Tom Brownings Schooldays

Tom Browning's Schooldays

By

Joel

Chapter ThirtySeven

Landed gentry! Robin and I were congratulated most sincerely by the Dodds. Lancelot did say that being the son of a poor parson and being a physician with few well-paying patients he couldn't buy a cottage with a garden let alone one hundred good acres of farmland. My Robin was quite overcome with all this and was quite tearful before Aunt Matty set down her knife and fork and came over to him and hugged him and kissed his cheek.

"Robin, you are part of our family," she said as she smiled at him, "Take no notice of my son. He wants for nothing and knows it full well..."

Lancelot was contrite. "...Robin, I apologise I was making a rather poor jest. I must admit to having a parcel of land and all being well the railway company will want some of it."

My father peered at him. "And where is that, nephew? I was not aware of any land not under contract with the company."

"It is across the road at Essendine. A patient sold me twenty acres cheaply as part payment for his treatment."

My father laughed. "That was old man Higgs I wager. And it's in Rutland, too."

Lancelot nodded. "That is so. I took the offer quickly as I had heard he was an old skinflint and slow in paying his debts."

Father harumphed. "That is very true. I never let him have a mount until there was paper or good guineas in my hand."

Robin looked comforted by Aunt Matty's attention and smiled at her as she went back to her place.

As she sat Uncle Dodd asked Lancelot how long he had had the land.

"It is two years now since I had title to it and I think Higgs will regret selling it for I have been approached by the company as they are not excavating towards Stamford but wish to take the line direct to Peterborough."

Father nodded. "Such is what I have heard. Good for you, my boy, if that comes to pass." He laughed. "These railway companies are spreading in all directions and good land is being bought here, there and everywhere. I fear there might be another Bubble but Digby assures me this line is a safe investment and they are paying me." He paused. "So straight to Peterborough, you say? That means Stamford may be somewhat isolated."

"The representatives told me but there are plans for another line northward which would pass through Stamford on the way," said Lancelot, "But they were not sure, for there was much to negotiate."

Uncle Dodd was shaking his head. "I have heard there is to be a line to Cambridge from London but the Colleges are against it."

Aunt Matty sniffed. "Before all this gets out of hand they might think about repairing our roads. We are surrounded by cart tracks and nothing fit for a good coach to travel safely. There are ruts inches deep even on the metalled road into the village."

Father laughed. "Try telling that to the Squire. Now we do not have a toll gate any money has to be cajoled from us landowners. Squire Matthews owns most of the village and should be responsible for the roads. He asks why should he pay as everyone uses them!"

I looked at Robin who grimaced. This was not an entertaining evening though the two dishes of prime cuts we had been served had kept me happy and the fine puddings had made me beam with their delicacy and sweetness. No sooner had we finished than Mr Clements announced that Mr Mead had arrived. Father excused himself and disappeared off with Uncle Dodd, followed by Mr Clements, to sign and be witnessed.

Aunt Matty smiled at the three of us left at table as Jackson and Benjy began to remove the used plates. "Come, we can go to the parlour. If Jackson can find any of that good sweet wine I would prefer that though you may indulge in a glass of port." This was not only directed at her son but to Robin and me as well. "I would rather you boys had any wine at table and port afterwards in good company than be inquisitive to see why so many drink to excess and addle their wits."

I did not enlighten her that I had often witnessed fellows from Pratt's House at Ashbourne who were well-gone with strong liquor. I certainly did not describe the spectacle of Jack Lascelles being found half-dead in a stupor. I had no wish to emulate their over-indulgence but I did favour a little wine which complimented the food accompanying it.

Lancelot smiled at his mother's statement and held up his glass. "I say amen to that. I have seen too many who know not when to stop. I hope I do..." He grinned at Robin and me. "...and you as well, I'm sure."

