Tom Brownings Schooldays

Tom Browning's Schooldays

By

Joel

Chapter Fifty Five

Branscombe and Freddy came along to our bedroom after changing and tidying themselves ready for dinner. Robin and I were sitting by the fire just chatting and saying what an interesting day we had had. We had both laughed at that interplay between my father and Cedric who was now without any doubt within our wider family. It was something I had to share with my mother together with the message from the Colonel so, as the other two came to the door preceded as usual by a watchful and attentive Benjy, I excused myself and went along to my mother's boudoir.

She and her maid Marie were both reading. I noted both books were in French though I did not enquire their titles. My mother closed her book and held out her arms and I went to be kissed. Marie smiled and blew me a kiss as she generally did and I made a face at her which set her laughing.

"Well, Tom, you have been too busy to disturb your poor old mother these past two days," my mother said in French. "I need to know what has been happening."

I also replied in my best French and said how we had visited Colonel Neville and the day had been most pleasant. I mentioned 'les r‚parations' and the ruined 'moulin ... eau' as well as the 'peau du lion' in which Freddy, 'a trouvez son bonheur d'exposer ... la vue...', had taken delight in showing us. As my vocabulary was not strong enough I told her in English of the interplay between my father and Branscombe. This made both laugh and my mother said she thought Branscombe was a fine fellow and she would make a point of welcoming him to the family, too. After I told her the Colonel's response to her letter I then asked rather hesitantly if she had concluded that young Freddy was being rejected by his mother. She nodded.

"Both your Aunt Matty and I have come to that conclusion," she said quite forcefully also in English. "He speaks of his father most happily but he shed a tear or two after he had played to us. We had to coax him to tell us why and he said he wished his mother could hear him play but he was quite afraid to confess it." She shook her head. "She had sent him to his room when she heard him play a scale on her fortepiano. Our impression is that his sister is wanted and he is not."

I agreed that seemed to be so and went on to describe the visit to the forge. Both my mother and Marie laughed at my animated depiction of the Barkers picking up the visitors and how afterwards Freddy had asked if he might pump the bellows for he had done this at home in the village forge although his mother had forbad him. I explained that he had mentioned other restrictions on what he wanted to do at home and it was my feeling that he only felt free, even though bound by rules, when at School and, more importantly, when he was with us on this holiday.

I could see my mother was not impressed with Mrs Neville and she declared Freddy was a most agreeable young man and we must see he was not neglected when in London. She would arrange visits to the tailors and the bootmakers which could be at the same time as those already arranged for me and the Goodhews. My conclusion was that letters must be passing behind my back! I went on to say that Freddy and Philip Goodhew would be friends even though they were of different stations. I shrugged my shoulders and commented that I was not impressed with those who were over-concerned with such matters. My mother smiled at this.

"It is my opinion," my mother said quite firmly, "that Frederick should also be nurtured in his playing. Without proper lessons so far he is able to play most competently and you will have to look to your laurels if he is able to progress!" I made a face which set both my mother and Marie laughing. "I will take counsel of your Aunt Fanny while in London and we will see if he can be heard and commented upon by a qualified musician." She shook her head. "What with Philip and now this boy I think our time in London will not just be concerned with the wedding."

I heard then that the wedding would be at eleven o'clock on the Saturday morning and that we would be having a wedding breakfast, or luncheon, at the Goldsmiths' Hall which would accommodate all the guests of whom some two hundred had been invited. The use of that illustrious setting was through connections Mrs Branscombe's family had with the Goldsmiths' Company. My mother laughed again.

"That is most fortunate as the bride's parents are responsible for the expenditure as we learned to our cost when your two sisters were married." She shook her finger at me. "It will be up to you to find a rich young lady if you wish to be equal to dear Torquil!"

I just said I thought that might be many years ahead but knowing it was most likely not to occur!

It was time for me to join the others but I did ask if Freddy would be allowed to attend the Hunt Dinner here on Saturday. From her expression I knew she was not happy with some who might be guests but she smiled and said he would be placed next to her on one side with Robin on the other. I thanked her and was rewarded with another kiss and the observation that my French would improve if I made the effort to read a book or two in that language. I forbore from remarking that we now had a 'professeur' at Ashbourne. If I had mentioned that I knew it would mean I would have even less time left at School, with all the other work I had to do and the duties I had to perform.

The evening passed pleasantly with just my mother and father and us four boys at the dinner table. My mother was happy to hear again that Colonel Neville was now comfortable in Moss Hall though somewhat incapacitated because of the gout. I knew she had a liking for him and his courtly manners and was pleased when I said I would consult Lancelot on his behalf for some remedy. When we were sitting after the repast was over my father offered Branscombe a pipe which he accepted and made Robin and me grin as he sat puffing quite contentedly. They even discussed fishing though my father always said he was too busy to sit and contemplate the water going by. At least the Squire would be happy on Saturday evening as he would have a like mind to discuss the merits of those various flies we had helped to prepare.

Later, in bed, Robin and I decided we would have to find out what else Philip or James might know about the two on the memorials and even show at least Philip the drawing. Our discussion of that led us to the conclusion that we were certainly on the route to being well-formed young gentlemen ourselves. Twice we wondered if the Edward and William of long ago had reached similar conclusions if they were as firm friends as we were! Robin remarked that I was certainly a very firm friend!

