the wiser! Yet!
In bed that night Robin and I mulled over what had been said, and what we had seen, during the evening. We were sure that an announcement must be forthcoming soon about Rosamund and Geoffrey. They seemed quite oblivious to the conversation around the table but seemed just content to gaze at each other with Geoffrey deliberately moving a candelabra interrupting his view. "We must observe again tomorrow evening," he whispered into my ear as he stroked my back and I felt his now quite weighty ballocks, "Aunt Fanny said there would be an even grander dinner than tonight and I do not think it is just a farewell before our venture." I could do nothing but agree by a slight nod of my head as our lips met and we were intent then on much more interesting matters.
Saturday was busy. We had to visit the tailor and all was speedily completed there and two linen suits apiece would be delivered to Charles Street on Monday. We were fitted for light shoes and stockings as well and chose two of the fashionable tall black hats to wear when seeing the sights in Paris or elsewhere. On arrival back we were summoned to see Uncle Digby who presented the three of us with our passports which to Robin's and my amazement were in French though signed by our own Secretary of State. Uncle Digby explained that in all European countries the diplomatic language was French. If we wished to enter the Diplomatic Service then our French must be impeccable. He told us that King Frederick of Prussia had said he spoke to God in Spanish, to women in Italian, to men in French and to his horse in German!
I am afraid we sniggered at this and I said I was sure my Blaze would understand Ancient Greek but I had never tried it on him.
Uncle Digby said he also had passports for Jabez and for Rowley Roberts and we were warned to keep the documents safe and sound. Lancelot still had his old one which he had been given for his travels both to Paris and to Leiden when a student but Uncle Digby said it should be destroyed or kept in this country and he should only use the new one.
We found that Jabez's errand yesterday was to arrange a sum of money to be ready to be called upon in Paris as promised. Two documents were then given to Lancelot which authorised him, Robin or me to draw on that bank if necessary. He also handed Lancelot two purses with francs in them and said any expenses for Jabez, especially, should be paid with this money but there was an adequate amount to pay for accommodation and food for our party for at least a month. Lancelot explained about the gold louis he had been given by St Mark's and Uncle Digby said he should take care he was not swindled over their value. He should take Mr Johnson's advice which he was sure would be good. I was most forward and asked if he knew Mr Johnson. His reply was that he had had some dealings with the gentleman and his colleagues and that was all he divulged but he wore that enigmatic look of his!
After a tasty luncheon it was arranged for us to visit Westminster Abbey. This was another great experience for we saw the statue of Mr Handel, the composer, holding music from The Messiah. There were so many other tombs and plaques it was most awe-inspiring especially when the virger showed us the Coronation Chair and said that William the Conqueror had been crowned here at Christmastide in 1066 as had Queen Victoria just a few years ago.
That evening dinner was to be served in the large dining-room so we wondered who might be present. Jabez had chivvied us while we were resting in our room after the visit saying we must practice our French and he astounded us by telling us, in that language, 'Messieurs, j'ai trois le‡ons chaque semaine'.
We heard that Mr Pembridge had been instructing him and although the lessons were quite formal both Mr Topping and Mr Purrett were also fluent and would give him orders in the language during the day. Another interesting scrap of knowledge!
We were then informed that Captain and Mrs Branscombe would be present at the dinner with Arabella and Jane since they would not be leaving for Canterbury until the end of July. Uncle Billy would also be there and would be escorting Lady Cornwallis. As usual the naval Captain from next door would be present and certain of the officers from Uncle Billy's regiment would be in attendance. Mr de Vere was mentioned as well as the Duchess. The list went on and on and I counted up some thirty - including Robin and me who Jabez said would be employed to mop any spilled wine and brush crumbs from the table. He wasn't fast enough to get away and between us Robin and I managed to make him screech with a good tickling.
