Tom Browning's Schooldays

Tom Browning's Schooldays

By

Joel

Chapter EightyTwo

Natty Dyer was well-pleased on the journey back to Careby as he told us more than once. Mr Darlow had praised him on attention to detail in his care of not only our steeds but those of Mr Dimbleby, George and two others. He had said his wages would rise by two shillings a week when Natty returned in the new school year. Robin and I said nothing as we knew my father had to pay for the upkeep of our mounts, Silver and Blaze, as well as Natty's Kerry, but we were sure the extra money would come from payments required from those others. We also heard that Jack the farrier's lad had taken Natty on a number of evenings to a Working Men's Meeting in Ashbourne where they had heard lectures on a variety of subjects. One which had been of particular interest to Natty was on the findings from tombs in Egypt. He said he was able to speak with the gentleman who had delivered it saying he had been to the Museum in London and was entranced with what he had seen and wanted to learn more.

"I have a book in my saddle-bag which he kindly sent me all the way from Manchester," Natty averred. "'Tis full of where they have opened old tombs and there are drawings of those old mummies they call them. There's drawings from the walls as well and some are made into how we write. I have made a fist at copying some and I've tried to write what they say. Very strange 'cos 'tis not as we write and you have to put things together which don't make no sense at first."

What was Natty telling us? Was he able to make sense of those strange markings? I remembered they were called hieroglyphs from what I had been told on my visit there. There was a stone which had been carved in different languages which someone only a few years back had been able to translate. Robin had not been with me in London for that visit but I had told him about the many treasures Aubrey and I had seen in the Museum. I could not belittle Natty on what he was saying but if it were true I would have to consult Uncle Dodd for I knew our Natty was no fool.

Robin was quite discontented that he had not visited the Museum. There was no doubt there would be a visit to London before school began again for I was determined to be there to see George receive his commission. We would have to make sure that Natty was on the box with Rowley Roberts who would, no doubt, be the coachman. I was most forward in making these plans and Robin and I shared a laugh or two over them!

Our arrival at Careby Hall was nothing out of the ordinary. All seemed quiet as grooms were ready to deal with the coach and we left our mounts with Bobby Brewer in the Hall stable. As it was somewhat after three in the afternoon Robin and I went straight to announce our arrival to my mother. We were both hugged and kissed and told we had grown even more. This was true. We were of comparable size and from putting marks on the wall in our hidey-hole at Ridley House we had found we were both five feet nine inches in height which was more than most of our companions. We had made other measurements but did not divulge those to my mother! She asked me to pull the bell-rope to order tea. This was soon delivered by Benjy and Eamonn who had a new serving-boy in tow. He was a son of the bricklayer named Reeve whose forebears had been mentioned when we looked at the old documents. We found he was called John and was twelve. He still attended my Aunt Matty's Dame School but had no desire to be a bricklayer like his father or as his elder brother, William, already was. We found that out when we questioned Benjy later.

My mother had much news for us. My cousin Nicholas and his friend Cornelius Button had been made most welcome in Coquelles and in Paris and had now returned to America. We had invitations to visit them in New York! My Aunt Fanny Wright would be visiting again after the London Season. Not only that but the waifs, Jacob and Daniel, were to come to Careby with her and were to be taken to Cambridge for their most probable entry into the St Mark's College Choir School. My mother was laughing as she said there would have to be two carriages as they were to be accompanied by Antonio and Carlo with Paolo and Karem in charge of them all. It certainly would be an invasion. My mother was not disconcerted but just shook her head and said we had plenty of rooms. I asked if Robin and I would be accompanying the visit to Cambridge. She just laughed and said not only would we be making that journey but most probably Uncle Dodd and Lancelot would take the opportunity to visit St Mark's again.

There was other news. She had a letter which she showed us announcing that my cousin Rosamund was expecting a child. Even George had not heard of this when we had bid each other goodbye for the holiday. He would be pleased for he would be an uncle again. I would be a first cousin, once removed, to the infant once it was born. We also heard that Miss Barnes was not well. She was quite aged now and Lancelot had visited her several times during the past three weeks. All my mother knew was that her breathing was bad. That was sad news as I was very fond of the old lady who was always kind and had been most generous not only to me but to Robin and to Timmy. We were told Timmy would also be on the journey to Cambridge. He was to be apprenticed to Mr Mead the apothecary there and spend his seven years under his tutelage. My father had the signed letter from Lord Harford as his surety. There were also promises from Mr Summerson, the Prime Minister's Secretary, for payment of any fees for the waifs' education. This was in addition to the amounts already given them in Government Bonds. That was the final piece of news.

I was pleased that Karem and Paolo would be at Careby. I would not dare ask if Karem knew a Bertie, nor if he had massaged someone who had attended the Baths with him. This was something I would confide in Jabez who, no doubt, would be cognisant of any strange gentlemens' clubs not far from the Baths. Also the tale of the young soldiers who were involved would have to be discussed with him. Robin had said I had to take care in what I related but I trusted Jabez and I was more than a little curious.

We left my mother and found our bags and chests were already in our room. There was much to sort through and we both had a mound of unclean linen, shirts, stockings and running togs which we had not asked Japhet's mother to launder for us in the last week or so of school. Robin wrinkled his nose as he held up one pair of running drawers which were very much the worse for wear being not only muddy by ripped on the side from the last Hare and Hounds we had participated in. It had been a hot day and as a Hare I had laid a trail with Radcliffe through two streams and a wooded stretch with blackberry brambles as the path emerged. We knew there had been much splashing as the runners reached the streams as this helped to cool them. Some of the more unwary had been tripped by their fellows so had an early bath!

We were commenting to each on what my mother had said when Benjy knocked and entered. We heard he was now promoted to being a senior footman as Jackson was spending more time at my Uncle Dodd's for as Archdeacon he had more entertaining to do. The twins were now trained to be junior footmen and Eamonn was a trusted assistant. He was then full of gossip. "Which tale do you want to hear first?" was his rather confusing question. I asked how would we know unless he told us? He screwed his nose up. "'Tis the best comes first," he averred with a snigger. "Mrs Rogers has been delivered of another bouncing boy!" he sang out and started to wave his hands up and down. He looked at me and stopped smiling. "I have to tell you he has... ...red hair!" he finished emphatically.

"Does Rogers not know?" I asked.

"Who the father is?" the wretch queried with the grin reappearing. "He is rarely sober so he probably thinks he has twins." We had to smile at that for he waggled his head to and fro. "I heard the christening was last Sunday at their village. I was told the babe's called Matthew which tells nowt! Not like the other," he added.

Robin held up a finger. "That is number one. What is the next?"

"Miss Fancy Hine has gone to stay with an aunt who has a shop in Bath." He paused for effect. "Her father was not happy with her dancing with Jacob Barker. She kept on saying he was most polite and her mother found she had written a poem about him..."

Robin was quick with his improvisation. "...Jacob is a lovely boy, I would be his willing toy. Big and strong..."

I added "...and hard and long!"

Benjy shook his head at me. "That is true, but Master Tom! For you to say such things!" He couldn't keep up the pretence of being shocked. He laughed. "We all saw what happened for his britches were tight around his front." He up his forearm with his fist clenched. "I think her father saw it, too. He had her sitting by him after that and she had a pout on her face."

"So Mr Hine is afeared she might fall into temptation, eh?" I asked.

"There's another who did," Benjy said with a snigger. "Betty Woolner's putting on weight I've heard. John Parminter's been told a marriage is to be arranged within a month."

Oh, he was a son of our gatekeeper and worked for one of the tenant farmers. I'd noticed he was with Betty for most of the dances. She and her mother were seamstresses and I knew my mother had employed them at times. Betty must be about twenty or so and John a year or two older. It would be a good match. John was a doughty lad and he was renowned as a good runner when village games were held.

"What gossip!" Robin said with a grin. "A babe, another on the way and one prevented! Is that all that happens hereabouts?"

Benjy was smiling. "No, the best 'til last. That Cavendish man at Bitchfield has gone. We heard he tried to borrow money on land he didn't have. My father says he's run off to Canada or someplace like that and his wife went to her folks up north. That'll be another place to be sold for he owes on that to the banks."

I felt rather glad of his downfall. He had turned out two of his tenants and their families because they could not pay their rents. I remembered the poor lubberly lad and his brother who I knew were now well-settled from what I had heard from other gossip.

Robin had finished unpacking the rest of his possessions brought back from school. Both of us had been set work by Mr Martin and Robin had extra from Mr Dimbleby so we would have to set time aside to complete those tasks.

"Tom, I must go and greet my mother and father," he said as he placed three books on the shelf below where Timmy's African statue stood.

"I warrant you have seen nothing as fine as those new rooms," Benjy said. "They've good stone lintels and there's carving been done. Liam did some of that." He paused. "And there's that water closet like here."

That was something else to inspect here. The wooden carvings ready for the water closets collected from the Bedford carver. Benjy said they had not been affixed yet as we were to choose which one we wanted on our door, most probably the one of the arse end of a donkey. We threw all the soiled clothing at him which he picked up with a pout of his own on his face for he complained of the smell as he departed.

I said I would accompany Robin to the house as there would be time for a quick visit before dinner at seven. We did not bother to go to the Hall stable but ran down the drive as far as the gate and acknowledged Mrs Parminter whose dear son was to be married soon. We walked rather more sedately into the village and took a back lane to the Goodhew's house. It stood in a fair piece of land with its barn and workroom and was now much larger than before. It looked worthy of such a craftsman as Steven Goodhew.

We walked around the outside first and found what Benjy had said was true. There was fine new stonework and the bricks were well-laid. There was a new front door but we made our way to the backdoor. Robin knocked and entered and I followed. A young girl was preparing a pan of potatoes and bobbed and curtsied on our entry. I did not know her name but she looked about fourteen or so and was probably set to work here by my Aunt Matty. She knew Robin. "Oh, Master Robin, Mistress Goodhew is in the parlour." He said we would find our own way. She bobbed and curtsied again as I passed.

As soon as his mother saw him Robin was hugged and kissed. I stood back and then both of us were surveyed. It was the usual. "My, you have grown even more!" I bent down and kissed his mother and was kissed on the cheek in return. "You have been looking after my Robin for me?" she asked with a smile. Robin grunted.

"He needs little looking after," I replied. I did not add that he looked after my needs but I knew this was true for both of us. I put on a play act. "He is industrious at School but he does spend time in playing cricket. I hear he is good at that."

Jenny Goodhew laughed. "I have heard that, too. I have received a letter from Mr Dimbleby who does give a little praise." Poor Robin snorted again. "He says he is pleased with his progress and will continue with the extra lessons next year."

Robin was determined to change the subject. "Mother, I have received a letter from the Prime Minister."

His mother laughed again. "So I have heard." She looked at me. "You received a letter, too?" I nodded. "Your father came and discussed it with us. He said the gentleman who was here made sure you were rewarded. I dare not ask what happened but Timmy is to receive a payment, too."

I said that the other boys who were kidnapped had also received their recompense and would be coming to Careby with my Aunt Fanny Wright. She nodded and said she had heard that as well. Robin asked where James was and what news was there of Philip. We heard that James was at the Rectory with Uncle Dodd and was making good headway with his Latin. She was smiling as she said dear Philip was too busy to make the journey to Careby at present as he needed to practice his new skill of water colour. She took up a piece of paper from the table by her side. It may have been an early attempt but the wash of colour and the careful lines showed a view of a house and garden. It was the Harrison's house near the river at Chelsea and looked very peaceful.

"No doubt he will beg a place on the coach with your aunt," she said, "I pray he will come as I do miss him." She smiled at Robin. "And you, too, my dear, but if you are happy so am I."

She said we should explore the new rooms and go to the workshop. Steven would not be there as he and Liam were working on stonework in a church some miles away and were staying there until the morning.