Of course, we both nodded as Jackson poured a little port for us with just a hint of his own smile. He carried Aunt Matty's glass with her son, Robin and me processing behind her bearing our own glasses to the comfort of the parlour.

Father's business with the documents took a little time so I made Aunt Matty laugh again with my account of the appearance of Jabez and Mehmet in their Genie costumes with their attendant cats. When I had finished she nodded. "I am more than pleased that Jabez has settled so satisfactorily in my sister's household. She has written to say he has earned your Uncle's confidence with his competence and eagerness to learn. That should augur well for his future."

I wondered how much Aunt Matty knew of Uncle Digby's occupation. I hoped that Jabez would not be placed in any danger.

We slowly savoured our drink until father and Uncle Dodd reappeared with father looking most satisfied. "I will have to send another messenger to Grindcobbe in the morning," he said and looked at Robin and me sitting with our less than half-filled glasses of port in front of us, "And an order to Rowe for a dozen bottles of best brandy to keep these two happy."

"Father," I said raising my glass, "I could want for no more than this most delightful completion to an excellent repast."

"Words, words, words," he said shaking his head. He smiled though as he turned to his brother-in-law. "Doctor Dodd, I think we should partake of some port as well before it all disappears down their throats." He held a finger up and Jackson went out to return with a tray on which were two glasses and the decanter. Conversation resumed once the port was poured and the three gentlemen lit their pipes. Aunt Matty said at one point that it was becoming urgent that further almshouses be built in the village or else some of the old people would have to be taken to the Union in Stamford which would be a calamity. She said she had spoken to Mrs Matthews who had agreed. She thought the Squire might give a piece of land towards the end of the village next to the old Almshouses. The smile on father's face meant that Aunt Matty had exercised her usual talent of persuasion and the deed would be done.

"How many?" he asked.

"I think six, each with two rooms," Aunt Matty immediately replied. We all knew it would be done as soon as the money was raised. That was next. "I think the Squire will provide some funds from his sale of land for that railway." Oh!! Father was in the firing line! "Others will no doubt wish to be commemorated as well...," she left the statement in the air. Father remained silent. He didn't have to say anything, or agree to subscribe. I looked at him and he looked at me with an impassive face but his lips twitched. His sister had decided where some of his money would go, too.

Lancelot was nodding. "We need those Almshouses urgently," he affirmed, "Miss Barnes has at least two servants who should not be employed longer."

Father grunted "Another donor?", but was ignored.

Uncle Dodd was enjoying himself listening to the interchange between brother and sister. "May I announce the scheme from the pulpit on Sunday?" he asked, as a coil of smoke wreathed around his head.

"No you may not!" Aunt Matty said sharply, "I have others I wish to speak to."

"Oh, so the full expense will not fall on the Squire and me together?" my father enquired.

"I am sure others will want to contribute and if there is enough interest we might increase the number of dwellings," my aunt retorted. "Leave the matter to me."

There was no more to be said. As Aunt Matty sipped her wine so the men and boys around the fire exchanged grins of various sorts, whether knowing or rueful. I wondered if Lancelot would be charged to make a contribution from his railway money, too. My father held up his emptied glass and Jackson was at his elbow immediately, "A little, my good fellow, I might not afford another case." Luckily my aunt did not hear that! Or, perhaps she ignored it!

Father said he was looking forward to my mother's return but he forbore from mentioning, as he usually did, the expense of any of my mother's visits to London. I also wanted to see her, as well as the contents of my hamper and bags. The conversation turned to the proposed dinner on Saturday. Time was flowing fast. I shot a look at Robin and he nodded back.

Jackson rang for Benjy as soon as I said we would ask to be excused since I thought we were both tired. He appeared with a sconce and we said our goodnights and were both kissed by Aunt Matty who screwed her eyes up at us. She knew we had realised her stratagems were in train, like the railways!

We followed Benjy up the stairs and on the way he told us he was busy cleaning the silver for Saturday as Mrs Clements wanted everything ready for inspection by my mother on her return. He left us to our own devices and as soon as he went from the room Robin turned and hugged me tightly.

