Tom Browning's Schooldays

Tom Browning's Schooldays

By

Joel

Chapter Seventy

Any hope of surprising Jabez had been dashed! I knew from his look he had also seen me on that visit to see the sights of Paris. But 'Lord Falconer'? Was this his real name, or a disguise? A thought which had been with me since those visits to Charles Street emerged again. Jabez was now smiling.

"Of course we saw you as you saw us," he said. "Our sitting there in full view was quite deliberate. We knew the coach would approach along that road and I said it would either be your long snout or Robin's daintier one pressed against the window glass. Mr Tuckwell was most amused and almost waved a greeting when he spied you staring out as he does not yet have the acquaintance of that handsome nephew of yours!"

That word! "Mr Tuckwell? Lord Falconer? Or maybe the Duchess's nephew?" I asked ignoring his rudeness about my physiognomy but making clear my supposition which I had harboured since that last meeting at my Aunt Fanny's and also the splendid gift of the ring for the now Mrs Torquil Browning.

Jabez just laughed. "Your uncle knew you would ask about the Duchess. He said I should confirm it."

"Lord Falconer?" I raised my eyebrows.

"Almost." The rogue was enjoying himself. "His name in Paris, but at home he is Lord Dereham. He has recently inherited that title from his elder brother who sadly died a few months ago." The 'Comte's dismissive wave of the hand' accompanied this last statement.

"The way you say it the brother was not much missed." I said and looked at him quite quizzically.

"My, you are a sharp one," he grinned. "You are quite correct. He had been banished to a colony and died there almost unmourned."

"Why am I being informed of all this?" I demanded, then realised I was, perhaps, being impertinent even to dear Jabez.

The grin vanished. "Your uncle surmised you would not be satisfied with suitable falsehoods and wishes you to be circumspect with whatever knowledge you may gather while in France."

I smiled at him, I hoped to make amends. "Jabez Bottom, you are being most formal. I surmise there is more to tell."

He nodded. "When we are alone I promise to tell you more. Unfortunately some things are not pleasant to hear but your uncle is adamant you should know as you are already aware of certain happenings."

"Black Jack?" I whispered, almost fearful that might be overheard by those in the coach even against the rumble of the wheels.

Jabez nodded and held up a hand to silence me.

We turned to more pleasant things. He told me his brother Caleb was now being considered for promotion to be sergeant-major with much greater responsibility though he had been in the regiment for such a short time. There had been talk of a transfer to another mounted regiment but he said his allegiance was to Browning's Horse. Jabez was also most eloquent in describing how he had been chosen to be the footman to accompany my Aunt Fanny and my cousin Rosamund to concerts and to the Opera on several occasions. He smiled and said he made sure he had attended closely to his duties and stood by the door of the box and listened carefully in case he was needed. He was of the opinion that Mozart was most tuneful but that Meyerbeer bested him when it came to ballets in the operas.

"You mean you stood by the door but inside the box," I said and could not help but guffaw at the impertinence of the rogue.

"But my ladies might have needed a wrap against the draughts or to be passed a glass of some reviving cordial after a villain had been slain," he said and produced a gesture even more than worthy of a Count.

I was still laughing. "My Aunt Fanny would have you switched for such lies!"

"I am a big boy now and switching would not cure me!" he riposted.

A big boy? More so than even that. Our Jabez had become a man to be reckoned with. The episode with that strange table had convinced me of my Uncle Digby's trust in him. His demeanour on this journey had been that of a self-collected gentleman. Each person he had been in company with had accepted him at his own valuation with no demur. The twins, I think, were somewhat in awe of him, not perhaps because of that weapon of his, but of his air of presence, though barely two or so years older than them. He was at ease with the doctors and the Count. There was that confusion in me again - 'When Adam delved....'. A great question.

We stopped at noon at an inn as the sun became hotter and there was a stream by the roadside for cooling feet as well as providing water for the horses. Once more we found a good repast and rested for over two hours before we were ready to set off on the next few miles. I joined Martin on the box with Claude and watched the countryside pass by at the leisurely pace we travelled at. I asked about the fields of large flowers and was told these were girasoles or sunflowers. They turned their heads to the sun throughout the day. Their seeds had many uses from feeding cattle to being pressed for oil for use in food or even lighting lamps. Our farmers waste nothing Martin said. As we passed small hamlets so there were orchards and also many cattle. I was rather bemused. It was like England, but different. Houses looked strange but barns were barns. There was little wheat being grown but there were fields of maize which I was told had been brought from the Americas and was most suitable where the climate was hotter. Of course, there were vineyards but these were usually on slopes to catch as much sun as possible. All in all it looked a peaceful land which belied those tales of history which we had been taught of the enmities between English and French and how our own Kings of the past had been Kings of France as well. Richard the Lionheart was buried somewhere in France. I would have to explore more.

