Tom Browning's Schooldays
By
Joel
Chapter EightySix
Our carriage arrived to return us to Careby. There was no Rowley driving it nor young Jemmy Trodd as his assistant. Peters was now our coachman with two grooms from the stables who were learning how to control a carriage and pair. Rowley and Jemmy were now in the employ of the railway company at Careby and the news was that on Easter Saturday the first engines would draw carriages for passengers in both directions between Peterborough and Grantham. In fact, a private train would arrive at the Careby halt at twelve noon on that day having travelled all the distance from the London terminus at Kings Cross in under three hours or so. Nothing was said but we imagined it might carry a contingent of passengers from Charles Street.
We heard there were plans for a grand Easter Meet on the Monday riding from the Squire's Manor up towards Castle Bytham and on past Swayfield. If further to the left it would take the riders towards Colsterworth where there was a deal of woodland to make the riding exciting but difficult. Whichever route was taken it would be away from the railway lines. The Squire's gamekeepers had asserted there were several foxes which could be flushed from their lairs in any direction that way. It would make for good hunting and the prediction was for some eighty riders to take part. My father did not comment at all and my impression was we would not be taking part because of the visitation, as Robin and I termed it.
My mother must have known more than was told to us for the instructions that the household had for preparation of accommodation and food was more than, say, for the Jeffersons or the Westrups who might have been staying after the Hunt. The cat was let out of the bag, as it were, for I found a list of names and rooms on my mother's side table when I was replacing a copy of 'A Christmas Carol' by Mr Dickens which my mother had lent Jenny Goodhew and she had asked me to return the book. Yes, a full complement from Charles Street other than my Uncle Digby was expected!
I did confide my findings to Robin but he just said he had guessed that already. He had noted that all the bedrooms near us on our floor had been prepared and he had seen bedsheets and blankets being taken upstairs where there were at least two rooms empty of servants and his mother had also prepared one of the new rooms in their house.
The solemnity of Good Friday approached and, as usual, no carpenters worked that day. We attended church that morning for Uncle Dodd always said for him that day was even more important than Christmas Day and was only surpassed by Easter Day with the news of the Resurrection. All was suppressed excitement for the rest of the day with amused glances passing between the Dodds and my mother and father at dinner that evening. Of course, we had fish and Uncle Dodd almost gave the game away for in his Grace he did say additional thanks 'for the joyous times to come' which I knew did not mean the Easter Hunt!
We had already explored the signal building at the halt where Rowley proudly displayed to us the electric telegraph machine and the levers which made the signals go up and down as well as the points to open and close to send the trains into the siding. He said there had been many practice sessions under the supervision of one of the railway engineers and on Saturday the man would be in attendance again for the first proper engines and carriages to pass through or to stop. He said that two or three other young fellows might also be employed as linesmen to learn how to inspect the rails, signals and fences and keep them in order between Careby and Essendine and the other way to the halt at Swayfield.
We were there when two engines slowly made their way past with hoots and whistles, making sure the lines were secure and ready to take the proper trains. Other people from the village had also gathered and were crowded against the railings and fences which had been set up to prevent them and their animals from straying onto the line. There had been great excitement in the village since the completion of the rails, bridges and the tunnel near Bassingthorpe, for many had now seen the first engines to use the rails pulling their carriages behind them. Rowley said many had asked him if they might be allowed to be passengers. It had been decreed there would be two trains a day in either direction between Peterborough and Grantham stopping at 'Careby Halt'. This name was prominently displayed on the side of the signal box. Within the box I had seen a notice displayed which quoted the Railway Act of 1844: 'the provision of at least one train a day each way at a speed of not less than 12 miles per hour including stops, which were to be made at all stations, and of carriages protected from the weather and provided with seats; for which luxuries not more than one penny per mile might be charged'. Rowley said it had been decided by the Company that both trains would be assessed at that fare. Would this entice people to seek employment, say, in Peterborough which was now less than fourteen miles away? Their wages per week would have to cover such expense.
One duty of others employed at the halt was to open and close gates to allow people and stock to pass across the line. There were prominent notices displayed forbidding crossing the line otherwise but Rowley said that since many could not read Uncle Dodd had instructed everyone in church on two Sundays to abide by that rule and the Baptist and Methodist ministers had also exhorted their followers as well. "With Hell-Fire and Damnation if they don't," he said with a smirk. "And it would be that if they were hit by a train!"
