Tom Brownings Schooldays

Tom Browning's Schooldays

By

Joel

Chapter FortyThree

I watched as the pair went from the room. Being very inquisitive and hoping that no harm would come to Robin I followed a few moments later when two of the others also left the room. It was dark outside but two lanterns had been lit so a little light made the path towards the main door of Ridley's House visible. I saw Collett and Robin in earnest conversation side by side. I could not hear what was being said as I tarried by the door I had just exited. They turned and faced each other and stood a pace or so apart. I was ready to rush forward but a hand clutched my sleeve. "Stay still!" I was commanded. It was George. I was then relieved because arms were stretched out and there were hearty handshakes between the pair. "I thought so," came a throaty whisper, "But in case..." He pulled my sleeve again. "Come inside, it's warmer!"

I followed him in and joined the others who had settled to chess like Aubrey and Theo, or the various card games preferred by Branscombe, Maitland and Gordon. George picked up a discarded pack of picture cards. "A little child's play while we wait, eh?" It was: a game of 'Snap'. He won as I was more concerned about that interchange between Collett and Robin. The handshake was a comfort as I knew Collett had been disparaging about Robin's change of status. It was common knowledge that the niceties of class in society could lead to rifts and animosities. With my own group of schoolfellows I had not experienced any notions of greater or lower status although we all came from different levels of good society. I had, of course, noticed it in the churlish behaviour of others and the overweening pomposity of some in the School. I could keep my distance but unfortunately those in lowly station, such as the servants, could not.

I did not see the pair enter as I had my back to the door but the smile on George's face told all. I peered round and they were arm in arm and sharing some jest. My fears abated and George wrinkled his nose at me. "All's well that end's well, eh?" We set to again and I won this time but George was bored with such infantile pursuits I could see. "I'm more than weary," he admitted, "I will sleep well tonight with no disturbance from sharing. Young Henry is a mighty fidget and I got kicked awake more than once with him between us. I threatened to tie him to the bedpost but Gordon put him on the outside the next night and endured the kicks." I assumed 'Young Henry' was Radcliffe.

"How many shared the room each time?" I asked.

"Most of the early way it was just Gordon and myself but as the others joined us we put them into another room each night. Four in one bed there for the last couple of nights, though," he said moving his hands outwards to indicate numbers in a big bed. "One little bugger almost wet the bed but his cousin knew he might. He's a friend of Lawson's brother I learned and got that thrashing, too."

Most probably a friend of Freddy Neville in that case.

George stood and nodded to Theo who had finished his game with Aubrey. I said goodnight to Robin who was now seated with Branscombe, Maitland and Collett as a close group discussing some important issue I was sure.

In our room George began to yawn. It was barely half after eight o'clock but George needed his bed. The fire Theo and I had sat by was still glowing so we banked it with coals to keep us warm during the night. George stripped off, displaying that he still wore no underclout. "I am ready to sleep," he groaned as he tugged his nightshirt over his head, "If you wish to talk longer do not wake me, Theo, nor with any bouncing around when you creep in. That is a request, dear friend."

We were silent until we heard the more than gentle snores of a very tired George. His snoring diminished as he fell into a deeper sleep. We did not need to talk as we both had taken a book to read. I thought I had better become acquainted with the copy of Smollett's History of England which we had never opened all last term in Mr Martin's classes. His rule was he would get one of us to read from another text, or he would read and expound on one he had before him. I browsed through the headings and found that Chapter Eight dealt in part with the reign of Queen Anne. Mr Martin had mentioned her in dealing with the list of our sovereigns. He had intrigued us by saying that she had upwards of seventeen children, who all died, and was so fat she was buried in a square coffin. Poor Megson had been rather vocal in saying she had been a good Protestant and such things should not be used to belittle her reign. Mr Martin said nothing but just looked over the top of the spectacles he wore when reading to us. His silences always made us more aware of Megson's rather extreme outpourings which were a feature of his contributions to any discussion in the class.