Thursday was quite a blustery day so we decided to visit the Rectory rather than ride out far. I knew that if Lancelot was not in his lair I was sure my Uncle Dodd would be in his study preparing his sermon for Sunday. If we disturbed him he would not be able to write too much, I thought. After that we could ride along to Robin's house for Branscombe and Freddy to meet his mother and to see Steven Goodhew at work. Bobby Brewer had our mounts ready for us in no time and again I vowed not to play any tricks with the two ponies!

First, though, we explored the laying of the pipes to the river for the future disposal of the debris from the jakes. Brinkley, who usually was in charge of the wind-pump removing water to the drain and the river from the low-lying land, was supervising three men filling in the earth above the pipes already laid. He said all would be done in just a couple of days.

We left our steeds with the stable-lad at the Rectory and went round to the side entrance. Lancelot was in his upper room just by the lobby inside the door where he saw his patients. He was busy for a mother had brought two young sons who had ringworm on their scalps. She was bobbing and curtseying as we entered through the porch and was most apologetic for being there as she explained their predicament.

"Mistress Cardew," I said, "There is no hurry. We will disturb the Rector and return to see my cousin at some later time."

Robin stayed a moment to speak to her for her husband, Joseph Cardew, often helped his father with transporting stone. He was a carter who plied his trade towards Bourne where the canal there ended. I knew him as a most cheerful fellow who was rarely without a flagon of ale which was liberally shared with any who wished to take the cart with him. He was known to be a busy man!

Uncle Dodd was in his study with his great Bible open in front of him and other tomes piled around. He breathed out as we entered, having knocked, and he shouting out 'Enter!'.

"I am very glad to see you," he declared, reaching out for the bell pull. "I have just completed my sermon." He indicated a sheet or two of paper covered with his big untidy hand. "I am minded to outdo my dissenting friends and preach for more than their two hours on Sunday. All that has put my intellect in a fervour and I require a hot posset to calm me." He tugged the bell-pull again. "I have forgot. Mr Simpson has been sent to our excellent Parish Clerk as I must send my returns to the Bishop who, no doubt, is eagerly awaiting the news of three weddings, six burials and uncountable christenings." A lad appeared at the door. "Ah, young Claudius, tell your aunt I have four visitors and we need a good draught of that fine mixture she has in the pan on the trivet."

The lad, who I knew was no more 'Claudius' than I was, bowed his head and ran off. He was one of Mrs Reynolds' nephews and was really another of the many Johns in the village. I also noted he was smartly dressed in an old suit of jacket and britches which I had outgrown a good two years ago.

I would have to counter that remark about the length of his sermon. "Uncle, you cannot speak for so long or you will wear out your voice and I am certain Mr Thatcher will not allow you a tankard in the pulpit to ease your throat."

He laughed. "Then I must enquire how Zebediah survives those onslaughts of his."

Freddy was looking at my uncle with such a serious look on his face. "Sir, my father says that if he strays over half an hour the churchwardens have to rouse themselves from their slumbers to wake the rest of the congregation with their staves. My mother closes her eyes when he is speaking but says that is for better concentration."

"My boy, if I had a penny for every closed pair of eyes in my congregations over the years I would be the richest man in England." He looked at me. "Eh, Tom? Now answer that!"

I knew better than to say anything. My uncle leaned over and began to make spaces on the large desk. "Now let me welcome you all properly. Master Branscombe you are welcome and if you can find a chair without too much clutter on it draw it up and sit. That applies to you too, young Fredericus Maximus." Cedric Branscombe very kindly cleared Freddy's chair as well. Robin and I were not welcomed formally but seats were pointed at.

None too soon Mrs Reynold's rather rotund daughter brought in a tray with three tankards on it and was followed by the lad bearing another one with two more. Whatever Mrs Reynolds brewed was most appreciated. As we supped Uncle Dodd turned to Freddy.

"You were to visit your grandfather yesterday. How is he?" he asked.

Freddy was very exact in his telling. Uncle Dodd was nodding as he said about the painful foot. As Freddy finished I said one reason for our visit here was to ask Lancelot to prepare something for the Colonel and have it delivered.

"No doubt Lancelot will conjure up some magical elixir..." He looked at Freddy and waved his arms wildly, "...I am sure he chants 'Abracadabra' as he stirs the steaming cauldron." Freddy was rather perplexed at this but Robin patted his leg and gave him a reassuring sneer. My uncle saw this and laughed. "'Tis a pity the Colonel will not be attending the Hunt on Saturday as that is a great pleasure for him. I must send him a message before we depart on Monday." Freddy was addressed again. "Are you prepared for what we will experience in London?"

Freddy shook his head. "I must not get too excited but that Natty told me of some of the wonders. I do know about the gaslights as I have seen those in Ipswich but it is all the buildings I'm eager to see."

"Well, my boy, you will have a most marvellous time especially as the wedding will be in one of the grandest churches in Christendom. There is only one I know which surpasses it and that is St Peter's in Rome as even our Westminster Abbey does not have such a dome."

Robin was laughing. "I warrant my brother will want to take you up into the dome but do not be tempted as he was to see if the echoes continue if you shout loud against the wall!"

That tale had to be told and Freddy promised he would not be led astray. Uncle Dodd was grinning at that then turned to me. He was more than astute.

"I would suggest your visit to the church that morning was more than to exhibit your skills to your friends, eh?"

What was I to say? I could hardly admit to secreting the drawing in my drawer as those lads had done through a gap in the floorboards a good hundred years before. Freddy, at least, knew he should say nothing and both Branscombe had Robin stared at me with passive expressions.