We found another well-appointed auberge for our stay that night. When I left the box I went to our horses. I stroked their muzzles and they responded just as our beasts at home. If well-tended they repaid with good work. Martin joined me and said that the wheel-wrights in Riom had made the coach most sound for this return journey. His father had bought it from a well-known coach-builder in Calais and had never had reason to find any fault in its construction. He showed me that the leathers which helped to keep the balance steady were of a greater thickness and strength than on most coaches of this size. He said that to keep the leather supple Claude painted it with a special oil each night. The wheels and axles were of the highest quality and were strong though not over-heavy. The expense had been well-worth it for he said although the coach travelled sometimes on rougher and worn roads there was no swaying which made the occupants feel sick. I praised the general construction of the main roads we had been on which I averred were generally a better quality than those in England. Again he agreed and said he dreaded that road between Dover and London which was so well-worn and treacherous in wet weather he wondered sometimes if they would ever reach their destination. I said there was now no need to take the coach as for an equal fare he could travel on the new railway as we had done. I think he was rather nervous of the idea. I said the speed and noise were nothing to fear and I was looking forward to that journey again.

He was most interested in my tale that a railway was due to pass through Careby and would link with a line to London within a year. Lancelot joined us and said about his journey from London to Birmingham in just four hours. "We will all have our heads blown away if we travel at such speeds," Martin said. I replied that we had travelled in a closed compartment as in an ordinary coach and had felt no ill-effects, just comfort without the jolting of a horse-drawn carriage. I did not think he was convinced but said he would ask his father to allow them this convenience on their return to school. "You will not regret it," Lancelot said with a laugh.

Our journey back to Paris proceeded each day without mishap or any of the excitements of the outward progress. This did not mean it was boring. We stopped whenever there was an interesting town, or to quickly explore an old ruin, or to peer at a chƒteau and, wherever possible, we stayed at the inns we had frequented before. Of course, we made sure we bathed at any opportunity and our companions on the previous occasion at Moulins were again happy to see us. We heard at Pougu‚s that two youths had been arrested for the robberies and were in custody. They would most likely be sentenced to a severe whipping each for they were but seventeen and eighteen. Their ballocks were still attached which was a pity as I would relish the opportunity to do a dissection of my own! I mean not my own but theirs! At Grez Martin and Pierre hired mounts and were soon back from the monks' abode with three flagons each of that fiery liqueur and a bundle of herbs for Lancelot. We were now almost as laden as on our downward journey!

As we approached Fontainebleau I said to Lancelot that we should stay at the excellent inn again. I said I knew it would cost more but he could have the gold piece from my reward to pay the expense. He demurred and said I must use that when I came to France again and he had quite enough to satisfy our needs. I did say that Robin and I playing on evenings meant he had to spend little on wine or cider. He said he thought we were a little more useful than he had imagined. I forgave him as he was a favourite cousin.

We arrived at that inn just before luncheon on the Monday having taken the same number of days for the journey. We were welcomed as if royalty for the innkeeper and his minions remembered the orders they had been given by the servant from the Palais on the previous occasion. It also meant all our soiled linen was collected, washed, dried, ironed and ready in the morning so we would not be travel-stained vagrants when we arrived at the Comte's h"tel. There was much merriment in the evening though for Robin and I entertained the guests while Lancelot ministered to two revellers from the Palais. They had bruises and cuts from being thrown from their horses during a hunt where no game had been flushed but much wine had been consumed in consolation. In gratitude Lancelot received more than a pourboire as Martin said for he had manfully helped Lancelot for I was otherwise engaged playing my flute! I heard there was enough largesse for most of our company's board and lodging for that night. Lancelot was proving useful as well as he was on the journey down!

Wine had flowed freely for all of us so we slept well and late. It was past nine in the morning when Robin and I were drowsily awoken by the cheerful young pitcher bearers. We knew we would have a good petit d‚jeuner as they were even more cheerful for they left us clutching almost a franc each in centimes and sous. As there was no hurry Claude, Pierre and Rowley cleaned and polished the dusty coach for our triumphal arrival at the Comte's.

Lancelot had sent on a letter by the mail-coach on Saturday for as we approached the residence at four in the afternoon there must have been watchers. No sooner had the coach come to rest then the main doors were opened and the Comte himself, with his four major attendants, stood there to welcome us. The gestures and the greetings were even more expansive. Not only were his nephews hugged and bussed but so were Robin and I. Lancelot and Jabez were more formally greeted with handshakes though he also clapped them on the back as well.

He ushered us up the steps and I heard him say to Lancelot that he was much obliged in receiving all the letters. This was revealed when we entered the salon for on a side table were a number of now unsealed sheets.

The four servants were instructed to bring in refreshments and we were cross- questioned on our adventures. He was highly delighted to have heard from the Minister of Lancelot's most successful treatment of that distressing ailment he had been afflicted with. I noted that Lancelot in reply did not allude to an even more distressing malady. There was more to come. We were commanded to remain until Friday as the Comte had arranged for a dinner and musical salon to be held on Thursday at which the Minister and his sisters would most graciously attend. We heard there would be some twenty to dinner and his chef had already selected the menu. Then came the bombshell. The Comte made an expansive gesture as he looked at Robin and me.

"My dears, I must apologise and truly I will make amends but tomorrow and on Wednesday we must hone our skills for we shall have a Symphony in g minor of Haydn and a Concerto by Mozart to rehearse ready to play after that dinner." A finger was pointed to the side of the room. "See, I have purchased a new pianoforte on which I shall play the solo part for the Mozart." Aunt Fanny's instrument was not as shining and polished as this one. My fingers itched to play on it! But there was more. "Your other talents will also be displayed..." Here his finger pointed to the doors concealing the organ. "...for I was captivated with those English pieces."