We were most impressed with the new rooms. There was a big drawing room and diningroom downstairs and two bedrooms upstairs. All had been furnished with care and quality. There was not one but two water closets installed, one between the two bedrooms and the other between the parlour and the kitchen. The barn had been extended, too, and there was a new hoist to raise large pieces of stone. All looked most practical and showed what skill and industry could achieve.

We returned and bid farewell to Jenny and said we would return. She laughed as I bent to kiss her cheek. "I have been most forward and have invited your parents to dinner tomorrow evening. There will be other guests as well and I would be honoured for you to join us." She turned to her son. "You are included, my dear." He grinned back at her and both of us most politely accepted.

Walking back to the Hall Robin seemed rather quiet. "Are you concerned about the dinner?" I asked. He nodded.

"There is a great difference in station between your parents and mine," he averred.

I shook my head. "Steven Goodhew is a craftsman of repute and, remember, you belong in my family. What can people say? Those Goodhews are rising above themselves? If my mother and father have accepted there will be no questions of that kind. My mother and father offered hospitality to your parents while the house was being made larger. It is a question of respect not of station." I nudged him as we walked side by side. "Remember, after all my father's old nags are dead and gone Steven Goodhew's workmanship will remain."

He put a hand out and took mine. "Tom, I had not thought that way," he said quietly. "I would not want my mother and father derided in any way."

Our dinner that evening was quiet for it was just my parents with Robin and me. Beforehand we gathered in the Library and Robin and I showed my parents the letters from Sir Robert and the Certificates for our holdings of 3 per cent Consols. My father said we deserved whatever we received. He smiled as he remarked with these holdings and the rents from the farmland in St Albans we would not be too much of a burden if we went to Cambridge. I said we were both determined to study there. "And you shall," was my mother's response.

My father looked tired when he first came to the Library. He had spent much of the day with several gentlemen shooting rabbits over nearby farms. "We shall have rabbit in all forms for the next week I am sure." He said the gentlemen visiting all wanted hunters for the autumn immediately. My mother looked rather askance when he remarked it took a while for foals to be produced just as it did with children. She changed the subject and remarked about the invitation to dine at the Goodhews' the next evening. My father said he was mightily pleased not having to ride several miles for his dinner. I noted that Robin made no remark but asked my mother if she had received anything from his brother Philip. She smiled and Benjy was instructed to bring 'the painting'. It was very like the one we had been shown by Jenny Goodhew but it was from a different perspective. My mother was most complimentary and said that the one of Curly, though she said 'the statue', had been placed in a frame and was in pride of place in my father's study. He made no comment for at that moment Mr Clements sounded the gong. We did have a good roast of rabbit for our main course that evening!

We did little on Saturday but rode out and found the navigators had almost finished the preparation for the rails in many places. We were told by one of the supervisors that there would be a double set of rails so that the engines would not have to wait within a station or on a side set of rails for others to pass in the opposite direction. As we rode towards Little Bytham we saw that bridges were being constructed over the roads and the river. Once these were completed the rails would be laid. These bridges looked more sturdy than the one at Essendine for these had to take the weight of the engine and the carriages and whatever they might carry.

We knew there would be little for luncheon at Careby so we stopped at the inn we had visited before at Little Bytham and the goodwife recognised us and we were welcomed with pint pots of her best ale. She had a cold capon and a ham ready for travellers and slices of those satisfied any hunger pangs we had. We rested after by riding to the nearby river where we sat and watched the bricklayers constructing the bridge which would pass over it. We rode on a little after that along the bank of the river and finding a suitable spot tethered our mounts, divested ourselves of our clothing and bathed in the river to cool ourselves for the sun was hot. Although we splashed and chased each other in the water we dare not take liberties, though we were both aroused, for there was a track by the river's edge and we may have been caught unawares. It was enough for us to share the time together for we knew that our fires would be quenched in the safety of our bed this night!

Before that we had the pleasure of the evening with Robin's family. There were twelve of us to be seated and we knew there would be gossip. First, my mother and father might be thought to be condescending in agreeing to dine especially with the knowledge the village had of Robin's origins. Then, secondly, the Rector and his wife, and their son, the doctor, were in attendance and not for spiritual nor for medical reasons. Thirdly, why would a shoemaker and his wife, other than for him to make music, be accorded such precedence over, perhaps, more worthy but nameless persons? At least the apprentice was not granted a place but could have been observed as a smiling and competent footman under the guidance of Jackson who had the twins as his serving boys as well. Anyone peeping into the kitchen would have seen Prudence Cutts and her sister Mabel as cook and assistant with the young maid being a useful helper.

What ensued was a most happy and convivial evening. My father and mother did take pride of place at the ends of the table with Steven and Jenny taking the centre positions with the rest arranged around. I was not surprised that Mr Venables and his wife were present as he and my father had been boys together in the village for we had heard of certain tales of mischief which they and others had engaged in. It then transpired that Mr Venables and Steven's mother were brother and sister and this family connection had not been generally known to anyone else until this evening. It did account for Steven's appearance in the village all those years ago and what could the village say about that!

My father was most amused when that relationship was revealed to the rest of us for he was aware of it. The sister was some ten years older than Mr Venables and had departed for a position in service elsewhere when she was but twelve years old. My Aunt Matty said she had often thought there was a resemblance between Steven Goodhew and Mr Venables but had never remarked on it. I had James Goodhew next to me who was looking over at Mr Venables. "Do I call you Uncle Robert, now?" he enquired. "Great-uncle," I whispered, which made a smiling Mr Venables shake a fist at me.

We had a most satisfying dinner which began with a Grace spoken by Uncle Dodd. He called for blessings on this new building and the family living in it. We also said a heartfelt Amen to that. The first course was a soup followed by fresh trout with a delicate white wine to accompany it. The main entr£Æ was roast legs of lamb in a herb and mustard crust. We heard the herbs were those grown by our Timmy and the fragrance entered my nostrils and made me salivate most readily. There were cold tarts and jellies to follow for it was a hot evening. As we finished my father said the house was now truly hallowed and long may it remain so. He was sure all within would prosper. It was unquestionably a most happy evening for all remained at the table where the gentlemen smoked their pipes and port and sweet wines were circulated. The only sadness was that Philip Goodhew was not present though two of his recent drawings were passed around. One was a copy of the memorial to Mr Handel in Westminster Abbey and the other was of a Yeoman Warder with his halberd he had seen at the Tower of London. There was no doubt he would prosper.

Over the next week or so we spent much time riding and making sure Timmy joined us on Tarquin with Natty as company as well. With the afternoons being hot we had to cool ourselves so we made good use of the river though the flow was becoming sluggish. We found the navigators had diverted two of the main streams entering it some way back and my father had to make representations to the Company to have them redirected. This would have delayed the laying of the rails a deal further but Lancelot solved the problem by suggesting brick tunnels be built for the water to flow through rather than large bridges over the streams. Even so it meant several more weeks added to the construction.

The day came when the arrival of the carriages from London was expected. We had been told that Aunt Fanny was leaving one day before the London Season finished for she wanted to make sure the roads from London were not over busy with escaping carriages! If she was leaving on Thursday July the thirty-first we could expect her arrival on the Saturday.

On Saturday the second of August all was ready in the afternoon. It was just after four o'clock when three carriages appeared. What a commotion! The first carried my Aunt Fanny and her maid Doria Maria with chests on the roof and a host of bags and baskets inside. A second was even more laden with chests, baskets and bags plus a merry Philip Goodhew who had his constant companion, John Harrison, beside him. It had been decided John could not be left behind in London! The third was like a menagerie so Robin said. No wild animals but boys, boys and boys! It was a great assortment from the older Paolo and Karem, the pair of imps Antonio and Carlo, to the young waifs, Daniel and Jacob. My father was there to meet his sister who was greeted with a great kiss which made the boys giggle. The motley crew then stood quietly and were surveyed with a stern look. At last my father smiled. "You look hungry." What a thing to say to growing boys! He pointed to the paddock. It had been cleared and tables had been set in the shade of the trees around. "Sit and see what appears!"

Of course Robin, James and I had to greet everyone. James was overjoyed to see his brother and announced Philip and John Harrison would have one of the new bedrooms in the Goodhew house. The others seemed a little overwhelmed until Robin and I spoke to them all individually and led them to the tables where a procession of others then appeared bearing trays and plates of cakes, pastries, bread and preserves and jugs of cordial. Benjy, Eamonn, the twins and young John Reeve were all in plain grey livery and looked most smart as they carried their burdens and laid them ready. Both Robin and I took places and found the waifs were less shy and apprehensive then when we had seen them in London. Of course, Antonio was in charge of their welfare and we could see a great friendship between them all. I sat with Paolo and Karem for Robin had joined his brothers and John Harrison. I could see Paolo and Karem were quite transfixed as they looked around at the open space leading down to the river beyond. I saw Karem sniffing. There was a summer breeze and it carried the scent of flowers growing in the walled garden behind us.

Karem looked at me and smiled. "Master Tom, my brother Mehmet said how beautiful it was here. I know we have the parks and gardens in London but here the air is fresh." He shook his head. "I can see across the river to the fields beyond. There is no smoke and no crowded houses. I have not travelled from London before and I was bewildered with all the miles of road and few houses." I said I had noted that even in just those years I had been back and forth to London how new settlements were spreading. Paolo was nodding.

"I have been to the south of London across the river and new houses are being built there as well," he said. He smiled. "This is so peaceful. There is no noise of carriages over the cobbles."

I could but agree. The four younger boys were at a table by themselves and I noted Antonio making sure each got an equal share. There was a cry from the elder waif, Daniel. He had spotted someone he knew approaching. It was Timmy and though he bowed his head in greeting his eyes were on the two youngsters with whom he had shared that dreadful experience. I stood and he was soon seated with Jacob holding his hand. If the boys were accepted for the Choir School with Timmy nearby they would not want for a friend.

Benjy informed us that all the younger visitors would have their meals in the breakfast room and would have two rooms along the passageway from Robin's and mine. He smiled when he told us this and said they were obviously of a higher station than the senior footman for he was in the attics! I knew he said this in jest for my mother was most concerned that the servants' rooms were comfortable for as she said discontented servants do not make a happy household.

We heard at dinner that evening those involved would be departing for Cambridge on Monday. Rooms had been taken in a rooming house for most of us though Lancelot and Uncle Dodd would be accommodated in rooms in St Mark's College. The Fellow in Music would hear the two boys sing and make a judgement about their admission while Timmy would be with Mr Mead to agree to the conditions of his indenture which would have to be witnessed before a notary. Lancelot said Robin and I would not be left out as Erasmus would be instructed to entertain us in College and to take us to see King's College and Trinity nearby!

We were also told that evening that Uncle Digby had made enquiries first about the whereabouts of the waifs' mother but she had disappeared as if into thin air. Though not elaborated upon I had the impression from what was said that there were many women of low class who earned money by dubious means mainly to buy their next drink of ale or, more likely, gin. The second enquiry was to the Rector of the village which the boys said they came from. The boys' father had been a farm labourer but had lost his position with the poor returns from farming. He had gone to Colchester and joined the military without either his wife's or his parents' knowledge. It was thought he had joined under an alias for nothing more had been heard of him other than he had written once to his wife some years back saying he was sailing for hotter climes. As there was no more correspondence it was feared he had lost his life in the Afghan war and the family would have been destitute except for the position the mother had in a household until she lost it. The grandparents on both sides of the family were now dead and there was no one willing to claim the boys, for the mother had made herself a nuisance. My Aunt Fanny related all this to our rapt attention and said she had been more than impressed by the boys' resilience to all that had happened to them and their good nature. They had been well-schooled in the village at the Dame School supervised by the widow of the previous Rector. She had taken pity on them when their mother had taken to drink and had not charged for their lessons. Both could read well and my aunt was sure they would not be out of place in the Choir School.

The journey to Cambridge was most successful. Lancelot went with Timmy to see his indenture signed and sealed. He would start his apprenticeship on Monday September the first and he was both happy and sad about it. He would have to leave Careby and the love of Mrs Bottom, who had truly taken him to heart as another son, together with the friendship of the lads there such as young Paul, Benjy and Eamonn. However, he was to be set on the path which would take him to the end he desired and would join Mr Mead's son Jeremy, who was the same age, and was to take an apprenticeship from the same date.

Daniel and Jacob must have sung like angels for Dr Powis was adamant they should be admitted forthwith. This meant two more would be in Cambridge for the beginning of September. The waifs were somewhat apprehensive but two boys already in the choir were still in residence even though it was out of term time. Fortuitously, like Antonio and Carlo, the two choristers had made immediate friends with Daniel and Jacob. The sad ones were Antonio and Carlo but they were assured that they would be welcome both in Careby and Cambridge. I wondered what their future might be?

Erasmus did spend time showing Robin and me many places and things of interest during the two days we were in Cambridge. We met some of the other dons who all seemed rather elderly to me. Of course, my cousin was not elderly but he did whisper he felt quite young when he found he had to help some of his elders to find their way to the High Table. "There are two in particular," he confided, "Both are too proud to wear spectacles in public and are as blind as bats in consequence. There are eccentricities all around. We must watch for Dr Townley. He has appeared in his scarlet Doctor's gown and just his undervest and small clothes more than once." As we passed an imposing building he said it was the Master's House. Rass was smiling as he told us the Master had three or four terrier dogs which ran about everywhere within his rooms and his servants were hard-pressed to keep the place clean. He also had a cage with ferrets in it in his hallway, for his favourite pastime was that of a common labourer in setting his ferrets to a rabbit-hole and letting his terriers catch the conies as they emerged. He laughed and said as well as a noted warrener he was also Professor of Latin!

On our second morning Erasmus took us to the Chapel and it was there we met Dr Powis who was also the organist and choirmaster. He was most praising over the accomplishments of the two boys. He said their voices had a pure quality and they would be good additions to his choir. We did not know it before but it transpired both could read music and said they had been taught by the old lady to play a little on her fortepiano. We had to admit that both Robin and I could play the organ and we hoped to be admitted to the College in two years' time.

Dr Powis took us to the organ loft and as he pumped so we played. The organ had several more stops than those at Careby or at Ashbourne School but we played pieces we knew by heart on 8 and 4 foot Flutes and Diapasons. He was most complimentary and said we could earn a stipend if we agreed to play at services. He also told us that one student was appointed every three years as the Servant of the Chapel and the present incumbent had just finished his first year. I nudged Robin and he asked what the duties entailed. We found the Servant was in charge of the lists of services, the lesson readers and the maintenance of cleanliness by the College servants and had his rooms, tuition and buttery as his stipend. It would be perfect if Robin could be appointed to that role when he applied for matriculation in two year's time!

We found the appointment was in the gift of the Fellow in Music and the Chaplain. It was a thought! After all Erasmus had told us he had been most agreeable in assisting the elderly Chaplain and Robin had impressed Dr Powis. When we told him Robin would most likely apply for that position Erasmus was in agreement and said he would make it his business to promote his case when the time came!

There was someone else who was happy. During the previous weeks my Uncle Dodd had questioned Natty on his understanding of those strange Egyptian hieroglyphics and though my uncle said he had difficulty himself with the interpretation he was sure Natty had made headway with the language. In Cambridge Natty accompanied Uncle Dodd to a consultation with a Fellow in another college who had spent time in Egypt studying many tombs and inscriptions. He had praised Natty on what he had done and was within a whisker of offering Natty a position as a servant but Uncle Dodd, wisely perhaps, said that Natty should persevere with his learning and then, say, in a year's time be tested again. It was agreed and Natty spent a whole day being shown many inscriptions and came away with a host of papers and manuscripts to study. Uncle Dodd told Robin and me privately that the Fellow had been very impressed but he thought that if he joined his service now Natty might have been used as the translator with the man taking the credit. Robin suggested that we should ask Aubrey Bayes if his father might know a scholar in London who would also be willing to examine Natty's understanding.

With our visit to Cambridge over we all returned to Careby where we enjoyed each other's company in divers ways. Karem exercised his skills on both Robin and me a number of times and we did have a good sight of that circumcised peg as we cavorted in the river on many hot days. My father employed his services more than once especially when, on dismounting a rather mettlesome steed, he had caught his foot in the stirrup and strained his calf muscle. His limping and bad temper soon evaporated under Karem's expert hands. Paolo charmed Mrs Gray with his knowledge of Italian dishes and with Timmy's herbs and new vegetables we had many a dinner for ourselves, neighbours and friends which were highly praised. My father acted like a grandfather to the youngsters and there was never a quarrel or disagreement for all took a turn in keeping the others entertained. Philip Goodhew and John Harrison joined in most of our ventures and Philip's drawings kept all amused as he had a great wit in making a sketch of a person or a happening. Jacob and Daniel sang to us every day and my mother and Aunt Matty found new songs for the pair to learn. Their visit to Miss Barnes helped her recovery so she said as she was now up and about though quite frail.

Through all this Robin and I grew even closer for we spent each night in each other's loving company. We still had not made that final step in our love-making but bore in mind that tale of the tableau. "It will happen when we are ready," was Robin's comment.

The time came for all to make their departures. The first to go were Timmy, Daniel and Jacob. We had a great late luncheon after church the day before Lancelot accompanied them to Cambridge the week before Timmy would begin his apprenticeship. There were some tears but most were of joy. My Aunt Fanny and her entourage would leave on the next day so a grand dinner was arranged not only in her honour but in ours as well for Robin and I would be accompanying her to London to see George on his first parade. George would be receiving his commission on the Friday and we would be present to see this happen. We were told we would leave London for Ashbourne on the Monday and would be in time for the start of the new term on the Thursday.

This meant the three coaches would be filled again on that journey to London with Robin and me taking the places of the three boys now at Cambridge. My father was ready with comments as we all assembled for that departure. He sniffed and said the air would be purer once the London ruffians had gone. The ruffians were all patted or hands were shaken and a good number of coins were placed in pockets. They knew they would all be welcome at Careby again!