"We were looking around and spied two of the memorials were for quite young fellows who had died and Philip said they were both uncles of the Squire."

I was relieved as my uncle was nodding and I had to say nothing further. He knew their history.

"That is so but there is more. Did you note the dates of their deaths?"

Here Branscombe was ready. "I remember reading the younger one, Edward Sheridan, died in 1757 and the other, I think William Matthews, in 1760,"

"Where did the younger one die?" my uncle asked.

Robin answered this time. "I believe it said Calcutta and he was in the employ of the East India Company, so that is India."

"That is true but what do you know of the strange history of that continent at that time?" He asked looking around at us.

Branscombe said he had heard his father talk of the Company and Freddy piped up and said 'that lady', meaning Miss Barnes, had told us her father had been employed by the Company. I did not dare say there must be many strange things in that continent for Miss Barnes had two of them in her house mounted on a wall!

"I will enlighten you," said Uncle Dodd with a smile. "The Company was very powerful in India with its own army and it had trading posts in several places there. This caused jealousies among the Indian rulers even more so when the fortifications in Calcutta were being extended. One of the rulers defeated the Company's soldiers the year before that young man died. Calcutta was regained in 1757 after what is known as the Battle of Plassey led by Robert Clive."

Branscombe was nodding at this. "Sir, my father has spoken of that battle and said there was a massacre of prisoners in an underground cellar. He said it was called the Black Hole of Calcutta."

"That is so," my uncle said, "but the Sheridan who died was not there but perished from a fever some time later. It was the fate of many young men who thought they might make their fortunes in the Company's employ. He was most unlucky for he had joined the Company when he was just eighteen and had been a clerk in London for some years before being shipped to India where he succumbed just two months after arriving. I know this because of the father's papers which have survived." He looked at me. "I think you know the father became a recluse after he lost a deal of money in a stupid speculation soon after both his wife and son died. That is how Careby Hall became quite ruinous and there were no heirs to the estate when he died so your grandfather bought it."

I nodded as that fitted what my father had told us. I would enquire further.

"I did not know my grandfather," I said, "My father said he came from London, I think."

My uncle smiled. "That is as much as I know, too. I met him only a few months before he died when he presented me with the living here. Your Aunt Matty was his elder daughter and he was most cordial in his welcome to me. We knew he was ill and your dear grandmother had already died so to have his daughter nearby was a blessing for him for we were able to marry then. Do not ask more as your father knows nothing further, or so he has told me."

That dismissal was the same as Torquil had also received. No more enquiry now. But...

Branscombe came to my rescue. "Sir, the other one? He was a naval man as I wish to be. My father says he was always wary of not knowing a safe passage into a harbour for there was always a risk of the vessel being holed on rocks or driven onto the shore. Is that how this ship was lost?"

My uncle looked at him closely. "I would say that would be of great concern for any captain. It is true that this vessel foundered. It was the Mermaid and was cast on shore by a storm in the December of the year before and then abandoned in the following January so I understand. There was no news for several months of the fate of the vessel and that came with the intelligence that William Matthews had been found drowned though the captain maintained no lives had been lost in the original incident. From the accounts of his fellow officers he was sober and hard-working, well-liked and well-respected by all. However, it was said that he had been distraught over the death of his best friend."

"Uncle, was that best friend Edward Sheridan?" Robin asked in hushed tones.

All my uncle did was nod.

There was no more to be said. Fortuitously there was a rap on the door and Lancelot poked his head round.

"Father, you all look as solemn as a Puritan tea party would, if ever they held one." He laughed as he entered the room. "And with tankards, too." The young lad must have heard him leave his den and came to the door carrying another tankard which Lancelot took from him. He patted the lad on the head who then turned and hurried off. "Your health, gentlemen!" Lancelot said as he lifted the tankard to his lips and gave an appreciative smile. "Not that everyone has good health..."

His father laughed now. "...Lancelot, we are like your mother and do not wish to hear of the ailments of your patients."

He was not subdued. "Father, unless I broadcast my successes then I would have no new patients." He waved his tankard at me "Tom, I will tell you of a good remedy for the affliction the young Cardews exhibited. It is most common where children are in close quarters."

I knew that as I had seen the tell-tale circle a number of times in the past, most usually on the shaved heads of young brothers in the village. I also knew Lancelot made an ointment for its treatment which was most efficacious. I had to deliver a message, though.

"I thank you, cousin, it may be useful if any at School should have it appear," I said politely then looked at my uncle, who as usual had a ghost of a grin on his face. "Uncle, may I be excused as I have to give Lancelot a request?..."

Uncle Dodd waved his hand at me. "...From the Colonel no doubt?" I nodded. "Stay, as we all know of his condition and there will be no hideous details to relate." He smiled at his son. "Lancelot, you said you would be riding out Essendine way tomorrow to visit that stubborn patient of yours even though it will be Good Friday so you could go a little further and visit the Colonel."

Lancelot frowned. "I would need to set off in good time but I know from the past what the Colonel needs and at least I would have done my duty before we leave on Monday."

There was a little silence. I spoke up and remarked about the ruined mill-wheel. Lancelot snorted.

"Am I to examine that as well as a patient?" he said rather testily, "I beg your pardon, Tom, but the last time I went to Moss Hall I was also asked to look at two of his steeds and I am no horse quack!" He calmed down. "No, forgive me, I will do as asked for the Colonel is a fine man." He winked at Freddy who was listening intently. "I must give my opinion on the water-mill for I am also being consulted on matters hydraulic for Careby Hall and such things are of great interest to me."