I realised he was rather upset even after such a happy evening. This was not like my Robin. I hugged him back. "Oh, Robin, why are you so out of countenance?" I asked.

He sniffled and wiped a hand across his eyes. "It all seems too much for me," he murmured, "I was a poor boy, but happy in my family, now in such a short time I am to be a pupil at a famous school and have just learned I have land which is riches far beyond anything I could ever hope..."

I stroked his head. "...But you have a loving family still and you are in your rightful place in an even bigger loving family. Oh, Robin, you have me, I love you so deeply, I could not be parted from you." I moved my head down and kissed his cheek. There was still the faint aroma of my Aunt's perfume where she had bussed him, too. "Robin, let us prepare for bed and we can relive all the things which have happened in the past weeks."

Gently we parted and he smiled at me. "I need you, Tom," he whispered.

We undressed swiftly and after blowing out the candles I joined him in the wide bed and drew the hangings so we were safe together. We talked quietly for a long time and he admitted he was still somewhat fearful about his future at the school. I said he already had those among our fellow pupils who would support and guide him and they would be, I was sure, good friends. As we spoke together so our love manifested itself in its usual manner and twice before we slept we showered each other with our boyish blessings.

I woke first in the morning and kissed his cheek tenderly and as he woke we again made our love fully known to each other. "I warrant you have grown a full inch there in the past two months," he whispered as he set his hand against my still erect peg, "You will soon match that carving I would say."

His pizzle was still in my hand and that had not softened either. "I would say we match on this as well as our height. We shall both be fifteen years in but three months time so let us put that carpenter's rule against our lengths now, and again when we return from School at Eastertide."

We stood by the bed as each measured the other. We matched at the five and a half inch mark and wondered how much more we would grow. "And do not mention Jabez," Robin whispered as he placed the measuring rod back on the floor.

As there was no hot water yet, we lay side by side again and recounted to each other my Aunt Matty's machinations. We could imagine the Squire's wife being either wheedled, or perhaps more correctly, instructed to inform the Squire of his duty to provide for the poor of the village. We laughed together as Robin reminded me I had profited from the railway as well. "I had better offer a guinea," I said, "I will then have my name carved large in stone to be placed above the main door." I squeezed his arm. "For a second guinea I will have your name added as well."

"Thank you, kind sir," he said. "And then when we are old we can inhabit a room and grumble when there is no kindling for the fire." We both knew this was a constant complaint of the old whether in the Almshouses or living with their families.

A clatter outside told us that hot water was arriving. We needed it as both of us smelt strongly of our boyish pleasures of the night before and again this morning. Benjy led the twins in, each with a steaming metal pitcher. "We can't stay," he announced. I was singled out. "Your mother should be back today and Mrs Clements is making sure all is clean and tidy." He sneered. "And that means you as well. I suppose that also includes him." This directed at Robin. The twins stopped grinning at such forwardness. I expect the announcement of our land at St Albans was now common knowledge in the Servants' Hall as any conversation above stairs would be heard by domestics present and relayed there immediately. Now, here was a servant speaking somewhat disrespectfully to two young Masters, newly-endowed landowners. I put a hand on Robin's arm to prevent him jumping out of bed and tackling Benjy as we had done the day before.

"That is understandable," I said as sternly as possible. "My mother will expect Careby Hall and all its inhabitants to be clean and most tidy. In fact, I will ask her not only to inspect your hands, Benjy, but also to see if you have washed behind your ears and scraped the grime off your elbows. We don't want you to be a bad example to any of the other young servants."