Neither Robin nor I smiled but the other four were grinning like demented cats! What could we do but agree? I looked at Robin and nodded. He responded with a smile. My Robin. We would do our very best.

We heard there would be fifteen players. The Comte counted up on his fingers. Three violins - including Robin, a viola, two cellos and a string bass. I would be the only flautist with two oboe players, two each of bassoons and horns and he, himself, would preside at the harpsichord as continuo in the Haydn but as he had announced he would be the soloist in a Concerto in G major by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart! I shook my head then in wonderment and also concern. Would Robin and I be of a competence to perform as such? The Comte saw my expression.

"My dear, you have skill in abundance. Your cousin has said how you perform so well in the church band and I value his opinion." He looked at Lancelot and smiled. "The Minister is desirous of meeting you, Sir, again and he also has a great liking for dear Wolfgang so all will be satisfied."

With that matter settled talk then passed to all we had experienced. He was interested to hear of the monks. He had already written to the twins' father with the information Lancelot had sent him. He was sure the Minister would have some influence over the Bishop as matters of Church and State though apparently settled some forty years ago were still sometimes fraught. Of course, one of the flagons of liqueur would be presented to him. The twins recounted their enjoyment of the travelling and then announced the pistol shot. The Comte's hands shot up, too. "My dears, I almost had a premonition of trouble but you survived!"

Pierre's watchfulness and Martin's quick action in holding up the unloaded musket were praised. "Young Pierre will be rewarded for his good response when I see him next," the Comte said. I wondered if 'Young Pierre' would be bussed on the cheeks, patted on his other cheeks, patted on his back, or rewarded with coins? The Comte arched his fingers and put them to his lips. "There will be another task for him." He looked at Lancelot. "Dr Dodd, would you give permission for your coachman to be a footman on that evening? Young Pierre and Claude will be dragooned into those roles, too, as we shall need to supplement our resources."

This caused me to smile. Rowley Roberts in buckskin britches, or black trousers with white cravat and perhaps a powdered wig! No, Rowley had been a footman many times at Careby so was accustomed to that position.

Lancelot readily gave his permission and we heard that Gaspard would deal with his and the others' dress. This solved a mystery. Gaspard was the major-domo of this household. I heard later from Martin he was a dwarf man who had been in their great- grandfather's and grandfather's employ for many years and now maintained the household for the Comte. He rarely appeared above stairs for he was elderly being nigh on eighty years of age. During the Revolutionary years he had made his way to Calais where he had worked in a tailor's shop until the family had returned to France from England. It had been the same tailor's shop we had visited for our pantaloons as the owner was descended from the original tailor! We heard that as a young boy Gaspard had been first in the service of the King's Court as dwarves were prized as servants especially by the ladies-in-waiting. He had then taken service with the second wife of the twins' great-grandfather and had remained through the years with the family.

What else could we do before dinner but entertain! The organ was opened and Robin and I repeated our pieces we had played before. I hoped we would not be overwhelmed by the importance of the guests on Thursday and be nervous. Later, when I confided my worry to Robin he noted we had both played to a Chapel full of boys who were more intimidating than a French Minister! I would keep that in mind.

If we had feasted well so far on our journey we were in for further treats. We did have a fish course that evening. A whole cooked turbot was displayed and then filleted expertly by a lad in complete white attire. The other courses were as delicious and it was soon after dinner we four boys made our excuses and retired to our beds worn out by excitement and good food.

At breakfast our day was planned. Robin and I would play for an hour or so with the four servants together with a gardener who was one of the horn players. After that Robin and I would be taken to visit Jacques Fontane and his wife then we would take luncheon at a restaurant with the Comte. The afternoon before six o'clock would be free but then two hours with the whole band before dinner at eight. The Comte was sure we would need just a small rehearsal on Thursday as the other players were familiar with the Symphony and the Concerto. He was clearly enjoying himself and said one of the other guests at the evening was a good friend of his who was a singer at the Opera. He would, no doubt, oblige with a rendition.

Robin did ask what would we wear as our evening suits were in England. The twins were in the same quandary as their's were at Coquelles. We were told there was no problem. Of course, the servants played often and so there was a wardrobe full of black jackets, white waistcoats, cravats and good long trousers. The servants who played would be in livery until after the dinner then would change to be suited as gentlemen!

The twins, with Lancelot and Jabez would be taken to other parts of Paris and would join us for luncheon. Lancelot said he wanted to visit the Medical faculty again and the twins said, if permitted, they would accompany him as they wished to show Jabez some of the cabinets they had seen on their last visit. This was said with a nod and a wink to each other. As Jabez was quite familiar with Lancelot's own collection of strange objects I didn't think there would be anything to give him a fright.

They were ready to depart before nine o'clock and Robin and I wondered what our morning would be like. We collected our instruments and came back downstairs to find the salon was set ready for us with music stands and our music on them. Robin was set to play the first violin part with Valentine while Gaston would be the sole second violinist. As I was to play the flute so Fran‡ois would play the viola as he was adept on that instrument as well. Fabrice was already seated ready to tune his cello. As we came into the room the horn player, a sturdy young man, sounded the A by striking the key on the harpsichord. He bowed low on our approach and we found later he was another Claude. The Comte continued looking through the pages of a book which he then placed on the music rest on the harpsichord.

"My dears, when you have tuned we will begin with our Haydn. I would suggest we try the second movement first of all, it is the Andante and I will endeavour to be the rest of the orchestra." He repeated this in French which caused grins. There was no doubt the boys had experience of the Comte! Tuning was soon completed and I found my copy was carefully bound so the pages stayed flat when opened to the second movement. I saw the notes were most beautifully copied in a good black ink and discovered I had twenty-two bars rest and then a single note followed by a downward run of notes. I would have to listen carefully to get the tempo and the rhythm. I fingered that run while the others were also looking at their copies. The Comte looked at Robin and me. "This movement is in E flat, three flats. Are you familiar with that key?" We both nodded. The church band had several hymn tunes in that key but this was the first time I would be playing a Symphony!

Then with a flourish he counted in the tempo and we began. Although in three time there were six quavers to a bar and I saw Robin smile as he copied Valentine's sweeping bow. The Comte played the missing parts on the harpsichord calling out 'Oboes and bassoons' when they would be playing this evening.

Although both Robin and I made a few errors we did not stop but were carried along by the others who were enjoying themselves greatly. I almost missed the repeat of the long final section but we were altogether for the four final chords in E flat. After we played the last of these there were happy smiles. The Comte clapped his hands and said he would employ Robin and me if we stayed in Paris. The others laughed and were nodding. With no more ado the Comte first in English corrected my errors and then said that Robin should press his bow more firmly on the louder phrases. He commented then in French but most was lost on me. I think he wanted Fabrice to carry the tempo more directly with his cello. We played that movement again and I savoured the good sounds our small band were making. The first movement was essayed next and in some ways did not seem as difficult, at least for me! I quaked a little when I saw some bars were marked 'Solo' for the Flute but I remembered the rhythm which repeated throughout. Both Robin and I laughed when the Comte said this Symphony was known as 'La Poule' or 'The Hen' because of the clucking of the repeated rhythm.

The other movements followed and I tried my hardest and I think I succeeded in not making a fool of myself. My flute part often followed the first violins even though I was an octave above so I had to be careful not to overblow and squeak. In all we spent an hour playing that Symphony repeating some sections until the Comte was satisfied.

We had only a bare half hour to play the first movement of the Mozart Concerto. Jabez had said how tuneful Mozart was in his writing. I could but agree. I was quite surprised at the long introduction before the Comte played his own opening phrases of what should have been played on a piano. He had explained the piano tuner would be visiting this afternoon. He had filled in missing instrument parts until then but he launched with great aplomb into the semiquavers leading to the repeat of what had been the opening on the first violins. I had to listen and count as I had bars of rest and then phrases to play.

We had no time to play more than parts of the other movements and I saw I had many passages seemingly by myself. We would rehearse that work more this evening for with the other instruments missing it appeared rather empty of harmony. We packed our instruments and after taking them up to our room the Comte was most complimentary on our progress. He accompanied us to the stable yard where a fine chaise was ready to take Robin and me to the Fontanes. "I will forego my excursion today for I must practice that Concerto and you have my under coachmen to take you. Nicholas has been with me for many years but Daniel only for two years." I could see that Nicholas was older than Claude the Johnson's coachman but Daniel was no more than our age. Both greeted us by touching their caps with their whips and Daniel surveyed us and gave a shy smile as we nodded our heads towards him. The Comte gave them some instructions in French and Nicholas smiled and touched his cap again. "My dears, I will be at the restaurant at one o'clock!" he said to us as he waved to the coachmen to proceed.

It did not take long to make the journey to the Fontanes' appartement though we did stop for Robin to purchase some flowers from a stall by the roadside. There was no one waiting on the pavement for us this time. I was ready with some coins which I passed to Nicholas as a pourboire, for Martin had said at breakfast this was the custom here if coachmen had to wait. Robin was at the door first and pulled the bell. The door was opened by a concierge who Robin addressed in French asking for 'la r‚sidence de Monsieur et Madame Fontane'. The woman guided us through and accompanied us up the stairs to the door. Charlotte opened the door herself as she must have been waiting for our arrival.

Jacques was not at home. After welcoming us Charlotte explained he had been called to a very sick patient and was not expected back for some time. We presented her with the flowers and were plied with a tisane and small cakes. A quite boisterous Georges was brought from his cot for our inspection. Robin was employed as his playmate as Charlotte questioned us about our journey. She was much amused about the Minister and his predicament and she knew Professor Cartier who was a well-respected member of the Faculty. After hearing of our adventure with the bandits and looking quite concerned we said we had received such a warm welcome from her father-in-law and mother-in-law. I said how generous they had been in allowing the burial of the Duke's head in their own mausoleum. Charlotte smiled and said she was sure the families were strongly connected. I didn't ask more but I had the painting of Agnes Leferreur wrapped and in a leather satchel. I retrieved it and Charlotte was most pleased that it would be going to England. She said she had only met Jacques' parents once and they had not yet seen young Georges. She told us that Jacques' father was not in as good health as we thought. We did not ask any more for she then asked if they had mentioned their daughter Marie, Jacques' younger sister. She looked pensive when we said they had not. She called the young serving-girl who took a protesting Georges back to his bedroom.

Charlotte was shaking her head with quite a glum look when the door closed. As she sat again she then looked straight at the pair of us. "I must tell you this as Jacques and I have discussed the problem." She looked particularly sad as she continued. "We did ask ourselves if you were too young to carry the burden of this knowledge but it would seem better if you knew and were able to find out more as it is a family matter." Her manner of expression appeared most strange but she continued with a wry smile. "Marie was a good pupil at the convent in Riom and the nuns praised her as a seamstress, however, when she was sixteen she disappeared. Jacques was already here in Paris and received a letter from his father saying he had disowned his daughter for ill-behaviour. He guessed that some man must be involved but his father would not say more." She held her hands up in a gesture of despair. "Jacques saw her in a street here quite by accident but she was most reluctant to say where she was employed. He followed her and found she had a post in a respectable fashion house. He went back to ask her more. She told him to mind his own business and said she didn't want her parents to know where she was. He did keep watch and found she was in a group of young girls who were taken to the theatre or the opera regularly by not much older young men. He was worried but when he met her on several occasions she said she was quite happy and once showed him two rings and an expensive bracelet she had been given as presents.

Of course, Jacques was studying but did manage to spend time monitoring her progress. Then she disappeared again. Jacques found from one of her friends that she had got married and was no longer in France. Luckily this other girl had an address and it was in Scotland."

Both Robin and I must have looked quite startled at this. Robin said "Scotland!"

Charlotte looked straight at me. "It was when you told us of your family and that you had a sister married and in Edinburgh and your cousin said he had studied there so Jacques said I should tell you. Marie is also in Edinburgh with her son."

I gasped. I knew my sister Peg was married to a lawyer and lived in that city as I had told Jacques and Charlotte those facts when I had described my family. I knew no more, not even my sister's address. I said nothing and Charlotte must have seen my concern.

"I will tell you all I know," she said quietly. "Marie had met a young officer who was in Paris on duty at the Embassy."

Robin was quite forward. "She had to get married?" I knew the import of that question!

Charlotte nodded again. "He was a most honourable young gentleman in that respect." She then shook her head. "It is most sad as he was recalled to his regiment and was killed in a battle some two years ago."

Both Robin and I were nodding then. We had heard of the massacre of British soldiers in the Afghan War and it could only have been that.

"Marie is in Edinburgh?" I was trying to collect my thoughts. "With her son?"

Charlotte leaned forward and took my hand seeing my confusion. "Let me tell you all," she said quietly. "He is called James like his father and is nearly three years old. They live with her late husband's parents who she says have been most kind to her. We had a letter at New Year telling us the news but asking us not to tell Jacques' parents so now we are in a quandary."

"There is a grandson they do not know," Robin said. "That is most sad."

"I agree, but Marie says she is most adamant. Jacques says when he is fully qualified he might travel to Edinburgh on the excuse of learning more as Edinburgh has a renowned medical faculty."

"My cousin Lancelot received his doctorate from Edinburgh after studying in Cambridge and here in Paris," I averred, not mentioning Leiden. "He said students often travelled to those places to gain further knowledge."

"When your cousin mentioned that fact it gave Jacques the idea of travelling to Scotland," Charlotte replied with a smile. "However, if he is unable to go we would hope your family might be able to find out more."

I said I was not in possession of my sister Peg's address but that Lancelot might know it but he would be the best person in any case as I knew he had friends still in Edinburgh and could contact them immediately.

"I am sorry we cannot ask him personally but I would be grateful if you could make the facts known to him," she said and seemed a little happier.

Robin suggested that if she had the address of the Edinburgh family we could give that to Lancelot. She said she had that and went off and came back with a sheet of notepaper.

"Here is the letter from Marie. It is in French but has the address at the top." She handed Robin that and a plain card. He had a pencil in his pocket and copied the address neatly. I saw the letter was signed 'Marie Forsythe'.

"You do not know the first name of Mr Forsythe at that address?" Robin asked.

Charlotte shook her head. She took the letter back and scanned it. "Marie says that her son's grandparents are very kind and love their grandson so she is happy, too."

Robin said we would make sure Lancelot was told the whole story and he would be given the card. I said Lancelot would most probably make the journey to Edinburgh himself as he often said he wanted to visit the University there again. What I hoped was that he might take us, too!

I think Charlotte was happier herself after that exchange. I looked at the clock on the mantel. It was time to go as we were to meet the others at the Faculty by quarter past noon. Charlotte hugged and kissed us both and wished us well. She was sorry Jacques had not been at home but she was sure... I think we left her in a happier mood for she came down to the roadside where our chaise was waiting. She waved us farewell as we set off.

The other coach was waiting outside the main gates of the Faculty and we were able to visit the pissoir there before the other four emerged. The twins were laughing over something with Jabez. Lancelot had two books and a tied bundle of paper which he handed to Rowley Roberts who placed it in the locked chest at the back of the coach. We had, of course, put on our best clothes for this visit so we looked a handsome lot when Martin and Alain decided they would join us in the four-seated open chaise.

They said they had had a most interesting time. One of the young doctors had been preparing some dissections for preservation and display. They were not human dissections we found but were of some kind of strange creature brought back from a French colony. Both Robin and I tried to show interest but the story of Marie Forsythe must have been in the forefront of our minds as we exchanged glances without smiling.

If the restaurant we had visited near Notre Dame had been an experience then the one we were about to enter was even more magnificent. As soon as we stopped several liveried flunkeys came and handed us down and escorted us into a highly decorated foyer. We could hear the strains of a small orchestra inside somewhere and there were a number of well- dressed men and women sitting at small tables with glasses before them. As Lancelot was in charge he explained we were to meet Monsieur le Comte de Roanne and immediately we were taken over by other more soberly dressed young men in tailed black suits who relieved us first of our hats then guided us through into the main room of the restaurant. Here the Comte was already seated in a large armchair facing into the room. He was in pride of place with a round table in front of him. As we approached so he stood and held both hands up in greeting.

"My dears, so punctual. Come and be seated."

Each of us had an attendant who drew out our chair, and as we sat so pushed and placed us nearer the table. Nothing was asked about our morning as the Comte then said we would have a light repast now and he had taken the liberty of ordering just two main courses, one fish and the second meat. We had hardly taken in what he had said when our glasses were filled with a most fragrant white wine. This we were told was one of which he was especially fond. Almost immediately seven platters were placed on the table, each with a silver dome. Seven domes were lifted as one and fillets of fish in an aromatic sauce were revealed. We were then served with some tender green beans and as the Comte lifted his knife and fork so did we. The turbot of the night before had been blissful but these fillets with the sauce were heavenly! There was no talk as each of us savoured every mouthful. As he finished I heard Lancelot comment to the Comte how delicious that course had been. The Comte held up a finger and said he had not tasted the escalopes yet. Almost as soon as the covers were removed for that first course so seven more domed platters were brought to us. When the domes were lifted we were told these were escalopes de veau and a speciality of the chef who came from Vienna. They were the tenderest meat I think I had ever eaten, lightly coated in a golden crust. I did not know the vegetable served at the side but together all was most delicious. Another surprise came after that. It may have been mid-summer but we were then served with a dish of strawberries and an iced cream. Finally, to crown it all, small cups of coffee accompanied by small sweet flat pastries, which Martin sitting next to me said were petit-fours, were brought to complete the meal.

I was sitting with Martin on one side and Alain on the other and they had wide smiles as they sat back in their chairs. "Uncle Philippe owns a quarter-share of this restaurant," Alain whispered in one ear. His brother must have heard that and whispered in the other "And our father owns another quarter!"

We did have time to chat further while we finished sipping our coffee and Robin, next to Alain, said we had seen Madame Fontane and young Georges but did not mention Jacques' sister and her marriage. Alain must have sensed there was more. "You were not smiling as usual when we met at the Faculty," he said, "I think you may have heard bad news? Is Dr Fontane well?"

I did not say anything but smiled inwardly as Jacques would soon be 'Doctor' I was sure. Robin said that 'the Doctor' was well but was visiting a patient. He did admit there was something troubling the family but he hoped Lancelot might be able to help. Alain did not question him more for the Comte called us to order.

"My dears, I hope you have not felt rushed. I purposely asked for the courses to follow swiftly for I have arranged for you to visit an emporium to rival anything in London. I hope you will chose whatever you want for yourselves and, perhaps, for those nearest and dearest to you." His hands were in usual motion. "You will not pay, my name is quite sufficient." The twins were giggling quite loudly at this though we others must have just stared. "Take no notice of those boys," he said with a dismissive gesture, "They know the place and have spent my money there before." He looked at Lancelot seated on one side of him and then at Jabez on the other. "Another silk shirt, perhaps, or a waistcoat. There are those aplenty." He looked across the table. "Tom, Robin, something for your mothers as well." He put his hands together. "I will leave you now for I must make sure my fingers do not stumble in the Mozart." A hand was raised above his head and immediately we had our attendants behind us. Our chairs were pulled back as we stood and we were escorted to the foyer with the eyes of many other diners following our progress. Hats back on we were led by the other flunkeys to the waiting chaise and carriage.

The twins insisted they would ride with Robin and me again. The coachman knew where to go and we were soon clip-clopping amid the other carriages, gigs, chaises and, occasionally a most elegant and highly painted coach towards a part of Paris we had not visited before. Wherever we were was just as busy as Piccadilly or Oxford Street in London and the emporium we drew up at was just as palatial on its exterior as any there. We waited until Lancelot and Jabez had alighted from the carriage. Lancelot spoke to both sets of coachmen. I think he said 'Une heure' to the driver of our chaise but I was staring at the display of objects in the nearest window. I think one would describe them as ball-gowns but they were certainly more colourful and decorated than anything I had seen ladies at my Aunt Fanny's wearing at the dinner and dance I had attended. I held my breath though for to complement the gowns was a large pile of horse-shit just by my side!

Lancelot then ushered us in and said we should meet at this entrance if we got lost. I was correct as he said one hour should be sufficient. He held up a card. "This is the Count's authority for payment so I think we should try to keep together."

Robin said he wanted to find suitable things for his brothers but wished to pay for them himself. We both had a pocket full of small coins as well as the francs Uncle Digby had given us. I also had my fee from the Minister!

It was good that Lancelot was with us as he led us unerringly to where there was clothing of all kinds. I spied shirts like those we had been given but then Martin pointed out an array of white waistcoats which were most handsome and were sprigged with dark green leaves and twigs. All six of us were fitted with them and the serving-man bowed deeply as he read the name on the card proffered by Lancelot. Details were rapidly written down and we were each presented with a parcel to carry to our next port of call. I looked around and saw round embroidered hats such as the Comte had worn. The twins decided their father would like one so there was discussion of sizes of heads. Jabez had a good solution for my father's size. He knew Mr Clements had received an old top hat of my father's and Jabez had, of course, put it on to act some silly jape with the housemaids. He said it was just a little big for him but as he was fourteen at the time and not fully grown his head now would be of a size with my father's. There was much laughter at this and Lancelot did say 'Big head!' then looked at me but I was laughing, too. I chose a deep red one for my father as did the twins for their father. Lancelot shook his head when I took out my purse. "I will make good with the Count," he murmured. He shook his head at Martin who had also reached for his purse. We waited for Jabez who had a second parcel. When questioned he said he had bought a cravat each for Mehmet and Karem. Lancelot asked if he had mentioned the Count's name but he said he had paid for his friends' gifts. So Jabez must have had money of his own.

I wanted something for my mother and also for Aunt Fanny and asked Lancelot if the shop sold vases like those we had seen at Coquelles in our bedrooms and on tables in the other rooms. Alain heard me ask that and said I should wait until our return there as his father had many to be sent on to London and I could ask him. Lancelot said that was preferable as there was the possibility of breakage if they were not packed properly. The twins did not know of anything that would suit their mother but after much discussion decided on a chiffon scarf and six silk handkerchiefs in a part of the shop we others did not enter! Oh, but Jabez did and he bought his mother handkerchiefs as well but in more serviceable fine cotton.

Gifts for Robin's brothers were causing him concern. Lancelot smiled and held up a finger before speaking to one of the servers. He had found there was a bookshop as well as a shop for artists' materials along the road we were in. As the rest of us had made our purchases we all left the shop and saw that the bookseller and the art shop were next to each other in a short passage. The others stood outside as Robin and I went into the art shop. His eye was immediately caught by a box of some two dozen different coloured pencils on display. Philip Goodhew would put those to good use. A box was swiftly bought and wrapped and we were out in less than two minutes. Branscombe had bemoaned the time it took when shopping with his mother and sisters but as before I knew boys were different!

We all entered the bookshop and found no books in English. No matter. Two books were purchased for James Goodhew. An illustrated volume of Les Fables d'sope and the book we had heard mentioned, 'Notre Dame de Paris' by Victor Hugo. The twins smiled at this and Martin said he would have to be good at French to understand the novel. Robin said he never underestimated his brothers. I was of the same opinion knowing that both were good scholars.

Our chariots were awaiting us and we clambered on them clutching our parcels. As it was now almost midafternoon it was most hot so Lancelot said we should all return to the H"tel Roanne to rest and for Robin and me to practise. We could not protest as we both knew there were passages where we could do better and some repetition would be useful before our six o'clock obligation.

We had to enter quietly for we could hear the Comte playing behind the closed doors of the salon. The piano tuner must have been as he was performing on the new instrument. Even through the doors it sounded most grand. As it was close on four o'clock we were served with a tisane and accompanying pastries. Robin and I then left the others and repaired to our bedroom where we spent a good hour going over our parts in both the Symphony and the Concerto. Of course, we had to guess how fast or how slow the other movements of the Concerto would be played but we would know what our contributions would sound like.

We did rest for a while and shared our concerns for the Fontanes. We had not yet had opportunity to confide in Lancelot, also, I still had to find out more from Jabez about his mission here in France. A slight rap at the door announced that it was time for us to go downstairs. It was Fabrice who insisted he carried our instrument cases for us. I asked in my best French if he was ready to enjoy this evening. He smiled and said "Oh oui, monsieur, je trouve cela trŠs bon."

We were not the last to arrive though most were seated. A portly gentleman came in with a bassoon and was closely followed by another just as stout huffing and puffing and carrying a string bass. When we were all seated I looked around. The two oboe players and the other bassoonist were in some sort of uniform as was the horn player seated next to the gardener.

Valentine stood and struck middle A on the piano which had been moved in front of where we were seated with the harpsichord to one side.. My flute was well in tune and I noted the horn players both made an adjustment to the crook they had placed in their instruments after the man in uniform asked for a G to be sounded as well. I heard Valentine say to Robin we would be rehearsing the Haydn symphony first. I opened my book for that at the first page and had the first four notes memorised for whatever tempo the Comte might choose.

Just then the grandfather clock struck six and within moments the Comte came through the main door. We all stood and bowed which he acknowledged with a smile and clasped hands. He sat at the harpsichord and holding a finger up counted clearly 'un, deux, trois, quatre' in quite a fast time. I was ready with my top G as we set forth.

I was not unused to scratches and strange notes with our village band but tonight I realised I was among good, even excellent, players. I was carried along with the sheer enjoyment of being able to hear such admirable playing. I had never heard a symphony before, nor such quality of performance and I was part of it. I had to concentrate as I knew I soon had to play notes not with the strings. Those chords were with oboes, horns and bassoons. Then I had to take care because after bar 30 I had two bars rest and found I then had a phrase above the other players. I had to count even more carefully a little later as I had seventeen bars rest and smiled as I realised there was the clucking of the hen from others while I waited to enter again. Later I had six bars rest and then four bars of rhythmic top C's marked 'Solo' and 'staccato'. Much further on I had the same rhythm but on top D's. I played these for all I was worth!

That movement over, there was little to say. I was not addressed but the violins and oboes were asked to be 'un peu d‚tach‚' at places. So we progressed. In the second movement, the 'Andante', I had to count even more carefully as I had many bars rest with small interjections before my next rest and so on. However, all went well until the beginning of the third movement, the 'Menuet', for at that point I nearly came a cropper. After the opening where I played the same as the first violins but an octave higher I nearly missed that those eight bars had to be repeated. I kept my eyes really open after this as there were two more places in that movement where it happened again. The Comte was smiling broadly as we prepared to begin the final 'Vivace' movement. I was lucky having bars to count before I had to copy the first violins again so was able to get the triple rhythm correct as it was quite fast and I soon had solo parts as well. I think I managed and at the end I was not singled out for any comments. The horns this time were asked to play a little more 'forte' especially with the last few bars.

I was quite excited. I hadn't made obvious errors though I knew there were some bars, especially where there were fast triplets, which I should practice until perfect. Or, at least, as perfect as I could be. It was now time for the Concerto. The Comte moved to the piano and we tuned again. I listened and counted carefully as the strings began the movement but I made such an obvious error when my first semiquaver passage with the first oboe went awry. He Comte held a hand up and we stopped. I was mortified. He was kindness itself. He asked the first oboe to play his part then I copied him but a third higher for the first turn then a sixth higher for the second. We did the bar three times and the movement was restarted. This time I was ready and no errors were made. A similar duet occurred a little later and that was perfect as well. After the long introduction the Comte entered with the piano solo and I and the oboes had that little phrase repeated soon after. Again I had to concentrate as I had but two bars before the other phrase appeared. All went well until I had a top B for a minim then a pause for the rest of the bar with 'Cadenza' written next. I waited and wondered as the Comte played several variations on what the last few bars had been. I glanced at the oboist seated next to me. He smiled "Une mesure aprŠs moi". I was able to count my bars rest once the strings started again as he wagged a finger in time. He nodded as he played his first note and I was in time to begin my phrase which copied him an octave higher.

I was much too busy to really notice how skilled the Comte was and was quite surprised when that movement came to an end without him playing. There was little pause before he counted us into the second 'Andante' movement. I had to take care as this was in three time. There were two places where the Comte stopped and we had to repeat the passage. The Comte blamed himself and things went well after that.

Before we began the final movement the Comte warned of the many passages which were repeated. He said this both in French and English and as I glanced forward at my part I could see the double bar-lines and the double dots. I also noted I would have to take care as there were some very high G's at times. As we played through I found I had various little solos as I was above the oboes or playing against them. Then I noted in between several bars rest either side the last part of the movement was marked 'Presto. Finale'. This went at quite a pace but it was obvious everyone was enjoying the sound we were making. After the final bar and a bit where I and the other woodwind had echoed the last phrase on the piano the Comte thrust both hands in the air and shouted "Bravo!". I was very aware all the others had played both works before but I was pleased with my efforts and Robin turned and smiled. He did have Valentine by his side so could copy him but I was very proud of being the solo Flute!

Two of the kitchen boys must have been awaiting the conclusion for they then brought in a trolley of glasses and bottles. When glasses were filled and handed round the Comte first toasted us all then singled out Robin and me for praise and another toast. Our other four were then allowed entry and for some reason were also toasted once their glasses were handed to them.

They had been sitting outside in the hallway and said they were quite overwhelmed with the sounds they had heard. I found from Alain that the young men in uniform were from a regimental band whose commanding officer was happy for them to play as he would be at the dinner the next evening. The two older gentlemen were teachers at the Orphanage but also at a private music school.

The Comte gathered Robin and me to him and asked us if we were happy with what we had experienced and done. I said I now had both the Haydn and the Mozart ringing in my ears and I could happily play both again and again. He laughed. "If you lived here you would play many more fine works. This is but a beginning even for me as I intend to increase my band of players as time goes on. Monsieur Duvallier says he has a fine violinist and a promising horn player who both need positions." He indicated the bass player who was in earnest conversation with Fabrice. "My dear Fabrice was his pupil and he has been taught well. My household will no doubt expand!"

He asked if we needed to play our organ pieces and Robin said he would like to play his if it was no bother. Valentine was called over and the organ was opened. Fabrice saw what was happening and left Monsieur Duvallier and was ready to pump when Robin was seated and had selected his stops. No one moved as those sweet sounds resounded in the room. I knew I would have to do my best to even equal his playing. As he finished so there was applause with the young soldiers leading it. Martin had found from them they had enlisted when just fourteen and had been taught their instruments as band-boys. There was little fear of them being sent to war or to other climes as the band was in demand for special parades and ceremonies.

Our dinner that evening was full of merry chat. Although the Comte asked if we had bought presents for ourselves we had decide beforehand not to say about the waistcoats but we would all appear in them for the concert and dinner the next evening. At least Robin and I would be in white waistcoats for the concert and change into them after the dinner. Why did things seem complicated!

As soon as dinner was over Robin and I took Lancelot aside as the others played at cards with the Comte. From our demeanour the others must have known there was a serious matter to discuss. Lancelot listened carefully as we unfolded the tale we had heard. He said as we finished he would write immediately both to my sister as he knew her address and to a particular friend in Edinburgh who could enquire further. He would also write to the Fontanes here in Paris as well. He was particularly saddened to hear that the daughter had been disowned by her father. "That is very sad for in my opinion Monsieur Fontane is not long for this world."

To be continued.

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