Uncle Dodd laughed. "That is so. I await with even greater interest the ceremony of the first flush of your device for cascading the water into those new closets there." He clapped his hands together. "My apologies, my boys, for mentioning such things but we have had much discussion here over the designs. I am confident all will perform as planned."

Our tankards were empty and I could see that my uncle wanted to finish any other tasks he had that morning so I stood and said if Lancelot would allow we would like to see a demonstration of some of his other devices and experiments.

My uncle gave an even deeper laugh as he pinched his nostrils and waved his other hand as if to shoo as out. We bowed our heads in farewell and followed a laughing Lancelot as well.

I do not think either Branscombe or Freddy foresaw what was to befall them as they were ushered in first into his other room where he kept bottles and jars and the box containing that head. It was quite dark but cousin Lancelot had a small lantern burning some oil of his own concocting. He took a taper and lit two candles from the flame. I could then see into the room and was relieved that the box was not in sight.

As we were all now in the room he pointed to the rows of jars and bottles on the shelves and to his microscope set up by the window. "Welcome to my hermit's lair," he said. He picked up the nearest bottle. In it was one of his prize specimens. "Do you know what this is?" he asked as he held it up. Both Robin and I kept silent. The other two shook their heads. "Then I must tell you unless either Robin or Tom will enlighten you."

I let Robin have his say. "It is a seahorse or hippocampus," he said almost resignedly.

I knew why he was rather reluctant to be more mannerly. We had seen the preserved object many times and Robin had questioned whether such a thing could be a fish on the first showing when we were much younger. "It is too strange," he had said, "It is not like a good trout or even a pike."

"Is it really a horse?" Freddy asked.

"No, it is a curious fish and this specimen came from the Mediterranean sea near Italy. Our Uncle Digby in London gave it to me from his cabinet of curiosities."

"My father has described many strange fish he has seen on his travels," said Branscombe. "He says there are flying fish though they do not have wings but break out from the water to follow the passage of the ship beside them."

Lancelot nodded. "I have heard of those and of the dolphins and porpoises which also swim alongside vessels."

"He has described those, too," Cedric averred.

I knew also what would come next and this would have added to Robin's disquiet.

"Do you know what you have in here?" he asked Freddy and tapped him on the top of his head.

"That would be my brain," Freddy said with a smile.

"Yes, and that is made of different parts," said Lancelot taking up a second jar. "This was taken from some poor man's head after he died." I looked at Freddy who did not seem at all disquieted by this statement but looked intently at the contents of the jar. "There is a part of the brain which has the shape of that fish and in the books of anatomy it is called the hippocampus as well. We do not know its function but it sits near the base of the mass of grey matter as you have seen in a butcher's shop."

Branscombe laughed. "That is a favourite dish of my father's. A sheep's brain sliced and fried."

"But that is from a man?" Freddy said. "Are our brains like those I have seen in Harding's shop? I am not allowed there but if I see Mrs Harding she always has a sweetmeat for me so the boy there shows me things before I leave."

Lancelot was in his true didactic mode. "Yes, that is so. We like all animals have a brain, though some are not so sharp as others..."

"...vervex," murmured Robin.

Lancelot laughed. "That is true. Who offers me a translation?"

Both Branscombe and Freddy remained silent. It was my turn. "Mutton-headed," I said, "Uncle Dodd says it of us when we are slow in our learning."

Freddy was smiling. "I will remember that and say it to Lawson when I have to finish his recitation of a declension."

Lancelot was busying himself with other jars and bottles. He took the stopper from one. "Sniff that carefully," he said to Branscombe. He did so and started back, his eyes watering. He drew out a handkerchief and wiped his eyes

"I have experienced that before but not so strong. My sisters have a small phial in case they feel faint."

Lancelot was nodding. "That is so. As Tom and Robin will tell you there are many other aromas even less pleasant than that. I won't produce any of those but this is most agreeable." He loosened the stopper of another and held it near Freddy's nose.

"That is most pleasant, sir," Freddy said.

"It is attar of roses," Lancelot said, "And most costly in its purest form."

We all demanded to be allowed to sniff at the enjoyable aroma which being let out like a genie from the bottle was sweetening the other more pungent odours which pervaded the cellar room.

"Just one more demonstration," said Lancelot picking up a small phial with a quantity of greyish grains in it and selecting a small hammer from tools hung on a board. "We must be outside for this as the vapours are not to be breathed." We followed him out to where the stone mounting-block was standing. This was well-worn as many a knife had been sharpened against it as well as many a riding-boot having stood on it. Lancelot tipped a small quantity of the powdery crystals on the stone. He beckoned Freddy and gave him the hammer. He positioned him a distance from the block. It was rather like the instruction to Megson with the Prince Rupert's Drop. Now it was "Strike the powder with the hammer".

Freddy did as instructed and there was a flash and a loud report as the powder exploded. He jumped and looked at Lancelot inquiringly. Lancelot took the hammer from him. "Your turn, Master Branscombe," he said and I noted he poured almost the rest of the powder which was quite a little more than that given to Freddy. Branscombe's explosion was most spectacular. It was loud enough for birds to take flight from quite distant trees. In fact we all jumped back as Lancelot roared with laughter.

"That was something new," I said, "What preparation is that?"

Lancelot looked at the phial he was holding. "It is something I have not made before but tried it last week and thought to demonstrate its properties to you if you all came to the Rectory as I was not minded to keep it longer. It is fulminate of mercury and its production is not to be undertaken lightly. I was warned to prepare it outside and to keep it carefully without dropping anything it was contained in." He held the seemingly empty fragile container over the mounting-block and dropped it. There must have been some grains remaining as there was a third detonation though not as spectacular as the other two but nothing now remained of the phial. He shook his head. "That would not have been at all pleasant happening in the confines of my room."

"Is that an useful explosive?" asked Branscombe. "It would seem too ready to discharge, even more than gunpowder."

"I would say it is too dangerous in that pure form," Lancelot said. "It is also very hazardous to prepare." He wagged a finger at me. "If I tell you, you must promise..." I nodded. If Lancelot wanted to blow his head off... I must not be ungracious. I was most indebted to my cousin for all the learning he had imparted to me. He beckoned us back into the den and we followed him like sheep! He picked out more jars and a flask talking as he did so. "As I said the advice is to prepare it in an open space for the fumes are extremely poisonous. You take a little mercury." He held up the first very thick-walled jar and the silvery liquid swirled a little as he turned it. "Have you not seen this before?" he enquired of Branscombe and Freddy. They both shook their heads. "It is a metal though it is liquid. It is also very heavy." He held the bottle out to Branscombe who almost dropped it before he became accustomed to the unfamiliar weight.

"That is most strange," he said quietly shaking his head. "I have heard of the substance but have not experienced it." He turned to Freddy. "I think it better for you not to hold this alone but feel the weight as I put a hand under yours." Freddy was spell-bound as the bright heavy liquid moved slowly in the jar.

Lancelot took it back and placed it carefully on a lower shelf. He held up a second bottle. "This I will not let you hold. This is nitric acid which is most dangerous and some is placed in a flask over the mercury." He held the still-stoppered jar close to the open glass container. "As the two combine very poisonous fumes are produced which must not be breathed." He put down the nitric acid jar and picked up the third bottle which was filled also with a clear liquid. "The final ingredient is this quite pure distilled alcohol which I prepare from fermented sugar. What is left then after washing in water, filtering and drying carefully are those crystals you saw."

Branscombe was shaking his head. "I do not think I would remember all these things. I have been shown the black powder my father uses in his pistols when he shoots at targets. I have tried them, too, and he is strict on the small amount one has to pour."

Lancelot nodded. "That is true. Too much and with a misfire then damage can be done to the shooter rather than the shot. I will not show you how to manufacture gunpowder but Robin and Tom have been instructed and know to take care." He smiled at Branscombe. "I am told it is a great danger on board ship but it soon takes damp if not stored carefully." He looked at Freddy. "When it is damp it will not fire but one must not try to dry it by placing a barrel near a stove as the powder monkey once did and he finished up in the rigging without climbing the companionway stairs."

"That is something I would not do," Freddy said most emphatically having realised the seriousness behind the jest. "I would wish to learn more about such things as these mixtures and portions but I have not heard of any such thing at School."

"It would be my wish that such things were taught in school," said Lancelot. "If they are not how will we make progress in the world? There is a great lack of good instruction."

We could not discuss this explosive matter further as he held up a prism of glass and beckoned us to follow him out of the room. Outside as we stood around him he turned the prism so we could see the colours of the rainbow faintly. "If we had more time I would show what Sir Isaac Newton discovered about light." He laughed. " However, I think my instruction for today has ended."

Uncle Dodd came out hatless and coatless, shaking his head, to enquire as to the loud report. Lancelot had to tell his father about the substance he had prepared which made Uncle Dodd give his usual snort of exasperation. Freddy was looking at the mounting block and was rather excited when he spotted a few tiny silvery globules. Uncle Dodd waited as Lancelot turned to Freddy. "What you see there is some of the mercury I used to produce that fulminate and it returns to its natural state once the explosion has taken place. The other constituents have floated off as those noxious gases I mentioned."

"It is almost like magic," Freddy said looking at Uncle Dodd with a smile.

"That is so," Uncle Dodd said with a laugh in response. "In times past such things were thought to be magical and both clever and not-so-clever men spent much time trying to turn such things as lead into gold. I remember as a boy an old man in the village who was convinced some mountebank had made him some gold for which he had paid handsomely. He was most disconcerted when his shining gold was shown to be nothing but a common ore of iron."

Lancelot rushed into his den and soon came out bearing another jar. This had a lump of shining gold. "This is that very substance," he announced holding it up so it shone brightly. "It is iron pyrites!"

Uncle Dodd laughed and went back indoors with a dismissive wave of his hand at his son. He was used to Lancelot's collections and his experiments.

Lancelot had not finished. He brandished the jar. "Many people have been misled in believing anything that glitters must be gold." He smiled at Freddy. "So, if someone offers you such a thing you must take care."

"I would take great care," Freddy said. "I could but wish to study such things so I knew when to take care."

I said we did not have ordinary lessons dealing with chemical or other things but in Mr Ridley's special class we had demonstrations by fellows like Winstanley who was going to study at a College in London. I wondered who would take his place and thought that perhaps Aubrey Bayes might take over his mantle.

As time was going fast I said we should say farewell as we intended to visit Robin's family and then get back to the Hall for luncheon. It took no time to make that journey as we took a short cut by a back lane. We went to the barn first and found it to be a hive of activity. Steven Goodhew was shaping a large block of stone while Liam was carefully chiselling into a black line drawn on a smaller block. Jesse Flagge and another hefty young man were bringing in two other blocks on a low wheeled trolley while both James and Philip were clearing stone chips ready for those blocks to be placed on the ground.

We were welcomed most heartily and after introductions Cedric and Freddy were soon in conversation with Steven and the two youngsters. Robin and I cornered Liam who showed us how he was preparing his particular block ready to replace a crumbling lintel on a window of a church in a nearby village. "Mr Goodhew has made it round and I have to prepare this groove so it matches its companion which we finished yesterday." He indicated a second block resting on two logs. We said we would not hinder him so he continued as we watched and waited until Steven had shown the other pair a very fine gravestone he had just finished carving. Steven said we should go to the house as he was certain there would be some refreshment there. Of course, Philip and James led the way, calling out to warn their mother that guests were approaching. Jenny had already noted our arrival and was ready with a cordial greeting in more ways than one! Beakers of a fine concoction were being poured by the kitchen-maid as we had to pass through the kitchen to reach the parlour.

Robin introduced Cedric to his mother and it was very touching to see how he took her hand and kissed it. I think there were tears in both their eyes. Cedric put an arm round Robin's shoulder. "I am honoured to meet you, ma'am, and to know your son," he said very sincerely. There was no more to say.

Philip then introduced Freddy to his mother as his 'twin' which, no doubt, had already been discussed between him and his parents this morning and we all laughed. Freddy then had his say of all the things which were happening to him which amused Jenny even more. While he was speaking Philip disappeared upstairs for a few moments and returned with two rolls of paper. As Freddy finished so Philip handed one roll to Cedric.

"Please, Mr Branscombe, this is with my compliments," he said most formally with a bow of his head. Branscombe unrolled the paper. On it was a truly beautiful representation of the boy holding the hare, except that the boy was quite unmistakably Branscombe. All he could do was to shake his head in disbelief that he could be the recipient of such a gift. Freddy was handed the second roll. "I would be most pleased, Master Neville, if you would accept this for the occasion of your forthcoming birthday." Of course, this was the boy with the hare again, this time it was Freddy. Robin and I were handed the papers as Philip was hugged and lifted off the floor by Branscombe so Freddy was left to hug him almost round his thighs.

We then toasted both the boys for their forthcoming birthdays and said there would have to be further celebrations on the way to London and after we arrived there. I wondered if James would feel left out but he was grinning in anticipation of that visit.

A very happy quartet left the house and rode back to the Hall. My mother was in the Library instructing Benjy and Eamonn on placing a stack of books which had just arrived by carrier from London. "Your Uncle Digby thinks we do not have enough," she said, "He has sent two boxes full and I haven't even had time to look at all the titles." I noted that all had been bound identically in the same red and gold binding as most of the others already on the shelves. I knew I had better not pick up any to look at, that would have to come later. Freddy was too excited to contain himself as it was.

"Ma'am, please, look at what Philip has given me," he declared, unrolling his drawing. That did stop my mother in her task.

She also shook her head. "That is so perfect," she said, "You must keep it safely."

"Oh, ma'am, I will."

Cedric then had to show her his portrayal as well. "Ma'am, I could not wish for anything better." My mother just smiled. Philip's talent was being manifested more and more. She said to Freddy she would see him in the parlour when she finished with the books and he could play more.

We excused ourselves and went up to our rooms as we all had urgent needs to use the commodes. Robin said he was most desperate for a good piss so I let him go first and the sounds almost made me wet my britches. When I finished and had buttoned up Robin caught hold of me in a great hug and as I looked into his face I saw tears in his eyes.

"Tom, that William Matthews was found drowned but the captain said no one was lost with the foundering," he murmured through his tears. "Did he do away with himself?"

"Through love for his best friend?" I asked in response. If so, then the plaque held a lie for good or ill.

"I could not lose you," he whispered.

I kissed his cheek, then on his lips. "Nor I you," I said fervently but quietly through my own tears.

We sat on the settle and held each other tightly just valuing our closeness and that great, great friendship we had for each other. We had sat apart and were just smiling at each other when a rap on the door announced that Cedric had completed his needs. He came in alone as Freddy had gone downstairs to my mother. He came over to us and held out both his hands and we grasped one each.

"I would be most distraught if anything happened to my friends and I count on you as not only family but such good friends," he said so touchingly. "To perish for love is the greatest sacrifice of one's life I would say." He had come to the same conclusion as we had. "There are things I must say and do when I return home as my dearest friend must not be neglected."

Quite spontaneously we both stood and we hugged all together in a bond of friendship.

We had a most convivial dinner that evening. The Dodds came and Lancelot said he was all prepared to see the Colonel the next day. Freddy, when closeted with my mother that afternoon, had prepared a short letter to his grandfather and asked most politely if Lancelot would deliver it. I heard my mother say to him that she would help him write a letter to his mother which would go on the mail-coach on Tuesday. We all grinned at each other as his mother would receive it when he was safely in London and no sanctions would be forthcoming.

In bed that night Robin and I decided we would each need some symbol of our togetherness. We already had our birthmarks which were also shared within the family. We giggled together when rings in cods were mentioned but I said that both Torquil and Terence had been given signet rings when they left to join Uncle Billy's Regiment of Horse. I had seen similar rings in the jeweller's window in London. Theirs had their initial engraved on the flat face for I knew we did not have a family crest nor a coat of arms. Ours could have our initial, but inside on the ring, our initials could be joined in some way. Robin said as he had spent none of the money given to him on going to Ashbourne he would purchase mine and I said I would do the same for him. Our enjoyment of each other that night was suffused with such love we both wanted it to continue but fell asleep in each other's arms exhausted and most content.

Good Friday was another wet and rainy day. We spent all day indoors browsing the new acquisitions in the Library especially the atlases and books of travel. Freddy was with my mother all afternoon and was most happy with his musical progress and also with the writing of a suitable letter to his mother. There was still much work being carried on in the bedrooms all day but no carpenters were there. As by custom they did not work on the day of the Crucifixion for they shared the trade of the young Jesus. Also by custom we had fish for both luncheon and for the evening meal.

Everyone was luckier on Saturday with the weather and we rode to the Squire's courtyard where the Hunt would assemble. As predicted there were over forty riders in the pursuit as well as a good twenty or so of those like us who would follow at a distance. I counted at least ten couples of hounds all eager to be off. We used our own stirrup-cups and even Freddy's was filled. Mr and Mrs Jefferson were there with Millicent but no Algernon who we were told was visiting a College friend for Easter. Millicent told us that with a wry smile. At eleven o'clock the first horn-call was sounded and the huntsmen said two dog foxes had been sighted in liars quite a way further on and the riders galloped off with the hounds in the lead. We followed at a more leisurely pace and we could hear the thunder of hooves, the baying of the hounds and the sounds of the horns without the fear of injury. My father's injunction was well-founded. We had barely ridden a mile when two of the red- coated riders were being placed on hurdles having come a cropper over a low hedge. Lancelot had not returned from Moss Hall but a surgeon from Stamford was attending them. He soon rode alongside and informed us neither were badly damaged. One had broken a collar-bone and suffered bad grazes while the other had a bloody nose and a wrenched ankle for his foot had been caught in the stirrup and he had fallen on a tree stump face first. The surgeon rode off at a canter as he said no doubt others would require his services.

I think the sight of those two muddied and bloodied fellows so soon after the start of the Hunt prevented any of us from venturing to increase our pace from an easy trot. We took some side lanes and soon came alongside the Hunt going pell-mell across a very muddy and churned-up pasture where horses were skidding and riders were having great difficulty in keeping them on a straight course. Lads had opened two gates and there was much shouting and swearing with riders bunching together to get through for the hedge was too high and dense for any to attempt to jump it. Freed from that obstruction there was a mad scramble to follow the leading huntsmen for a fox had been sighted a field or so away. However Reynard was too wily and made his escape through another high and dense hedge. Two riders swerved off and came into the lane nearly causing Branscombe to lose his seat as his pony was startled and backed and shied. Robin must have known where the lane led as he shouted out 'Pond!'. One rider jumped the low hedge back into the mˆl‚e but the other hurtled on and we heard a splash accompanied by even more fearful oaths. As we turned the corner of the lane the rider was still mounted but his horse was taking a leisurely drink of water before being persuaded to join the chase by the liberal application of the whip.

After a good hour our lanes took us to Swayfield where we lost sight of the Hunt though we could hear the sound of horns at times. Branscombe spotted a hostelry which looked rather more inviting than the mere beer-houses in our way so far.

"What do you say to a taste of something warming?" he asked rhetorically as he dismounted in front of the establishment and hitched his pony to the rail. We needed no more encouragement as three other mounts were tied and told to stay calm.

We had been followed by several others along the lane who also stopped. There were two wives of riders and four boys of around our age. One of the ladies I knew was the wife of Captain Pridmore of Stamford as she and her husband had been to Careby for the Summer Ball last year. She recognised my name as I introduced myself before helping her to dismount.

"Master Browning of Careby Hall if I am not mistaken, I know your mother well," she said as she reached the ground and smoothed out her riding habit. "I am so glad your companion suggested some refreshment. My sister and I ride little but our husbands insisted we came." I saw that Branscombe was assisting the other lady. Mrs Pridmore looked past me to a boy still on the back of a rather overweight pony. "Martin, come down and meet Master Browning. I know he is at Ashbourne School where you are destined for in September."

I was then introduced to a thin, very handsome lad who was now thirteen but seemed rather apprehensive about leaving home for School. The other lads were twin sons of Mrs Pridmore's sister and an older boy who was a friend of Martin from the school in Stamford. Mrs Pridmore was most amused that all four of us were at Ashbourne and after we were all installed in a private room she insisted she would pay for whatever refreshment we required. While the lads chatted together I talked with the two ladies who were glad not to have to ride further on but, given a suitable interval of time, could return to Careby and the Squire's manor without having to endure needless miles of riding side-saddle at more than a trot which was uncomfortable at the best of times according to them. A tankard of hot rum posset was particularly warming and I noted that both ladies had the same though the younger twins and Freddy had something hot without the rum. "I cannot have the pair falling off or falling asleep," their mother said with a laugh. I thought the same for Freddy who had been most talkative on part of the way after his stirrup-cup. Was he tiring?

We must have spent another good hour in quite convivial company as Branscombe also joined us leaving the others to a game of shove-ha'penny on a board the publican brought in for them. Both ladies had military husbands so were particularly interested in hearing of the wedding next week. I think both were most impressed with the mention of St Paul's Cathedral. Cedric said that Freddy was being most eloquent about the joys of being at Ashbourne and that Martin now seemed less wary. Mrs Pridmore said Martin's masters at Stamford were sorry he was leaving them but his father was adamant he should go away to school and Ashbourne had a good reputation. I did ask, without the lad hearing, if he was a good scholar. I wondered if the masters were sorry that he would be leaving them as they would be losing a pupil and therefore some income. I did not say this but Mrs Pridmore said she was assured he was an excellent scholar as her uncle who was a Fellow at Oxford had tested his knowledge of the Classics and pronounced him more than adequate. She said this last with a grin as she put on an imitation of the magisterial voice in which she was told.