Poor Benjy looked most downcast. I saw one of the twins look at Robin who was trying very hard not to laugh and the lad's grin was there again. It vanished as Benjy sniffed. He was close to tears. 'Was I angry with him?' must have been his thought. A young man, now independently wealthy, might not tolerate any rudeness or insubordination from those of a lower class. Benjy bowed his head and I thought I saw a tear on his cheek. "Benjy, come here," I whispered and as he came to the side of the bed I held his arm. "Look at me. I'm not angry. I wager there has been discussion about my father's gift to us." He nodded. "It makes us no different but you should watch what you say when the boys are here." They might gossip, I thought, and things that Benjy said would not be thought proper by Mr Clements or Mrs Gray.

Robin spoke up as he beckoned to the two lads. "What we say together here does not go beyond this room." Both the twins nodded.

"Please, Master Robin, is it true you are very rich now?" one asked.

"No, Barty," Robin said shaking his head. "Tom's father has given us some land and the rents will be kept for us until we are twentyone though we may have any interest on the money. It doesn't make us rich but we are very grateful for the gift."

I wondered if that answer would satisfy the lad. Of course, none of the villagers owned land of any consequence. A few had inherited a cottage and a patch of land from gifts of landowners in times past and so were freeholders or yeomen, but most were in cottages tied to their employment or rented from their earnings. There were also smallholders, like those cast out by Mr Cavendish, who rented some acres and tried to make a living, which I had heard my father say was precarious at the best of times. I knew Mr Barker owned the forge and cottage next to it which had been his father's before him. Steven Goodhew had put together his earnings as a master mason and had persuaded the Squire to sell him the house and barn which was his workplace now. From what I had overheard, Aunt Matty was the one who had done the persuading! So, as far as the other servants at the Hall, or most villagers, were concerned we must have riches. I, of course did have the further advantage of monies invested as inheritances from my Grandfather Crossley and on behalf of my other grandfather long dead before I was born.

Both boys nodded and Benjy looked a little happier. I hoped we might be able to do something for such a good lad whose lot would be bound to the service of the family otherwise. But that would be something for the future.

We had work to do if we were to satisfy Uncle Dodd's demands to construe and to learn. As soon as our substantial breakfasts were over we went back to my bedroom and settled to work. As I went through my Greek adjectives I also chose 'wise', 'strange', 'thin', 'true' and 'quiet'. Of course, I thumbed through the lexicon and noted that the first four of my list followed the rule for 'sweet' which was one of the words given me by Uncle Dodd. I changed 'strange' to 'swift' and that made my ten to learn. Actually, it was eleven as the other one was clear, or clearer, or clearest to me!

I looked over to see what Robin was writing and we discussed the next page or so of the 'History'. We noted that Croesus had two sons and bodily misfortune was present also in those days as one son was both deaf and dumb. The idiot boy we had seen didn't seem to be deaf but he could not speak clearly. The other son of Croesus was hale and hearty but as we read further on it was said he would die by an iron weapon. I think we were both tired of Greek by then especially as there was a long passage about a man needing purification for a grave sin.

As we shared our morning's accomplishments we realised how well we worked together, I said even more so than when I had shared thoughts and ideas with Theo Davis. I remembered then that Mr Martin had set a further page or two of calculations which I found crumpled in a book of exercises also unlooked at. I would have been very chastened if I had returned to school without attempting them or the three sets in the exercise book. We both took paper and set to and succeeded in dealing with them all and getting the same answers. There was I who had worked many examples with Mr Martin's instruction, or after on my own, and here was Robin able to accomplish the same as me in the same time with far less assistance.

He laughed when I asked him how he knew how to deal with long division and the consequences of the Theorem of Pythagoras. "Don't forget, your Uncle Dodd supplied me with books to work with when I had spare moments from my labours in the stables. I found discarded books and exercises as well so had plenty to keep me busy. I like calculating and I hope I may be able to learn much more."

That statement was true for he had calculated that the School had been cheated over many months, or even years, by the man who supplied feed for the horses. I didn't quite struggle with the examples set but he was just as quick, or even quicker, with the harder ones just as he had achieved when he had been disguised as me at school.

We went downstairs when the maids came to change our bed linen and the other boys came to clean the grate and take the ashes away. Our first call was to the kitchen. We didn't linger as Mrs Gray was in a pother over what might happen on my mother's return and all was not planned for Saturday. I forbore from pointing out that there were meals to be readied before then. Needless to say there was plenty prepared in the cold room so Benjy said as we waited in the breakfast room for our luncheon.

He said he had heard the two lads who had been beaten had been sent back to their fathers in Pickworth. We wondered what would become of them. I was still rather bothered about my father's decision but no doubt we would hear of any further trouble within that village. Food was needed and we were well satisfied with two platters of cold cuts and sliced potatoes fried in the fat still remaining from the Christmas goose. All we had to do now was wait to see if my mother returned today.

We went to the parlour as the fire there heated the room most adequately. I think we were both restless. I was worried in case the roads were still icy and the horses might slip and slide and upset the coach. I knew Rowley was a careful driver and he had Peters with him to check the state of the roads. Luckily there were few hills or inclines but horses could tire easily when the roads were rutted through the weather. Robin sensed my worry and came and sat by me on the wide sofa.

"They will be home soon, quite safe and sound, I am sure," he said as he held my hand and squeezed it. "You say there is a hamper full of treasures you have purchased..."

I grinned at him. "...There might even be something for you." There was a-plenty. I would not enlighten him until the contents of the coach were emptied and my portion taken to our room. Yes, I now thought of it as 'our' room.

We settled and found some cards and played a game of 'Snap'. Then Robin suggested 'Noughts and Crosses'. I was always rather wary of playing that game with Robin as he invariably won when it was his turn to draw the first symbol. I was truly astounded when he showed me it was not a coincidence but there was a method one could use to force a win. We grinned at each other when I said he would enjoy playing that game with Theo who always wanted to play when he was tired of study.

Close on four o'clock there was a commotion. I heard Mr Clements telling Jackson and Benjy to get themselves tidy as my mother's coach had been sighted at the end of the drive. Both Robin and I peered out from the parlour having cleared our mess of papers some of which we had put to blaze on the hearth. More candles were being lit in the sconces along the hallway from the front door and there was the sound of scurrying as the boys and maids put more wood on fires. We went back in and collected the books we had been using and took them to our bedroom. There we brushed each other's hair and straightened our jackets. We checked there were no buttons left undone after using the commode pot. We looked at each other and nodded. We were tidy!

Downstairs again we waited nearer the main door as two maids went to the parlour to make it ready for my mother's entry to the house. I knew that her first desire would be a dish of tea then a discussion with Mrs Clements our housekeeper so it was better that two boys were not lolling around. At last we heard the coach approach. Jackson opened the big double door as Mr Clements went to the top step carrying a shining lantern.

All was hub-bub for a while. Mr Clements greeted my mother as she came up the steps with Marie just behind her carrying her reticule and a cloth bag. After acknowledging Mr Clements she turned and thanked Rowley and Peters, who were standing by the coach, for their sterling work. They bowed and walked to a side entrance where they would be entertained in the kitchen. Two grooms had appeared and they drove the coach and its tired-looking horses to the back of the Hall for it to be unloaded.

My mother spotted me and Robin lurking. She smiled and held up her arms. "I'm home!" she declared as we went towards her. I stepped forward first and was hugged and kissed although I was a big boy now and quite my mother's height. I was released and Robin was beckoned forward. He went rather shyly and received the same. "Dear Robin," she said as he was released as well. She turned to the three liveried servants who were now lined up. "Mr Clements, I need tea." He turned to Jackson and Benjy and held up a finger. They nodded and disappeared. I had to greet Marie who had her usual smile for me.

"You are well?" I asked, not daring to put the question in French.

"I am, but tired," she replied in English and showed the tip of her tongue. She looked past me. "Robin, mon precieux!" He bowed his head and I think there was a hint of a blush.

I took my mother's arm and led her into the parlour. She breathed out as she lowered herself into her usual comfortable chair. "You arrived back safely?" she asked, "And your father and Torquil?"

As I was explaining that we had had a reasonable journey so the tea things arrived. There was a good array of cups and plates so Robin and I joined in and helped to diminish the mound of tasty small cakes on my mother's instruction.

When Mrs Clements appeared my mother said she would speak to her later but needed now to rest a while in her room. She went off with Marie and I gathered from the French exchange that she needed the commode rather urgently. Not the sort of thing to say in Mrs Clements' hearing in English!

There was little to do but wait for dinner. I wondered if the Dodds would attend and hoped my mother would not be too tired to enjoy their company. Robin and I went back to my bedroom and I tried out his method with Noughts and Crosses. He showed me there was more chances of winning if you were able to start by putting the first X in a corner or in the middle. But if your opponent was first and put the X in a corner then you should put the first O in the opposite corner. I asked him who had shown him these stratagems and he just laughed and said he had found them himself.

My mother seemed quite rested when we assembled for dinner. I had to smile as my father had put on a good suit in compliment to my mother - or, at least in an effort to prevent her making comments. Aunt Matty and Uncle Alfred were there too. Lancelot was missing. A child had swallowed something he shouldn't have and was in need of Lancelot's attention. He eventually came in to the diningroom after we had finished the first course of soup and I saw his mother purse her lips as if to tell him not to mention what he had been dealing with. He was in his everyday suit so made my father look even smarter!

Mrs Gray had worked hard for the rest of the meal was quite as delicious. A second course of fine trout was followed by two dishes of thin pork cutlets and a rack of rabbit, both in tasty sauces. The puddings started with a fruit sorbet and there were fruit tarts and a thick frumenty flavoured with rum which was a favourite of my father.

Even though we were busy eating there was conversation as well. My mother said the journey was better than she had anticipated and a good start had been made in that they reached St Albans easily the first day. The Peahen had been full so the White Hart just down the hill had been chosen. It was judged to be clean and comfortable and from what my mother opined the company there was of good quality with several of the county staying overnight as well. She had been recognised by a lady, the widow of a Captain Dobbins, who had been at Aunt Fanny's At Home and was invited to visit and stay with her at her residence outside Brampton for the second night of the journey. The two coaches had travelled together and Mrs Dobbins had sat with mother and chatted the whole way. From my mother's expression I think she had found it rather wearing. Nevertheless, she had been entertained that evening free of any thought of finding a good inn and by setting out early, I thought to lessen the time for talk, the rest of the journey home had been accomplished in good time.

The parlour rather than the drawing-room was chosen for after dinner. Pipes were lit and Jackson appeared with a new bottle of the sweet wine as well as the decanter of port. By keeping quiet both Robin and I were served with a glass of port but Aunt Matty had noted this and wagged a finger at us. Talk turned to our absent visitor, Geoffrey Lascelles and my brother, Torquil. My mother said that Geoffrey was invited to stay with my aunt and uncle at Charles Street until his commission had been approved and sealed and he was given accommodation at the barracks with the other young officers. Lancelot praised him and said he was most agreeable and there was no doubt he would prove acceptable to Uncle Billy. Father then asked how much had the visit to London cost him as he had returned with little baggage. He looked at me then. Was I counted as 'baggage'? My mother just laughed and said it would take some time for the coach to be unloaded as she and Aunt Fanny had been to various emporia after we had left on Saturday to come home. They had been too tired after that to take up the box at the St James Theatre which was booked for them so Rosamund and her dear escort had gone instead. That meant a deal of shopping had been done! And was that dear Marmaduke?

In the end my mother excused herself and said she needed her bed. Robin and I stayed a few minutes longer but, as conversation then turned to exchanges between my father and Uncle Dodd about our Parliamentary representatives, I and Robin also excused ourselves and went to our room. Benjy looked rather hot and bothered as he led us up the stairs with the usual lighted sconce.

