Tom Browning's Schooldays
By
Joel
Chapter FortyEight
"I would like to play number Seven, sir." Mr Skrimshire motioned me to sit on the bench. I looked at the two manuals and the stop-knobs arrayed each side. I counted quickly. There were twenty in all. Ten for the Swell and nine for the Great and one for the Pedals which I would not use. I saw there was both an Oboe on the Swell and a Trumpet on the Great. Taken in all, the organ was just a little bigger than the one at Careby though I noticed it had a Sesquialtera of three ranks rather than of two ranks on our Great. Mr Skrimshire watched as I selected a full chorus on the Great with Flutes at eight and four foot on the Swell which I coupled to the Great. I nodded at Herbert who began to pump and I began the Largo making sure I was ready to play the Echoes on the Swell. I was so pleased that I was able to reach the end of that movement without any mishaps. I added the Oboe on the Swell for the second movement and had the box half open to begin the Vivace on the Great. As this progressed I opened the box a little more but closed it down when I came to the Echo passages where I had to change manuals. When I got to the last fourteen bars I managed to pull the Trumpet stop and opened the Swell box to make the ending as thrilling as I could.
I sat back and placed my hands on my lap. I heard a murmur from behind me and Mr Skrimshire came up beside me. "I will hear Master Goodhew now." He must have turned to him. "Tell me which one you will play?"
"Sir, I will attempt number Eight. The one in A minor which also has two sections, a Largo and a Vivace as number Seven."
I slid off the bench and Robin took my place. We grinned at each other and I was amused at his use of the word 'attempt'. He would play perfectly, it would not be a mere venture. He saw which stops I had employed and added the second Diapason to the Great and took off the Trumpet. Full Organ again for the opening Largo and he made the dotted rhythms sound most grand. For the Vivace second movement he drew a two foot stop I hadn't noticed on the Great and this helped to emphasize the differences between the loud and soft passages. As I had done he also drew the Trumpet stop to add brilliance at the end which it did for the final sixteen bars after the pause.
There was a respectful silence for a moment or two but Branscombe could not contain himself. "That is as good playing as one could wish for!" he said, "I had heard Master Browning play the pianoforte at Lady Digby's At Home so I knew he had skill on the keys as well as with his flute." He went up to Robin who had turned on the bench when he heard his fag master speak. "And you, Master Goodhew, are a great credit. It puts us all to shame that we have not learned to make such music." He bowed to Mr Skrimshire who had a smile on his face. "Sir, I hope I have not spoken out of place."
"My boy, that was well-deserved praise," he said, "I heard them last night and was impressed then by their playing, as I have said." He looked from Robin to me. "You have acquitted yourselves most creditably. I think there will be a repeat before and after this afternoon's service." He patted me on the shoulder. "I would be obliged if you would take my place at the organ before the service and perform all of Number Seven. Such playing will quieten any murmurings I am sure." There was a murmuring of assent from the four listeners. "Master Goodhew, you will complete the service." He held up a finger. "That Vivace on Full Organ and, if you dare, add our Pedal stop from the G sharp after the second quaver run to the end." He prodded my arm. "And you are not to be let off the ordeal. That last Adagio is but a few notes and needs to silence all the chatterers for Mr Ridley to begin so your feet must be active, too." He looked at Branscombe who was grinning and nodding his head. "Do you concur that they should play?"
"Sir, please do not take it amiss when I say there will be more than the usual attention paid when our fellows realise who is playing." There was more than a murmur of 'Hear! Hear!' from the other three.
"Sir, I did not know how they would fare when I drew your attention to what Master Browning had told me," Theo said, "My opinion that they would succeed has been more than justified. I now regret I had not taken up my mother's offer to have the music master who taught my sisters take me for lessons on the fortepiano, too. It is a skill I now regret not having."
"Then with Herbert's help they will succeed." Mr Skrimshire pointed towards the lad. "There will be need of good wind, my boy," The brawny youth smiled and nodded. He turned his attention to us. "I will be here at half past three and we will practice where your feet must fall. I could see you have good knowledge of those endings so it will not be difficult to match your feet with your hands I am sure." He smiled. "Thank you for giving such great pleasure to us. There will be more no doubt."
Robin took down the music book from the rest and walked with me and the others out of the Chapel. When we all emerged both Robin and I were patted on our backs and congratulated. I felt we might have been hugged also by George and Branscombe, they looked so pleased. I walked with Robin along the path and felt so proud for him and for me. As we entered the doorway I realised that when I was with my Robin I had no thought for my tempter, Henry Radcliffe.
George was not to let me dwell on any triumph. As we went into our room he began to grumble. "The pair of you have prevented me from going to the stable to see how Barbary is faring. We cannot ride today so I was just minded to talk to the beast as at least he might understand good English rather than that Latin which I must attend to."
"I thought you had completed your prep. What other do you have?" asked Theo.
"There were two more lines on the other side of the page which I had forgot," he admitted, "They must follow on from that about the bees." He scrabbled through the small pile of pages which he took down from his part of the shelf. "It is here somewhere. It was only that Culshaw asked me if I had found what some word that sounded like buckle meant. It was good that Mr Ridley entered to begin the service so I did not show my ignorance. Ah, here it is!"
Both Theo and I looked at his neat writing. I read it out. 'Aut errans bucula campo decutiat rorem et surgentis atterat herbis.' The word like 'buckle' must be 'bucula' which I knew was 'heifer'. The first words were easy 'Nor straying heifer...'. I did not say that as Theo wanted George to do his own work. I also had work to do.
The organ at Careby had but an octave of rods for the feet and Aunt Matty had said we should concentrate on making sure our fingers were dextrous. Of course we delighted in pressing two or even three of the pedal keys at the same time to make a good grunting or even farting noise. This when Aunt Matty was not present or we would have had either our ears boxed or be forbidden to play. The organ in the Chapel here had at least two octaves of rods and I knew they followed the pattern of the keys on the manuals. I opened the music book and looked at those last four notes, G, D, then an octave D below and the final G. With the slowness of the Adagio it meant I had time to place my feet from left to right, then left and right on the last note. If I could gauge the distances I was sure I would succeed.
As Theo was intent on helping George with the trampling heifer on the dewy grass I went to see if I could talk with Robin. Maitland and Branscombe were playing at backgammon which was not allowed in many households on the Sabbath, according to my brother Terence. We had played it many times while he was recovering from his broken leg - even on the Sabbath - though I knew my father played only on weekdays with Uncle Dodd. They must have been rather penitent at having been discovered for Maitland said they were not wagering on any outcome. That, he said, would not be allowed even in the most dissolute of families.
"You know of such families?" teased Branscombe, "Do they thrive in the North as I know of none in our Canterbury?"
Maitland snorted. "My dear fellow, I conjecture there must be such persons but I know only the best of Society which must be of a level of your acquaintance and that of the Archbishop!"
"I have not met the Archbishop so do not know what company he may keep. If you had kept watch you would see you have just missed the opportunity of taking all my possessions had I wagered them on a Wednesday rather than nothing on a Sunday!"
I whispered to Robin so as not to disturb them that he should look at the those last few bars. He nodded and whispered back he had them under his fingers so would concentrate on how he might place his feet.
Maitland must have been distracted by our whispers for Branscombe won again. We were told to go and find another place to gossip and only return if we were silent. We made our way downstairs, found the cubbyhole by the washroom and closeted ourselves in there. Before Robin could open the book I confessed my feelings for Radcliffe to him and hugged him so tight he almost dropped the volume. I hurriedly told him of waking with the boy nakedly entwined with me and that both of us were aroused. I forbore from saying what a fine long pizzle it looked when erect.
Robin was smiling as he held me tight as well. "You are not the only one to feel that attraction. I confess to you I would have relished waking that way. I had a great desire to hold his arm much longer and when I saw his britches open and that lengthy pizzle on show I knew I should leave. Then we met on our way to breakfast this morning and what could I do but show friendliness by sitting with him" He leaned towards and kissed me. "There, my dearest Tom, that is my confession. We must take care we are not misled and make each other upset. I would have him as a friend, perhaps, but I have you..."
"...A friend, that is all," I whispered to him and we held each other for a few more moments.
Robin was the first to move. He let go and we moved apart. "Let me see what I have to do." We found an old bench under a small high window and sat together while Robin ran his finger along the notes in the last few bars at the end of his piece.
"You can see I have but nine notes to play," he said. I followed his finger with mine. "How should I put my feet for those first three? G sharp, A then the F above. Those last ones I can move my feet for each one to the final A."
"Perhaps those first two with your left foot just moving between them and your right foot for the F." He was nodding.
"Then left, right, left right, left and right for that final note!" He moved his feet on the dusty floor. "We could draw the rods on this floor and imagine them and move our feet accordingly." He leaned down and rubbed his finger in the dust and I knelt and drew the rest of the set for him.
"This shall be our practice organ," I said looking up into his face and flashing eyes. "There is that other organ we have..." I was giggling now remembering George's rudeness. I told Robin then of that comment and that George had been reprimanded by Theo. "Do not worry for Theo has the same nightly desires as all of us..." I stopped. Although Robin had said he had seen the silver ring in Branscombe's cods he had not revealed whether there was evidence of what might occur when the candles were extinguished.
"...And so do my masters," he whispered. He giggled more. "And their bed squeaks in that rhythm we know so well!"
I was kneeling before him. What could I do? I had quenched my own desire this morning without him. I was with him now and I needed to make amends. I leaned towards him and as I unbuttoned his britches I confessed my thoughts again for Henry Radcliffe and how I had that immediate need and the great desire I now had for him. He was already erect as I sucked and laved that most wonderful stem of his. He held my head so tenderly as I moved back and forth until with almost a sigh he gave me his sweet juices to savour. I took them all and then stood and our lips and mouths met and shared his offering. I had thoughts now only for my Robin.
He stretched his arms around me as we parted from that tenderest of moments. "Tom, whatever thoughts we have of that boy we have each other first!" he whispered.
He buttoned himself and together we laughingly stepped on our dusty rods. "If these were real I warrant we would make a good showing," he said, "Let us leave this until we see Mr Skrimshire this afternoon." I agreed and we left that little room which I now knew could be a welcome trysting place. I had noted there was a catch on the inside so others in the past must have tarried there!
We made our way upstairs and Robin said he wanted to consult Aubrey Bayes for Mr Martin had passed him a sheet with two difficult calculations on it which they had to prepare for Mr Dimbleby. I said I had not seen Aubrey in Chapel but had seen Collett speaking beforehand with Mr Dimbleby. We went to their room and all was made clear as we stood outside. There was someone in the room who was coughing loudly. I knocked and Fraser came to open it.
"Ah, young Tom, has Dr Dimbleby sent you with some good draught for the puir wee lad?" he asked.
I explained we had not seen Dr Dimbleby and it was Robin who wanted to discuss some mathematics with Aubrey.
"I wouldna enter just the now," he said, "My opinion is he took a chill on that awful coach and it is on his chest. Collett has asked Mr Dimbleby for a remedy from his son and I was thinking you may have it."
There was some commotion downstairs with a shout of "Get out of my way, you damn fool! You should know I'm the doctor not some thief!" Pullen must have roused himself to act as the guard dog he should be but had made a grave mistake. Dr Dimbleby soon emerged at the top of the stairs carrying his leather doctor's case. He spied me on the landing.
"Ah, young Browning, have you examined the patient yet?" He saw Fraser standing at the open door and must have gauged his worried look. "The boy? That is him coughing?"
"Aye, sir, he retches as well and is heated," said Fraser standing aside to allow Dr Dimbleby to enter the room. Being more than inquisitive I followed rather hesitantly leaving Robin outside. He whispered he would be in his room.
Bayes was not in his truckle bed but lying on the main bed covered with blankets and the feather coverlet.
"My mother says when there is fever to keep well-covered," said Collett who was standing at the head of the bed and wiping Bayes' flushed face with a soft washcloth.
Dr Dimbleby went to Aubrey and put his hand on his forehead. "That is so, my good fellow." There was a pause. "Yes, he has a chill and fever I would say and sweats. You are doing well," he said to Collett. Aubrey was coughing now. "His throat needs easing and we do not want that to descend into his chest. First he needs a potion to ease that throat." He took Aubrey's hand from under the coverlet. "Can you hear me?"
Aubrey coughed and very hoarsely said he could but it hurt to talk. Dr Dimbleby squeezed his hand.
He turned to me. "And what would you prescribe, young sir?"
Was I being tested? I must take care. If he was feverish and in a sweat he would need liquid. Good, clean water. Lancelot always said not to trust some wells as he had experience of the flux in patients if the water was brackish or stale. Lancelot did say good boiled water was often best. I knew there was good clean water from our well but would note the other to Dr Dimbleby. Then to clear his throat he would need something emollient. Honey with a drop or two of the poppy juice and perhaps a little ipecacuanha added to clear the phlegm. I thought that a hot compress to the throat might help as well. Not so hot to scald like those children I had heard about. I said my piece and Dr Dimbleby nodded.
"You have been taught well. I would concur with each of those particular remedies." He turned to Fraser. "Please arrange for a good amount of cool water for him to drink and also to bathe his temples. We shall need a pan for heating water and some linen for the compress. I will make a mixture for him in the meantime and young Browning can assist me in that task."
Fraser took up his cloak and hat and went out and down the stairs very quickly. Collett asked what might he do and Dr Dimbleby said to continue and he could later bathe Aubrey's face and brow.
Dr Dimbleby opened his case and took out several bottles and containers, which he placed on the desk after pushing books and papers aside. I recognised some of the names, 'Ipec', 'Squills', 'Laudanum', 'Liquorice', 'Oil of Cloves', 'Cream of Tartar'. Others I was not so familiar with, 'Balsam of Tolu', 'Salix Tincture', 'Nitre', but had seen them amongst my cousin's many different potions and remedies.
"We will wait on giving him a good draught of water before pouring anything else down his throat," he said. "We will make two remedies for today." He turned to Collett. "You, my friend, should be in charge of administering them when I am not here. I am sure Master Browning will assist." He looked at me. "You are in a room nearby?"
I said I was next door and he nodded. I watched with interest as he took up his measuring jars and stirred together a first mixture of some Ipecacuanha with Liquorice and a drop or two of Laudanum. "I would add some honey but I have none," he said. I smiled. I knew a source.
"Please, sir, I can obtain some in a moment." I went along to Robin's room and knocked. Maitland was there and I asked if he would be willing to allow Dr Dimbleby some of his store of honey to provide ease for Bayes' throat. I added I had seen he had a good supply of Oil of Cloves which would ease his toothache. I was being cautious as I knew I only had a small amount of that tincture.
He followed me back to the other room bearing an earthernware jar which he gave to Dr Dimbleby. "May I take a little to keep to mix in later?" he asked and Maitland assented. Maitland waited as the first potion was completed with the addition of two good spoonfuls of the honey. Dr Dimbleby poured some of the honey into an empty glass jar and then the mixture he had made into another. He had just finished when Fraser came hurrying back with two pint bottles of water.
"I got this from the kitchen," he explained. "The water is still warm but has been boiling ready for the potatoes for our luncheon. The boys will bring more later. They will bring linen and a saucepan as well. I will go down and see they do not tarry. "
"That is good," Dr Dimbleby said taking one of the bottles and handing the other to Collett. "Here, hold him up and give him two full beakers of the water." Between them Collett and Maitland did as they were bid. Poor Bayes did look quite flushed. "Now, two good spoonfuls of the mixture, my boy. Swallow it slowly and try to keep it in your throat as long as possible." Bayes nodded and after all had been taken from the spoon he smiled. "I feel eased already," he said but then coughed.
Dr Dimbleby held up a finger. "Do not talk for that will set you coughing." He held up the bottle. "He is to have a spoonful of this in an hour and then another after you others have had your luncheon." He patted Bayes' arm. "No food for you, my boy, until that throat is less sore. A bowl of soup later will suffice." He turned to his array of jars on the desk. "We shall need something for this evening and to help him sleep." He smiled at Collett. "It will also help you sleep as I hope his coughing will be eased."
I noted this time he added more drops of Laudanum to the honeyed mixture which I knew would make Bayes drowsy. He also add a little of the Balsam of Tolu and I wondered what was the reason for that. I would not be questioning yet but it was something to ponder.
He finished and shook the bottle and held it to the light from the window. He addressed Collett again. "You must make sure this is shaken and he is to have two spoonfuls of this when it is bedtime. I will return in the morning to see him recovered, I hope."
He was looking at Maitland who was screwing his face and grimacing. "You have the toothache I would say. Is that not so?"
Maitland nodded. "Sir, it gets worse. I though Master Browning had cured it last night but I was foolhardy and bit too hard on a crust this morning."
Dr Dimbleby turned to me and smiled. "And so, young Dr Browning, what did you prescribe?"
I said I had applied a little poppy juice to the tooth and the gum and had advised because of the jagged and broken nature of the tooth he should have it drawn. I added that if I had known the ache had returned I would have applied some of my Oil of Cloves to see if that eased the pain.
Dr Dimbleby beckoned Maitland to stand close and asked him to open his mouth. The rough edge of the tooth was quite visible. He nodded. "You were treated and advised well and that young ruffian has deprived me of my fee. He can treat you further today but when I come to see this lad tomorrow you can be taken to Ashbourne in my coach where you will find there is a first-rate young man who will remove that in a trice." He saw the look of almost horror I had witnessed when I had suggested the tooth should be drawn. "I will dose you after so there will be no pain. In fact, I may dose you before as well at no extra cost." He laughed. "Teeth are horrible creatures and they catch us unawares many times. Look, even I have had to lose three of mine." After displaying his open mouth he took a fob watch from his waistcoat. "I must be off. I have a less than urgent call to treat at least three fellows from Mr Pratt's House who I suspect were rather too free with their intake of tainted liquor last night. I then have to call on two others in Carstairs' who are also racked with coughing. I will hurry back and supervise the hot fomentations for this lad's throat." He tapped his watch. "I must not be late as I am lunching with my mother and father and I will report to him that all should be well here."
I stepped forward and held his case open as he placed the containers carefully into it. He smiled at me as he strapped it shut. "Two drops of Oil of Cloves now for this young gentleman from your compendium and I will be here also in the morning by eight o'clock to see this boy." He turned to Maitland. "My man will drive you to Ashbourne then and you will have a potion to take with you. He will bring you back as well so do not fear you will have to walk!"
With that he took up his hat, gloves, cloak and case and hurried off. I looked at Aubrey Bayes who was now lying with eyes closed. My opinion of Collett had risen. Both he and Fraser had shown a caring attitude to their fag which showed an underlying kindness of heart. Maitland had to be treated now so I said he should follow me to the room next door where my store of remedies was in my chest. Two drops of the oil were soon administered with a grinning Theo looking on, but George was absent. Maitland said he was most indebted to me and would think of some good way of repaying me. He then related to Theo how Aubrey Bayes had been treated by Dr Dimbleby and I had been praised indirectly. I said I had only done my best for him. I wondered then how the debts would be paid for Dr Dimbleby's treatments? When Maitland left saying he was sure his ache was better I asked Theo his opinion.
"I am sure there will be an addition to the account sent to his father. I am sure any charges would be there as an extra like the care of your mounts in the stables or the charge for the coach for pupils travelling to London or elsewhere at the end of term." He pondered a moment. "I doubt if Dr Dimbleby is as expensive as some of the physicians I have heard of in Peterborough. I must not malign Dr Skrimshire, our master's kin, but he is well-thought of and thus can command a good fee. I have heard he will not shift for a member of the gentry for less than five guineas which they pay willingly and promptly." He laughed. "Even if they do not pay the haberdasher or their wine merchant for at least six months."
"You mean that if they do not pay he will not attend?"
"He would send a message he is otherwise engaged and they learn their lesson the first time that happens and the rest of the motley crew know he is a person not to be trifled with."
I grinned at him. "I like that description, 'a motley crew'. I should not say but my father has used even stronger language when some overbearing neighbour has riled him. Mostly by their incompetence in dealing with their mounts and their care."
Theo snorted. "My father has to deal with all sorts and conditions of men as you might imagine and there are some who try his patience more than others. I can assure you they are not the meanest of men but those who think their positions in society owe them more than a measure of attention."
This was interesting. I did not know of Theo's father's antecedents. Was he of the gentry himself or from good yeoman stock? I knew that the famous mathematician Isaac Newton came from a village in our own county of Lincolnshire and that Horatio Nelson was a clergyman's son. These men had achieved greatness entirely through their own efforts though had been set on quite different paths.
He continued. "My hope is that I may find a niche for myself in some pleasing occupation. My father says it is for me to choose. I have no desire for the Church and I am not particularly fitted for the Army nor the Navy. My brother is still suggesting I follow him into the Law and I may do that, but I have time to decide." He nodded his head. "You have made a decision and I praise you for that. Our friend George is certain on his path and I can see him in the future commanding some great regiment."
I laughed. "With trumpet, fife and drum..." We both imitated what we had seen of militiamen marching proudly up and down. I laughed even more at Theo strutting up and down by the side of the bed. It was then the door opened and George returned.
"What's all this," he demanded. He must have seen my happy face. "The boy looks like the cat that has been at the cream!" I had to compose my face or I would have roared with laughter at his statement. I was the cat who had had the cream! My thought was of those moments with my Robin. I could hardly say that dear George had made such a true statement. Luckily Theo told of Bayes having to call on Dr Dimbleby's services and was confined to his bed until the morning at least. He then asked where he had been after they had finished his extra construe as it was rather a long time for a straight piss at the trough.
"I wondered when you would ask," he said and gave Theo a slight sneer. "I certainly went to the trough first but then strolled to the stables to see my Barbary and all those other mounts suffering from neglect not seeing their owners. My entry did make them more cheerful I am sure and more so when I went around with a bucket of carrots."
"Like the good stablehand he could be," I whispered to Theo but George's sharp ears caught it.
"I will ignore the cheekiness but I would willingly spend more time with those noble and not so noble beasts. There was a poor woebegone creature who looked at me with such soulful eyes for his master had more or less deserted him to make merry on a box of squeaks and groans."
"That I have done this morning," I said with an uplift of my chin, "I hope I will repeat it again this afternoon for my enjoyment and you will have to listen again. I am sure my Blaze has the keen attention of my groom who would not neglect his duties for one moment."
George was shaking his head but grinning. "Boy, you never cease to amuse me. I doubt any other fag would be so bold in making statements as you do. I learned early not to answer back when I was your age. I felt a belt on my arse once and that was enough to keep my thoughts to myself."
I was somewhat chastened. If a son of a Lord could be thrashed perhaps I should hold my tongue and not comment so freely? "I apologise," I said, "I am being too forward but I meant no offence. I must admit I have been allowed too much freedom at home which makes me free with my tongue."
"Do not fret, Tom," Theo said, "I have more than enjoyed your statements and rejoinders. I only wish I sometimes had your quickness of reply. We are a happy trio and I am glad you joined us."
"That is so, Tom, I would be saddened if you did not respond to my jibes," George said with an even broader grin. "From what I hear your friend Master Goodhew has the same characteristics. Branscombe has only the most complimentary things to say even after only a couple of days."
I nodded. Both Branscombe and Maitland had warmed to Robin immediately and their patronage of him was assured.
The morning had passed most quickly for the clock now struck one. Time for Sunday luncheon. George was ready and my stomach needed filling, too. We gathered hats and cloaks and made our way downstairs. After his altercation with Dr Dimbleby, Pullen must have resorted to the bottle again. He was asleep and snoring and was in no state to apprehend a thief or any sort of intruder.
"That man is so stupid," George said as we stepped out onto the path to the dining hall. "He has a good position here but makes a fool of himself so easily. Mr Ridley must know but does nothing. He should be pensioned off and put in an almshouse in the village. Except, of course, Gresham has those in his keeping, or so I have heard."
"Perhaps that incident with the bull could be used to make a point of issue," Theo said. "I would be willing to raise it with my father especially if I say it is a concern of ours that Pullen should not be inconvenienced because of ill-health."
"Theo, you have the kindest of hearts," George said holding onto the folds of Theo's cloak. "Do not hurry so." We paused a moment. "If it were my decision Pullen would have been cast out long ago. He is a poor wretch now as we can all see. That would be a just solution and would spare old Bartleby's reprobates many a cut with that cane of his."
I dare not say that he had merited that approbation himself until recently!
"It would be interesting who we might have to endure instead," Theo said and began to walk on. "Another old salt, perhaps, who is used to wielding a rope's end to liven up the powder monkeys."
"I do not know where you get those thoughts but there would be one young monkey for him to practise on," George said giving me that sneer of his.
"Branscombe tells me his father's servants are all old sailors. He might know of a replacement," I said, ignoring another jibe and thinking it should be one skilled in piercing cods ready for rings even though the action might be painful. It could be a fashion for the school instead of the tassels for our caps. One ring for Carstairs' House, two for Prior's, three for Pratt's and so on with perhaps a full half-dozen for Ridley's for its importance. But then how would we know which House a fellow was in? Then fashion would have to be to display one's cods on full view constantly. These lubricious thoughts of an entire school of naked pierced boys were dispelled as we reached the door and the welcome aroma of something roasted wafted out, at which George's attention was directed.
"Mrs Partridge said she had two fine pieces of beef for the spit today and there will be potatoes roasted in the fat I'm sure," he said rubbing his belly. "If young Bayes is not here we must prevent Collett feasting on his share."
"An extra piece for you, eh?" Theo said as we divested ourselves of our outer garments and joined those already ready to sit. Mr Pretyman's young charges were already seated for they were usually marched in on time and were already being served with their portions.
"I hope those infants haven't been given all the best parts," George said as we noted the serving-boys ladling out roast potatoes and thick brown gravy for them.
"You will have sufficient," Theo said, "Sit down and do not gape with your mouth open!"
"I am but noting the redness of the beef. I am most partial to a good cut of red beef," he replied, "I am glad we are early as we shall be served next."
By this time all the House was tramping in and settling. Grace must have been said for the Pups and Whelps as we had our plates filled with no more ado. George was sighing happily as Japhet placed a thick slice of the beef tinged with redness on his plate. Both Theo and I were treated accordingly and I spooned three well-browned potatoes beside it. All that and the accompanying hot gravy was most satisfying. A good helping of a steamed raisin pudding followed and when we were finished Mr Pretyman stood and announced we should now write our letters.
The tables were cleared and ink pots, pens and paper appeared though many had brought their own. I had my two already completed letters in my jacket pocket and while the others were settling I went over to Robin along the row where Branscombe was instructing him in the procedure. I waited until he had finished and handed Robin the one I had written to Natty's mother. I asked him to complete it and hand it back as I would pay the postage. Branscombe did not enquire to whom it was addressed but said not to write too much on each of his sheets or he would be bankrupt by half-term.
I managed to complete the page to my parents, another to Aunt Matty and Uncle Dodd and a final one to my Aunt and Uncle in London. Mr Pretyman was rather overwhelmed by all the letters handed to him as it was the first Sunday of term and everyone had to inform all and sundry of their safe arrival. I wondered about Aubrey Bayes whose mother would be expecting a missive before the end of the week.
The usual games and pastimes then occupied everyone as they finished writing. I played two games of Noughts and Crosses with Theo. I was most gratified when I won the first one. I did not tell him I followed the rules told me by Robin, which I found worked. I did let him win the second which satisfied both of us. It was then nearing the time for Robin and I to go the Chapel to meet Mr Skrimshire so I gathered him and we went up to Mr Pretyman who was still counting up the postage costs. I asked permission for us to go to the Chapel. He wanted to know why we were to be so early. Was it to be members of the Choir? Robin was ready with the answer and said we were to play the organ. Mr Pretyman laughed and said we were full of surprises and waved us out.
I retrieved the book of organ pieces I had left with my hat and cloak in the lobby and we went along the path to the Chapel. "Do not giggle when you think of those rods," Robin whispered as we reached the side door which the Masters used. I rapped on the door and it was opened immediately by the lad who had pumped the organ for us.
"Ah, sirs," he said raising a hand to salute us in greeting, "Mr Skrimshire is a-waiting. He has been making many a good tune and is resting awhile."
He led us into the vestry where Mr Skrimshire was sitting looking at a music book. We bowed our heads in greeting and he told us to leave our cloaks and caps on hooks where the masters and clergy placed theirs. I felt rather important. He held up the book.
You have heard of Johann Sebastian Bach?" he asked. We both nodded. Aunt Matty had played at least two pieces by him. "He is a great composer but this organ is not sufficient to do justice to his magnificence. We do not have sufficient pedals to be able to play most of his works." He held the book towards us. I could see the three staves repeated on the page four times over and these looked full of black notes. "We are not blessed here in England with many instruments capable of full performance of these glorious preludes and fugues." He was smiling. "Perhaps I may persuade the governors to have the organ augmented but we must make what we can with what is before us. Let us go in and you can find your feet!"
In no time we had both practised our new skill and, other than one missed note on my part on one repetition, we both fitted our feet with our hands in those last bars. It was decided that we would turn the pages for each other instead of relying on the member of the choir who usually turned pages for Mr Skrimshire. I was ready seated on the bench with stops drawn well before the five-minute bell was rung. I looked at Herbert and nodded. He pumped slowly and carefully and when the mouse showed the windchest was full I began. I took time over the opening and found my fingers were steady as the sound filled the Chapel. I did not feel apprehensive though I could hear the entry of all my school-fellows. I change the stops ready for the Vivace and I was so pleased with the sound especially when the Echo passages contrasted with the Great organ. As I approached the final Adagio I placed my feet ready and saw Robin had his hand poised over the Trumpet stop knob. He drew it as I began that last phrase and the sound blazed out. I held the last chord and took hands and feet off the keys together. Mr Ridley was at the lectern and the service began.
I slid off the bench and Mr Skrimshire took my place to play for the hymn. When that was over he pushed in the stops he had used and beckoned Robin. He took Mr Skrimshire's place and while Mr Ridley drew the service to a close chose his stops and I placed the book on the music rest open at Number Eight. He played that Vivace with such aplomb and accuracy and I drew two more stops at the end for the Adagio. His feet were exact and his final chord sounded out loud and long.
Mr Skrimshire was full of praise as Robin then stood by my side after pushing in the stops he had used. "My boys, I must look to my laurels! But here is Mr Ridley."
As he approached I could see he was shaking his head - in amazement I hoped. We were praised again and told we must have extra tuition with Mr Skrimshire if he was minded. He was smiling and said he would be most pleased. Both Robin and I thanked Herbert for his efforts and I saw Mr Skrimshire pass him a coin or two. That was something I must do in the future. I looked down the Chapel and saw that it was now empty and a couple of the servants were extinguishing the candles.
Feeling very pleased we collected our cloaks and caps and left by the side door. Of course our fag-masters were waiting for us. We were thumped on our backs until we were winded. Branscombe especially was most complimentary and congratulated us both before the four of them escorted us along to a side path which, though winding, led to the rear of Ridley's House. We had hardly gone a few yards in the gathering dark when George let out a most uncharacteristic expletive.
"What the hell is that?" He was pointing into the shrubs lining the path.
There was a recumbent figure curled on the ground his cloak lying away from him and he was sobbing. It was Jopling!
To be continued:
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