It was with reluctance that we decided we would have to return and see if the Hunt had been successful. We need not have worried as we arrived back well before the riders started to appear muddied and exhausted. We learnt that no fox had been caught though they had ridden on past Ingoldsby. The only triumphs were two hares thrown to watching lads and a stupid goose which had waddled in front of the leading hounds and little was left for the screeching beldame who claimed both ownership and compensation for her loss. We heard it was a most expensive goose as some kind fellow had thrown her a coin and then found it was a sovereign and not the sixpence he intended!

We heard three other riders had been injured. None seriously, just broken bones and bruised pride as my father said as I handed him a tankard of the hot punch ready for the riders' return. Although not being granted the kill they desired there was much good humour and shouted arrangements for further Hunts the next week.

Our little crowd of boys made short work of a pile of pastries and vowed it was the best Hunt we had ever attended. Freddy dissented from this opinion as he was sure the one where he was bloodied was better. During our goodbyes to the others I found Martin Pridmore was also destined for Mr Ridley's House as his great-uncle had known Mr Ridley for many years.

There were twenty for dinner that evening. Lancelot had returned from Moss Hall and said he would tell us more later but left before the dinner finished as a message came that he was urgently needed. However, when he had first appeared he was able to reassure young Freddy that his grandfather would be on his feet within a few days once the medicine he had prepared took its action. As expected Sir Montgomery and Lady Blanche Wagstaffe attended with their hosts for the night, the Squire and Mrs Matthews. Sir Montgomery's friend Mr Gowring was accompanied by a well-dressed but seemingly quite demure lady who made no comments about others. I was told by Jackson this was not the same lady as the time before when he accompanied me to the closet in the passageway where the chamber- pots were kept. She sat by Rass and they were in conversation all evening while Mr Gowring sitting opposite drank himself steadily under the table. In fact the wine flowed very freely so that Sir Montgomery hiccoughed his farewells as he left and the Squire had to be supported out to his coach by a stern-faced Mr Clements. Miss Barnes had her usual seraphic smile as she left and thanked Freddy for escorting her to her chaise. Millicent Jefferson bussed all four of us and said she would see us all at the wedding. I swear her eyes were swivelling as her father laughingly led her and an equally wobbly Mrs Jefferson to their coach. They were lodging at the Varley Arms for the night so I hoped they would negociate the rather steep staircase there safely. We four boys were not too fuddled but giggled our way to our beds making kissing noises. Robin and I still had strength to make sure our evening finished with the supping of more fine juices.

Naturally we had to be up ready the next morning for morning service. At breakfast there were just us four boys. While we were eating Freddy said how much he had enjoyed himself the day before especially as Mrs Ingleby had given him a shilling but put her finger to her lips. What did she mean? Of course we wanted to know who Mrs Ingleby was as none of us had the faintest notion who he meant. He said she was the lady with the man who had too much to drink but he was not Mr Ingleby. We learnt she was the wife of the local Squire where Freddy lived in Suffolk. "She told me she was on holiday and visiting friends and that was why she was at the Hunt," Freddy explained. "My mother says she spends too much time in London and she does not know why though she always returns with more jewellery which her husband could never afford to buy her."

Branscombe wisely said nothing as I knew he had heard Mr Gowring's name mentioned in the introductions made before the dinner. We had also witnessed the very affectionate way Mr Gowring had treated the lady as he introduced her as Mrs East to my mother and Aunt Matty when they arrived. We did not question Freddy further but this was gossip to savour! Mrs Ingleby-East from East Anglia! Oh my! But who could we share it with?

Of course, during the service the Banns were called for the third and last time. Torquil could now get married to Elizabeth Branscombe legally and properly. News circulated that there would be a Village Ball in the Assembly Rooms on the Saturday evening after we returned from London in celebration of the wedding. It was hoped my brother and his new wife would attend!

Of course, there was still much preparation for the departure the next day and instructions to Mr Clements to keep the Hall in good order for our return. My father said this jocularly and I was almost certain Mr Clements had a slight sneer on his face. He did say he hoped during the ten days we were away all the confusion in the bedrooms would be settled. I know that even on that Sunday afternoon my father was closeted with Steven Goodhew and said at dinner that evening he was most satisfied all would be in order on our return.

So Easter Monday dawned and chests and hampers were strapped to three coaches. We six boys would be travelling in the Westrup's most commodious carriage with four good horses to draw us. With a large family they needed the space! Peters and Natty were our coachmen. Father, of course, decided he would ride so my mother was accompanied by my Aunt Matty and their maids in the second while the men of the Dodd family had the third coach. Mr Roberts was driving my mother with his son, Rowley, in charge of the other carriage. Four of the more experienced stable-lads were secondary coachmen and postilions, two would be on steeds to accompany my father as well.

Philip and James had arrived quite early being brought with their luggage in Aunt Matty's chaise before that returned to collect the Dodds. Rass was almost late as he had decided to drive himself to Careby Hall and had to take Communion first to a sick parishioner. Of course, as all were marshalled ready for departure my father had to make sure Uncle Dodd had not forgotten his preaching gown which we were assured most sincerely had been packed securely by his wife!

So, as the church clock struck nine we began our journey hoping to arrive in Bedford for the night.

To be continued:

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