Here in the first pages of the chapter I read of the Jacobite Plot of 1703 and was most amused at the forthrightness of the author when dealing with Lord Lovat. I read that he was described as 'a man of desperate enterprise, profound dissimulation, abandoned morals, and ruined fortune, who had been outlawed for ravishing a sister of the marquis of Athol'. I was grinning at that description when Theo must have noted my amusement and asked in a whisper what I was reading. I whispered back that Tobias Smollett did not waste words but I was puzzled about 'ravished'. I showed him the page which he read rapidly. Theo just shook his head and grinned as well. "Have you not read Othello? And 'making of the beast with two backs'?" I said I had not and was informed it was the act I must have witnessed many times with beasts but used for the act between man and woman. I was made aware in the space of five whispered minutes that men and woman did not, as far as Theo knew, perform that act of procreation as the beasts, but face to face. My astonishment must have registered in the look I gave him. "Did you not know that?" I shook my head. I had only witnessed Lemuel's naked back above Sarah Rogers so had not discerned her position. I asked him how he knew. He smiled. "My brother thought it best to advise me last year as he had seen me with the copy of Mr Shakespeare's play and realised I was puzzled. He found I was of the same opinion as you and disabused me of that notion." He shook his head. "Not that I have had experience yet but it is best to know."

This did make plain things I had heard but had not comprehended fully. He went on to say that if the act were done with the woman being unwilling, or forced, then 'ravished' would be a term for it. I whispered my thanks for the information and said perhaps all ignorant boys should be given Shakespeare to read. He nodded. "But there are many things he writes which are thought by some to be indelicate." I agreed. I remembered the talk about the porter in Macbeth whose speeches were excluded from some editions. I thought I would have to question Robin about his knowledge as it had never been a subject of any of our conversations.

Theo was yawning and I was ready for my bed as well. George was well asleep so he would not be taking his usual pleasure. We both undressed and used the pots before Theo whispered a prayer and blew out the candles. He climbed in beside George and I tucked myself into my truckle bed. It was strange as I heard no usual sound from above. I must also have fallen asleep quickly with no desire to frig myself as my thoughts were just of the return to School. I slept most soundly to be awoken by a fully refreshed George who pulled the covers from me and rolled me from my bed.

"Up! Up! Tardy child!" he commanded as he stood above my head, "The privy calls and we shall be first!"

The 'child' yawned but George was impatient. I knew I had better put shirt and britches on quickly as Theo was also aroused from his slumber by the same action.

He was more vocal. "George, all this holiday I have been woken carefully and serenely and now I am cast from my bed like an old shoe!"

"What do you mean?" asked George who was tugging off his nightshirt and scrabbling for something to make himself decent. "You do not wear shoes in bed. Get up and you can wear those good slippers I made for you so your dainty feet are not damaged as we run to the hellhole. At least it will not stink so early in the term."

I was still lying on the floor and staring upwards. I had seen George many times before Christmas in a naked state and there was no doubt he was still growing. I was certain his ballsack was heavier and the pizzle which dangled fatly above my head had increased both in girth and length over those months I had been in his company in this room. He must have seen me staring as he hopped on one leg putting his other into his trousers. He smiled down at me and contrived to swing his length from side to side before he hoisted his trousers and hid the object from view.

"I said up!" he reiterated, "I have no desire to enter that place with the miasmas of twenty young arses already rising." He held up a finger. "But first I have a present for you, too." He flourished a pair of leather slippers. "I spent good time slaving over these so be grateful!" I grinned at him as he took hold of a leg and set the slipper on my foot. "See it fits well!" He was smiling as I thanked him and took the other from him and put it on. "Now, we'll rouse those others next door and you can have the privilege of waking that fellow Goodhew and his fag masters!" He thumped me on the arm and with no more ado he tugged my nightshirt off over my head as I stood up. My bare backside was then slapped. "I warrant that is only a light scolding for what might come your way now you have had time to learn the ways of a good fag."

I knew this was jesting so I play acted back. "Yes, master," I said in the most childish voice, "I am but a humble servant to all my master's wishes."

George did something I had not experienced before. He put a hand out with finger and thumb in a circle and flicked my almost upright prong. That stung and my poor peg went limp. I winced and looked at George who had realised I was hurt. He was contrite. He took my arm. "I did not mean to do you hurt. I am sorry." He grinned then. "I do not think that will have harmed it as we can well see." He had noted that there had been a stiffening and without a thought from me it was quite upright. "Put your britches on and the cold air outside might make you more respectable."

Theo had been watching as he dressed. "Leave the poor boy alone, George. It is something none of us can help. It is a wonder you are not displaying yourself as usual in the morning."

George just laughed but I had not finished. "Sirs," I said still in that childish voice, "Please also accept a small gift to make yourselves more comfortable." I bent down to my bed where I had secreted three packages. These were of that soft paper.

George took his eagerly and split it open. "This is such a joy. This is even finer than we use at Garthorpe and much better than that sponge I endured for many years."

Theo was smiling, too. "From London I assume? As provided there in abundance for the Nobility and Gentry!"

"There is soap, too," I said and handed them each a small cake from those which Jabez had tucked into my hamper.

George put his to his nose. "I shall smell as sweet as a young maid with this."

I said it was not for maidens but was from a packet 'For Gentlemen'. Theo sniggered but said nothing as we had to hurry as George was impatient to be first in the privy. We knocked at next door and there were shouts as George rushed in and pulled the covers away from Collett and Gordon. I gave Aubrey Bayes the same treatment and he waved a fist at me, in jest I hoped. We were at the end door before any recriminations could ensue and woke the three there. Robin was tucked away in his truckle bed and was also subjected to George's rough ways as his covers were off him in a trice. The other two had the same course and we were off down the stairs past Pullen's cubby-hole with George looking back with a finger to his lips. The door was already open and there was no sign of Pullen so we rushed to the shelter of the privy and, yes, we were first. The coldness of the wooden seat certainly aided the quick evacuation of our turds and just as the three from the next room appeared we were finished and escaped to the washroom before we were assaulted with imprecations. At least they would have warmed seats if they noted where we had been!

Young Potts was already in the washroom and the water in the copper was steaming. George slapped him on the back and passed him a coin. "You have earned that, my lad. I am more than partial to good hot water and felt much better after that damned journey yesterday with the quick soak in the bath. Not today, though, I need just a hot rinse to set me up." He held up the lump of soap and as young Potts ladled water into a basin for him he dipped his face into it then lathered his face and neck. We also copied him and each finally dropped our britches and cleaned ourselves under but I knew I was not so smeared having used that better paper. I was flicked by George with his towel and told to hurry. This made me somewhat flustered as I tried to pull up my britches still with my underdrawers down. I managed without falling over as Theo being kinder held my arm. I think George called me 'Stupid boy!' but he was laughing.

It was then the school clock in the tower struck seven. Theo looked at George as he finished drying his legs. "George, there was no necessity to rise so early. Breakfast is not for a good hour!"

George was not abashed. "It is better to start as one intends to proceed. You will thank me for being first as you already know from last term that place is unbearable after all those arses have been seated."

We had to agree and made our way upstairs. Pullen was in his cubbyhole now and looked as if he had taken too much liquor the night before as his face was flushed and his squinting eyes showed more red than white around the edges. His absence when we came down was made evident for without any greeting to us he was up and out through the main door and we heard him retching somewhere. There was a sour and fetid smell left behind and Theo pinched his nose as we went up the stairs.

"I think to copy George's words that Pullen has started how he intends to proceed this term!" he said with a snort.

George was in front of us and turned and shook his head. "I am mighty glad I am no more in Bartleby's room and having that creature prowling and switching any perceived misdeed."

"You are in Mr Prior's room now and there you will remain," said Theo emphatically as we reached our top corridor and George rapped loudly on still-closed doors. Theo held his arm. "Leave them be, they can sleep on as you well know."

We entered our room and found that the servant-boys had already been and taken the pots as well as tidying the beds and pushing mine underneath. The fire was burning brightly as we stripped down and dressed in our full clothing for the day. I was glad I had new britches as I had grown too big for those from last term which I knew would be handed down to young Philip Goodhew or some other deserving boy in the village..

"We have time now for more discussion, eh?" said George taking one of the chairs and setting it nearer the blaze. "You have not mentioned my brother, yet." This last was directed at me.

"I had no opportunity last evening," I said in my defence, "But I can tell you he was well-received and accompanied my brother Torquil on his visits to the dignitaries of Peterborough and Stamford. I need to say that he must learn to control his steeds better as he landed on his backside when in my father's and my company." George looked at me aghast.

"Geoffrey is the most steady and skilful rider," he said immediately and then saw I was grinning. "It was no accident then?"

I explained the happening and the trick played on Geoffrey and Torquil which set George grinning, too. "My father thinks he is a fine fellow," I said, "He would not tease someone who was not. He has been remarked on by my cousin Lancelot who is most discerning and all are sure he will meet with my Uncle Billy's approval." George was appeased and I could see he was justly proud of his brother. I then went on to tell of the big parade and the news of my uncle's knighthood and the meeting with the Duke of Cambridge.

George was shaking his head at the end of this recital. "You move in the most illustrious circles and have done more than I have. My great wish is to visit London sometime and now my brother is to be there I might have opportunity. We all wished him well on his departure from Garthorpe and you have confirmed our family's opinion of him as well."

I said about Geoffrey's remarks about young Timmy and how he had treated him so well. George was nodding. "My father has assured Old Mother Campion that the boy is well and has a good home and position. I think even father is somewhat in awe of that old woman and knew he must make amends. I trust the horse is well-cared for?"

I said it was in the best of hands and Timmy was learning to be a good rider. I related how he had captivated our cook and also had my mother's blessing. George was smiling as I described Miss Barnes who had given Timmy a flute but had also given me a new one, too. I also told of the carving but did not mention the calculation which Robin had made. That was a story for another time!

It was time now to prepare for breakfast and I saw George peer into the piece of mirror glass and comb his tawny locks even more. His preparation for his visit to Mrs Ridley no doubt!

We were first arrivals for the meal and had the fresh porridge from the bowl held out to us by young Japhet. George was ready with his packet of good brown sugar to sprinkle on the hot surface. There was also warm new bread and we made good use of the butter and preserve set out. Theo said if the next ones also availed themselves of the same amounts there would be little for the most tardy ones. "Too bad" murmured George through a mouthful.

Robin and his fag masters, Branscombe and Maitland, came in next. My goodness: Robin did look smart in his neat school britches and jacket with his school cap and its light blue tassel. The three were enjoined to sit by us and we heard again of the travails of the journeys this time mainly from Maitland. He did say his soreness was much relieved after my ministrations and he would pay my doctor's fee with gingerbread!

We each had another tankard of the hot cordial to complete our repast and watched as more and more entered. There were greetings all round from either bright-eyed fellows or those still half-asleep. At last it was time for Robin to have his meeting with Mr Ridley and to learn his placement. George nodded at him and the pair left us to walk over to the house

Theo and I chatted on with Branscombe telling Theo and Maitland some more of our adventures in London. I think Theo was also wishing to visit our capital city. I did mention the stink surrounding everything in the place and Branscombe said his mother was glad to get back to Canterbury as she was convinced she would succumb to some dreadful disease cause by the miasma emanating from all the rot and mess. He said that would not stop her attending the wedding.

The news that my brother was to wed Branscombe's sister in St Paul's Cathedral of all places caused Theo's eyebrows to rise. "That is a most singular honour," he said. I had to explain that my brother-in-law was a dignitary in that establishment and would take part in the ceremony and my Uncle Dodd would be conducting the marriage itself with the permission of the Bishop and the Dean. I wondered if Theo and George might be invited if I asked my mother?

There was so much to tell as Maitland had tales to narrate of having George visit him after Christmas and then being at Garthorpe for New Year with a great Ball held there for the County. He said how Gordon had been at the Ball, too, and danced in his Scotch dress to everyone's amusement and delight. "I must not tell him of the amusement because he might threaten me with that small sword he had tucked in his stocking."

Theo laughed and said he thought it was called a dirk though he had seen one man in the kilt at a gathering in Peterborough with a short sword at his belt. Maitland said this was the one tucked into Gordon's stocking and was sharp and ready for any enemy.

Rather hesitantly I asked Branscombe and Maitland if Robin had slept well. I thought that the most convenient way of asking if he was settled with them. Both laughed and said he, without any commands, had taken over the stoking of the fire, placing the guard carefully, and, just before retiring arranging the pots at convenient places in case they were needed in the night.

"He is uncommonly tidy," said Maitland, "I think our friend here might receive censure for not placing his discarded clothing neatly in the wardrobe..."

"...and you for leaving shoes and boots which could be tripped over!" said Branscombe giving his room-mate a dig in the arm. "My books were placed on the shelf with one leaning so they would not topple over where I just pile them up. I think we shall have to smarten ourselves if we are to have a quiet life."

"I will say we have little to complain about our fag," said Theo, "There is a tendency to correct us when he finds errors in our schoolwork but it is done with a certain kindness." I received a dig this time.

I forbore from commenting as Maitland went on to say all three had settled to sleep and none were disturbed by snores. I did not ask if any or all had succumbed first to the usual desires thinking that last night as far as I knew neither Theo nor George, and certainly not I, had indulged in that most pleasurable activity. Thinking those thoughts also made me somewhat uncomfortable as I felt stirrings which could not be relieved at the moment. However I was thankful that Robin had been so readily accepted by this most worthy pair.

Theo said he must go back to our room as he had to collect his own Book of Common Prayer and hymn book ready for the opening service of the term. As the rest of us relied on the books being handed out when we entered the Chapel we said we would also wait in the warmth of our rooms until the tolling bell started. We stood and Maitland was holding forth on some matter as we walked to the door of the House. Here we met the last tardy trio just hurrying to breakfast who shouted their greetings in passing us. "I do not think they will be pleased," Maitland said as we made way for them, "There was little of that good bread left and no butter in the dish on our table. If I were a servant-boy I would keep quite clear of that trio, especially that older pair of ruffians."

I had heard rumours that the pair, Pritchard and Fullbright, had a liking for attending prizefights with Fullbright's older brother who was a well-known sportsman and gambled heavily. Both were renowned for the efforts they put into their play at football. George said he was always glad to be on the same side as they, for any opponent in the way would be bruised, battered and bloodied in the encounter. My encounter with Fullbright was much happier. He had waylaid me one day as he needed help with a passage in Greek which did not make sense to him. I noted he had construed 'bios' as 'bow' whereas to make sense it should be 'life'. He had not realised that the same word could mean something different according to the accent or stress on a particular syllable such as with 'neos' with the meanings being 'young' or 'fallow land'. "I am a dolt!" he said when I had shown him, "I hope I may question you again when I have other difficulties." He had smiled and said he had heard I was as good a scholar as a Hare in the chases.

Branscombe had gossip to impart. He tossed his head towards the retreating backs of the trio. "That young buck Mountfitchet they have as a fag. I hear his father has the ear of that Whig Russell and my father says there will be trouble if either goes further in government." I knew my father was considered a Tory but he was often heard to say that most politicians were just rogues and vagabonds with money and power! I wondered where Mr Mountfitchet and the Whig fitted into my father's opinions?

I was rather agitated as I waited with Theo as I wondered how Robin had fared with Mr Ridley. I had no doubt that George would be entertained with some delectable sustenance to help fill his always empty belly even after a good breakfast. No, I must not be jealous. I then had a horrid thought. How much should I divulge to George of Jabez's finding about Black Jack? I must tell him or I would lose all his confidence if he found I was keeping such information from him. But how to broach the subject? It was somewhat through accident that Jabez had first found the lodge-boy though my Uncle Digby knew the address. It was important that George should know that a watch was being kept.

We were ready to go to Chapel when George arrived back puffing as he had run in case the bell started. He said he had good news to share. This consisted of a sheet of newsprint wrapped round three good-sized pieces of heavy cake. Theo played the ass and asked where he should read the good news and I made the mistake of asking how many pieces George had already consumed.

"None," was his immediate reply as he picked up one piece and took an almighty bite. "There, this is yours," he said through a stuffed mouth and was about to hand me that piece. He held it up. "If I had known it was so good I would not have brought any back to ungrateful creatures such as you."

Theo asked why we were ungrateful. George said perhaps he didn't mean to be so forceful but I had questioned his reasons for wishing to see Mrs Ridley. "I had a letter from my mother for her and I found it was the quickest way of making the delivery. It was a good coincidence that young Goodhew should be required to attend on Mr Ridley." He sneered at Theo and then grinned. "In reward Mrs Ridley suggested I might like to taste a new receipt and her cook cut me three pieces while I stood and waited. I am not so slow-witted as some of my fellows maintain. My standing looking hungry meant I would not be satisfied with a single piece."

Theo just laughed. "George, there is no one more astute than you in everyday matters and we thank you for your thought but, if we do not shift ourselves, we will incur the wrath of the praepostors. That would mean you will be banned from your next football game and we will languish with lines of Virgil to copy."

I could not question George about Robin but gabbled my thanks, too, as he grabbed his cap and left us standing as he rushed out for the five minute bell began tolling at that moment. We were not the only ones who had spent time in gossip. Gordon, Collett and Bayes joined us in the passageway. Gordon was not limping badly now and said he would try a dance at the Sing-Song. As this was directed at me I said that both I and Robin would accompany him with the accordion player as well. I also said I had some good arnica in my box which would help with any bruising and would apply it after luncheon if he desired. He patted me on the back. "Ye have a good heart, my friend, I would be most grateful."

I walked with Aubrey who wanted to know if I had purchased the microscope. I shook my head and said there had been no time. I did not say it was something still to be discussed with my cousin Lancelot and not when he was dissecting particular objects like foals' ballocks which would raise questions of my intentions. Of course, I was fully intending to view samples of my own emissions and most probably some of Robin's!

I compromised. "I know my cousin has been looking at scrapings of some kind taken from one of the servants with an itch. He said they resembled the rust mould found on plants and wondered if they might be alike."

Aubrey was intrigued. "I have used my father's microscope many times and there are many things to explore with it. I have looked at water taken from our supply from the conduit and compared it with water in various pools and even from the Thames. There are many small moving creatures and particles in all of them but the water from the conduit has far fewer than the others. I think the Thames water has most and also has an unpleasant smell."

"My cousin wonders if it is the water which bears disease rather than the miasmas," I said hesitantly.

Aubrey shook his head. "That is not the view of the most eminent of doctors. It is well-known that where there is a foul stench then disease will be most likely to ensue. I have attended lectures with my father and this is the view I have always heard expressed. I do not know any other reasons given."

I could not make an argument as I did not know any more other than my cousin's doubts. I would have to study it in detail if I wished to become a physician. If it was the miasma was there a different stench for each differentiated disease? I knew when I had a flux from my arse the stench from that was like that of bad eggs. I remember Lancelot saying the worst smell he had encountered was of a decaying limb which his tutor had amputated saying it was the only thing he could do which might save the life of the sufferer. This was when Lancelot had mixed some chemicals and put the pot under my and Robin's snouts. I never learned if the man survived as I followed Robin out of Lancelot's den to the bushes where Robin's breakfast joined the brambles. We never learned what was in the pot either as Lancelot said he would not mix such things again. He said he was sorry but there was the hint of a grin. We forgave him as he always had so many tales to tell us and after that the smells were more agreeable. Dear Robin was still somewhat wary whenever Lancelot invited us to his den and I had seen what had happened when the head in the jar was viewed!

We had just arrived at the Chapel when Mr Martin approached at the same time accompanied by Robin. He saw Aubrey and me together and beckoned us over. "I have been with Goodhew while he was with Mr Ridley." He smiled. "He is to join us and I am told that he and Master Bayes here will also have mathematics with Mr Dimbleby as an extra." Aubrey nearly tripped as he took a step back. He was smiling broadly.

"That is something I have wished for, sir," he said. He looked at Robin who had not spoken but was also smiling. "We will learn much I am sure."

Mr Martin laughed. "You will learn more mathematics from him than with me. I shall be at my limits soon and will be glad to unleash my form for Mr Dimbleby's attention as a whole twice a week." He looked at me. "That will give me more time to find the most difficult passages in Thucydides and Catullus to match the problems Mr Dimbleby might be offering in his subject." The tolling bell had stopped and many boys were still filing into their places. He nodded to Robin and me and I am sure he winked. "We will meet at two and I shall have to decide if you should sit together or apart." He laughed. "I am not sure I can tell you one from the other even now." He waved a hand and made his way to the side entrance to join the other masters.

Aubrey and I led Robin in to find our places but Robin had still said nothing. He smiled and looked rather bemused. We had only just taken our places when the masters filed in to take their places and Mr Ridley followed and stood on the raised dais in front of the communion table. There was the usual reverential hush before he began to speak. He welcomed all back to school and also those who were newly entered. He mentioned no names but I knew that welcome was at least for Robin. He then said he had sad news to impart. A brave boy had perished when trying to rescue a youngster who had fallen through the ice while skating. I did not know the lad named who had been in Carstairs' House. Mr Ridley then said a young boy from Prior's House had succumbed to a contagion which was spreading in parts of a district in Manchester. I wondered if Mr de Vere and his daughter were well as that was where they lived when not in London. But two boys who had lost their lives. One sixteen, the other about my age. The news had hit all of us very hard for I could see more than one wiping his eyes.

I could not concentrate on the service as my mind flitted between that news and the death of that poor babe. I thought also of that mother and son in London. How would I feel if someone near and dear was no longer with us? It was not until Mr Ridley said 'The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Ghost, be with us evermore," and I joined in with the 'Amen' that my racing thoughts were stilled. Even then I was confused. How could it be the 'Love of God' which produced the deaths of those so young?

I had other thoughts to consider then as we swiftly made our way out of the Chapel. It was only when we were on the path back to the House that I was able to question Robin about his interview. He was shaking his head in wonderment. "Not only will I join you in Mr Martin's room and have those extra lessons with Mr Dimbleby but Mr Ridley said he wanted me to join his class on Fridays. I feel that is such an honour. He said we will meet first next week as he has a raft of matters to deal with for the beginning of term."

I wanted to turn and hug and kiss him and.... But this was neither the time nor place. As Aubrey was murmuring about his good fortune in being chosen for extra mathematics the three of us were more or less surrounded by all our fag-masters which caused some consternation. If three younger lads were ringed around by six older and bigger fellows it usually meant a fight was being stopped or some punishment was to be meted out. It was nothing like that. It was a mixture of finding out where Robin was to be placed, a desire to make haste to get to the stables for all to see George's fine gelding to be named, and for some of us to ride for the next hour or so.

In our room Theo was laughing as George and I hurried to change into our riding clothes. George had prudently packed his leather britches knowing his father had sent word by his brother Geoffrey for a suitable steed to be selected for him. He was yet to meet that good gelding. When we were ready another procession formed and was swelled by others who inquired what the excitement was about. George being so popular meant the ranks increased until he asked that only those collecting their mounts should enter the stables so as not to disturb the other horses nor the work of that place.

As we four entered the main door so Maitland said he had the forethought to rush to the stable after breakfast to warn them of what was to happen. That foresight had paid off. Mr Darlow was there with Shem and Natty and the other grooms in the background and led us first to where George's mount was in its stall already saddled. George looked at the roan and looked as if he might burst into tears. "He is so beautiful," he said and turned and hugged me and said how grateful he was to have such a horse chosen for him. Natty went into the stall and gathered the reins and the gelding followed him out most obediently.

Natty held onto the reins. "Please, sir," he said most confidently, "Mr Browning instructed me to give you this as well." He held out a folded piece of paper which had been sealed. It was something I had not been privy to. George thanked Natty, broke the seal and unfolded the note.

He smiled as he turned to me. "Your father says he is honoured to have prepared this horse for me and wishes me many years of happy riding. He has also added a banker's draft which I can use to celebrate my father's gift or to keep towards my next mount in twenty years. I think your father likes a jest, eh?" He handed me the paper.

"For five pounds," I said, "That will buy half a foreleg at that time I heard my father say if the income tax rises. It would be better to spend it now."

"Let me look," said Maitland. He nodded after he had read it. "That will purchase a good few of Thacker's best sausages." He winked at me. "I am always mighty hungry after football and running always gives me an emptiness which needs filling later. I say we vote George celebrates rather than wait until he is an old man and will need to use a dog-cart to drag his gouty self around."

"There is to be a Sing-Song on Saturday as well as football in the afternoon if the field is not frozen," said Robin who came from Silver's stall where he had been stroking his horses's muzzle.

"Good lad!" said Maitland, "That is enough to remind him to think of his friends."

George was full of smiles. "I will decide who my friends are but I warrant there is enough to pay for more than one indulgence."

At that moment another figure in riding clothes appeared and the grooms stood back as Mr Darlow touched his tall hat. "Mr Dimbleby, sir," he said, "I have your new steed ready for you." Mr Dimbleby saw us boys standing in a row and nodded and must have observed me. He beckoned me to stand by him.

"Ah, Browning, I hear the boy who was here last term has chosen the horse for me and you have named him already. I must see if I agree."

I stepped forward as naming a horse was most important and I wondered if we had been too forward in appropriating that task from the owner. "Sir, I must report he is a fine roan gelding and was one of two foals out of a fine mare named Leda. He answered to the name Castor immediately."

Mr Dimbleby burst into laughter. "Browning, that is a scholar's response and Castor he will be." There was a quiet neigh from the stall. "I hear he agrees. I thank you. Now to see how he responds to me."

A groom led the good horse from the stall and handed a carrot to Mr Dimbleby who gave it to the beast before stroking its muzzle and taking the reins. He looked at Mr Darlow. "I will ride into Ashbourne as I must visit my son." He led the horse to the mounting-block and Mr Darlow stood by as he mounted. We watched as Castor walked into the yard most sedately with Mr Dimbleby bending down to stroke his head.

Mr Darlow walked back. "That is a fine and gentle beast. I will set his name on the stall before Mr Dimbleby returns." He turned to George. "You are to name the other roan. Do not delay as we have much work to do." Mr Darlow was not in awe of the Honourable George Lascelles and we were taking up time and space.

"Mr Darlow, I apologise," said George, "I have much to admire and we will go to the yard." He tucked my father's paper into his jacket pocket.

We each took the reins of our steeds and walked them into the main yard outside the stable followed by Natty leading Kerry. There were a good dozen of our fellows all stamping their feet against the cold. As we approached so Angus Gordon stepped forward and held out a small glass bottle.

"I hae poured a dram in here for ye!" he said as he handed the phial to George and patted the horse's head as he did so. "Aye, 'tis a fine beast."

As we watched so George uncorked the bottle. "I name this horse Barbary!" he announced loudly and also patted its head. He then uptipped the phial over his own open mouth and all cheered as the fiery liquid made him cough and splutter.

To be continued:

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