Mehmet came with Jabez later to see we were dressed properly for such an august meal. Both of them were already in their full livery and complained that the heavy material was quite uncomfortable on a hot evening. In fact, the tailor had been instructed to find a lighter fabric for summer wear. Robin said he hoped Jabez would be wearing his livery when he accompanied us on our journey as he would need the services of a good lackey to care for him and all his finery. Unfortunately for him he had just removed his everyday britches so was fully vulnerable to attack. It was his turn to squeal and squeak as Jabez took his revenge for his drawers were lowered and several slaps were heard. Poor Mehmet stood and shook his head at such insubordinate behaviour and it did not help as I just laughed and urged Jabez on. I would, no doubt, get my own drubbing at some point from the pair of them and Mehmet would see more insolent behaviour. I had the thought that perhaps Mehmet, or even his most comely brother, Karem, might be encouraged to join in one of our tussles. Ah, but we had those hot days of August to come when Mehmet would be at Careby and the cool water would beckon! Sweet thoughts which would engender stirrings if continued!
Once dressed and in a quieter mood we made our way downstairs to see what might be happening. Mr Topping was directing his fellow servants and we watched as Uncle Digby was hoisted to the floor from which we had just descended. Again it was noticeable he was much more mobile himself for when we went back upstairs and peered into the diningroom we saw he was able to get from his wheeled chair to his dining chair at the head of the table with little aid.
He beckoned us. "Come and chat with me until the guests arrive," he said. He asked if we were looking forward to the journey. We both smiled and said it would be an adventure. He said he had every confidence in Lancelot and the arrangements made with Mr Johnson. He asked about our school and remarked he had been most impressed with Cedric Branscombe and the youngsters at Easter. He said he was sure young Philip would enjoy his training but the sad news was that the Harrison brother with the weak chest was living permanently away from London. "I fear that even Lancelot's device would be no use in his condition. It is a parlous state so his father has told me." We gathered that Mr Harrison was now his attorney dealing with most of his legal matters.
As we conversed so other members of the family came up and then went to wait in the anteroom. My Aunt Fanny was resplendent in a new gown and Rosamund looked most fine with a diamond brooch at her throat which Uncle Digby told us had been his mother's. Lancelot came hurrying in as he said he had been delayed looking at some new specimens at the College of Surgeons near Lincoln's Inn. I forbore from asking questions as poor Robin would be unsettled by any descriptions of a gruesome nature but I was curious. That was a place I wanted to visit, but would I be considered too young?
Mr Tolliver stepped forward to the door by the grand staircase. He began to announce the arriving guests as at that other grand dinner. There was soon a hubbub of chatter as Paolo, Mehmet and Jabez handed out the flutes of champagne which I now assumed were de rigeur for such gatherings. I was too busy looking at the magnificent table decorations to note who all the other guests were though I had been thumped on the back by my brother Terence who was in his Hussar's undress uniform and looked particularly smart, yellow tassels and all. It was rather noticeable that, as expected, Rosamund was squired by Geoffrey Lascelles and Arabella Branscombe by Captain Bemrose, but Jane had a tall kilted officer by her side as soon as she entered the room. I remembered he had been announced as Captain Sir William Forbes and I had wondered how someone quite young had a knighthood. So, was this to be Jane's escape from her aunt's clutches?
As last time I was seated between Rosamund and my sister Hatty. I was too busy enjoying the most marvellous tastes of the various courses to listen carefully to the conversations going on about me. I did manage to answer questions directed at me but the talk, as well as the food, was flowing and appearing too fast to pay attention to both at the same time! I was glad also that Paolo was serving us as he did not subject me to sudden nudges as Jabez took delight in inflicting. It was thus with a sigh of contentment I finished my second bowl of delicious flavoured cream and jellied fruits and emptied my glass of sweet Sauternes which accompanied that course. As the final platters were removed so my Uncle Billy stood and tapped his glass with a spoon. There was immediate silence.
"My Lords, Ladies and gentlemen," he began and looked around at everyone who seem quite startled by this intervention. "I crave your indulgence in interrupting your conversation..." There was a murmur and a laugh from some. "...However I and others wish to make some announcements in your hearing before you hear gossip or read some garbled version in a penny newssheet!" There was another murmur especially about penny newssheets. "My announcement first is that I have asked Lady Mary to marry me..." He got no further as there was immediate hubbub which outdid that which had occurred when all the guests were arriving. There was a cry of 'About time!' by another military man who was a colonel I thought and a general laughter followed that. I was pleased with my thinking in military terms as Uncle Billy was a General as well! 'A toast!' was another cry and empty glasses were quickly filled. Lady Cornwallis was gently shaking her head and smiling at her beau on the opposite side of the table.
The colonel was on his feet and raised his glass. "To Lady Mary and Sir William!" The toast was immediately echoed around the table. Both Uncle Billy and Lady Mary acknowledged the approbation with smiles and their own raised glasses.
My Uncle held up a finger. Again there was silence. "I understand there are two other announcements to be made." He sat and there was another rather more gentle murmuring this time. I saw him nod towards Geoffrey Lascelles. He rose and surveyed the guests, some of whom were openly staring at him.
He began as my Uncle Billy had with that usual "My Lords, Ladies and gentlemen" but then plucked a red rose from the bowl in front of him. "I have had the honour of asking Sir Digby for the hand of his daughter Rosamund. This was four days ago and it has been hard not to shout my great joy from the housetops as he most graciously assented and, of course, Rosamund had already consented to be my bride." He looked across the table. "Rosamund, my dear, please accept this rose as well as a token for the ring soon to be yours." He strode round the table to applause and knelt and gave the rose to my now-blushing cousin. Glasses were again raised and it was a vanquished, but smiling, Captain Montgomery Hastings who proposed the toast. Oh, but I had observed that he had been by the side of Miss de Vere when we processed to the table.
The third announcement was by Captain Bemrose. In most stately tones he made his statement and Arabella Branscombe was to be the third bride. This was certainly an evening to be remembered. It was decided that all would retire to the grand drawing room where the conversation flowed as well as the port and sweet wines. Gentlemen smoked or took snuff with their port while many of the ladies took tea and a happier gathering could not be imagined. I was sorry that neither Cedric nor George were present to witness it all. One of Cedric's sisters was married and another was now engaged. From my observation of the looks between them I surmised Jane Branscombe and William Forbes would not be long before making their own announcement. Captain Branscombe was also smiling as he came to speak to that pair so her father's blessing would not be wanting. There would be much to tell Cedric!
We also heard that my uncle would remain as Colonel of the Regiment but that my big brother Torquil would be a lieutenant-colonel before Christmas. I knew that such a commission commanded a very high price so it would be a fit and most generous promotion for him as a gift from his uncle as we were then told. Also I wondered that if Uncle Billy was a General and a knight already what other honours might befall him, too, in the future?
Robin and I moved quite effortlessly amongst the guests. I could see he was not in awe of even the most highly positioned of the guests and each responded to him as the young gentleman he was. As I walked around I was also acknowledged by many smiles and nods which I reciprocated most politely. I also listened more carefully to the remarks being bandied around and heard more than once that Uncle Billy and Lady Cornwallis were to be married in September. There seemed to be no dates decided for the others though I heard Christmas and Easter mentioned. Rosamund would be questioned before our departure!
We were both beckoned by the Duchess who was all agog at the news and then wanted to hear of the couple at Careby. I didn't say Torquil had frolicked naked with us in the river but said he and Elizabeth seemed most happily settled. She asked that we might accompany her down to her coach and I noted the smile she gave Jabez as he presented her with the usual cheroot on the silver plate. As we handed her into her coach she whispered she knew all about our coming visit to France and gave us both a coin. These we slipped quickly into our pockets as her coachman was eager to depart for others were ready to move as well. It was only when we were divesting ourselves of our tailcoats in our bedroom that we took the coins under the gaslight to see what they were. They weren't shillings, nor even a half-sovereign, though they were gold and bigger than those coins. They had seen some wear and I surmised they might be French from the Duchess saying about France.
"These are older than those gold coins Lancelot has," Robin said as he held his up nearer the lamp. "They both have 1669 under the head. Who is he? I can see LVD then XIIII and then D and G." He nodded. "I expect the D and G stand for Dei Gratia is that not so?"
I was peering closely at mine and it was identical. I shrugged my shoulders. "I do not know what those first letters mean but those Roman numerals stand for fourteen and there was a Louis the Fourteenth in France about that time. I would say you are correct about D and G but there are more letters further round. We must ask Lancelot in the morning."
"This is a most kind gift," said Robin, "We must write her a letter of thanks but not now I am too tired."
"...And too full of good food," I added.
We had to undress ourselves and put our clothes away neatly, for neither Jabez nor Mehmet had accompanied us to our room. All the servants were busy waiting or clearing the rooms as some of the gentlemen had stayed even after most of the other guests had departed. Too tired even to do more than gently hug each other we slept.
Sunday was certainly not a day of rest! Jabez did wake us gently, perhaps he was becoming more of a gentleman! He and Mehmet got us dressed neatly and over that exercise much of the previous evening's news was rehearsed. I said I would spend some time after breakfast writing to my mother and if he wished I would enclose a letter for him to his mother. He said he would have time now as Paolo would be serving breakfast. We left him with a sheet of paper and a pen and though we had eaten well the night before ate our fill again.
Jabez had disappeared when we returned to the bedroom to rest before being taken to church. I wrote as fully as I could as I knew my mother was most fond of her niece and had made a comment that she thought there was a marriage there. I also wrote a sheet to Cedric. I took care I was not cheeky but did say that he should wear the kilt if his third sister married the handsome Scotch Captain. I did not put that I considered him handsome but Robin had agreed with me on that point. We had also found from our listening to conversations that his father had been a Baronet, like Uncle Digby, and had been somewhat of a recluse after his wife died giving birth and would ride off into his estate by himself. He had not returned one day some two years ago and had been found drowned in a burn which his horse had not been able to jump. His death meant his eldest son, William, had inherited the title.
We were driven to St George's in Hanover Square for the morning service and again enjoyed the solemnity of the ceremony there. Both Robin and I took Communion which pleased my Aunt Fanny as she had said she was worried we might be deprived of such comfort in a Catholic country. That was something to be discussed with Lancelot on our journey.
At luncheon we told of the gift of the coins from the Duchess. Later on examining them both Uncle Digby and Lancelot said they were for Louis the Fourteenth as I had surmised and that LDV stood for Ludovicus, his name in Latin. The other letters FR ET NAVARRE REX gave him his title as King of France and of Navarre. Uncle Digby explained that Navarre was part of Spain but knew little more. On the reverse were four crowns separating more letters and in the centre were fleurs-de-lys and L's and I's. The letters read CHRS REGN VINC IMP which Uncle Digby said in full would be CHRISTVS REGNAT VINCIT IMPERATQUE which translated as 'Christ reigns, conquers and rules'. What interested him also was that the date was 1699 on both.
"I would advise that you do not take these to France," he said carefully as he held up one of the coins. "They are old and they are valuable. I would write to thank the Duchess and keep these carefully." He laughed. "Tom, you should have enough of the railway money to keep you well-provisioned for more than a month in France!"
I thought quickly. I had spent little of my half of that most welcome gift. I had two sovereigns in my purse. Perhaps these could be exchanged for French francs? I was sure Uncle Digby would know how one changed one kind of money into another. Both he and Lancelot laughed good-naturedly when I asked this.
Lancelot held up a hand. "You and Robin are guardians of the head and your expenses have been guaranteed and will be paid by St Mark's College. Any francs you need will be supplied."
I must admit I laughed at this while Robin grimaced and held his face in his hands in a gesture of horror. He did laugh then and said he could think of better tasks but to be rewarded by a Duchess for guarding a Duke was most appropriate.
That evening's dinner was just the family in residence. I managed to ask Rosamund if a date for the wedding had been set for I knew my mother would wish to be present. She said a decision had to be made whether the ceremony should be at Garthorpe or here in London. Both she and Geoffrey wanted it to be in London but his parents would need to be consulted. "St Paul's?" I asked but she smiled and said 'No'. She mentioned that she would like her brother Nicholas to be present but he would have to travel from America. I didn't ask any more but it was something to share with Robin. There was also another mystery, Mr Tuckwell was still absent.
Time seemed to drag on Monday though we had to see to the packing of our belongings. Our linen suits arrived and we paraded in them to the satisfaction of Aunt Fanny who said we made a most handsome pair. We would have one small chest each and Lancelot said if we needed other clothing then he was sure we would parade in the latest Paris fashions. He grinned and said he was not sure if St Mark's would agree to such expenditure but there were money changers who would gobble up our sovereigns!
There was excitement when the first afternoon mail arrived. There were letters for each of us and Lancelot's and mine contained surprising news. My mother had heard more from my grandmother Crossley in Chester. She said grandmother had searched papers and letters and found there was a son of kin named Clement Fontane most probably still living in Riom where there were family vineyards. Grandmother had received a letter some two years ago saying Clement's son Jacques was studying to be a doctor in Paris. He had married another Crossley relation who had also gone to Paris as a companion to a lady. However, grandmother knew no more We were most excited at this as Robin and I would, no doubt, meet these relatives, one French and one now French we assumed. Grandmother had not written any addresses but the Mayor at Riom would know where everyone lived and Lancelot's friends in Paris would know how to find the student and his wife if he was studying in the medical faculty.
That excitement did help to pass the time as did the massage which Robin and I received later that afternoon. I was pleased to see Karem again who gave me mine clad in his usual tight, this time golden, drawers. He said he had been very busy at the Baths so was not available to be at Charles Street since we had arrived. Mehmet said his father had given him permission to accompany the Wright family, meaning my Aunt Fanny and Rosamund, to Careby for the month of August as many of the usual patrons would be away in the country as well. Feeling most relaxed, other than the now expected hardening of our growing pegs, we told them of the village and Karem said he wished he might visit some day, too. In hot weather, I thought to myself, joining us in that cooling water with that still hidden intriguing young pizzle on show. My own stiffened more at that thought but I could not care!
At dinner that evening my Aunt Fanny said she would see us leave in the morning from her window and she remembered the first time she had left England's shores to travel with Lady Bates. As we left the table she kissed us both and said she would need a letter or two with all our news. Uncle Digby maintained we would probably be too busy trying French delicacies like snails, frog's legs and horse steaks which made us wince. However, we forgave him as he had supplied us with several books and two new packs of playing cards to keep us otherwise occupied than with food!
So, in bed that night we were quite excited and I told Robin of my hope that Karem might also come to Careby some time. This led us to compare what we thought Mehmet's and Karem's pizzles looked like as we drew back our skins which concluded in other things and two most happy lads clung together then slept.
We had to wake early to be ready to leave Charles Street by seven o'clock to reach London Bridge where the train would leave at eight o'clock. We were ready long before that and had Mr Churcher himself to drive us. Mr Topping accompanied us to see that all our luggage was safely taken to the train by efficient men with trolleys who we learned were called porters. We were shown into a most comfortable closed and windowed compartment, with Jabez and a still rather apprehensive Rowley Roberts in another closed carriage which had plain wooden seats.
The train whistled and we set off slowly at first but gained speed until we were rushing along and passed fields and houses with no time to stare before they were gone. There were no stops though we travelled through what Lancelot called stations with names like Lewisham, Croydon, Reigate and Tonbridge until just on ten thirty we drew up in the station at Dover. All was a great scurry then as Jabez and Rowley joined us. Rowley was shaking his head in wonderment while Jabez was telling him to hurry himself. We were escorted to the dockside and had to take a walkway to reach the opening in the ship's rail to arrive on the deck of the vessel.
There were many passengers and Lancelot suggested we stayed on deck but forward of the smokestack. He had heard that the noise of the engine and the shaking of the driving pistons and wheels was too uncomfortable if one ventured below. The weather was fine and the sea, we were told, was calm.
In what seemed to be no time there was a tremendous noise as the engine burst into life and the vessel began to move and was soon clear of the sheltering harbour. The sea had a slight swell, as Lancelot described it, but all of us were too engrossed in seeing those white cliffs and the huge castle above Dover behind us. These began to diminish in size as we proceeded out of the harbour until our attention was switched to seeing other ships at sea. The vibrations of the engine could be felt through the deck and the smoke billowed from the stack but these did not distract us from the voyage. Lancelot asked a passing sailor what drove the boat and he replied there was a wheel like a mill paddle beneath. We tried to imagine this but it would have to wait until we could find some illustration when we returned.
One pleasant distraction was provided by two boys with trays round their necks who had bottles of ale or lemonade and cakes and pastries for sale to hungry travellers. I made use of some of my purse of English money to treat all to their sustenance. Rowley had by now become accustomed to these new modes of transport and he said he had never imagined anyone could travel such a distance in such a short time to which statement Jabez was nodding in agreement. I did not say I, too, was rather overwhelmed by all this new experience as well but joined them and Robin in throwing pastry edges to the large white but black-headed birds which followed the ship and dived and skilfully caught the fragments. Lancelot said the birds were called seagulls and normally captured fish swimming near the surface of the water for their food but were happy to vary their diet.
Within two hours we had crossed the stretch of sea and were ready to achieve dry land again. As we stood at the top of the walkway preparing ourselves to invade France, as Robin whispered to me, I looked down to the assembled crowd waiting there. I spied two familiar figures who were waving frantically. Robin had seen them, too, and we both waved back. We would not be strangers in a foreign land for the Johnson twins were on the dockside ready to greet us.
There were welcoming hugs and introductions and we were led to where a large carriage with four horses drawing it was waiting. A tall, neatly-bearded man was standing there who greeted us effusively. This was Mr Johnson and I could see the likeness between him and his sons. There would be a wait as our luggage was unloaded from the steamboat and as we still had a drive to his house Mr Johnson said we should take luncheon here. Mr Johnson's coachman and groom were instructed to collect together 'tous les bagages de Monsieur Dodd' as they were unloaded. I had forgotten all our chests and parcels, including the wicker basket containing the head, had been labelled with Lancelot's name. While these instructions were being given Martin Johnson said no doubt we would eat at an inn near the entrance to the dockside. He said they had often eaten there while waiting for their father to meet them after arriving here from school.
This transpired to be a most well-appointed inn within steps of the harbour and was full of hungry travellers. We had a most interesting repast, my first of foreign food, other than those delectable meals prepared by Signor Bartoli! Long crusty loaves were cut and accompanied a tasty stew but we did not enquire the meat in it! All of us had glasses of a red wine which Mr Johnson had chosen by pointing at a barrel set among about six behind the bar. This meat course was followed by a platter of different sorts of cheese and a second glass of red wine was chosen to accompany those delicacies. There was much chat and what was most interesting was that both Jabez and Rowley joined us at the long, rustic table.
Once the meal was over we assembled by the coach and found that the coachman was named Claude and his attendant groom was Pierre. We did make our greetings in passable French much to the amusement of the Johnson twins. Rowley joined them on the box and was quite surprised as Claude could speak some English.
Once these introductions had been made Lancelot took his list of our belongings and checked very carefully and found all to be present. Porters loaded the coach and all were strapped down including a prominent wicker basket. I had noted when this was placed on the coach in London that it had a notice on it with 'Fragile' writ large which I knew was the same word in French. I had asked Lancelot on the journey to London Bridge how the container and box were packed and he said it was all surrounded by three thick fleeces which should prevent the glass breaking. There appeared to be no leakage so far!
It was now after two o'clock when our journey within France began with our first destination being the Johnson home in Coquelles. On looking around, France, so far, seemed little different from England!
To be continued:
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