Saturday morning was soon upon us. Without being told, Robin and I dressed in our coloured jackets and trousers and were informed by Benjy at breakfast of some news that had been kept from us. My Aunt Fanny would be accompanied on the train by her maid, my brother Terence with Sergeant-major Caleb Bottom, Jabez, Mehmet, Karem, Paolo, Antonio and Carlo. My sister Hatty and the twins, Paul and Philemon would also be arriving and, as Philip Goodhew was still travelling back from Italy, John Harrison would be companion to my nephews. It was expected that Francis Clifford would be coming and, finally, Freddy Neville would also be present, for he would be visiting his grandfather while at Careby. What was momentous news was that neither Mrs Geoffrey Lascelles-Wright nor Mrs Torquil Browning would be travelling as another child each was expected in the near future.
We were informed that the first proper trains would be leaving both Grantham and Peterborough at eight in the morning. As there were two sets of rails they could pass each other easily to reach their respective destinations. We did not venture out to see them but heard the faint sounds of whistles as they trundled along. I think even my phlegmatic father was somewhat excited that morning as he joined Robin, me and a tired-looking Lancelot for breakfast at eight o'clock. Father had already been to the halt to check that the points worked to divert the special train from the main line and was most complimentary of Rowley's new-learned expertise. When the trains were fully operational he said he would be sending one consignment of six horses each fortnight to London and Mr Grindcobbe had negotiated a good price for their fares. We were amused when he said they would travel at less than the human rate as they were considered as luggage. Horses would be arriving the same way so stables were being constructed away from the rails as well. He shook his head as he recounted this. "It will make a deal of difference for employment of drovers and others in the stables and post-houses if this business increases. Other tasks for them will have to be found."
Lancelot, who had already said he had attended a death of a villager that previous night and had not slept, lifted his cup before drinking. "Uncle, these railways can only bring new forms of employment as we have seen already. They will rival the canals and the carts but will make distances seem small." He sighed and shook his head. "Who could have predicted the journey from London would be in such a short time." He smiled. "I will miss the Peahen in St Albans for it is a comfortable inn in an interesting place." Would that mean we would not be able to inspect our holdings there? Was there to be a halt at St Albans and from where?
Our breakfast finished we had but to wait some three hours for that train to arrive. We went up to our room and stared out of the window to the river. This was the wrong direction to see the railway as it was beyond the road the other side of the Hall.
"I am glad our view will not be disturbed," Robin said, "I feel it is so peaceful to look over the land that stretches to Witham on the Hill. The village lies this side, too, and those rails will not be too great a distraction."
I put an arm round his shoulders. "You are not enamoured with all this mechanical progress, dear Robin?"
He shook his head. "I do not know. We have heard the School will go as a result of it. What other changes might there be? We know the Hunt will be to one side of the rails where just two or three years ago the riders could range in all directions with just roads and rivers in their way. Now with all these railings and fences and the exhortations to cross only at the gates I can foresee trouble. Foxes do not obey rules!"
Very true. We could but wait and see!
By eleven o'clock we had exhausted conversation, no, to be honest, just patience, and went down to the breakfast room to seek a dish of tea. We found that room and the diningroom were laid ready for a luncheon, so went to disturb my mother in her parlour. She welcomed us with smiles. We had our sustenance with her and she said we should leave to reach the halt within the half hour. We left her to retrieve our cloaks and hats and found carriages awaiting in the courtyard. My father was the lone mounted rider and was on Timmy's Tarquin. As we waited for my mother so the Dodds appeared in their carriage. My Uncle Dodd was fully arrayed in his Archdeacon's britches, apron, cloak and hat. Steven and Jenny Goodhew with young James then arrived in a chaise and pair and I knew from that they had risen quite properly in our society.
Robin and I were to travel the short distance with my mother who had us sitting either side of her in the carriage. As we reached the halt by the new small road leading to there and the crossing-gates we heard an angry shout. It was Squire Matthews who, of course, was in his carriage approaching the other way and was berating Rowley Roberts for not having the gates open ready for him to cross the lines. Rowley was with the railway company man who stepped forward and without any ceremony told the Squire's coachman he must always seek permission to cross and never to open the gates himself for this was to prevent any accidents. Even though my mother was in the carriage with my Aunt Hatty following and numerous village women were standing respectfully against the railings the Squire swore and cursed.
"Damn you, man, when I want to bloody cross those bloody gates will be open!" he yelled through the open window of his coach. "Goddamn you, man, I am the Squire!"
The railway man was not to be browbeaten. He went up to the door of the carriage. "Sir, it is for your own safety and that of the trains and passengers that the gates are only opened after the line is seen to be clear. I must inform you that otherwise you will be trespassing on the property of the railway company and suitable action would most properly ensue."
I knew my mother had encountered the Squire's rages over other matters so there was a smile on her lips. She nudged both Robin and me. "I must not say it too loudly but I think the Squire has learned a lesson," she said quietly. Just at that moment we heard a distant whistle. "You had better be nearer," she said and tapped the window behind our coachman with her fan. One of the grooms jumped down and opened the door of the carriage and set the step for Robin and me to descend.
We hurried to the closed gate and saw the semaphore arms of the signals dip further down the line and on the entrance to the siding. There was a clunking noise as the points were opened to direct the train onto those secondary rails. There was no opening of gates to allow carriages, Squires, Brownings, Goodhews, Dodds, Archdeacons or not, nor even the Heavenly Host to cross the lines! A train was approaching!
As it approached so the engine and its two coaches behind slowed and then passed onto the side rails before coming to a standstill at Careby Halt! There were more clanks as the points were changed to allow any trains to pass unheeded on the main sets of rails. The semaphore arms were raised and the gates opened. The Squire did have the grace to raise his hat and acknowledge my mother as his carriage went on towards the village road. My mother's and the other carriages crossed in the other direction and stopped where the new stables were being built.
We had not known, but there was a contingent of helpful grooms from the main stables who opened the train carriage doors and assisted the passengers out and then retrieved what seemed to be a mountain of bags and chests. Antonio and Carlo tumbled out first and stood as Paolo followed by Jabez, Caleb, Mehmet and Karem emerged. The doors of the second carriage opened and my brother Terence stepped down followed by John Harrison, my nephews, Peter and Philemon, Freddy Neville and the Honourable Francis Clifford. My brother moved towards a door further back and handed out my Aunt Fanny followed by her maid, Doria Maria. Lastly, Terence held his hand out and my sister Hatty stepped down.
It was then the most cheerful mayhem. All we heard was the excited descriptions from all the youngsters about the journey. How fast they had travelled! How far they had come in such a short time! It did not matter who it was but Robin, James and I were hugged and exchanged those hugs with all and sundry. Francis Clifford was smiling broadly and said he was glad to be here again. Freddy Neville had grown apace and was smiling and looked most handsome in his black suit. We would find out more from him later as my nephews rushed to us demanding hugs and kisses. They were gathered up by the imps after we had received hugs from them, too. There was much amusement as Caleb ordered his brother not to be so enthusiastic as he had more or less swept Robin off his feet with his hug. I greeted all the other lads just with a hug! My father bowed his head to his sister and his eldest daughter and received kisses from both. Uncle Dodd placed his tall hat on Jabez's head when Jabez acknowledged him by doffing his own and this caused even more laughter. Everyone then had to rearrange themselves to be conveyed to Careby Hall. We rejoined my mother who now had her grandsons plus Antonio and Carlo, who were not overawed, and between them told her of the journey.
That warm welcome was the commencement of almost a week of great happiness. Even the Squire was mollified for he and Mrs Matthews joined the family for dinner that evening. We found that John Harrison would be at the Goodhews with young James while the rest, other than Caleb who went to his parents' house, were in rooms in Careby Hall. My nephews had demanded that Antonio and Carlo be with them. Paolo and Karem were together, as were Jabez and Mehmet. As Francis Clifford was now accommodated in Rosamund's and Geoffrey's house in James' Street with Freddy Neville he could not have been left out of the visit. We heard he was there as my Uncle Billy and Aunt Mary were much involved in Palace affairs and it was thought he might be lonely. There was no doubt he and Freddy were now great friends and they shared a room together whenever Francis was on holiday from Harrow School as they did now at Careby Hall.
I think until the departure all we did was eat, drink, converse, play games and sleep! Of course, on Easter Monday all watched as the Hunt departed. None of us joined it though the Westrups and the Jeffersons were there. Terence was minded to go but was warned by my father he did not wish for a wounded soldier on his hands again. The Assembly Rooms were overflowing that evening for we all joined the villagers and some of the huntsmen for another great feast and dance. The imps were teased by us saying we had their cat costumes ready in our room for them. They just laughed and said they were too grown for them to fit. However, they and the others all looked most elegant in their best London tailoring! Two engagements were announced with weddings at Midsummer: the Flaxman son with the bent pizzle and Mary Ann Clements and Jaffer Cutts, now one of my father's gamekeepers, and Jessie Pringle. Both would be good marriages as all were industrious and there was a hint that Jessie might be...
Freddy Neville also entertained us on my mother's fortepiano. His mastery of that instrument was now outstanding. We heard that he had met Dr Mendelssohn in Birmingham and had played for him. Freddy had been invited to attend the Leipzig Conservatoire which the composer had set up. All being well that would be in two year's time. It was sad though, for Freddy and his mother were now estranged. There was obvious strife at home in Cavendish for his father was still most angry over his wife's manner towards the boy in the past. He went on the Tuesday in the chaise with his friend Francis to visit his grandfather at Moss Hall and returned bearing a purse of new sovereigns which he was sure the old man could not afford. It was only when Lancelot assured him the mill and the gravel were good sources of income that he felt happier about the gift. Lancelot told us privately that Moss Hall and its estate were now entailed direct, with no mortgage, on Freddy.
It was also on the Tuesday, - when bows and arrows were retrieved for the youngsters who wanted to try their skill, and no pissing in the woods was decreed, - that Terence said he wanted to talk privately with Robin and me. We wondered what this might be but we said it might be best to have any discussion in our bedroom.
Robin and I were already there waiting when Terence appeared with a page or two of some document. He said he had several things to impart but we must be aware that whatever we were told must go no further than between ourselves or there could be possible very grave repercussions. He did smile after making that portentous statement.
"First, I have to say that though I and Caleb will remain with the regiment we will be assigned to work with Uncle Digby in any enterprise he may think fit." He held up a finger. "You must be aware, too, that Caleb and I will be closer than officer and soldier." He smiled. "As you and Robin are and, as you may have realised, Jabez and Mehmet, too." Although we had not discussed this last pairing it was no surprise and we had also seen the closeness of Terence and Caleb over the years, too. We both smiled and nodded but did not speak.
"Second, and this is something even father does not know." He looked at Robin and grinned. "When I say father remember I mean your grandfather!" He unfolded the top sheet of the document. "Uncle Digby was insistent that we know more of our forebears. He has already told Torquil and Uncle Billy but he will tell father what is known when he meets him next. I will be speaking with Aunt Matty tomorrow. Until all are told it is for us to keep what is divulged to ourselves." He looked from Robin to me as we both nodded.
"We must go back a little in history," he grinned as he spoke. "Over a hundred years ago there was a young man who visited a relation and a young lady in the household...." He paused. "...fell pregnant and had a son. It is something which is not unknown in most stations in life and through the ages." He looked at Robin and winked. "The boy thrived and grew and with some help prospered and married well and four children completed that family."
I looked at my brother. "If that is about our forebears it is something I think we had all surmised. It tells us no more than we have imagined when told not to pry more."
Robin held up a finger. "But further prying has taken place and the revelation will be of some importance."
My dear brother grinned more. He was enjoying keeping us on tenterhooks. "You mean you need names?" We both nodded. "Let us start with the relation visited. You may have heard of him. He was a most important personage." I shook a fist at Terence. "Yes, I can tell you that was His Majesty King George the Second." He saw we were both a mite exasperated but also agog at that revelation. I knew little of that George and he must have had many relations. My brother's face settled from the grin. He was serious now. "The young man who visited was a Prince." He looked at his paper. "He was Prince Ferdinand of Brunswick-Wolfenbuttel. It is a small principality in Saxony companion to other small dukedoms and the like in that area all ruled by the house of Guelph, our own royal family of Hanover being of the same line. Prince Ferdinand joined the Prussian army when he was but eighteen and shortly after visited England. It was then that the liaison must have taken place. All we know of the mother of the son that was born is that she was a lady-in-waiting at court. We know her maid's sister had lost a babe and was not married so a husband was invented, a Mr Browning, and the son was named Frederick."
Terence stopped and looked at our startled faces. Robin spoke first. "Brunswick, Browning. I wager 'brun' is our English 'brown'?"
Terence nodded. "That is so. That is the tale of our illustrious forebear."
I had many questions to ask. "What do we know of this Prince Ferdinand?" was my first.
"He was most celebrated," Terence said with a smile. "He became an officer also in the British army and rose to the rank of Field-Marshal. But more importantly he was a friend and confidant of King Frederick of Prussia and an officer in his army, too." He smiled even more. "Perhaps, more than a friend of the King and you discern my meaning." I looked at Robin and we both nodded. "He also won many battles. I have a list but the only one I know of was called the Battle of Minden against the French who were attacking the electorate of Hanover. There were many British regiments under his command and they thwarted the French across the river Weser." He held up a second page but all I could see was the depiction of a map with a blue river drawn down the centre.
My second question was asked by Robin. "Uncle Digby would not have made all this known unless someone else prompted him. Is that not so?"
Terence nodded. "That is so, most perspicacious nephew!" He looked at me and smiled. "You have met the Baron?" I nodded. "A strange fellow but of great knowledge and with a host of connections. I have got to know him well and it was he who remarked there was a portrait of the young Prince to which both I and brother Torquil bore a great resemblance." He smiled at me. "On meeting you he was sure that resemblance was not illusory. He asked discreet questions and the story unfolded. It took time as all involved have long since died but there were documents detailing certain payments to a family."
"My uncle's commission?" I mouthed quietly.
"That was one and Uncle Billy has repaid that a thousandfold with his devotion to the Regiment and to his country!" Terence said emphatically. "It is something Torquil and I have vowed to continue!"
I began to laugh. "I cannot wait to hear father's response to all this. There will be some quip or two I am sure. His children are a real mixture he'll say, French frogs and snails on one side and German..." I stopped. What was German or what was Saxon? I went on "Will the knowledge of this be tattled about?"
Terence shook his head and laughed at the same time at my sally. "Only those close will know. The Baron is to be trusted and nothing will go further."
Robin was smiling, too. "A groom, a pupil, now a descendant of some Guelph princeling!" He looked at me. "Did not that King Frederick play the flute?"
I nodded. I had heard that. "But he was not our forebear."
Terence was laughing now. "I would not be surprised of some close relationship. The Baron says there are many marriages and connections made within those States but we have said we wish to know no more!" Perhaps that was an instruction from Uncle Digby. I wished to know no more. A mystery had been solved but we were who we were and what we would become.
It was evident that Terence had made that same conclusion. "I will not be tempted to counter with my own tale of tangled forebears when Captain FitzJames tells us of his own imagined, I am sure, long line of ancestors." He laughed. "He is too addle-pated to make sense even of that Fitz part of his name and whether my grandfather was of the same kind of parentage does not interest me." He rose from his seat and stepped forward and hugged first me then Robin. "We are the family I know and value. Let it remain as such." Both Robin and I hugged him and bussed his half-shaven cheeks.
The matter was now closed and it was not until Uncle Digby made the journey in a private train to Careby Halt to reside at Barnes Hall that summer that my father was apprised of his ancestry. I know that our lives did not change one iota! The only sign was when to great laughter with one other let into the 'secret', our Uncle Dodd, my father, whenever bested, would place a finger under his nose to raise it with a haughty look of feigned superiority.
The time for all the guests to depart back to London came all too soon but we knew that journey was now so short in time it would be one taken by all many times.
Our own holiday would end soon but we demanded a day or two in Cambridge. Lancelot was also enthusiastic for that visit. He wanted to replenish his stocks of medicaments from Mr Mead's shop as he was certain the quality of his wares was even better than his usual supplier in Stamford.
Erasmus was waiting for us in his rooms when our carriage reached St Mark's College. His greeting to his brother and us was not only effusive but his news was also most pleasing. He was to gain the degree of Doctor of Divinity at the next meeting of Convocation and his appointment as College Chaplain was now assured. We knew our immediate futures were also secure, for we had but one more term at Ashbourne before becoming members of the College as our Matriculation applications had been accepted. I was told my rooms would be on the same stair as those of the Servant of the Chapel, my Robin, and mine were to be immediately above his, he being on the ground floor
Of course, Timmy, Jeremy Mead and the choristers, Jacob and Daniel, were entertained most royally... Perhaps I should not use that word! However, we heard of such good progress for all with Timmy and Jeremy vying with each other who could roll the best pills. A demonstration we had to observe and admire! I also replenished my apothecary's box for it was not fair on Lancelot to rely on his generosity all the time. It did give me opportunity to purchase two of those devices for disposing of internal worms. It would be our eighteenth birthdays soon and in our discussions Robin and I had said that before those momentous dates and being still at Careby we would make the final step in our love-making after employing those pipes and bladders for a simple process.
We could not wait longer once back at Careby. That first night Robin demanded I first make him clean and after using some of that precious Oil of Neroli to ease my entry I filled my beloved with the fullness of my adoration for him. He had asked for me to enter him while he looked up at me. That admittance was the binding not just of two bodies but of two hearts and minds in full communion with each other. A slight rest between and twice more that night my love and seed passed into him. As we finally parted my Robin whispered "We are one now properly." We lay entwined and slept until cock crew though my own well- used cock was strangely quiescent as I woke!
The next day we spent quietly together by the riverside. We wanted no disturbance and had none other than from inquisitive ducks. That night I was prepared and it was my turn to offer myself in that impassioned embrace. There was no holding back and thrice again we shared our great love. It was a sharing which would continue with all the love and affection two human creatures could manifest during the remaining nights at Careby. It would be difficult, nay impossible, for that sharing to take place in the same way during our last weeks at Ashbourne but it was a future for us for which we could wait with some impatience but full knowledge of those joys to come.
So, with that visit and the late spring days lazing and riding by the river and along the roads from Careby, not forgetting our own excursion by train to and from Grantham and our halt, it was time for the final journey to Ashbourne.
When we arrived, and before donning our symbols of authority, we mingled with the others already around. There were various tales of how families had received the news of the impending closure of the school. Though others had consulted lawyers it was found the Greshams were quite entitled to close the lease and, as the land was theirs, to sell on to some railway company with shareholders willing to take on the cost of building the line.
What was evident was that wherever the school went, even perhaps with a new name, there were few who would not support such an enterprise. As the term progressed we heard the new buildings were already promised with contributions from numerous families and all would be constructed and ready within three years. The site would be within a mile of the sea with good flat fields for football and cricket and, what did cause a little laughter, the station for the railway from London and other places, north, east and west, was no more than another mile away.
Our eighteenth birthdays came and there was a Sing-Song on the Saturday evening after an afternoon of sports and cricket. All were in a happy mood and we were toasted by all at the tables and there was a concerted singing of 'And they are jolly good fellows!' as tankards were refilled with whatever potions were available. The noise in Ridley's House after that was a little more subdued for Robin and I had sent Ham and Japhet to the shops for plenty of extra sustenance and had even had a small barrel of Figgis's best ale brought in. Boys can be quiet when food and drink in plenty are supplied!
Robin enjoyed his cricket but I was better at running and at casting the discus and throwing the javelin These latter sports were something new, for Mr Greatorex had practised both as a student having seen statues and depictions on plates of ancient Greeks ready to throw the circular object and to throw the lance. He brought into our class several copies of etchings of statues of various athletes, including a discus thrower and depictions of youths with either the discus or the javelin. He most probably thought the attention paid was to judge how one should hold the metal or be ready to box, run or throw. In truth, what excited our attention and the comments in our discussions after the class was the smallness of those vital parts which all the youths displayed. We wondered if older lads now were better endowed than in the ancient past for even the Whelps of thirteen or fourteen often showed more when cavorting in the river! Orton, a most muscular young man with a most generous length, was of the opinion that it was because we British could only be the biggest and best and must outdo the rest. I said I had observed French lads bathing and they seemed no different from us which provoked a few sneers because the French must be inferior. Neither Robin nor I, nor the Johnson twins, commented on that slur on our ancestry. Wharton, another well-endowed fellow, vowed he would make it his duty to visit Greece and make observations of the present generations there but that would have to be after he had left school and might not be for some years to come. The sneers for that were more than for my seeming defence of the French!
There were triumphs for Robin and the Ashbourne cricket team for which he acted as Captain on two occasions against visiting schools. Both of these matches were won as well as two of the three when the team spent time away at those schools. I was in a lonely bed and room on those three occasions for young Harry Lawson was also chosen as he was a fine and accurate bowler. Harry was more than happy when Mr Greatorex announced the play that term would be 'A Midsummer Night's Dream' by Mr Shakespeare. He was chosen to be Lysander with Coulson as his rival Demetrius for the love of Hermia. There was even greater merriment when the Johnson twins, now also eighteen, but willowy rather than tall were assigned the roles of Hermia and Helena and again could barely be distinguished. 'Barely' was not a word for them but was most applicable for others. Big Orton was Bottom, with his friends in Prior's House as the other rude mechanicals, all clad in torn jerkins and their hose almost in shreds, showing much exposed flesh and with prominent codpieces! This did not please Harry Lawson at first for Mrs Dimbleby had set his costume as before, but now with more adornment and ribbons around which did allow him to swagger and bask in the admiration of all. There was some speculation that Puck, called also Robin Goodfellow in the play, might be the role for Robin Goodhew, but we said he was too big and ungainly which did not please him either and that part went to a very comely Whelp under Mr Pretyman who also supplied the most pretty quartet of Peaseblossom, Cobweb, Moth and Mustardseed from his collection of Pups and Whelps.
As there was much music in the play Robin and I with Gibson, with another lad we had found could also play the fiddle, were very occupied especially when one piece of the scenery fell between the acts and had to be re-erected. This time three performances had to be arranged for the knowledge of the past fine masquerades had reached the gentry and yeomen farmers much further afield than just Ashbourne and the houses around. There were resounding cheers each evening from mostly, of course, the School, but Mr Ridley and the other masters were most gratified that our School had attracted the attention of all those others who had sons or grandsons to be educated.
Our duty of joint Head Praepostor was not too arduous during this period of time. We met with the other House Praepostors a number of times and there seemed to be just little problems of misdemeanours which they had to deal with. Our biggest difficulty was in dealing with Pratt's House as they did not have any Praepostors of their own. Mr Pratt had decreed that he alone would be responsible for keeping his House in order. Disorder would have been the better description. It was well-known that servants came and went with regularity for they were treated with disdain and could expect a beating if any of the louts did not receive immediate attention to their wants. There were no Pups and few Whelps as entry to that establishment was usually at the age of thirteen or so. Those younger ones were at the beck and call of all the older inhabitants and there were many rumours of the duties which they had to perform.
Our involvement on one occasion was when a youngster in his first year in Pratt's was found weeping in their privy when the night-soil men visited late one Sunday evening. He was taken to the Sick Room for he refused to be taken back into the House. He was without his britches and showed a number of heavy welts across his backside and his shirt was wetted both front and back. This was so for Robin and I were awakened from our slumbers by Sharpin who was accompanied by the attendant who looked after the Sick Room. The attendant was most agitated for Dr Dimbleby was not at his house along the road and I was not only a Head Praepostor but also a regular visitor with the good doctor to the Sick Room when he did his rounds. Although the attendant, a doughty man of about thirty or so, had carried the boy to the Sick Room the boy was loth for the man to place salve on his welts. So, as the boy needed treatment a serving-lad had been left with him while the man came to Ridley House to see if I was willing to attend on him. Harry Lawson was also awakened and when told the lad's name was Creighton-Welsh said he knew the family. We three dressed hurriedly and followed the servant and his lantern. Sharpin wanted to know if he should come as well but we decided we would be safe for the servant had his dog on a lead and, though fierce with strangers, it was well-used to being petted and fed tidbits by pupils.
It was confirmed by Harry that it was Creighton-Welsh when we entered the small room in which he lay on his side on the bed. He stopped weeping once Harry spoke to him for they knew each other. We were introduced as Dr Dimbleby's helpers and he was aware of who we were, though we knew some members of Pratt's House were less than complimentary about Praepostors in general. I let Robin remove the lad's undervest and shirt. There was a strange look on Robin's face as he did so and I noted he inspected the shirt by the light from the sconce of candles. I also noted certain evidence above the welts on his back. I had my apothecary's box with me and used a wooden spill to preserve a little of what I knew was shed seed in a container. I asked the attendant to wash the boy's back and then applied some of Lancelot's salve over the bruising. I placed a towel on the bed and asked the boy to turn and lie on it. Robin nodded at me. The boy had evidence of more spent seed on his belly and I was sure it was not his for his young cocklet was most immature and he had but a few wisps of dark hair above it.
The boy was calmer now and I asked if we might be left alone with him for a while for I wanted to make a small dose of a sleeping draught for him and we would like a beaker of hot posset each after having been awakened at this time of night. As soon as the pair left us I quietly questioned the lad on what had happened. He knew we were friends for Harry held his hand as he told us a sorry tale. He had joined the School for the Easter Term aged just thirteen and had been taken up as a favourite by two of the older ones in Pratt's House. He had found it to be just an excuse for he had to be at their beck and call for all things. We had to surmise much from what he said next as he was rather hesitant but it was a sorry tale. We gathered that he had to share a bed with them and he had to abide by their wishes there. He was quite open about the next part of the story for his elder brother had been a member of Pratt's House and had left some five years ago and the lad had been initiated by his brother into helping him shed his seed each night when at home. He thought there was no harm in it for his brother had made it clear such things would be required of him when at Ashbourne and had given him a letter to one of the pair who had been his brother's fag before he left.
All was well he averred in his innocence, for until that night the pair had required him only to use his hands, but tonight they had taken a deal of drink and two others had entered their room in search of ale or claret and they were also somewhat fuddled. This pair saw his fagmasters were more or less in a stupor and made him remove his britches for they said they were sure his bed-mates used his hole. They also taunted him on the small size of his pizzle which one had handled roughly and laughed when it stiffened. Both then demanded he should suck their pegs which act he had never done before. They were angry when he refused and bundled him out to their own room where on his refusal again they had used their canes on him and held him while they raised themselves to their own climaxes. As soon as they had spent their seed over him he had been thrust out of the room with the evidence upon his body and shirt.
What were we to do? At least the lad had not been assaulted in the vilest way but the pair were guilty of imposing not only their will on him but had fouled him with their emissions as well as beating him. The lad was tired now and would sleep without too much dosing though I gave him a small amount of honeyed water with just two drops of poppy juice. I scribbled a note for Dr Dimbleby saying that I had treated the welts and described my prescription but wrote nothing more of what I had perceived. The attendant accompanied us back to Ridley House and thanked us for our help and forbearance.
Robin and I went to see Dr Dimbleby the next morning. We did not say what we had observed but it was obvious the attendant had seen the same and had told Dr Dimbleby of his suspicions. Dr Dimbleby thanked us for helping the boy and said he would not be returning to Pratt's House. There must have been more quiet discussion for within a day or so the lad joined the Whelps under Mr Pretyman's care and we heard that two of the older members of Pratt's House had left to join an Infantry regiment. I cast the wooden spill into the fire in our room in Robin's presence and knowledge. Before the end of term, when arrangements were being made for those returning in the new school year, it was noted that Harry Lawson and Matthew Coulson would be Seniors in our room with Hayden Creighton-Welsh as their fag. They promised most faithfully that he would not be required to pursue his previous activities but would be confined to his own bed. We said we trusted them and Harry, the more than young rogue now, said they would be more than happy in their own company in the big bed!
So with a tremendous Sing-Song on the last Saturday of term our time at Ashbourne drew rapidly to a close. It was the custom for the Head Praepostor, if approved of, to receive the gift of some silverware such as an engraved tankard from the assembled members of the School. We did not know but there was no grumbling when the cost to the subscribers was doubled for two silver tankards were to be presented. I remembered the occasion when good Winstanley received his and the cheers near raised the roof. After a final rendition of 'Hearts of Oak', the third repetition of that most stirring song over the evening, our fellow Praepostors stood and, after we had laid down our instruments, carried us bodily to the dais where the Masters and they had been sitting amid cheers and stamping feet so loud the noise was almost deafening. Both Robin and I had tears in our eyes as the boxes containing the tankards were presented to us. We opened the boxes and held the vessels high as cheers from all sides came again. I had to say our thanks and caused more halloos when I said I did not know if all the excitement was because they were seeing the backs of us at last. It was then one of the Pups came up bearing a large earthenware bottle labelled 'Arnica'. He had been well-primed. "Please sir, my brother has a bruise from football and asks if you would make a last application." I knew the lad. His brother was Murray-Phelps Senior, the largest and tallest of the Seniors, who would be Captain of Football for his last year. He had received more applications of arnica in the past than any other and though in Carstairs' House was a firm friend as a fellow Praepostor. To more cheers Murray-Phelps rose and removing his tailcoat pulled up his shirt and undervest and displayed a drawn circle on his side with 'Anoint here' in large letters inside it. I said 'Later' and Robin and I went back to our instruments to end the evening with the round 'Great Tom is Cast'! We found the bottle to contain good brandy rather than the other well-known medicament. A tot of that went down well to complete that night with our friends and boon companions!
On Tuesday our chests were packed, our Blaze and Silver were saddled with Natty Dyer beside them on his Kerry, as we waited for the arrival of the carriage to return to Careby Hall. We were schoolboys no longer! We had said our farewells to Masters and fellow pupils, to servants, grooms and all who had lightened our paths. Our days at Ashbourne were over and even Natty would no longer be in residence there. While we were to go to Cambridge he would be lodging with Professor Bayes and his wife in London, not as a groom but to study the mysteries of Ancient Egypt.
That summer of 1847 at Careby sped away spent in contemplation of times past, our love and companionship at present, and the anticipation of whatever might come in the future. We had experienced much already and at eighteen we were again at a threshold. Cambridge beckoned and just as September ended so we made the first journey to be students in that most illustrious of cities at St Mark's College. Robin and I! I and Robin! As one!
To be continued:
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