There was another great welcome when we arrived at Charles Street well in time on Thursday afternoon. My Uncle Digby looked much better in health and rested. We heard that Jabez and Mr Purrett were in Paris on important business. No details were given but from nods and hints we gathered it was the end for Fortescue and his accomplices there. George had arrived some days earlier to be kitted out with his uniform and the important occasion would be the next day when he would be on parade for the first time as Cornet of Horse the Honourable George Lascelles. His brother Geoffrey and my cousin Rosamund were also in residence. Rosamund did look most radiant and her swelling belly was quite evident. Another grand dinner with some thirty guests was held that evening. My brother Torquil and Elizabeth were there with Terence and other officers and all the usual friends of my uncle and aunt. Also amongst those seated was Theo Davis ready for his first term at Oxford but in London to witness his friend's parade. Although we were so elegant in our tailcoats both Robin and I knew we were outgrowing them as even now with one more summer we had added another inch to our height. Aunt Fanny said we would be visiting the tailor and the outfitter on Saturday!

The parade the next day was a riot of colour and noise. My Uncle Billy had two Dukes, Colonels of other regiments, mounted with him and all rode along to inspect the assembled troops of riders as the drums rolled and the fifes played. A distant rumble of gunfire announced not George's commission but was thought to be practice for yet another royal birthday! We were all foxed with good wines and port that evening after an excellent dinner in the Officers' Mess. There were toasts all round and Robin and I felt very honoured to be there with me beside my brother Terence and Robin by the side of his father. How we returned to Charles' Street I do not know but I knew my head rattled in the morning!

Whether our heads were rattling or not our visits to the tailor and outfitter were effective if rather costly. As we were now seniors in school we could wear trousers rather than britches so three pairs each were made ready for us. We did not choose ochre but rather more subdued hues in brown, dark blue and dark green with waistcoats and jackets to match. There were also shirts and cravats to purchase as well as running and football togs. Oh, yes, plus two pairs of shoes each and boots for football for Robin! We paid for all this ourselves from our rents and the first payment of interest! Uncle Digby was most amused on our return and five pounds sterling each joined our depleted purses!

On Sunday Robin and I accompanied Aunt Fanny to the church in Hanover Square for morning service. Rosamund and Geoffrey attended as well but Torquil and Elizabeth did not. They went to the Chapel-of-ease near Charles Street for that was where Amelia had been christened. Of course, on our return from church we had to visit them and see Amelia. Torquil insisted we toasted her health which set us up for our luncheon in which we partook with them.

Uncle Digby had jested we should return to Ashbourne in the curricle which was languishing in a stable somewhere. However his solution was admirable. On Tuesday morning instead of travelling by a hired carriage we would take the Birmingham train from the Euston terminus and travel there in one fell swoop. He said that soon after the train arrived a stagecoach left the Birmingham terminus for Lichfield where we could stay at an inn that night. We would then easily find a seat on the coach from Lichfield northwards to arrive at Ashbourne on the Wednesday evening. We would be travelling light as other than a travelling bag each our new clothes would be dispatched by carrier on the Monday. Of course, there would be a carriage carrying the rest of our accoutrements and books leaving Careby with our mounts, Blaze and Silver as well. The plans were that Rowley and two of the young grooms would accompany Natty and his Kerry to Ashbourne taking in turns to be on the coach or riding at least two of the steeds with the other being led.

This meant we had an extra day in London. We could not visit the Museum as it was not open on a Monday but in the morning like the good scholars we were we went to the bookshop and found a number of volumes which took our fancy. Uncle Digby in his usual generous manner had said we should chose what we wanted though he averred dear Nicholas and Cornelius had sailed back to New York with half the contents of any bookshop they had visited. As we had a pound or two still in our purses and our train fares and money for the stagecoaches were promised we had to stop at the emporium again and make a stock of sweetmeats, bon-bons and other goodies, including a large packet of peppermint humbugs for Uncle Digby and his henchmen. Our last purchases there were a pair of matching black silver-topped canes which we had noted were all the fashion!

We had to be awake early as our train to Birmingham left the Euston terminus at eight in the morning. That journey was, for us, quite momentous. We had travelled from London to Dover by train but this engine was more powerful and travelled at such a rate. With few stops to allow passengers to mount or disembark we found ourselves all those miles from London to Birmingham in the time we might take to take a horse and carriage the few miles to Stamford from Careby. We had time to have a tankard of ale and a meat-filled pastry in a hostelry where the stagecoach would leave. By two o'clock we were on our way to Lichfield. We had outside seats for the day was quite warm and so could gaze at the passing countryside. This was slow progress in contrast to the train and not so comfortable, for the road in many places was worn and rutted. However, we found a decent inn in Lichfield and were told that the great Dr Johnson had supped there in his time. Again we had to rise early as the stage onwards from Lichfield left at eight in the morning. We informed the coachman we needed to alight near the school and as luck would have it as we had reached the Bell in the middle of the afternoon we saw Dr Dimbleby's chaise outside. We scrambled off, almost forgetting our bags, and his coachman recognised me. He said the Doctor was attending to Mrs Figgis who had a touch of the colic and then he was having dinner with Mr and Mrs Dimbleby that evening so it would be no trouble to take us to the School. As we waited Robin said he wondered who was in charge, Dr Dimbleby or his coachman!

Dr Dimbleby laughed when he saw us and we regaled him with all that had happened in London. He knew George Lascelles from when he had first joined the school and had arrived complete with a painful rash. Being polite we did not ask where! Our arrival at Ridley House was unexpected especially as we appeared with Dr Dimbleby in his chaise. We reported our arrival to Matron who seemed pleased to see us especially as Robin gave her a packet of bon-bons. She said young Lawson had arrived and was in the dining-hall with the other young fags awaiting their masters' arrival.

First though we both needed the Vespasian, or piss-trough as it had been christened by ruder elements amongst us. Japhet had arranged for our bags to be taken to our room. I had my own key and George had given Robin his and Theo's as he said I was most likely to mislay them. The door was open for I had forgotten the serving-boys had to have entry during the day to clean and tidy the beds. This was fortunate for if we had not arrived today then young Lawson having no key would have had to beg a bed elsewhere. As it happened the bed was already made and we looked at my old truckle bed which had a bright new coverlet on it. No doubt Mrs Lawson had sent it so her son had a present for his elevation from being a Whelp to being a member of Middle School. By the side was a still-strapped chest and a travelling bag. These must be the lad's for our bags were by the desk the other side of the room. We went down and saw Sharpin in his cubby-hole. We greeted him and he was such a different fellow from that reprobate Pullen. He reached behind him and produced two sealed notes. We thanked him and without opening them went in search of young Lawson. Robin was smiling.

"What do we call the lad? I have never heard his Christian name mentioned?" he enquired with a laugh.

This was true as far as I could recall. "'Young Lawson' should do," I said in jest. "However, it would be better if we enquired first."

This decided us and we went to Mr Pretyman's part of the house. He laughed when we made our request after the usual greetings. "His Christian names are Henry Montague William but do not embarrass the lad with that mouthful." We smiled at that. "But I have to congratulate you on your promotion." We must have looked like a pair of blockheads. "Oh dear," he said, "Perhaps I am precipitate. Have you not had letters from Mr Ridley?" We stared at each other then held up the unopened missives. He pointed at them. We unsealed them...

Mine read: 'Dear Browning,

It is with great pleasure I ask if you would accept the position and

duties of a Praepostor in my house. It is unusual for a pupil to be

asked to undertake such duties before their final year at our school

however I and other Masters are impressed with your standing

amongst your fellows therefore I have had no hesitation in asking

you to take on this role.

Yours sincerely,

A Ridley'

I looked at Robin who had finished reading his letter, too. He grimaced, then grinned. Mr Pretyman saw the change in his features.

"From groom to pupil to Praepostor, eh?" he said with a laugh, "Three stages few have accomplished, I would say." He turned to me. "And you, Doctor-in-waiting, philosopher and master-musician Browning? The same tidings?"

I nodded. "Sir, this is most unusual," I said, "What will our fellows say?"

He waved a dismissive hand. "I would surmise that certain previous holders of the position also whispered in the Headmaster's ear. Have no worry but your biggest judge will be Henry Montague William I am sure." He snorted with laughter.

Robin was laughing now. "Sir, our last purchase in London were suitable canes of office."

I shook my head. "It must have been a premonition." I looked at Robin. "Do we accept? I feel quite inadequate."

He looked at me as if I was a stupid dolt. "You will lead and I will follow," he said most emphatically.

Mr Pretyman smiled. "No, you will be equal partners as always." What had he discerned? He went on immediately. "I shall be on my way to see Mr Ridley soon. May I convey your acceptance?"

We both nodded and said "Yes, sir".

That matter over he bade us good-day and we went silently and slowly back to our part of the house and the dining-hall. As we entered a hush fell on the room then a voice rang out from amongst the throng. "Three cheers for our new principes!" Who it was we did not know for the roar of 'Principes, principes, principes! outdid any usual triple 'Hurrah!'. Two figures joined us, Aubrey Bayes and Bristow. They were holding their short gowns and mortarboards and were smiling and shaking their heads. Bristow was a sturdy fellow who had been one of George's willing allies on the football field and was now at the beginning of his final year. He held out a hand and Robin and I shook it and then Bayes did the same.

"I never expected this," Aubrey Bayes said as he let go my hand. "We have just come from Mr Ridley." He held up the mortarboard. "This will be strange after the cap."

Bristow laughed. "As long as I do not have to wear it when on the football field I will be content." He nodded at us. "You have not yet seen Mr Ridley?" We shook our heads. "I think you were not expected back until tomorrow. Bastable is to be a Praepostor as well and he is not expected until later."

Japhet came along to us. "Sirs," he said and indicated the Praepostors' table. We would not be sitting with our fellows any more. One of the serving-boys brought us beakers and poured us some cordial and another brought a plate of small cakes. As we sat and looked about us someone came and stood between Robin and me. "Please sirs..." there was a pause and we both looked up. It was young Lawson. I put out a hand and gripped his.

"Matron told us you were already here," I said. "Have you eaten?" He nodded his head. "Let us finish here and we can go to the room." I smiled at him and he smiled, too. He was, no doubt, a handsome lad. "I do not think you would be permitted to sit with us here." I winked. "Your time will come I am sure."

Robin smiled at him, too. "I have a key for you but I will give it to you later." Young Lawson bowed his head and went off to join the others who had been staring at us intently.

Aubrey was listening to our interaction with him. "Radcliffe and I have a friend of his for our fag. His name is Coulson and he seems a studious fellow for he brought a shelfful of books with him."

"Where is Radcliffe?" Robin asked. "I do not see him here."

Aubrey laughed. "Now that George Lascelles is no longer here Radcliffe has had to beg a place on Priestley's carriage and will arrive in the morning. Priestley lives somewhere near Lancaster I have been told."

We then told Aubrey we had taken the railway from London to Birmingham and stages from there. Just two days for the journey. He shook his head and grimaced.

"If only I had had the wit to think of that. Seven of us were in our coach from London and there were another two following us with a good dozen more crammed in. Three whole days of misery! My father says the sooner there are more railways the better." He leaned towards us. "By the way, Branscombe's friend has been accepted as a student by my father. Branscombe was in town with him and my mother invited them to luncheon." He smiled. "They are so alike." He nudged me. "As two others are!" What could I or Robin say?

Our repast over, Robin and I stood and immediately young Lawson was by our side. As Aubrey then rose from his seat so a fair-haired lad came up to him. This was Coulson who bowed his head to us and placed himself beside Lawson in due deference. I thought back to my first day not only as a pupil but also as a fag and here I was now a Senior with my own fag. Of course, to be shared in his duties by Robin. There was a slight drop in the chatter as we left the room, followed by the pair, and made our way across to the entrance to Ridley House itself. We walked in silence and I knew that both Robin and I were trying hard not to laugh. Aubrey and Coulson parted from us as we reached the top of the stairs. Once we were in our room Robin turned to the silent lad.

"Now Henry, I am Robin and he is Tom when we are in this room." Both he and I burst out laughing.

The lad looked at us then grinned. "Thank you, my brother said I was to give you his greetings and Neville said he is mighty jealous for he would wish to have this position."

"Your brother asked if we would keep you tied to the end of the bed so you would not stray," Robin said with a straight face. "I see you have brought a sturdy strap with you which will serve that purpose." He pointed to the chest.

The lad's grin disappeared. He looked at me and I had to smile. His nose twitched. "You and Neville are good friends," I said. "He told us of some of your little pageants."

He had realised that Robin was jesting. "Freddy has been staying with us at Epping before he goes to London. His mother and my father are cousins though I have never met her. That makes us some sort of relation which my father says it is better not to explore!"

Mr Lawson had a similar outlook on Mrs Neville as I had formed!

"Freddy is to study in London," I said, "I am sure he will lodge with my cousin who I can assure you is kindness itself."

He smiled. "He has told me that. He is most pleased and wishes to do well."

Robin was undoing the strings of one of his bags. He held out a wrapped sweetmeat to the lad. "I must not make jests like that until we are better acquainted," he said as Henry took it with a wide smile and mouthed his thanks. "Now, do we call you Henry or Harry?"

The smile was wider. "Harry, please. It is what I am called at home."

Robin smiled at him. "I am forgiven?" The nose twitched again. "Then here is your key. It still has Master Lascelles' bootlace on it. Do not lose it!"

The admonition always to make sure the door was locked was given and just then there was a knock. It was Japhet with the message that Mr Ridley desired our presence. We left Harry as he contentedly sat at the desk and unwrapped his gift.

Barney opened the door to us and more smiles were evident. He announced us formally and Mr Ridley waved him away. "Come in, come in! Welcome back! I hear you still wish to join my band of Myrmidons, is that so?"

What could we do but grin? That was not a seemly thing to do. We bowed our heads and between us said we were honoured. All he did was to point to the padded settle under the window. "Your Spartan garb is there." I wondered at his use of that description as we went across and picked up the black gowns and the mortarboards. The gowns were short and if worn when we were bare would be like the Greek tunics I had seen illustrated. We were a pair, too. Was that a hidden meaning? "I will announce the appointments at morning service on Friday. My wife will preside at tea on Sunday." We thanked him again and that was that.

When we returned to our room Harry had emptied his chest and all his clothes were neatly hung or folded in his part of the cupboard. That was, I thought, a good sign. I saw he had a pile of primers of various sorts on the desk with a good Greek lexicon and a Latin dictionary. More of a scholar than his elder brother! We discussed the various duties he had to perform such as tending the fire and making sure the fireguard was always in position. This passed the time until we heard the clock strike the half-hour. It was time for our evening meal. Robin and I donned our symbols of new authority, took up our silver-topped canes and gave each other a wry smile as Harry opened the door for us. He then carefully locked it after we had all gone through. We joined up with others as we marched sedately down the stairs. There was a little subdued comment or two which we knew were not made with animosity but in the general spirit of schoolboys to those they saw in authority but were otherwise comrades.

We took our places at the Praepostors' table and Mr Pretyman was already there having led his Pups and Whelps into the dining-hall. As soon as any stragglers were in so all stood as Bristow intoned the Grace before the serving-boys entered bearing their tureens. There was a substantial stew designed to fill hungry boys' bellies followed by fruit pie and cream. We decided that we would meet afterwards in our room to read through the list of duties and instructions which Mr Ridley had given to Bristow when he had received his gown and board earlier in the day. We told Harry he should remain with his friends until finished with the board games which would now ensue.

Bristow kindly brought a bottle of claret to celebrate our elevation, as he called it. I found that all the glasses and beakers were still in our cupboard. All clean! Japhet or Ham would have to be rewarded. We found the duties listed were not onerous. We were to be guides rather than upholders of some strict regime. This was true of the way in which George and Theo had ruled. Not with a rod of iron, or wielded canes as Prots and Frobs, but with patience and a quiet word of reproof. We vowed that would be our way, too.

We drew up a list of who would be on particular duties such as checking on readiness for Chapel, those who might be sickening, those whose behaviour transgressed simple rules and so on. It was not a long list but we could honour it. What did make us laugh was when our names were listed under it. Bastable, Bayes, Bristow, Browning, Goodhew: four B's and a G! We then gossiped for what must have been another hour then realised it would soon be time to perform our first duty, seeing all candles were extinguished and all were in bed.

We parted company and found that Harry had joined Coulson in the other room and they had already opened books and were reading even though darkness was beginning to fall. Harry followed us back and we had to tell him of our deliberations. There was no real need to be officious for the day had been long for most and we also were tired as the pair of us patrolled the stairway and passageways bearing our canes and a candle each. We then used the piss-trough and prepared for bed. Both of us had seen Harry naked and he us while bathing in the summer term so there was no shame nor hesitation as our clothes were removed and nightshirts donned. I did see that even after just those months of holiday young Harry was at fourteen now more generously endowed.

We climbed into our beds and as Robin snuffed the candles so I said the prayer which I had heard each night from Theo. There was a little time of silence. Robin and I could hardly assume that position we had enjoyed many times over the past month or so which would end in savouring each other's plentiful libations. Needless to say we would not sleep before release consequently in tandem and quite silently our hands were employed on our own erect pegs till with sighs of contentment we almost simultaneously spurted. There was another moment or two of silence then a faint creaking came from below the end of our bed. I nudged Robin. He nudged me back. The truckle-bed would have to be adjusted. A more than contented sigh was heard almost immediately. I thought back to that first night I was at Ashbourne as I felt for the washcloth I had secreted under my pillow. Young Harry would not have that dropped on him as I had placed his own on top of his pillow!

To be continued.

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