Tom Brownings Schooldays

Tom Browning's Schooldays

By

Joel

Chapter Eight

We made good riding. With young Timmy on such a good mount the journey was over in just three days, with our horses well-rested each night. Robin had been somewhat wary of what his parents might say about his change in life but when we were in our room at the first inn I managed to comfort him in our bed with kind words, hugs and that love we had for each other. "You are my companion in all we do," I whispered as we caressed each other and held each other. "I would be lost without you," he whispered as he raised me to my pinnacle of release which he shared almost immediately with moans of joy and then sweet kisses.

That second day the weather was colder and there were flurries of snow. We all had good woollen riding cloaks and even Timmy was well protected as Shem had found him a fine cloak a boy had left behind on leaving school at least two years before. It was even thicker than ours and we teased him about the fur which lined the back saying he must have caught a good few rats to make it. Rowley inspected it and said it was as good a fur as he had seen worn by society ladies in London and somebody probably got a whipping from his father for losing it. Timmy said he was sorry for the boy who must have had a warmed backside but he felt warm all over and if Rowley felt the cold wind through that split in his leather britches he should catch a couple of rats and stuff them in. Our Timmy was coming out of his shell!

The second night we found our inn was very full as many travellers were hampered by the snow and strong wind. We managed to get a room though and all four of us dropped our saddle bags thankfully on the floor as there was a howling gale outside and Rowley and Timmy were not going to be left to freeze in some stable room. The ostlers said our mounts would be well fed and kept surrounded by bales of straw. Rowley said he just hoped none of those urchins would smoke, or knock a lamp over, as he saw two of them had a flagon of ale which was tipped up often while he was seeing the horses were being settled.

However, we had a good supper of roast meat, a wild fowl pie and a thick boiled pudding which Rowley said would stick to our ribs but would set us up well if it was cold in the morning. With all the people in the inn the dining room was very hot with the roaring fire and very smoky as pipes were lit and more crowded as people were still arriving looking for beds. After finishing our tankards of some tasty hot posset we went to our room where the fire had been lit as well and was burning away merrily in the wide fireplace.

"Good!" said Rowley rubbing his hands, "I gave that young devil three pence to see we had plenty of wood for the fire and he's done us well. Cheeky lad said I needed a good fire to warm my arse as he could see it through that damned split when I climbed the stairs." He busied himself putting more logs on the fire and getting a good blaze going. The room was snug as though the wind was howling outside there were good thick drapes over the windows and we had three candles burning on a low table to give us more light.

"I need my bed," Robin said, "We have a good ride before us tomorrow and the snow is likely to slow us down if it settles." He looked at the big bed. "I'll see if the linens are clean. We've paid enough." He pulled the covers back. They looked good and well-filled with feathers. "Yes, the Goodwife said she'd had a new sheet put on but with the weather we would be the last." He nodded. "I hope the bed is not damp."

"We shall be quite warm enough," I said. Just as I said that Rowley who was bending over and poking the fire gave a fart. "As long as he doesn't think he can warm us with more of those."

"Good food, good wind from the belly," was the rogue's reply as another trumpet blast was heard.

Timmy was having a fit of the giggles and was told to get ready for bed and make certain he emptied his bladder well or the bed might be dampened.

"I have never done that," he said stoutly, "But that awful Jack had to pay more to the landlord of one inn on our way to that school. He overdrank and wet the bed he had and swore and I got hit again." He looked sad, then smiled. "But I don't have him anymore." He looked at Robin. "You have been so kind and that master who said I have Tarquin now. You are different." He looked a bit sad again. "I do not know what will happen to me. I get frightened..." Poor Timmy. Things were changing fast for him and I could see he was confused.

Robin went to him and knelt and put his arms round him. "You will be safe and we will see you are looked after. Forget Jack. Now, get ready for bed as we may have a hard ride tomorrow."

Obediently the lad started to take his clothes off and Robin and I did the same and were soon down to just our nether garments. Although ours were well fitting Timmy had a breech clout which was at least two sizes bigger than he needed. He laughed and said Jack the farrier's mother had given him it as his was very tattered and it had been Jack's when he was younger. Jack was a big lad and must have been quite hefty when younger, too. But I was also looking at Timmy himself as he stood there with the candles and the flames of the fire lighting the room. He was much darker than us. He looked as if he had taken the sun as a labourer's arms darkened in the summer but he was browned all over. That is, all of him I could see. I could see he was a handsome lad and would be strong and sturdy as he grew.

Robin's attention was on Rowley. "Leave the fire, it will burn itself and we should get to bed."

Rowley waved the poker at Robin then realised we were almost ready for bed even if we hadn't got our nightshirts on. Without further ado he stripped off his jerkin and shirt, undid his bootstraps and boots and stockings were cast aside. He hopped onto the rag rug nearer the fire and his britches were undone and off in a trice. He held them up and we could see the stitching had unravelled along the seam. What we also saw was his underclothing fall down his legs. He had loosened the drawstring as well in his haste. We watched as he clutched his britches in one hand and tried to catch his nether garment with the other but he missed. He tried to stand on one leg to stop them falling further but the rug slipped so he lost his balance and dear Rowley rolled on the floor. This was the signal for naughty boys to have some fun.

Robin and I were used to Rowley and his teasing, his tickling and his swatting of often bare backsides. We had been in his constant care from being quite small. That is, whenever my mother was tired of my interminable questions, or Robin's mother had to do her work for Aunt Matty Dodd without endless interruption - which turned out to be almost every day. He had kept us amused and had taught us many things, such as the best way to set a snare, to find a grass snake to frighten the girls, or just to sit quietly near a lark's nest and watch the tiny fledglings being fed. Simple things for country boys. Then as we got older he showed us what growing boys could do as he and Jabez Bottom vied to see whose arms were the strongest, or whose pizzle was the longest, or who could piss the highest. In these matters we were joined by others of like age or older. My friends the blacksmith's sons had taught as all to pitch horseshoes at a target and to make hoops to bowl and race. Of course, they had the strongest arms and any boy who quarrelled or picked a fight was soon made to see reason.

We had all been tutored to some degree by Uncle Dodd or Aunt Matty in her Dame School and we had seen older boys leave the village for work elsewhere or to join the military like the blacksmith's elder two sons or Jabez's brother Caleb. Abel Barker was a farrier at my Uncle William's barracks while his older brother Amos was a sergeant clerk for the regiment. At twenty-five he had my Uncle's full regard for his good sense and judgment according to my Father who had recommended him as he had been my Father's junior clerk from the age of fourteen.

So now Rowley was at our mercy. Although he was a good wrestler, who even bested Isaac Barker with cunning holds at village sports, he was now like a silly sheep on its back. We boys were already undressed. I was ready to attack. I called to Robin to hold his legs as I sat on Rowley's chest and caught one of his flailing arms. I heard Robin tell Timmy to tickle his feet as he knew that was Rowley's great weakness. We had found that was the way to overcome him if he could be taken unawares.

Timmy set to and poor Rowley was helpless and squirmed and wriggled about trying to get rid of the two weights holding him down. Then both Robin and I began to tickle Rowley as well. I took one side of his ribs and Robin the other. He started to shout out so I just bent over him and put my open mouth over his. He had done this to us in the past to muffle our cries when he was doing the same. It was then Robin did something startling. He bent over so our heads nearly touched and began to lick at Rowley's nipple. Poor Rowley was lost. As Robin was lying over him I could not see what was happening next. Timmy was hanging on to Rowley's legs as he tried to arch his back which only meant his drawers were then fully down his legs. Robin rolled off him and I could see Rowley was fully erect.

We had seen Rowley as a small boy, as he grew and now as he was approaching full manhood at eighteen. He had never sought to hide himself and we had bathed naked many times together in the waterways which drained our land so we were also accustomed to see each other.

"Rowley's cannon is ready for action," Robin said. I had to admit mine was as well and my drawers were also somewhere below my knees.

I looked down at Timmy who was staring at Rowley's stiff cock. "He's big," I said.

The now not-shy Timmy laughed. "I think my Tarquin is better!"

"But Rowley has got balls," said Robin who reached down and cupped them in his hand. "Not very big. Pigeon's eggs?"

As Rowley was justly proud of his large hanging sac he merely laughed. "Timmy," he instructed, "Show them what a real boy has. Not like these scrawny little creatures."

Timmy stood, his underdrawers now down to his ankles. He, too, was erect. I goggled. Rowley was right. Timmy's pizzle was black! But he had not told the size! I guessed it was a full five inches and I doubted if I could have circled my finger and thumb around it. Below it's length was a low hanging sac with two balls which were the size of small pullet's eggs. The head was covered by his skin but what was so amazing was that skin was so dark.

Robin must have seen all this before and had not said. He was going to get a tongue- lashing from me as his next words were, "I think it's tickle Timmy now!". I think that the game of 'Tickle Timmy' had been played before as Timmy laughed and tried to get away but his feet were entangled and he was on his back, too. Rowley caught hold of his feet and started on them. He was getting his own back. I tickled his firm young stomach and Robin had both hands on his ribs. He was squirming and trying to hold onto Robin's hands. I wasn't looking where my hands were as I was looking at his face as he laughed and laughed and my left hand brushed his hard pizzle. He started to buck like a young colt and between his movements and my roving hands his stiffness was under the palm of my hand. He was still trying to laugh but his face contorted and with three or four mighty heaves of his hips he let fly with spurt after spurt of his boy seed. Everything stopped as we three ceased our actions. He lay still his eyes closed and a quiet smile on his face. I looked at his belly and chest. If at thirteen and a half I had made so much I would have been a very proud boy.

"Are you alright?" Robin said and bent down and kissed his forehead. Timmy still smiled and nodded his head. He opened his eyes and stared as three boys then held their own stiff pricks and three boys added their boy seed to his. Each in turn bent and kissed his forehead again. "I think, Timmy, you have joined the boys of Careby Magna before you have reached it!" He laughed. "I told you that all boys were like us and now you have learned it is true."

I saw him look at Rowley and wink. I knew then that all this had been planned. Timmy was being taught things that we already knew. It was my turn and I would get some recompense for not being told of the plot. I put out a hand and with my first finger mixed the four pools on Timmy's chest. I lifted my coated finger and placed it on Rowley's lips. He jerked his head back but I followed his movement.

"We three welcome Timmy as a friend and we share our friendship," I intoned and pressed my finger against Rowley's lips. He knew better than to refuse as we three had pledged our friendship in just this way when he had instructed Robin and me in shedding our seed and we had proudly showed him our first drops. His lips opened and he licked the offering from my finger. I did the same to Robin then to me and lastly to Timmy who smiled and a tear dropped at the same time. Robin and Rowley copied me and lastly Timmy scooped up the remains of our outpourings.

"May I be your friend?" asked Timmy to each of us as his finger touched each of our lips.

"You are," we all said as we took his gift as a pledge.

Three of us stripped completely and climbed into bed leaving Rowley who had to repair his seam using a bodkin and strong thread he had begged from the Goodwife below. When he finished we clapped and he made a mock bow. He placed the guard in front of the fire, snuffed the candles and leapt in the bed and grabbed Timmy. "You can be my warming- pan!" Timmy clung to his neck and we all slept sound and safe as the gusting wind outside died down.

I heard Robin crawl out in the middle of the night and put some more wood on the dying fire and we snuggled up together again and held each other as we had done on many nights before. He nuzzled me awake very early and we shed our seed together between us onto a kerchief 'so as not to stain the clean sheet' as he whispered and kissed my nose. I licked his lips and he rubbed his cheeks against mine and we slept again.

Rowley was first to wake properly and placed the two pans with water for washing by the fire. He woke us after looking out of the window and announced that the snow had not settled and the wind had blown most away into drifts. We were up, washed a little and dressed when the church clock struck six. By seven we had breakfasted on good bread, cheese and hot tea and paid the landlord. We had to shift for ourselves in the stables. The four ostler-lads were sprawled, still drowsy, in a heap of straw and were only shifted when Rowley and one of the other riders lifted two bodily and smacked their backsides and got sworn at. Both had their britches to their knees then and both had reddened arsecheeks from Rowley's and the other man's horny hands. The other two were up and scurrying to get our saddles ready and as Rowley and the other man caught hold of them so we gave them each a smack, too. The reason for their tardiness was quite evident. The first flagon had been joined by another, but at least our mounts were fed as the mangers had been filled the night before. Robin said he felt sorry for the boys as they had to sleep out in such poor conditions. Even Rowley nodded at this and as we rode out gave each of the four a silver threepence 'In case I have to come this way again and they remember me'.

True the wind had died and there was not much snow but we made sure we kept to the road even if it did mean we had to pay our penny at two turnpikes. Rowley had grumbled as he said he knew ways round for nothing but it also meant we had a straighter ride. We stopped twice at roadside inns to warm ourselves and rest our horses and had a good lunch of hot stew at the second. As we passed through another village Rowley said he reckoned we had about eight miles to go and we would be home before four. I think the horses sensed we were nearing home as they seemed to move faster though we never went more than a gentle trot in case of ice under foot. I had been chatting to Timmy who had said the place he had lived in before was never as flat as this. I said that until sometime in the seventeen hundreds much of the land further on had been under water and had to be drained and we would see the long drains which took away the flow. I said my mother was proud of her garden and was planning to make our walled garden bigger. He asked if we grew herbs and found that was something he had learned about. I couldn't question him more as by then we were approaching our destination. I was home after the longest time I had ever been away!

As we rode along the drive we could hear voices and horses neighing. In the courtyard in front of the great house was my Father with two of the young grooms and a row of four young colts. As they were young and untrained they were frisky and pulling at the reins holding them. Horses were forgotten and tied to rails as soon as we were spotted. Father was so delighted to see us. I was hauled off Blaze and almost hugged to death. Robin got the same treatment but had nimbly dismounted so his hat and cloak were not awry. Rowley was greeted next. "Good, you got the ruffians home! Hope they were not trouble." Rowley bowed and grinned. I knew Father was fond of Rowley as he had been a good companion to us boys. Father then looked at Timmy. "And you, sir? God bless my soul, not another mouth to feed, eh?" I knew Father of old, always complaining of how much his sons ate and cost him. I thought I'd better get a word in first.

"Father, thank you for my welcome, I think my ribs will heal by New Year." Before he could reply I continued. "And, this is Timmy, we have rescued him and we have appointed him as Mother's new gardening boy."

"Boy, your tongue is as active as ever. I have not forgotten you telling your Mother I needed two new grooms as you were tired of shifting hay in the stables."

"But, Father, that was four years ago and I felt I was doing the work of two!"

He laughed and went as if to cuff me but saw the startled look on Timmy's face. "My boy, that is a first-class steed you have. That's the same breed as his old Majesty had for himself. Not related to him, are you?"

Even I had heard of King William's numerous children as Aunt Fanny Wright was always full of gossip and I'd sat under the table several times to listen in. I thought I'd better say something more.

"Father, Timmy comes from Lord Harford's house and his nephew has maltreated him and..."

Father smiled. "...So, it's a long story and no doubt will work out well. Your Mother did tell me about the letter." He looked up at Timmy who looked even more bemused. "Welcome aboard young man and don't look so downcast, I rarely bite." Rowley went over and helped him dismount. "My, you are a fine young man and clad in sable, too!!" Timmy's cloak had fallen about his shoulders. Father bowed. "His Majesty's horse and a fine fur- lined cloak..."

Timmy looked up at him. "...Sir, I'm only Timmy Turner and these were gifts."

Just as he said this one of the frisky colts started pulling hard on the rein tied to the rail and the smaller groom tried to restrain him as it looked as if he might get free. Timmy walked up to him and put out a hand. The colt stopped still and bared his teeth. But no, he didn't lunge and bite, he neighed and let Timmy stroke his muzzle. We all just gazed at him, Father especially.

"My boy, you are doubly welcome if you can quieten one of those," my Father said. He went up to Timmy. "Gardener's boy, eh? You're more than that."

I had no more to say. Timmy was welcome. He just had to be placed safely. That would be Mother's task. Father went back to the colts, all four now much quieter and the three of us took Timmy to the kitchen where I knew Jabez's mother would be helping Mrs Gray our cook. One of the parlourmaids was sent to announce our arrival to my Mother but first I needed food and drink. There was so much talk as the four of us wolfed down bread and cold meat and had beakers of hot sweet tea. I did note Rowley smiling at Mary Ann another of the parlourmaids and wondered if...?

I left the others and went along to see my Mother in her parlour having shed my hat, cloak and boots in the kitchen giving them to Benjy the younger of our two footmen. I padded along in stockinged feet and was enveloped in a much more gentle hug with those words I would hear so often now, "My, haven't you grown!".

Of course, Robin had to be sent for and got the same hug and the biggest smile. Torquil's little sin was a big sinner now. I said to myself that he would be chastised for not telling me he and Rowley had planned last night's play act. What I heard next was even more astounding. Grown-ups could play act as well.

"So, Robin Goodhew, sending you to Ashbourne worked out!" she said, "Matty Dodd said you would come true. It's happened quicker than we thought. I have heard you have acquitted yourself with great ease and I can tell you your place is secure. Uncle Alfred is to be allowed to his Gaudy for his keeping quiet and not writing to his friend." She looked at me. "Don't stand there with your mouth open like a wet fish. You didn't think we would let our grandson Robin moulder here. We knew someone would see the likeness and play on it."

"Mother!" was the only response to that, but I had more news for her. "Father has already welcomed him but we have brought a new gardener's boy for you and he is waiting in the kitchen. I did say in my letter." I said this as if I was telling my Mother I was adding to her collection of stray cats. "He needs your approval and a good home." Oh dear, just like a stray cat! "He knows about herbs and he has just quietened one of Father's new colts and I know Mr Bottom is always grumbling about all the work he has to do. Do you think Mrs Bottom would look after him?"

Mother just laughed. She stood, gathered her skirts around her and marched off towards the kitchen with Robin and me trailing her, both with great grins on our faces. We knew I had won!!

Timmy was standing talking to Mrs Gray with Mrs Bottom looking on. He was pointing to the bunches of herbs hanging from the hooks. "My dear," I heard Mrs Gray say, "But that is the best thyme I have been able to get and I know that comfrey is so dried it is almost useless..."

She curtsied as Mother strode in. My Mother could be quite imperious at times. "So this is the boy?" She looked Timmy up and down. He did something between a curtsey and a bow, confused no doubt. "Herbs," she said, "What is that?" She pointed to a third bundle of rather raggedy stems.

"That is parsley, ma'am, but rather too wretched to add any taste I would say. It is better chopped and dried carefully and kept closed." He said this with a quiet authority. Not at all a timid Timmy.

My Mother laughed. "Herbs and horses! My boy you sound like a true treasure." She turned to Mrs Gray. "He knows his herbs?" She nodded and smiled. Mother turned to Mrs Bottom. "And you lack a son to look after?" I looked at Timmy, he was smiling now. Mrs Bottom looked at him. The smile won her heart.

She sniffed. "I miss my sons and with Jabez gone it's so quiet." She could not have said a truer word! "Will you have me to look after you?"

Timmy looked a little puzzled at that, but he must have seen in Mrs Bottom someone like Jack the farrier's mother who had taken to him so readily.

"Please, ma'am, I would be as good a boy as I can," he said and two great tears rolled down his cheeks. Mrs Bottom went up to him and hugged him to her expansive bosom and planted a kiss on his wet cheek.

"You come home with me and be another son," she said.

My Mother stepped forward. "And you will want for nothing, eh Margery? I will see to that."

I learned later that Mrs Bottom had as a girl been my grandmother's parlourmaid and had looked after my Mother, too, when she was younger as Rowley had looked after me and Robin and had come South when my Mother married.

It was settled then. But our next port of call was to Robin's parents. That was a welcome too. They knew what had happened as the letter had arrived. His mother cried as she hugged him. I had his brothers' attention as I gave them packets of sweetmeats I'd bought at Mrs Trotter's. Robin's foster-father looked so pleased and as soon as his mother released him almost swept him up as he also gave him a great hug. "You do well," he said, "But never forget us." Robin was weeping. From pleasure I knew and the feeling also of the great venture he was now to set out on.

"Father, I could never forget you." He turned to his brothers and put his arms round their shoulders. "And if I am to work hard, so must you." I knew both were most industrious. Uncle Dodd was always full of praise for the way they studied and I knew both were good at drawing and carving small objects and had helped their father in some of the finer carving on a couple of tombs.

I gave his father the letter from Mr Ridley. He opened it and it was short and to the point. Robin had been examined and had been offered a place at the School and with his parents' permission would start his studies from the January Term 1844. A scholarship had been awarded and no fee would be required.

I saw his mother looked worried. I realised she wondered about his clothing and money in his purse. We were interrupted then as there was a rap on the door. It was Aunt Matty Dodd.

"Good, you're home," she said to Robin after we had all either bowed or curtsied, "And where's my nephew?" As I had been standing behind the two young brothers I stepped forward. "Huhn! As I thought you've both grown. You'll need new clothes - both of you, I'll see to that." She pointed to the two young lads. "I'll see you in the morning, come along with your Mother. Can't have you looking untidy in Church." That meant they would not be left out.

Aunt Matty always said Uncle Dodd was too much of a dreamer to care about his money. My Father said she controlled the purse-strings. I knew from conversations I'd listened in to that the benefice my Uncle held was quite valuable. He had the income from the rents for the glebe lands now tithes had been abolished and there was income, too, from money invested from the ending of the Varley estate which had been willed to the parish. I knew also he, or Aunt Matty, spent money on the village. Our village band had new instruments when needed and the organ in the church had been made new only six years ago as a Coronation celebration. Aunt Dodd also saw that village girls had proper dresses and were set up with clothing for their children once they were married even if their husbands were feckless or spent too much time in the village inn and she was always out and about getting people in order when she wasn't making sure the younger village children were learning their letters. Aunt Matty was always busy.

Robin's father was not left out either. Aunt Dodd was always having ideas about repairing the church and he was instructed to see her as well as there were several places where new masonry was needed. "...and Reverend Carstairs of Swinsted has a parcel of money for new memorials as someone's conscience has been pricking. The Reverend said you would be over to see him." It was quite clear Reverend Dr Dodd had been told to recommend Steven Goodhew! Father said he knew where my sister Peg got her feistiness as it ran in the female side of his family whereas all the males were models of sweet reason. I must say I was understanding a deal more of the way people acted because of seeing and hearing so much at school and also being made to think, especially with Mr Ridley's classes. I would have to see if Robin could be included in those.

I was not quite dragged back home by Aunt Matty but she said she wanted to hear all my news and to see this new boy. She said Lancelot had received a letter from a Reverend Martin which did say I was being industrious. I had no idea Mr Martin had written to my cousin, all I knew was they had been students together at St Mark's. By the time we had gone along the main street of the village in her chaise and out along the drive to the Hall I had heard that there had been a fire in one of the cottages and the mother had been burned rescuing two small children but Lancelot had dealt with the injuries. In fact I heard at least three other things about Lancelot and two more dire and dreadful happenings in the village and didn't get a word in edgeways.

I excused myself as soon as we reached the warmth and safety of my home. I said I was very dirty after the long ride and needed a good wash and change of clothes. I wondered about the second as I thought I had probably grown out of any I had when I was at home. Still, Benjy had got a bath ready for me and he and the new kitchen boy carried up pitchers of hot water and I was soon in a warm bath soaping myself and thinking of that time when I bathed with George and when we ceremoniously bathed Robin. Luckily Benjy and the boy had left me as I added to the soapy foam. I dried myself in front of the fire and found a clean shirt, under garments and stockings had been laid out on my bed. I looked in my cabinet and tried on my long cream trousers. They just fitted although they were tight and the legs showed my ankles. My dark blue jacket was tight on my shoulders but still buttoned. It seemed strange not being in my school clothes. I saw myself properly in a long mirror as I held the candlestick up and smiled. My hair was very long and fell to my shoulders even though one of the Potts who was a barber's lad had snipped at it for me. I found my soft shoes squeezed my feet but at least I was home.

I saw my saddle bags were by my bed. Some dirty clothes for the wash and papers with instructions for work to be done. I also found the letter from Mr Dimbleby saying that Tarquin now belonged to Timmy - I would have to give that to Uncle Dodd as he was our Justice of the Peace and this was official. My books would be arriving in my chest by Monday so I was free to explore and find what had really been happening in the village. I planned my next day. As it was Friday everyone would be at work so the forge would be on my list, then I must see Uncle Dodd for a good talk and give him the document and I might see if Lancelot was busy but I mustn't neglect Robin or Timmy. Busy me! But I knew I was going to be cross-questioned tonight at dinner.

I was all ready when I heard the gong at seven. Mother always said that was the time but as our clock and the church clock rarely struck together I had felt hungry many nights before hearing the welcome sound as some mishap had probably occurred in the kitchen.

Mr Clements our Butler was waiting at the door of the dining room as I reached the bottom of the stairs. Mr Clements had been with the family since grandfather's days and his wife was our Housekeeper and were the grandparents of that parlourmaid Mary Ann who had been ogled by Rowley. He bowed his head and said good evening to me. He then smiled and winked. I had sat on his knee many times as a small boy and heard his tales of being in the wars against Boney. Terence said he'd heard them too and just wondered how much was true. I think I trusted Mr Clements and I would have to tell Rowley to keep his hands off Mary Ann or it wouldn't be the game-keeper's shotgun he would have to worry about but the gong-stick wielded so fervently by the butler.

I was first in the dining-room and there was Benjy in his livery with Jackson the senior footman. Both greeted me with smiles and I stood by the fire and waited until the grown-ups came along from the Library. I saw six places had been laid. That meant Aunt and Uncle Dodd would be coming and old Miss Barnes who lived all alone in that big draughty house at the end of the village. Not really alone as she had about six or seven servants to look after her. Her father had been in the East India Company and so the house was filled with strange idols, carpets and pictures. I had peered at a couple of carvings high on a wall which seemed to show two men front to back on one and on the other a man and a woman entwined and I was certain what was between each of them was a thick prick. Of course, Terence had said that sort of thing wasn't for small boys and he hoped he might be posted to India to find out more.

Benjy looked at me and curled his lip. He was about six months older than me and we'd had many a rough and tumble when younger. He was a clever lad. Uncle Dodd gave him extra lessons and said if he kept his mind active he might achieve higher things. He had said to me he was very happy working in the house, my Mother was kind and if he didn't cheek Mrs Gray too much he didn't get cuffed around the head very often. Anyway, he looked very smart in the dark blue tail-coat and trousers which fitted him better than my more or less out-grown clothes.

Mr Clements opened the door again and Uncle Dodd with old Miss Barnes on his arm came in first. She was fanning herself and by the amount of shawls and trailing bits she probably needed to. I bowed as she came up to me.

"My dear," she said, "Haven't you grown." She flicked her fan at me. "Come and see me soon and tell me all your news and bring your flute."

Uncle Dodd acknowledged my bow to him with a slight nod and a wry smile. I would hear more, no doubt when I saw him. "Tomorrow morning. Ten o'clock," was his instruction.

My Mother and Aunt Matty came in together, Aunt Matty telling my Mother more news or gossip. Father came in last and nodded to Mr Clements. The hatch leading to the kitchen was unlatched and dishes started to appear. There was soup to begin, then a fish in butter sauce, followed by a roast capon and a raised pie. I was feeling well-fed by the time the sweet frumenty appeared and I had also been allowed two glasses of wine. I must be growing up, usually I was allowed only a half glass. In fact I was toasted twice.

"I hope our table is up to your standards now, my boy," my Father said after he had emptied another glass of the rather fine claret which I knew Uncle Wright had recommended. "Rather special tonight, too, it's your Mother's birthday which she says she would rather forget. A toast to you, my dear, as well." That was how I got my second glass. I also felt wretched as I had forgotten the birthday.

So, we all went to the Library after - no ladies leaving the table first tonight - I was given a small glass of port while Father and Uncle Dodd smoked. Father had a liking for small cheroots which, again, were something Uncle Wright produced in plenty whenever he visited and they looked very much like the ones Mr Pretyman had confiscated from those Whelps. I was ignored as there was obviously spicy gossip for the ladies to discuss. I nodded to Benjy who picked up a candle and led me upstairs. I was tired, over fed and slightly befuddled with the wine.

"Come on, Tom," he said as soon as my bedroom door was closed. "Let's get you to bed but make sure you have a good piddle first." He laughed. "Haven't seen you like this since you sampled that bottle in the pantry."

That was when I was twelve and he had just started as a scullery boy. There was an open bottle of wine which we shared and we both got several cuts across our arse cheeks from Mr Clements as he was in charge of immediate punishments and had a heavy hand. I didn't dare complain to my Mother as I knew I would be sent straight to the forge for another beating this time by Mr Barker and then be laughed at by the two youngsters there. Being laughed at would be worse I thought than the heavy hand of Mr Barker.

"That was your fault. You tempted me and I fell," I said pouting.

"And how did you and Jabez tempt me?" he said laughing, "And that was in the pantry, too!"

"Which time was that?" I asked, knowing full well we'd tempted each other numerous times. Benjy was renowned for the stiffness of his pizzle when aroused and it stood straight up whereas Jabez was always almost straight out. I was in between and matched dear Robin in that as well. And showing off would lead to other things...

As he helped me undress I said I would tell him my gossip when I wasn't so tired but he had to make sure he was kind to Timmy or he might have things done to him like those poor colts were going to experience in the morning. He knew and wrinkled his nose again at me. We grinned at each other as he closed the drapes round my bed and I was asleep as soon as my head touched the pillow.

I had made the mistake of saying about the colts to him as I was woken in the morning by a firm hand under my nightshirt grasping my own balls. "Mr Carter will be up here soon with those pinchers of his. He said he'd practice on you before he has those colts on their backs." His hand left my balls and moved up my usual morning erection. "Poor boys, they won't be doing what you can do." I was ready as on many mornings before when he'd woken me. He stroked me keeping up a litany of what the poor colts would be missing. I was concentrating on the usual feelings and spurted. "Naughty boy," he said, "Zebediah preached against touching the uncleanness of man last Sunday and I am sure he meant things like this." He closed his eyes and did a good imitation of Zebediah's sing-song voice. "I am a sinner, I have touched the uncleanness of man."

"Fool," I said, "I'm only a boy and I wager you've been unclean already this morning."

"Of course," was his reply and we both laughed.

I had to get up. He had brought a pitcher of hot water so I was washed clean of my unholiness and decided I would try on my old clothes I had left at home. Benjy laughed when my britches hardly touched now I'd grown. I huffed and puffed and the buttons did fit the buttonholes but I was aware I had quite a bulge at the front. I gave him a cuff when he said I had little to show down there and I shouldn't preen myself as if I had the makings of one of old Biddle's prize bulls. I reached down and caught him and said I'd drag him down to Mr Carter if he didn't behave. If he'd been unclean already this morning my grip set him up again. When my eyes questioned him he shook his head, "Better not, perhaps...."

I said I'd finish getting dressed and would be down for breakfast soon. I brushed my hair and noted I had a pimple on my chin. I thought of poor red-headed Gordon who had a mass of boils and bumps on his face. I said I would ask my cousin if there was a soothing ointment to get rid of that itch. Yes, I had to replenish my apothecary's box and had plenty to tell Lancelot.

I wandered down to the kitchen to see what was ready. Everything was. Mrs Gray was busy with Mrs Bottom putting platters in the hot cupboard above the wide range. Young Timmy was there and was helping the scullery lad to peel potatoes. Mrs Gray pointed to the breakfast room. "Your father left ages ago but he said you were to follow to the main stables as soon as you had eaten." I went through and on the sideboard found boiled eggs and slices of bacon. The scullery lad brought in a pot of tea and I found his name was Eamonn and he came from the next village and had been in the house only a month. I guessed Aunt Matty had rescued him as he looked rather scrawny but had a ready smile when I asked him if Benjy was being kind to him.

Eating didn't take long and no one else appeared so I went to the nearby stable. I wouldn't ride Blaze today, he needed to rest, but I checked that he, Silver and Timmy's Tarquin were settled. I gave them each an apple and even Tarquin neighed and nuzzled my hand as I fed him. He had been maltreated just as Timmy had been.

Bobby Brewer one of the young grooms was there and we greeted each other with a hug. I knew that others would say we had to stay apart and he should bow and be servile to someone of higher class. At school I had observed how some boys were dismissive of others but from experiencing George and Theo, or Maitland and Gordon, who had every reason to be superior I knew that we were all equal in basic ways. My Father treated everyone, whether ploughboy or Lord, as a man to be valued for himself and even Aunt Fanny Wright had instilled in my sisters that even though they might have money and privilege and might move in Society this did not mean they should despise those deemed to be lower in the social order. In fact Aunt Matty Dodd had lectured me on this, too, before I left for the school but that had washed over me until I had seen how Japhet, Ham and other serving boys and servants were treated by others who thought they were better. And, of course, Black Jack Lascelles showed his true colours as being lower than the low even though he was the nephew of a Lord!

Bobby Brewer had a limp caused by a very nasty horse kicking him as a boy. His leg had been shattered but old Dr Barton had made a good job of it when it happened. My cousin Lancelot still examined it to see he did not suffer any problems as he could hardly bend it. He was an excellent horseman, though, and Father had said he should learn more about treating sick horses which would keep him occupied if he was unable to deal with training the young colts. This injury did not mean he hadn't been a good member of Jabez's gang. He was a year younger than Jabez so must be over sixteen now.

He saddled up an old pony for me and I set off to the main stables where I knew my Father would be. I arrived just after the four young colts had been gelded as Mr Carter was instructing one of the grooms to get some fresh, clean snow to put on their wounds. I saw Lancelot was there and was busy with a bucket. He waved when he saw me but had another groom standing by him.

"Take this bucket to the Rectory," he instructed the lad, "Tell Mrs Reynolds it must go to my workroom and remember not to slop it about or I'll get Mr Carter to add something of yours to the ones in there!"

I guessed what was in the bucket. Lancelot was always collecting animals or birds and dissecting them and had lots of jars with all sorts of bits and pieces in them. No doubt these were the balls of the poor young colts. I was right.

"Good, you're here, Tom," he said as he marched up to me as the lad held the pail carefully as he trudged off out of the stable, "I shall be having a look at those tomorrow if I'm not called to some mishap. I want to compare them with those I pickled last year off that boar. Got one or two other nice things, too. Anyway, I hear you've brought a lad with you who knows about herbs. He'll be useful. Always told your Mother she doesn't grow enough. And you've grown, too. Lots to tell me, eh?"

I felt Lancelot was rather like his Mother. I had to wait to get a word in. But where to start?

"Thank you," I said politely, "I would like to see those cut into. I remember the ones from that dog." A rather vicious dog belonging to the inn-keeper had been gelded after it bit Rogers the Constable. It didn't do much good as it bit two other people after that and had to be muzzled which reduced it's usefulness as a guard dog at the village inn. Lancelot nodded and was going to say something but I went on. "Your box of remedies has been most useful and I helped our Dr Dimbleby when he treated a boy who had been beaten and he says I can accompany him when he visits our sick room."

Lancelot laughed. "So you have started on your chosen career already! We'll talk more tomorrow morning. Bring Robin with you as I want to make some more measurements of your breathing."

That was one of the things which he had made us do at Easter. He made us run up and down the path to the Rectory and took our pulses and made us breathe into canvas bags before and after. He showed us that if we ran about a mile our breath after extinguished a candle quicker than before. He said that the air we breathed in was different from the air we breathed out. Robin had whispered he'd noticed that the water he let out was different from the water he took in and got a friendly cuff for that.

As Father was busy in his office room I rode off again without finding what he wanted me for. I knew from experience it was better not to disturb him and I would hear all later. I did hear, though, that a good number of mares would be arriving from Ireland before Christmas so fences and stabling had to be got ready for them. I heard more about this as I visited the forge next. Mr Barker was outside with the carter complaining that the iron he had ordered from somewhere or other hadn't arrived. I didn't wait to hear reasons as I was chilled and wanted the warmth of the forge.

It was warm. Both Isaac and Jacob were shirtless and had discarded their britches as well. They were sweating mightily as the forge roared with Jacob handling the big bellows lever and Isaac thrusting iron into the white hot coals. I waited until he had hammered the iron into the shape of a heavy door hinge. Then he wiped his head with a dirty rag and took a great draught from a pitcher of water. I had been quiet, just watching. I revelled in seeing their muscles flex and swell as they worked. It was Jacob who spotted me first.

"Well, well!" he roared, his voice had lowered even more while I had been away, "Our mighty Lord of Misrule has returned."

I wanted to run in and hug both but they were too sweaty but that didn't prevent Isaac from setting down his hammer and tongs and grasping my hands. "Take no notice of that daft brother of mine. Tom, you look so good. You have grown!"

Those words again! I said I was so glad to see him again and took two more packets of sweetmeats from my bag I was carrying. "These are especially for little boys," I said handing him one, "So just the thing for little Jacob over there."

Isaac laughed. "That boy's still tiny!" He held a finger and thumb about an inch apart. Jacob wasn't having that. He lifted the front of his leather apron and pulled aside his breech clout. Five inches of pink, thick sausage worthy of Mr Thacker's best hung down. I looked carefully, head to one side.

"He's got nothing to fear from Mr Phillips," I said, "That's no more a pitchfork handle, more like a fish fork handle."

"Good for you, my boy," Isaac said, his chest heaving, "He could no more raise that than fly!"

Jacob wasn't having that. "Just you wait, Isaac, his Father has sixteen brood mares coming and Invictus and Spartacus will be doing what you wish you could be doing with Mary Ann Clements if your maggot could rear up!"

As I knew from experience both were lusty in their output and this was their usual brotherly banter. But here was Jacob saying Isaac had a fancy for Mary Ann and I'd seen Rowley's glances as well. I wouldn't say anything but would wait and observe at the Christmas Feast which all the village would attend. I would tell Robin, though! I walked over to Jacob who was still displaying himself. I reached down and held it up slightly in the palm of my hand. "Not much life in this poor trout," I said.

Jacob didn't flinch. I gave him his packet. "I'm glad you're just the same," he said, "We were worried you'd come back with all the airs and graces of that Cavendish coxcomb." I knew who he meant. The son and heir of some 'gentleman' who had bought an estate some ten miles away and boasted he was kin to a Duke. I had heard Father in one of his rare bad moods refer to the 'gentleman' as making his money 'scraping the horseshit off the roads of London'. From my experience there was plenty of that to be collected so I had wondered if you could sell it. Father was not in a mood then to be asked and as I was skulking in the passage and overheard him say that I thought it better not to ask.

"And you are just the same," I said taking my hand away as the trout began to twitch from being tickled, "I've missed my friends at the forge. May I come and be your bellows- boy again while I'm home? And I think that would make a good pitchfork handle in time."

"So you've heard about Bessie Phillips?" Isaac said laughing as his brother rearranged himself and brushed down the front of his apron, "I suppose Rowley told you." He shook his heard. "And before you spread any gossip it wasn't either of us. We think it might have been young Larkin the ploughman's son. He's gone off to some place to make things..." "...Birnimton..." Jacob said as he hesitated. "...No, it's Birmingham. They make small things - not like us. New pens and pins and things like that. There was a newssheet in the Arms saying artisans were wanted. He's no artisan but he said he was off."

"And what does your father think of you going to the inn?" I asked. As a strict Methodist I knew Mr Barker did not drink beer or spirits.

Isaac looked at Jacob. "It's only to play at skittles," he said. 'And to have a tankard of ale' I thought. I wouldn't tease.

Jacob was next with gossip. "Rowley tell you about Annie Rogers?" I nodded and smiled. "Plump as a prime goose, she is. Mother says it'll be twins or it'll have a belly full of beer like Rogers."

"But I heard..." I started. The pair of them laughed.

"You never heard!" said Isaac, "You and young Robin saw them at it. Rogers could no more get a hardness than shit sovereigns." he laughed again. "And Lemuel's gone off, too. He's at Lichfield as a clerk to his mother's uncle. He's a solicitor and Lemuel won't be coming back."

"How do you know Robin and I...?" I started. There was another guffaw.

"I was taking old Berry's mare back after shoeing it and there was you and that other imp up on that side wall," Isaac said, "You went off and when I came back dear Lemuel was peeping out of their back door." He giggled. "We may not all be scholars like you and Robin but we can put a two with a two and make twenty-two!"

I gave him a sneer and said I'd better go as it was getting near ten o'clock and I had to see my Uncle. I would be back and the bellows would be mine to pump. I also had a mind to ask if I could make a new latch for the gate to the walled garden for a present for my Mother. Seeing Isaac so industrious had given me that idea.

Uncle Dodd was in his study and lined up in front of him were Robin and his two young brothers. It was like being back at Ashbourne. I heard Uncle say to Robin "gratulor tibi de reditu tuo." Robin must have nodded or bowed his thanks as Uncle then asked one of the boys "iamne ientasti?" and Philip, I think, answered 'certe avuncule'. I peeped further round the door. "Intrate!" Uncle Dodd called out as soon as he spotted me. I decided I'd had enough Latin over the past weeks and needed a rest. [Lat: 'Congratulations on your return'; 'Have you had breakfast?'; 'Yes, Uncle'; 'Come in!']

"It's ten o'clock," I said, "My appointment."

"Quid agis?" he said [Lat: 'How are you?]

"Very well. I was very tired last night so that was why I went off to bed."

He smiled. He must have sensed I didn't want to exercise my brain this morning. But he was straight to the point. "I have heard from Mr Ridley that you have worked well this term. You don't regret being sent off to school?"

I shook my head. "No, Uncle, I have learned a great deal especially about people."

"I thought you would, and I hear our little plan has worked."

I looked sideways at Robin. "Do you mean my Aunt Matty's plan, Uncle?"

He laughed. "That is one way of putting it. But are you happy, Robin?"

"Sir, I do not know. I, too, have learned a lot. I have made new friends. I have tried to do the work you set me and what has happened to me in the past week or so has made me wonder if I am dreaming." He shook his head. "I cannot imagine I am worthy of all this."

I noticed as he said this his half-brother Philip reached out and held his hand. Philip, his mother's son thought him worthy of it. I walked to his side and took hold of his other hand.

"Robin, if I am thought worthy to be sent to Ashbourne you are equally worthy."

My Uncle's smiles as I said that told me the family had confidence in both of us boys, but I wondered about the young brothers. Robin was kin, of a sort...

Uncle looked at Philip and James. "We have talked while these have been away. You know you must work hard, too. I know you have plans as well, Philip. We will keep those in mind. But..," Here he looked at Robin and me. He hesitated a moment and I expected to have to translate what would come next, but he smiled and said, "...A very wise old Greek said no one can escape his destiny. It is up to you boys to fulfil whatever is in store for you. You will be helped, I can assure you of that." He laughed, "You both have made quite an impression at Ashbourne. I had another letter this morning." He looked at Robin as he held up the pages. "You never told me you had saved the stables at least fifty pounds so far by finding the school had been cheated."

Robin's head jerked back. "Sir, all I did was tell Mr Darlow the bills, the orders and the full and empty sacks did not tally."

"No, they did not tally. That supplier has been cheating the school for years they think. He thought he had been clever and had charged for many sacks twice as he delivered full sacks with empty sacks under. One of the grooms has confessed to helping and has been dismissed. And you, Tom, have been noted as a helper to Dr Dimbleby in a regrettable incident." He looked at me over the top of his spectacles he had placed on his nose as he took up the letter. "I will hear more later."

The two younger boys were then dismissed to go to see Aunt Matty. It was to be our inquisition next. He pointed to two chairs. "Sit and I want to know all about the boy Lascelles who was expelled. I have heard several strange things about members of that family."

I had never lied to Uncle Dodd so I knew I had to tell him as much as possible without breaking my confidences with George. I said I would tell him as much as possible but I had heard things which I knew George would not want to go further. I explained that I knew Jack Lascelles had lied, cheated, threatened, stolen and used others for his own pleasure. I emphasised that George, his cousin, was a good, honest person and I knew him to be a good friend. I said how both Robin and I had been witnesses to Jack being taken to be cleaned when drunk and drugged after being in the midden overnight. He had been punished by whomsoever he'd been cheating in the inn. We had also witnessed his evil temper twice. Both times with threats towards young Timmy who we had rescued. Uncle Dodd nodded at this but said nothing.

I then said I had been given one of his dice. I took it from my britches pocket. "I have discovered that if you toss this one it falls as 'three' at least four times out of five. He had six of these and there must be a way of knowing which one is thrown as I guess the others were also made to fall more times on one number than the others."

Uncle Dodd held out his hand and I gave him the die. He looked at it carefully turning the silvery object and putting it up closer to his eyes.

"Help me clear the desk," he said and Robin and I lifted up the multitude of books and papers and put them on the floor where there were spaces between other heaps and piles of books and paper. Robin and I watched as he rolled the die with what looked like practised ease. "Tom, make a note of the values when it stops." I found a clear sheet of paper and a pencil and he began to roll the die again. "I will do twenty tosses keeping to one method at a time," he said. "First a gentle pitch and let it roll and settle."

I noted the number of spots which appeared each time and counted up nineteen occasions of three in that first twenty.

"A little more spin," Uncle Dodd said as he made the die twist and turn and then stop.

This time there were eighteen 'threes'.

"Robin, you do it now, whatever way you want."

He handed the die to Robin who closed his eyes and let it drop, or twist, or slide, or bounce. There were sixteen 'threes' for him. Exactly four out of five as I had found.

Uncle Dodd held up the die. "What can you tell me?"

"If you do not care about the way it is tossed it shows the 'three' at least four times out of five but if you are careful about the throw you can almost make it fall as you wish," I said.

"Or as the die is weighted," said Robin.

"What would you expect if the die was not false?" Uncle Dodd asked.

"I would expect each number to appear an equal number of times," said Robin.

"Each number once in every six times," I added.

Uncle Dodd nodded. "And what do you know of probability and wagering?"

"Don't play with someone else's cards unless you know them," said Robin.

"And watch who you play dice with," I said.

Uncle Dodd laughed. "Those are good precepts but you have also told me what you might expect. That is the basis of probability...."

Aunt Matty came in looking for Robin and me as the tailor had arrived and was confronted with three laughing creatures with several dice, a proper pack of 'Satan's Pictures' and pieces of coloured paper being drawn from a box with eyes shut.

Uncle Dodd looked at her rather disapproving look. 'Boys being taught to play at cards and dice' was my guess. "Mrs Dodd, we are learning," he said pointing to the objects of evil habits usually found in public houses. He always called her 'Mrs Dodd' when in company especially when he was being very polite or precise.

"You'll be teaching them to drink strong spirits next," she said, then burst out laughing. "I never heard laughing when I was set to learning with my governess," she said, "More likely a rap over the knuckles for gazing out of the window."

He picked up two of the dice, Black Jack's and an ivory one. "Tell me, my dear, the number it will be when this settles." She said 'three', I said 'five, Robin 'two' and Uncle 'six'. He tossed the ivory one and we were all wrong as it settled showing 'four'. "We have all lost so all the money stays. Put more on the stake." He waved his hand as if a pile of coins was on the desk. He showed us Black Jack's die in his other hand. "Now?" Aunt chose 'four' but we all chose 'three'. Uncle rolled the die carefully. It was 'three'.

Aunt Matty was no fool. "You have cheated me! That die is false." She went to grab it but Uncle Dodd laughed and put his hand over hers.

"How do you know?"

"Ask his Father," she said, pointing to me, "He and his brother when they were young caught some mountebank at Barnet Horse Fair who was gulling poor people with weighted dice and a cheating Find the Lady trick and marked cards. They came home with his cards, dice and cups and made fun of us girls because we did not know they were deceiving us. They both got a whipping from our Father when he discovered their trickery but then he would try the same antics on us until Mother threw the cards on the fire. I think your Father still has the other things."

I looked at Robin and that was something to confront my Father with. Aunt Matty hadn't finished.

"And whose is this?" she said picking up the silvery die.

"Mine now, Aunt," I said, "And it was taken from a cheating mountebank as well."

Uncle Dodd laughed. "My dear, I will whisper to you some time where it was taken from."

Robin and I looked at each other and we couldn't help it, we just burst out laughing. How did he know? That letter I assumed.

"Boys!" Aunt Matty said sternly, "Something unseemly no doubt. Dodd, I need them for the tailor." Her attention was on Uncle now. "You had better clear all this away as you would not want Erasmus to find you gaming."

Erasmus Dodd was their elder son. He had been Uncle's curate, very pompous and extra holy, I thought like Megson's father. He spent his time now as vicar of the next parish studying old Hebrew texts trying to find the date of the Second Coming and complaining his parishioners slept through his sermons. I refused to go there on a Sunday as I would have slept soundly, too, except old Rogers, the constable's father was the church warden and walked up and down with his white rod keeping any snorers awake while Erasmus droned on. Erasmus was so different from Lancelot!

We were whisked off then and measured and fussed over by Corsham the tailor. Both Robin and I were certain he spent more time with his hand where it should not have been when our lower regions were being measured. Still, we knew our clothes would be well- tailored and very smart. We were to have two new pairs of everyday britches, one best pair for Sundays, jackets to match and a pair of cloth trousers as well.

Aunt Dodd then wanted to know about Timmy. I realised then how fond Robin had become of the poor maltreated boy. He said he was sure my Mother would find him amenable and industrious. "He has lost his mother and father and the old woman he lived with when up North was very kind to him but that changed when he was given to that other household." He told how he had cried himself to sleep for the first week in the stable not knowing what would happen to him next. He would not say what that evil Jack had made him do but to make the poor boy run by the horse and he only thirteen was vicious enough. The stable lads had made him welcome and he had a way with the horses which was valued even by Mr Darlow the stable master. "Ma'am, he has a gentle nature and he is kind and honest which is more than I would say about the master he had."

Aunt Dodd was nodding during this recital. "I value what you have told me, Robin. I saw last night he has fitted well." She turned to me. "I will talk to your Mother to find her plans."

Plans, plans, plans! Aunt Dodd then said the Village Feast would be on Wednesday the twentieth as the gentry had balls and dinners to attend after that. She said Mr Venables had new books of dances so we had better see him to practice. Poor Robin had not had his violin with him at the school so would have to spend time getting his fingers active and true. At last we were released and I said I had been commanded to attend on Lancelot and Robin had better come and say we were both hungry and needed our dinner but not to taste what was in his bucket!

Lancelot was in his smelly cellar which did have a window and a door out onto the garden but the door was closed on this cold day and we shivered. He had been banished there when he had dropped some container of vile liquid in his bedroom some years ago and that room still reeked and none of the maids would go in to clean as he also had many jars of dissected things on shelves as well. Lancelot didn't mind. When he thought of it a pile of dirty linen, clothes, towels and bed clothes would be thrown out onto the landing. I had helped him many times to dress his bed and put clean linen on his shelves and been rewarded in the cellar with the sight of some new discovery or watched avidly as he dissected some poor creature brought in from the fields. Robin and I had marvelled at the colours of his chemicals as he mixed them and the bangs and the flashes as he hit or ignited his powders and papers. We had been more or less willing participants when he wanted to test what happened to his pulse if a boy's arms were held above his head for an hour, or to see if he could drink a glass of water standing on his head. He had shown us a drawing of a strange animal with a long neck he said was a camelopard and if that could drink upwards so could we.

He had the pail by his side and one of the round objects was pinned out on a board in front of him. He had cut into it and I was looking at it intently when Robin gave a little cry and fainted.

To be continued: