Tom Browning's Schooldays
By
Joel
Chapter EightyFive
As usual the bird was ignored but we found it had learned something new. We were greeted most affably by Mrs Ridley and congratulated on our further elevation. Barney and a housemaid brought in a trolley with cups and plates and a stand of 'cook's specials'. Barney stood by the trolley as the housemaid went away. Mrs Ridley asked if Robin would give the bird a sliver of cake set on a plate. From previous experience one had to make certain the bird took the piece straight into its beak or you could receive a painful peck. As Robin approached the perch the parrot hopped then stood still and cocked its head. "Who's been diddling again?" it seemed to ask. As 'diddling' was a word used by boys to describe certain pleasurable actions poor Robin stood stock still. "Move your arse!" was the next thing the bird said and Robin, no doubt relieved after being accused of that secret vice, thrust the piece of cake at the bird. Its beak opened and the whole slice disappeared in a trice.
Mrs Ridley was not perturbed. She called out to the bird "Say thank you, Polly!". There was a moment's pause while the cake was swallowed. The bird was partially polite. "Thank you!" it squawked then matching its next action said "Shit!". Robin stepped back smartly as that excretion fell and landed in the sand in the tray at the base of the pole holding the perch.
I looked at Barney who had such an air of innocence as he poured milk then tea into the delicate cups for us. I could hardly forebear from asking when he diddled himself last as a ghost of a smile was on his lips as he passed me my cup.
Mrs Ridley then wanted to know how we had spent our time over the summer. We said we had visited Cambridge and that Robin would apply to be the next Servant of the Chapel at St Mark's. She knew of that position though she said Mr Ridley had only studied at the College and would be attending the next Gaudy. She knew I wished to study Medicine but did not question me on that. We said we were also looking forward to the completion of the railway through Careby. She observed she had never travelled on such a conveyance and wondered if such a thing might be built through Ashbourne town. She said her sister who lived in Ipswich had travelled a number of times from there to London on the Eastern Counties Railway and said it was a great improvement over the uncomfortable stage coach. We said we agreed for we had found the journey at Easter from London to Birmingham to be fast and more restful.
Two others joined us. Aubrey Bayes and Bristow. After being greeted as 'Pretty boys' by the parrot and greeting Mrs Ridley formally themselves they smiled at us when they saw the ribands. "Two for the price of one," said Bristow much to Mrs Ridley's amusement. "We did expect something like it," he continued. "I do approve," he added. Aubrey was nodding.
Aubrey was quite excited. First, he had travelled back to Ashbourne via the railway to Birmingham as we had done the previous term. He praised the speed and comfort and said his father was of the opinion it would be the chosen mode of transport in the future. All that was needed now was the money for more construction. However, his greater excitement was that his father had arranged for him to study mathematics at the University of Heidelberg instead of in London. He said he had some fluency in German as an uncle was a merchant in Berlin and he had spent time there when younger with his cousins who spoke German all the time. Bristow said he would be going to Oxford to study Law as his father and two elder brothers were also lawyers. It seemed as if all our futures were assured. We would have to see what this our last year at Ashbourne would bring.
We thanked Mrs Ridley for her kindness once all the delicacies had been eaten. They had filled a hole until our evening meal! We returned to the House and found Sharpin in his cubby-hole. We had to explain our promotion and he said we two had moved on from Midshipmen to Lieutenants which made us grin. I passed him a shilling which I knew would not find its way into Figgis's coffers. Sharpin smoked a pipe and the tip would purchase him a good amount of the Naval shag which I knew Mrs Williams had in her shop.
Harry Lawson had not been in the room when we arrived earlier but he was busy now unpacking his chest as we entered our abode. He stood and bowed his head then saw the ribands and gaped. We saw he was pleased we had been promoted then he grinned and said he would be able to bask in our glory. Robin said he had to be doubly obedient now which made him giggle for he said we would have to give him twice the praise when he did our bidding. I said he would get twice the slaps when he was naughty. Harry said he had been very good for he had arrived at the same time as Stevenson whom he had been asked to look after when he had first arrived at the School. He had his young brother with him who was eleven and was to be with Mr Pretyman. Stevenson Senior would be moving up to be in this part of the House for though young he was a fine scholar and would be in Mr Martin's room. Lawson said the older brother had told him he was glad both were now here and away from the tutor they had at Southwell. Most probably pleased to be away from the father's rod as well.
Lawson and Coulson insisted they lead the way downstairs to the dining hall when we were ready for the evening meal. They opened both doors to the room as Robin and I marched in followed by Aubrey Bayes and Bristow. There was laughter and some applause and then a cheer when all by now assembled saw our badges of high office. Mr Pretyman was seated but rose and shook our hands, as well as Aubrey's and Bristow's. Bristow as the oldest usually intoned the Grace but he looked at both of us. He mouthed 'Together!'. We did as instructed and from then on for all our final year 'Benedictus benedicat...' came from two throats simultaneously.
There was some celebration later that evening for a succession of the inhabitants of the House came to pay their respects and sample some of the claret which had fortuitously been placed in a hamper by Mr Clements. Our supply was not too depleted as others had brought bottles as well, which supplemented our provision and so a merry time was had by all. While we were supping Bristow said he had been asked to arrange all the football matches between the various Houses and the first major one on Saturday would be our Ridley House against Carstairs' House. I said I hoped my apothecary's box would stand the onslaught for this would be quite a bruising encounter. I warned Robin he should keep clear and not be mauled.
Bastable had been missing that first day as his journey was from Dorset and so usually took longer than ours or those who lived near and around London. He did not arrive until the Friday afternoon for we found an elder brother had been married the previous Saturday and this had delayed his departure even more. His news was that he would be joining the Navy on leaving Ashbourne at the end of this year, which was the last for him as well. It was well he arrived in time for he was to be Captain of the Ridley House football team.
On that first Saturday afternoon I had been a Hare with Radcliffe in a most satisfactory Chase. We had set a good route for the three groups who would be taking part. Coulson, now growing fast, was shepherding the Pups and Whelps not only from our House but also from Carstairs' as well. They would not have any walls to vault nor the small stream to navigate but the second and third groups would have these with the final group also having to enter a small quarry and climb a steep incline to emerge within a hundred yards or so of the finishing line. As Mr Ridley had not had his usual class on the Friday before Radcliffe and I had run the course and tied the coloured streamers to indicate the three final pathways. We were pleased as we threw out the last of the paper on the trail for we heard the scramble going on where the second group had just reached the first of two four foot walls. It was nothing too difficult for there were plenty of foot and handholds for the shorter ones amongst the pack. Young Potts was in his usual place by the copper of hot water in the washroom. We warned him he would need to prepare plenty as we had noted the muddiness of the football field when skirting it. "Thass be plenty for they for some'll keep their dirtiness and come a'begging for watter efter they've downed a pint or two of ale!" This was true for thirst came before cleanliness for a good few!
Radcliffe and I were cleansed before the first of the Hounds appeared. Two had cuts on their legs from encounters with sharp stones on the walls. I had brought my apothecary's box down before the Chase and gave both a little salve to smooth over their wounds. By the time all the older ones had appeared I had ministered to four others with Radcliffe inspecting all and sundry for suspected hurts. This became almost Bedlam when the footballers streamed in. Truly the game had been muddy and, as predicted, bruising. I said I would only treat those who washed first and Radcliffe went round examining those who complained of bruising or worse. He made those who wanted attention to appear naked and he had a smirk on his face for I saw he was making comparisons of the various lengths, thicknesses and other attributes of those lining up. My stock of arnica was being rapidly depleted with at least a dozen showing bruised thighs, backs or ribs. I would have to claim some payment for a visit to the apothecary in Ashbourne to replenish my supply if such demands from each game should ensue. Either that or not appear.
I had just finished with the last supplicant when a lad named Chalfont, who was with us in Mr Martin's room, came from Prior's House asking for me saying there were two there requesting my presence. Radcliffe remarked that my fame had spread and he would accompany me and would carry my apothecary's case. What I found was more that just bruising. Like Villiers and others here were a pair who had suffered blows to the cods and were moaning and writhing on their beds much to the consternation of their fellows.
The first I was led to was a hulking brute of seventeen near eighteen named Freshfield. I could see Radcliffe was as interested as I was for though well-grown in the rest of his body Freshfield's pizzle and ballocks were as small as mine and Robin's had been at thirteen or so. I knew him for he always sang out loudly at the Sing-Songs and was most adept at adding a descant above any tune in a high voice though his speaking voice was low. It was something to contemplate and I knew Radcliffe would ask questions later. Freshfield was moaning and cupping his sore ballsack. His tassel was no more than two inches but with a heavy foreskin drooping from its end. I recommended my usual remedy of cold compresses and two other fellows in his room said they would deal with him. After I had demonstrated what to do with a washcloth and cold water Chalfont said he would take us to the other sufferer. As he led the way with me out of the room he turned and whispered "It works!". I thought he meant my remedy but he then made a fist and moved it up and down and nudged me. "He is a good friend," he added. I had to smile. Radcliffe had seen the lad's action and winked at me as we were taken to the next sufferer.
He was in a room some doors along the passageway and was a lad named Denney. I knew him for he had been on several Hare and Hounds chases and though only fifteen most often beat runners much older. He was small in stature but exceeded the other lad both in the hairiness above his pizzle and also in the size of that and the ballsack below. He was another Radcliffe in the making whose pizzle I had noted that day drooped a good six inches or more after his hot bath I considered Denney to be the more wounded as his left ball was quite bruised and I suspected that there was some bleeding as well. I gave the same instruction to apply cold compresses but also for someone to send a serving-boy to ask Dr Dimbleby to attend. This did cause consternation for Denney looked at me beseechingly for one could see these were very proud possessions.
"You do not think I am damaged?" he asked. I said it would be best for him to be examined by a qualified physician. He sniffed. "It worries me for my brother was damaged there and the surgeons took away one of his..." He did not finish the sentence and tears began to flow. I held his hand and said I was being cautious. There were four others in the room all staring at the display as I took a washcloth and prepared the first cold compress. One nodded and left, I surmised to send for Dr Dimbleby. I noted then that Denney still had his football drawers down around his ankles. He had not been wearing an underclout so all had been free within his loose garment. I said he would be better in future to wear some sort of tight underclothes preferably such as my friend Robin and I had purchased in London. One of the others laughed and said neither Denney nor he ever wore any as they preferred to let all hang free. I said it might provide some protection especially when fists or boots were flying in the scrimmages. "Bollocks were made to be beaten!" another of Denney's room- mates remarked. "But not in that way!" the third commented to laughter from the others, but not from Denney who groaned. As I had completed my mission and it seemed there was no call for bruises to be treated Radcliffe and I left the room accompanied by Chalfont.
"His works, too," the rogue averred.
"No doubt," added Radcliffe and the pair sniggered as I tried to maintain a straight face.
The questioning began when Radcliffe and I had gone no further than a dozen yards from the main door of Prior's House. Radcliffe remarked he was always amazed at the differences between lads of the same age but also that some young ones outdid older ones as we had seen with that pair. What were the reasons? I said I did not know but I had noted the same. "Mine was of a size with Freshfield's when I was twelve and within a year and a bit I would say I grew a good four inches more there," Radcliffe said. "I do not know if I have full growth yet for my brother David is four years older and shows some eight inches when erect." I thought that even outmatched dear Jabez but did not comment. "It has done him no good," Radcliffe went on confidentially, "He says two wenches would not let him put it near them though he offered them good money." It was then I heard a confession. "I have no feeling for wenches," he said quietly. "I must find a companion like your Robin." He smiled at me. "I envy your closeness. I think Jack Laidlaw and I will go together to Oxford." He said no more but I knew the envy was friendly and he and Laidlaw were already close friends. However, with his remarks about growing boys and my observations over the past years I was left to contemplate if there had been close study made of how individual boys changed but also of the differences between boys of the same age. A school like ours would supply a good number for such scrutiny.
I was also left to contemplate how boys might be protected from low blows. Those tight drawers did hold one snugly but perhaps some padding would afford better protection. At least a folded kerchief or a rolled-up stocking would absorb a hit but if the padding was made of some rigid substance then any blows would be deflected. I smiled to myself for the result of any way would be like those prominent codpieces in those old engravings I had seen in a book. The result would certainly please young Lawson but that could wait for it was something to discuss with Robin first!
Our schoolwork progressed apace. Both Robin and I enjoyed our study of the Greek New Testament except we more than a little perturbed by many of the passages in the Revelations of St John. This was especially so when we studied Chapter Twelve with the description of war in Heaven and St Michael battling the dragon, diabolos, who was cast out as Satan. However, there was some amusement and a little consternation when one of the class, Freeman, said that a rearrangement of the letters of 'St Michael' spelled out 'alchemist'. There was a hunt then for others. Bayes said 'seraph' was a word but also a 'phrase' with Cornish causing some merriment by saying that a 'cherub' became a 'butcher' after taking a dish of 't'!
Robin and Aubrey Bayes were often closeted together with their books on mathematics. They said it was most helpful in many cases when they could imagine what a function would look like in three dimensions though it was impossible to see these in further dimensions. I was lost when I sat and listened to such things but it became much clearer when they found some clay and fashioned several three-dimensional objects. Pages were filled with the calculations as they changed the values so hemispheres became cones and then vases which could not stand upright. These they said were simple functions but others made very strange shapes with Robin progressing to contemplating the shape of a wing of a dead pigeon he had found on the roof of the privy. He wondered if the shape of the wing helped different birds in their mode of flight from the gentle movement of doves to the swooping of falcons. My own studies were aided in that Mr Pretyman had purchased, for no reason for himself, volumes of studies in anatomy and others on the treatment of diseases. Two of these latter ones were in German which I could not read but here Aubrey Bayes was a great help when he could be prised from his mathematical studies. Actually, he was quite content for it gave Robin time to explore more and more shapes with his clay. Because of the dirt and grime he and Aubrey had found another small unused room and this became their practical mathematical abode.
I was also getting more and more adept at playing the organ. It would be too late for me but Mr Skrimshire said some money was being made available to extend the Chapel organ and also provide a full set of pedals. However, I explored Sebastian Bach's chorale preludes and works by the man he walked two hundred miles to hear play, Dietrich Buxtehude. I also was called upon to help one of the Whelps from Prior's House who wished to learn to play. Gibson had progressed well on the fortepiano at home and his mother played the organ in the church where his father was Rector. Gibson also played the flute and joined Robin and me in providing the music for the Sing-Songs.
Towards the end of term the weather turned quite cold. Before that I had discussed my suggestion of placing padding in those tight under-drawers with Robin. He said he would try that proposal and made a pad from two folded neckerchiefs and had the foresight to sew them into the front of the drawers to prevent them slipping out. Harry Lawson had watched this endeavour and within a day or so at least ten of the Ridley House footballers were guarded in this way. I said they should not tell their opponents for I was sure their defences would be attacked. There was a remark that Ridley House seemed to have well-formed inhabitants during the next game but I had no call for my services from any of our warriors from then on. I was kind and privily explained my suggestion to Denney, who had received that blow in that previous game. He had consulted Dr Dimbleby who was concerned at his bruising and was told that he should continue with my advice until the swelling reduced. Dr Dimbleby had also told me the boy was a fool not to wear any underclout and a blow there could damage him for life but he thought he was lucky this time. Denney did take this other advice and found some of the tighter drawers in a haberdashers in Ashbourne and averred his codpiece, when playing, was the envy of all!
As the weather worsened so our football games and Chases had to be cancelled and it was then we heard of a great tragedy. The Rector of Ashbourne had visited a sick parishioner who lived some way out of the town on a difficult road up the fell side. He had been driving himself in his one-horse chaise and on his return his horse had either panicked or stumbled on an icy patch causing the chaise to overturn. The Rector was thrown out and from the description of how he was found he must have hit his head on the stones of the wall by the road side and died immediately. There was considerable grief expressed in the town as he was well-liked but also he left a widow and three young children. The even greater tragedy was that the advowson was in the gift of Gresham, the School's arch-enemy, and it was announced that his son, the curate near Ely, would be installed as the next Rector in the New Year. Little was said in the School but there were concerns expressed about the lease of the glebe. However, the end of term came soon after and we all departed for our homes.
Christmas and New Year was as usual a most happy period. There was some snow but it did not prevent the whole Village gathering for the usual entertainments of Dinners and Dances to celebrate the birth of our Lord and to welcome the New Year. As predicted harvests had been poor in the autumn The price of wheat and barley had risen and if my father and other land-owners had not made supplies of such available to the poor there would have been a deal of starvation. As it was there were many who feasted off turnips and beets on Christmas Day so Isaac Barker told me and Robin when we took our steeds to be shod at the forge. He was not jesting though we knew the Squire had provided many of the village with a rabbit or a bird which his gamekeepers had shot but there were some who were either out of employment or too feckless to provide for their families.
The great news was that young Philip Goodhew was travelling to Italy with two other of the pupils at the Royal Schools for three months to study at the Academy in Rome. The three had been chosen after a display of their recent work and a collection had been made which had resulted in a sufficient sum of money being made available for them and two tutors to make the journey. There was also reports that the Prince Consort was becoming involved with the encouragement of both arts and science which could only augur well for the future
Both Robin and I sent in our applications for Matriculation to St Mark's College with recommendations from Mr Ridley, Mr Dimbleby and Mr Martin on our progress and attainments. My father, of course, made the complaint that we would be idling our time away for three years at his expense. We took no notice and my mother chided him for casting aspersions on his youngest son and grandson. However, he had already made it clear to Steven and Jenny Goodhew that he would be responsible for Robin's costs above what he might receive if appointed as Servant of the Chapel. He also said that young James would not want when it was time to further his education.
The weather did not improve again this New Year of 1847 and our journey back to Ashbourne was cold and dreary. Lancelot had filled my apothecary's box once more with useful winter medicaments with several extra flasks of mixtures placed in my chest wrapped round with clothing. I would have to take care when unpacking! We did arrive in good time for there were few other travellers on the roads we took other than drovers and mail coaches. There did seem to be a great air of despondency and desolation wherever we stopped for sustenance or a bed for the night. We learned there was a deal of movement from villages to towns and then to the large towns where manufactories were set up. Even so, we heard tales brought back from such places that even there it was not a bed of roses. Hours were long and the work was often more tedious than working on the land. We collected several broadsheets at the second inn we stayed at complaining of the conditions in the manufacturing towns and advocating that workers should rise up against the exploitation. The landlord was rather concerned that we as gentry, meaning Robin and me, should be exposed to such inflammatory opinions. However, these documents contained matters to discuss in Mr Ridley's classes.
There was much discussion about the demands made of the workers for better conditions. We in Mr Ridley's class were mainly from country stock and knew of the hardships within our own estates and holdings through the failure of crops and the depression of prices for cattle and sheep. The life in cities producing the goods which were in much demand, such as cotton and textiles, were not within our comprehension. I said about the squalor I had observed in London without mentioning the boys and the demise of Black Jack. Opinions were expressed that the poor were always with us and were of a different station in life. I dare not say that some I valued most highly as friends were considered to be low in society. I did ask if it was possible for those born lowly to rise. I did not mention him but I was sure Jabez Bottom would be in position in Government service and not as a lowly minion. Aubrey Bayes was quite forthright in his views. He said that men such as Sir Humphry Davy the chemist and inventor of the safety lamp for coal mines, James Watt the engineer and John Harrison the clockmaker were all of humble birth and it would be men such as these whose fame would last rather than the owners of many acres! This almost caused a rumpus until Mr Ridley raised a finger and quoted from memory 'Full many a flower is born to blush unseen, And waste its sweetness on the desert air. Some village- Hampden, that with dauntless breast the little tyrant of his fields withstood; some mute inglorious Milton here may rest, Some Cromwell guiltless of his country's blood.' We had all known of Mr Gray's poem and here it was stated quite baldly. There was silence and my Robin spoke.
"As you know my background I am able to speak of my family. My eldest foster- brother, is the son of a stone-mason and is fifteen now. He is studying at the Royal Schools of Art in London and is in Italy at present at the Academy in Rome, all on his own merit. He will rise, I am sure, through his own efforts and will surpass many who would consider him ill-born." He took from his pocket two folded sheets of paper and when unfolded passed them to his neighbour who shook his head when Robin said his brother had drawn that copy of our village church when he was thirteen and the heads of himself and me just last summer.
One could cut the silence then with the bluntest knife as the pages were circulated. I looked at Mr Ridley who had more than a faint smile. He knew who had prepared the drawings for our Vespasians!
Mr Ridley then spoke of the many poets, artists and musicians who had overcome their lowly birth to present the world with so many riches. Even Mr Shakespeare was the son of a glover but was regarded as the greatest playwright ever. Someone asked if it was true that he did not write the plays but they were the work of a nobleman? Mr Ridley said he did not know but had heard many arguments. It was something no one so far had resolved.
Matthew Coulson put up a hand to gain Mr Ridley's attention. "Sir, I have heard my father argue against a friend who says that the schools in villages and towns are the cause of unrest. Is this so?"
As it was getting towards five o'clock Mr Ridley said we would take that as a topic for next week. We had to be ready to say about our own villages or towns and to report any arguments we may have heard.
The next Friday we were all armed with what we knew. The Johnson twins and Pederson were not able to contribute much for their experience was either of France, or for Pederson, the school he had attended in Copenhagen. However, we found there was a mixture of Dame Schools in the villages to charity schools and Grammar schools in the towns in counties from Lincolnshire, Essex, Kent to Dorset from which members of our class came. Bayes knew of many charitable schools in London and said many of the students at the University College in London had been pupils there. Mr Ridley said that many towns had schools set up by benefactors dating back sometimes to the fourteen and fifteen hundreds. There was always the need for clerks and book-keepers for lawyers, dealers and all the various trades. There was a desire for many more to be educated and National Schools were being set up by the Church of England all over the country, as well as colleges to train the schoolmasters needed for them.
There was little to say about any of these causing unrest. Mr Ridley said there were many of the gentry and above who thought the increase in those 'educated above their station' might lead to revolution. He suggested we should listen carefully if the matter was raised when at home because being in School and away from our families for long periods we were probably unaware of opinions. There was much to think about!
As the weather was generally inclement, though games of football and Chases did continue with mud-caked results, it was decided that another play by Mr Shakespeare should be essayed for just after the middle of term. There was much amusement when 'Romeo and Juliet' was chosen. Mr Greatorex said we would not be performing it complete but the extracts chosen would keep a good number employed as citizens, guards, apprentices, servants and general attendants as well as those needed to fill the speaking parts. The Johnson twins were called upon to be Malvolio and Tybalt to how off their fencing skills and impart their knowledge of swordplay to others who would be members of the rival houses of Capulet and Montague. Matthew Coulson was chosen to play Juliet and commanded to let his hair grow and, of course, Harry Lawson could be none other than Romeo. Both revelled in their roles as did Laidlaw who was cast as Juliet's Nurse. Harry had his arsecheeks slapped a number of times when rehearsing his lines with Matthew Coulson, who personified a winsome maid. Harry was a more than Priapic Romeo and made his amorous feelings most evident and said his erect peg would be the leading role on stage. He had to be tamed but whatever punishment was meted out there was hilarity on all our parts. His parts did not droop! I did a crafty thing. I took a pair of his black britches to Mrs Dimbleby. She cut off the legs and with her scissors and needle and thread made slashes filled with bright silks just as we had seen in pictures of courtiers and nobles of past times. Harry was more than delighted and the rampant pizzle was hidden from sight!
I realised why Mr Greatorex had said it would only be extracts from the play, because while delving into Mr Pretyman's library looking for any books on astronomy for my contribution to Mr Ridley's classes, I found a complete edition of Romeo and Juliet which I borrowed. I am afraid Robin, Aubrey Bayes, Radcliffe and I had many hours of enjoyable discussion of the different meanings of many of the words and phrases. Aubrey had seen the whole play in London in the company of students from the University College and they had enlightened him about such terms as 'maidenhead' and the double meaning of 'My naked weapon is out' which did not appear in Mr Greatorex's version. We decided for ourselves that the repeated use of 'prick' in 'prick love for pricking' could only have a particular meaning as we were sure 'cleft with the blind bow-boy's butt-shaft' could as well! Even so the whole enterprise was a great success and we three, Robin, Gibson and me, as the musicians, enjoyed the praise we all received after both the first and second performance; that second demanded by the rest of the School, the masters and their wives and various of the respectable classes of Ashbourne!
We were now so used to school-life that the term unrolled, as it were, without too much incident and at a fast pace. The blow came the week before we were to have our last lessons before the Easter break. It started as a rumour then Mr Ridley had to make a statement after the last Sunday morning service.
He looked very grim as he stood and addressed us all. "It is with great sadness I have been informed of two matters. First of all the new Rector of Ashbourne has instructed his and our lawyers that the agreement for the School to use part of his glebe land for our playing field is to be rescinded when the present lease runs its course within the next three years." It was noticeable he did not name the Gresham son who was now in that position. Mr Ridley waited a moment for there had been an audible murmur. "The second matter concerns the future of this school. Without the school having a further lease on that land our lawyers have been informed there will be an immediate application for an Act of Parliament to construct a railway line from Ashbourne towards Uttoxeter following the course of the small river. As this river constitutes a further border and is not ours it would mean a cutting made within a few yards of our Houses on that side. Our Governors are making representations and all parents and guardians have been written to."
He looked most dejected and sat down heavily and Mr Martin and Mr Trevelyan on either side of him took hold of an arm each as he looked near to collapsing. The murmur in the Chapel rose to a crescendo. Mr Martin rose and raised a hand. There was an immediate silence. He pronounced the Blessing to end the service and the hubbub rose again. It wasn't only the pupils but the masters as well as they were being questioned by those nearest to them. It had been my turn to play the organ at the end of the service but Mr Skrimshire shook his head. There could be nothing appropriate to play: 'The Dead March from Saul' by Mr Handel would be my choice for Gresham and his sons!
Groups gathered outside the Chapel even though our luncheons would be almost upon us. Those of us in our last year would not be affected but what of all the youngsters from Pups to Whelps and then to Middle School? All in all this was a happy school. Rivalries did exist but we all had friends or even just acquaintances within and across Houses. Punishments were meted out but certainly not to the extent we had heard of in other schools even those more illustrious than ours! In my time here there had not been a public beating followed by an expulsion. We knew of those who flouted school rules but others in the Houses made sure their transgressions did not bring disgrace. Even the denizens of Pratt's House kept their evil ways within some bounds. We had little to complain about for the standard of our masters. There was care and attention to the needs of all. Overall, I felt my four years here had been most helpful and productive for me. I had made good friends; adventures had happened, though mainly outside the premises but involving fellows from here like the Johnsons or dear George; my studies had progressed in many directions but, most importantly, I had been able to be with my dearest friend and now lover, my Robin.
I found two of the Pups who had been in the last Chase in tears. Robin and I gathered them and several of their fellows who all looked despondent and walked with them to where Mr Pretyman had marshalled his older contingent.
"That is a blow, but we will recover," he said as he shook his head sadly. "There are plans to reconstruct the school on the south coast. We have been promised building land and there are already two houses which can be converted." He moved away from his flock. "I would say that Mr Ridley would retire anyway within three or four years so it might be opportune to start afresh." He smiled then. "There would always be a place for good schoolmasters if you know of any!" We knew he meant us but though I might minister as a physician to youngsters I had no desire to teach them.
We parted as he led his charges to the dining hall. We waited and overheard several of the older men from the different Houses saying some retribution should fall on the Gresham clan. They stopped as we approached. We had authority as joint Head Praepostor and it was clear we could not be involved in such schemes even if we agreed. I was certain Aubrey Bayes could concoct some secret but powerful grenade to blow the whole set of Greshams to Kingdom Come!
Our last letters home for the term were full of woe. Long faces were all around us as the usual Sunday ritual after luncheon took place. Mr Pretyman could see the general sadness and stood and said there was no doubt the school would survive even in another place. There would be at least another four years before a move could take place. He had heard of other railway schemes which had divided villages and towns and where persons had been uprooted from homes their families had lived in for many years for the landowner had sold the land they stood on to the railway company. Plans were afoot to preserve Ashbourne albeit under another name and in another place.
To be continued:
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