"You will find most of your new possessions in your room," he said as I walked up beside him, "The coach was well-laden and there are still two or three cases to be unstrapped from the roof and two parcels of books in the hallway. Mr Clements says they will wait until the morning. He said he had never seen so much brought back after one of your mother's visits..." He stopped and made a face. "...Better not say more."

I had to laugh. I remembered one journey back from London when I was younger where I had to almost lie on top of boxes which were stacked in front of the seats my mother and Marie were sitting on. My mother enjoyed her outings to the capital city!

"Are the books mine?" I asked.

"I think some may be," Benjy replied, "But there is a paper tied in one bundle which has a list and I saw Philip Goodhew is named on it."

I turned to Robin as we had reached the landing. "I wager they are books of drawings which I saw on my Uncle's desk. He was most complimentary about the drawing Philip had made of John Harrison."

"Philip always has a pencil in his hand..." Robin said and stopped and nudged me. I was aware of the allusion.

Even if Benjy heard that he made no comment but opened the bedroom door and lit more candles. "There!" he announced and pointed at two neat stacks of books with my hamper and two cases by the side. Further on were three boxes which were tied in sacking to protect them. I thought these might contain the clothes and footwear my aunt had bought for us. Even so they must contain more as the rest of my purchases would not amount to three boxes that size.

"May I leave you?" Benjy asked politely, "The twins have been sent home to see their new brother who was born this morning. They will be back tomorrow evening, no doubt."

Both Robin and I started at this news. "I did not know Mistress Lovell was with child again," Robin said. He was counting on his fingers. "That must be six children now in that cottage without the twins who are here."

Benjy nodded. "It is a large family but two have gone to the grandmother in Hornby who has an unwed daughter there, too. I hear your Aunt is pleased with the arrangement."

Aunt Matty would have been involved I was sure. I had heard her many times saying that families were too large and, with little money about, children were often not well-nourished. The Lovells were a most decent family in any case. Mr Lovell was a carpenter and was always in work because of his skill. I had been told that my tall chest in the room had been made by his grandfather as each generation had carpenters in turn and the twins' elder brother of sixteen was apprenticed now to his father.

With Benjy gone we explored my 'possessions'. Robin was grinning as he untied the bundles of books and looked at titles. "You have chosen many useful books," he said as I saw him open the precious copy of Samuel Pepys' Diary.

"There are more useful books than that," I said archly, "At least my Uncle Digby would say as there are several from him for study at school. They are our books now to be shared between us. I chose some for Philip and James as well and there must be more for them downstairs."

I was busy untying the straps around my hamper. Somewhere in this or in one of the cases was my apothecary's box and inside that was my purse of good guineas. The hamper was full of clothes and under these were all the sweetmeats I had purchased. I picked out the new running and football togs and gave Robin his share. He was quite overwhelmed and insisted on stripping off his suit and shirt and arraying himself in a striped shirt and white drawers with long socks and boots which fitted him perfectly. I did say he would be the pride of Ashbourne football. I showed him the striped shirt I had bought for George Lascelles and said I must choose two or three of the books to give to Theo Davis.

I had forgotten that my box and money were in one of the leather cases for greater protection. As Robin pranced around kicking imaginary footballs I managed to unstrap the first case and found the key for the hinged locks on a shelf in my tall chest. At least I had remembered not to lose the keys! My box was wrapped in a thick towel and was quite safe. All the bottles were unbroken including the flask of Oil of Neroli. My purse was there, too. With a flamboyant gesture I undid the string at the top of the purse and slid the coins out onto the surface of my desk.

The look on Robin's face was incredulous. "Is that all yours?" he asked open-mouthed.

"No, Robin mine, they're ours!" I declared spreading the coins.

To be continued: