Date: Tue, 24 Jan 2012 18:06:46 +0000
From: Jo Vincent <joad130@hotmail.com>
Subject: Tom Brownings Schooldays  chapter 27

			 Tom Browning's Schooldays

				    By

				   Joel

			    Chapter TwentySeven


It was only after the boys had gone on their way home in the Hackney cab
called by Mr Petheridge that I realised one person had been missing all
morning.  My valet Jabez was neglecting his master!

     All was revealed when I had finished luncheon, which I had taken with
the ladies and Uncle Digby in the downstairs small diningroom.  My mother
and Aunt Fanny had repeated how well-set up, well-spoken and well-behaved
the three boys were, as if the behaviour of boys was generally
reprehensible.  My mother rubbed it in when she asked me when I would be
practising ready for the At Home as I was off gallivanting again.  I said I
would be quite happy to practice after my visit this afternoon and in the
morning as well, especially if Rosamund would play the accompaniment to the
piece I liked by Mr Handel.  Aunt Fanny agreed to my playing two of the
country dance tunes I knew very well.  Uncle Digby laughed.  "Make it
lively then.  Last time I nearly went to sleep through boredom and was only
kept awake by some fiddler scratching away."

     I found the three ladies were going shopping and would not be back
until late afternoon, at which statement Uncle Digby smiled then grimaced.
As soon as Mr Topping came to wheel him back to his study I went off to my
room to get ready for my own excursion.  I had just finished making up
another parcel of goodies when a tap on the door revealed my errant valet
wearing a rather drab plain black suit and tugging at something at the edge
of his upper lip.  Jabez didn't look penitent and began speaking before I
could say anything.

     "I'm sorry, Master Tom, I have been so busy and there is much to tell.
Please excuse me as I must change if I am to accompany you then I can
explain all that's happened.  I saw your Uncle before I came up and he says
I can report to him later when we are back.  I am famished, too."

     Poor Jabez did look flustered and most untidy.  I said he shouldn't
delay as we must leave by two o'clock otherwise we might be late.  He
rushed off and I wondered what he had been doing to be away so long and
what was that above his lip.  It looked like hair.  I'd find out later no
doubt!

     There were a few minutes left before I needed to go to the mews so I
went downstairs to check that the book of Mozart sonatas was still on the
shelf near the pianoforte in the parlour.  It was and there was also a book
of Handel arias as well and the one I played was in it.  There was a note
on the music stand saying the pianoforte would be tuned on Wednesday
afternoon and moved to the drawing-room ready for Thursday afternoon.  I
was glad of it being tuned as I had noticed some of the notes jangled
against each other when I was playing the other day.
      I retrieved my cloak and hat and made my way to the stable block in
the mews.  The chaise was ready and Natty was full of joy.  "Mr Churcher
says I may have two hours tomorrow morning and Mr Jacobson will take me to
that museum with William in the Captain's old coach as it has a repair to
be made..."  He stopped and took a deep breath.  "Oh, Master Tom, I
wouldn't a' thought such good things could come to a boy like me."

     I smiled at his excitement and guessed that William was the stablelad
he shared with.  "Natty you deserve it.  Look and remember, then you can
tell me all you've seen.  I haven't been to the Museum yet, so you will
have done something I haven't."

     "Oh, Master Tom, I'm so afeared 'tis all but a dream.  But no, I pinch
my arm when I wake in the morning.  William laughs and says I had better
pinch him, too, as he's had nothing but praise from Mr Churcher about his
work with the horses these last few days."

     "So you've made a friend, too?"

     He nodded.  "William has been so good to me.  He must think I'm daft
as everything is so new and I keep asking questions.  He just laughs and
says he came to London on a hay cart when he was fourteen and he was the
same."

     A hay cart?  I wondered what that meant but I wouldn't ask questions,
yet!

     Rowley came out of the mews and greeted me to say he would be driving.
He knew the way but needed to know the number of the house in Gower Street.
I said I had been told it was a house on the corner of Gower Street and
University Street with the new College building almost opposite.  "We shall
find it," Rowley said.  I heard the church clock strike two and no Jabez.
A moment later he came hotfoot still heaving his cloak around him.

     "Are we ready?" he announced.  Natty looked at him askance but said
nothing as he lowered the step for me to enter the chaise.  I settled
myself and Jabez climbed in beside me.  I looked at his face.  He must have
washed it as the smudge I saw on his cheek earlier had gone but there was a
small patch of black hair still above his upper lip to the side.  He must
have caught my glance and as we steadied ourselves with the chaise going
over the cobbles he put a hand up and pulled.  He was laughing.

     "I'm sorry, Master Tom, I must explain.  It is not safe to walk to the
Baths in our livery so we always wear those old suits of clothes."  I was
about to ask why but he realised I needed an explanation.  "There are too
many young toughs about.  We could find ourselves bundled into an alleyway
and be stripped afore you could say Jack Robinson.  That happened to a lad
a few doors away.  He had a bash on the head as well.  But this..."  He
held up the hairy object.  "...I always put on a false moustache.  I've
used it a good few times and it's coming apart.  Your uncle suggested it as
he said it made me look older and it's been most useful."

     It was my turn to laugh.  "A disguise?" I asked.

     "That is so," he said most seriously.  "Now, let me tell you about
this morning and you will see it's use."  I nodded as I was eager to hear
his tale.  "I told you I gave that lad at that house a twist of tobacco."
I nodded again and knew the house he meant. "Well, your uncle suggested I
might talk to the lad again and told me to purchase some more.  Mehmet went
to the Baths and I wandered down that road.  Sure enough the lad spied me
and I went over.  He had the most blackest eye and was swearing and
cussing.  I didn't have to ask what had happened as he was so furious about
it and told me the whole tale.  The day before he had taken that Black
Jack's food in at midday and although he had his arms tied down he managed
to free one and gave him a straight fist to the head.  He went down and the
food went all over the floor.  Two of the guards rushed in and tied him
down again."

     "Is he still shackled to the bed," I asked.

     He nodded.  "Wait, there is much more to come.  That doctor came early
this morning and said he thought he was free of the drink and the laudanum,
but his real madness lay in his constant frigging.  The lad said he heard
the doctor tell the guards that the asylums were full of men and boys who
were in that state and that he should have his hands sheathed so he would
not be tempted.  I asked the lad what he meant and he said he would show me
as the guards were in the back scullery smoking and drinking even at that
time.  I followed him in through the lodge and I must say that house is
ruinous.  There was broken furniture in the first room which I think must
be the parlour.  He said that was the boy's doing when he was first in the
house before his father had him confined to the room upstairs.  The father
left and hasn't been back since."

     "Are there any other servants there?" I asked.

     "I think not, other than the three guards and the lodgeboy's mother
who is the cook."  He shook his head.  "I don't know how they live there.
The place stinks worse than any privy and the lad said he has to clean the
upstairs room but it so filthy with shit and piss it would take an army to
clear it.  There was a table still upright in that first room and there
were pots and jars of potions and medicines on it as well as two leather
gloves without fingers.  The lad said the boy would be given a dose of some
liquid tonight to quieten him and then the gloves would be tied on and he
would be told if he behaved he could have his arms free though he was still
tied to the bed."

     Oh, I thought, does madness really lie in that most delightful of
acts?  This idea alarmed me.  It was common amongst boys to say too much
firing your musket meant you would end in the madhouse and now here was an
eminent doctor who was saying the same.  What was too much?  I thought of
Robin's and my attempt to best Jabez.  Would trying that again mean one
step nearer being confined ourselves?  I had to concentrate on Jabez's tale
at the moment.

     "You were inside the house?  Did you see or hear anything else?"

     Jabez nodded.  "I started up the stair and I had gone halfway when the
lad clutched at my coat and whispered I should go no further.  It was far
enough.  I heard moaning and sobbing.  It sounded like some soul in
torment.  When we got back downstairs the lad said the boy still cursed the
school he'd been at and would have his revenge.  I asked if he would be
confined longer but he didn't know, just that the doctor was visiting every
other day."

     "He wants revenge.  What can he mean?"  I thought back to his raving
as he was dragged to the black coach.  "Jabez, it means that we must have
him watched carefully and quietly.  I heard his threats before and I am
frightened what he may do."

     Jabez put a hand out and took mine and held it tight.  "Your uncle
will make sure that a watch is kept once I say what I have seen and heard.
Do not fear, we have our entry to that house.  That lad is a firm friend
now just with two small gifts."  He sniggered.  "I might also find what his
acquaintance with Lord Palmer is as he kept touching himself there, too."

     I sniggered, too.  'Lord Palmer' was a new one.  "Jabez, you must
watch your step.  You must not let him guess you are spying on him and that
household."

     He shook his head.  "That lad is no more than a dullard.  I wager he
thinks no more than when his belly is to be filled, how he may find some
tobacco and where he might hide to pull his Boney's leg!  I will not impose
myself.  Your uncle will see to that."

     "That means you have had other errands, eh?"  I asked catching his
emphasis on my uncle.

     "That I will not say," he said and squeezed my hand.  I stayed silent.

     By this time we had turned into Oxford Street which was not as crowded
as before.  Jabez said it probably was because most people hadn't finished
their luncheon and he was missing his.  I spied a cookshop and rapped on
the roof.  Rowley slowed the horses and I said poor Jabez was hungry.
Rowley laughed and drew up.

     "Be quick about it," I heard him call out as Jabez clambered down.  I
had passed him two sixpences.  He was quick running back with a steaming
piece of some meat pie wrapped in a piece of news-sheet.

     "Thank you," he said as he nimbly re-entered and sat down, "I got all
this for tuppence as it was the end."  He handed me back some sticky coins.
The chaise was filled with the aroma of hot meat and gravy.  He took a bite
and chewed away as we set off again.  The 'end' was soon finished and he
carefully folded the piece of paper as he licked his lips.  "Much better,"
he averred with a smile, then looked serious.  "Tom, may I tell you
something.  I think you may be a little generous with your money.  I know
the others appreciate it, but you give sixpence where thruppence would be
more than ample.  Please don't be offended, but you gave me a shilling to
spend just then.  That would have bought two good dinners in that place.  I
did not need it and I would not keep it."

     What could I say?  Here was Jabez being so honest with me.  "Jabez, I
could not be offended," I said quietly, "I am not used to having money like
this."  I explained how I had earned my little fortune.  He laughed.

     "I heard that story when I was with your father and uncle.  You earned
that fair and square as I have heard your uncle many times bemoaning their
inability to find the owner and that a more expensive route might have to
be cut."

     "I was lucky.  Another hour or two and my father would have seen that
map."

     Jabez took my hand again.  "Your father is mighty fond of you," he
said...
     "...As he is of you," I added.

     My hand was squeezed again.  "I am thankful for that," he said with
feeling.

     We had turned into Tottenham Court Road and then into Great Russell
Street before turning again into the road to take us into Gower Street.  I
noted that most of the houses were very newly built.  We found the house we
needed very easily.  I looked out of the chaise and there was Aubrey
looking out of a window.  We had hardly stopped when he rushed down the
steps leading from the front door.

     Jabez unlocked the door and leapt out and then handed me down the two
steps.  I solemnly shook hands with Aubrey who said he was so happy to see
me.  He turned to Rowley who was sitting impassively holding the reins and
keeping the pair steady.  He pointed to a side alleyway.

     "There is a mews behind, we have no need for a coach but my father has
borrowed a stableman for you.  If you come to the backdoor there will be
refreshment for you."

     That done I introduced Jabez as my valet and both he and Aubrey bowed
their heads in greeting and acknowledgement.  The pair of us followed him
into a warm and well-lit corridor.  As at Charles Street gas jets provided
the light.  After doffing our outerwear we were taken into the front
parlour which was the room overlooking the street.  A handsome man with a
short cropped greyish beard stood as we entered.  A lady was sitting in an
armchair by the fire with a book on her lap and a large ginger cat beside
her on a footstool. I couldn't help but notice that the cat was regarding
us with large green eyes.  Professor Bayes came forward and thrust out a
hand.

     "Welcome!  You must be the Tom Browning I have heard so much about!"
he said with a broad smile.  There was a muted 'Father!' from his son.
"And you in that fine livery?"

     I stepped forward and shook hands and introduced Jabez.  I could see
Professor Bayes was much amused at a lad my age with his own personal valet
in livery.  He turned to the lady who was also regarding us like her cat
with wide open eyes.

     "My wife, who has also heard much.  Sophia, I think a dish of tea and
some plum cake would be welcome."

     Both Jabez and I bowed our heads as she reached out and pulled on a
bell-rope.  I went forward to her and handed over the parcel with the box
of bonbons.  I said we were pleased to be invited and I hoped she would
accept this small gift in thanks.  She had a beautiful smile as well as a
beautiful voice.  She said she was so pleased to meet me, she nodded
towards Jabez, and my trusty companion.  I noted she did not say 'valet'.

     We were soon seated, even Jabez was put on a chair by my side instead
of being directed down to the servants' quarters.  Professor Bayes was not
an ordinary man!  I had to answer many quick-fire questions from the
Professor.  He knew of Careby and my father's reputation.  Yes, he had also
heard of my Uncle Dodd.  What had I seen or done on this short visit?  Had
I more plans?  Aubrey stayed silent.  I guessed he knew his father's ways
and grinned as I was interrogated.  I had just said I had attended my
aunt's New Year's Day Ball and was to visit my Uncle Billy's barracks
tomorrow afternoon with an At Home and a concert on Thursday when we were
disturbed by a maid pushing a trolley with tea things and a whole plum cake
in pride of place.

     "Thank you Kate," Mrs Bayes said in her deep mellifluous voice,
"Please serve us."

     There was a few moments silence as cups were filled and the cake
sliced.  Aubrey was on his feet and helped the maid hand plates to us.  The
cake was delicious and I only hoped my stomach would not rumble with its
richness.  The cat had looked steadily at us then suddenly sat up.  It left
the footstool and went to Jabez and leapt up and curled on his lap.

     "My boy," Mrs Bayes said, "You have been accepted as few others have
been.  Rameses does not choose lightly."

     "Sophia," her husband chided, "The cat knows a comfortable lap I'm
sure.  If Rameses becomes burdensome just say."

     "Sir, I am used to my mother's cats.  I have always found them most
friendly."

     Yes, I knew Mrs Bottom always had at least three cats which followed
her around at home and hissed if any stranger came to the door.  Many the
time as a young boy I had been left in her charge and had dangled wool or a
string to make them play.  I remembered one which after licking her kitten
came and licked my face, too.

     Our food was finished and Professor Bayes nodded to his son.  "Aubrey,
take Tom and talk to him of boyish things."  He laughed.  "I do not mean
that disparagingly but poor Aubrey has had little young company since he
returned from Ashbourne."  He turned to Jabez.  "I think there is a plan
for Aubrey to take Tom to see the College.  Most is newly built and there
are also some exhibits worth seeing.  I suggest you accompany them.  The
College is generally a safe place but we do get some undesirable characters
at times.  I would have suggested an excursion also to the Museum but it is
not open to visitors on Tuesdays."

     I thought suddenly of the promise to Natty.  "Sir, is it open on a
Wednesday?  Two of the grooms have been promised a visit tomorrow."

     "It is, and from ten in the morning.  Grooms?"

     I explained about young Natty and his first visit to London and the
friend he'd made already.  The Professor laughed.

     "Then I will give you my card with a note on it for your boy to
present.  We must make their visit as pleasant as possible."

     "Father, I would be willing to be there to show them things and
explain.  It is bewildering for anyone on their first acquaintance."
Aubrey turned to me.  "Will you be there?"

     I said I had to practice for the At Home on Thursday so I would have
to put off the Museum until the next time I was in London.

     "You sound as if you are being kept busy," Professor Bayes said.

     "Sir, if this is London Society I wonder if I am on my head or my
heels!"

     Mrs Bayes laughed.  "A Ball, a barracks and two more engagements as
well. When do you return to Careby?"

     I said I would be riding back with my father, my eldest brother and
the groom on Friday.  Both the Professor and his wife shook their heads and
laughed.

     "We live a more cloistered existence here," he said, "Though there is
much bustle and a deal to see and do in London we spend more time with the
College and the life surrounding it."  He nodded.  "We may not extend to
Balls and the like but we have music and good company.  It could be said
that we have transplanted a miniature Oxford or a Cambridge into the midst
of the metropolis..."

     "...But without the religion," Mrs Bayes added gravely.

     I must have looked slightly startled.

     "We have our rival, King's College, nearer the river to take up that
lack which, in my opinion, has never harmed us.  Have you been to Cambridge
yet?" the Professor asked.

     "No, sir, but I am no doubt destined for it," I said, wondering at the
turn of the conversation.

     "Then you will see a wonderful place, each College with it's own
magnificent Chapel, but a stultifying atmosphere caused by lazy clerics and
sometimes even lazier dons."  He laughed.  "I hope I haven't made light of
the place but I was a student there and also had experience of two other
Colleges when tutoring students on behalf of absent dons.  Perhaps my
experience was bad, but here there is a liveliness of learning and
scholarship with none of the ancient trappings."

     "But if I am to study to be a physician?..."  I started.

     "...Then pick a College which has a good reputation," was his
immediate response.

     I knew this was something to discuss with Lancelot.  The conversation
finished there as Aubrey stood and said we should go on our visit while
there was good light.  The three of us collected cloaks, hats and gloves
and set off crossing the road into a courtyard where a fine building with
columns was erected in white stone.  A smartly uniformed porter touched his
hat as we approached.  He must have known Aubrey as we were not challenged
on our way to the steps leading to the main entrance.

     Aubrey so far had said nothing.  There was no need as both Jabez and I
were gawping at the houses and the setting like the country bumpkins we
were.  As another porter opened the door for us and we entered Aubrey
breathed out.
     "I do hope you did not think my father overbearing.  He is so proud of
this place and he is quite eminent here."  He smiled.  "I like it, too,
there are some fine students attending and we have two who lodge with us
but they are away now until the new term starts.  One is studying
mathematics and the other history and they argue all the time and then ask
my opinion.  I find that most stimulating, but you know me and my ways."
He turned to Jabez.  "And you do not seem to be my idea of a valet."

     I wondered at that but Jabez was ready.

     "Sir, I have been with Master Tom since we were both small.  Perhaps
not as valet then but as both a companion and guard."  He grinned.  "Not
quite a savage dog, but now I am in service to Master Tom's uncle here in
London."

     I wondered what Aubrey would make of that.  "I can see there is more
of a bond between you than that of servant and master just as I perceived
with Tom and my new schoolfellow Robin Goodhew."

     Jabez smiled.  "Country boys know who their true masters are.  If I
may be bold I would say that you will not find another fine schoolfellow
better than Robin."

     "What about me?" I said, "Do I not count high in your estimation?"

     Both Aubrey and Jabez laughed.  "You are the highest I can see," said
Aubrey.  "Now we must explore what is around here."

     We set off and Aubrey showed us first two big halls with tiers of
seats where he said some of the lectures were given to big groups of
students.  There were large blackboards set up behind large desks on a
dais, some still with formulae or with quotations on them.  We saw smaller
rooms where students would meet their tutor in a smaller group and then he
showed us a room with glass-fronted cupboards where devices for
demonstrating all manner of mechanical inventions were on display.  He said
this was a room his father most often used and as he said this a young man
who was polishing a strange apparatus espied us and greeted Aubrey warmly.

     "Hello, Aubrey," he said, "And have you designed another contraption
to add to this collection?  I have finished cutting the pieces for that
circular saw you think might be driven by this..."  He indicated the
curious machine set up on a sturdy bench, the like of which I had never
seen before.

     Aubrey held up a hand.  "...Wait, Rufus, let me introduce you first."
He explained who we were and as Jabez was in a plain dark grey cloak made
no reference to his status.  We found that Rufus had been awarded his
bachelor's degree the year before and now served as Professor Bayes'
assistant and hoped for a position as lecturer at some time.  Rufus smiled
and said he was sorry to have been so hasty but he was rather absorbed in
his task.

     I was staring at the imposing assembly of cylinders, cogs, struts and
a big wheel.  "What is it?" I asked.

     "It is our new model of a table engine," he said proudly, "This one we
have to work by compressing air in a bellows but when set up in a
manufactory it is worked by steam.  It will be very useful for the smaller
traders.  It can be made in various sizes and can be as powerful as you
need.  Let me show you."

     He set to and heaved a lever up and down as I had done on so many
occasions at the forge.  Gradually the mechanism started and the big wheel
began to turn.  He stopped pumping but the wheel remained turning until it
slowed and stopped.

     "It needs brawn to maintain its output when set like this.  My study
is to measure the input needed and the force of the output for such a
machine under different conditions of work.  We place a belt of strong
leather over the wheel and attach various devices to it.  Others have used
machines like this elsewhere but we need to know much more about its
general usefulness and to gauge its efficiency."

     Jabez was looking closely at the wheel.  "Sir, if the device was on a
carriage could not the machine turn the wheels instead of using horses?"

     Rufus laughed.  "That is so.  In fact we measure the output of such a
machine in horsepower.  But to your question, we have many ideas like that.
The big engines of the new railways to be made small like this and to be
portable.  There is much work to be done, though, before those carriages
might be commonplace.  A machine like this is very costly to manufacture.
There is much speculation though about what might be done and others have
experimented with such ideas."

     I felt rather proud of Jabez as all I could think of a use for such a
machine was to turn a spinning wheel as the big wheel reminded me of the
yarn makers some of the ladies in the village spent their time turning by
means of their feet on treadles.

     Rufus showed us some other curious machines much to our delight.  One
being a model of a device invented by Archimedes to raise water and another
by Leonardo da Vinci which showed how a ball ran down a slope with
increasing speed and small bells rang as it passed.  I said my cousin who
was a physician was more interested in chemicals and Rufus laughed.

     "We have a good number of students here who are making a study of
chemistry.  Mostly delighting in the noxious smells they can make.  But
that is a most important branch of natural philosophy as new discoveries
are always being made some of which, I am sure, are relevant to the study
of the body and to medicine in general.  I have been to some most
instructive lectures about the progress being made in such matters."

     We thanked Rufus for his time and Aubrey took us to show us some of
the cabinets of curiosities dotted along the corridors.  Old coins, stones
axes and implements from prehistoric times were there in plenty.  There
were also artefacts from around the world brought back by explorers and
adventurers.  Elaborate headdresses, strange cloaks of skins or huge
feathers, decorated drums, horns of ivory or beaten metal.  Aubrey
explained there was so much of this that it was difficult for the scholars
to keep abreast of all this material as new sources were always being
explored.

     I think we were sated with all this and I could see why Aubrey had
suggested he might accompany the lads to the Museum which would have so
much more than this on show.  As we went back to his house I said it had
been an experience not to be missed.  He laughed and said I had seen
nothing.  It was a pity I could not see the Museum on this visit but by the
time I came again there would be so much more to see.

     The Professor and his wife were still sitting in their parlour when we
arrived back.  First he handed me his card with a scribbled introduction on
the back.  "The boys may not need it if Aubrey takes up the challenge.  It
will be if he is to show them the most interesting exhibits in just the
space of two hours."

     "Father, I have promised.  I wager seeing the finds from Egypt will
keep them more than occupied.  Then, if time, the statues and artefacts
from Mesopotamia, plus the coins from Roman times here."

     His father laughed.  "Do not overwhelm them.  Let them wander and
don't overburden them with explanations.  Looking and seeing, and let them
ask questions.  Like you!"

     That reminded me.  Looking and seeing!  "Sir, my cousin the physician
has a new microscope.  I wonder if you know where there is a shop here
which sells them."

     The Professor smiled.  "You are thinking of purchasing one?  They are
expensive if well-made and powerful."

     "I would like to see if I could afford one.  Perhaps not on this visit
but I could make enquiries."

     He nodded.  "Then you need to visit Carpenter and Westley's.  They
call themselves opticians but their merchandise runs to much more than
eyeglasses.  They have devices for projecting images as well as microscopes
and all manner of other items such as telescopes.  Their premises are on
the corner of Regent Street and Jermyn Street."

     I saw that Jabez was nodding, too.  "I know the place, sir, but I did
not realise the extent of the business.  I can show Master Tom where it
is."

     Yes, Jermyn Street was where the Baths were.  If I could not visit the
Baths I would visit this emporium.

     "Yes, I can recommend it if you can go there. You will be delighted
with just a viewing of all they have on offer, but there is also an
exhibition which they charge for and is a good demonstration of what their
various sorts of apparatus will do.  I will say no more as it would spoil
the enjoyment."

     "You should visit it, Tom," Aubrey said, "I saw the presentation last
year just before I returned to School and I was very impressed."

     That sounded interesting.  But if I bought a microscope what could
Robin have with his share of the guineas?  I would not decide.  That would
be up to him.

     Time was getting on.  I thanked the Professor and his wife for their
kindness in receiving me and Jabez, and I would be seeing Aubrey once we
returned to School.  He grimaced at this.  Not I hope because he would be
seeing me again!  He said he would be at the Museum entrance at ten in the
morning and as we said our goodbyes I handed over the packet of sweetmeats
I had left on the table in the hallway.  He came with us to the mews behind
the house to show us the way as dusk had fallen.

     Outside there was no Rowley nor Natty.  They were in the kitchen being
entertained, or entertaining, the maid and another young woman who were
laughing at some tale of Rowley's.  The lads were most apologetic about not
being ready but the stablelad had the chaise and horses ready.  Jabez
mouthed 'Three pence' and I passed a silver coin to him for the lad.

     Aubrey had said to Natty he would be glad to be his and the other
boy's guide and I passed him the Professor's card which he clutched as he
thanked Aubrey very politely.

     By now it was quite dark and the lanterns on the chaise were lit.
However the streets were quite well-lit by the gaslamps in their serried
rows.  It was strange as at home in the dark one relied completely on the
horses either knowing the way or the dim light from a bullseye lamp if
there was no moonlight.  Many the time I had heard my father cursing the
darkness on arriving home later than he wanted because of a cloudy sky.  I
couldn't imagine the streets in Careby Magna being lit like this, nor the
rough lanes between us and the surrounding villages. What prodigious
amounts of gas would be needed.  Even here the cost must be tremendous.  I
would have to ask Uncle Digby how it was paid for.

     When we arrived back Natty was almost jumping around with joy.  I
hoped he would not be disappointed.  Rowley sent him off to his room above
the stables to tell his friend.  Jabez went indoors saying he had to see my
Uncle but wouldn't neglect me.

     Rowley was laughing.  "I must apologise again for our tardiness but I
would blame those girls, though..." Here he bent down to my ear.  "...I
warrant they wouldn't have been averse to having our britches to our ankles
and poor Natty got most embarrassed with some of the things they said.  I
did tell a few tales to keep them on the path of righteousness..."  Here he
winked.  "...Mustn't outdo Zeb, but those were two hussies..."

     "...And you would have liked time with them without Natty, eh?" I said
quietly.

     He laughed.  "Another time, perhaps!"  He bowed his head as we parted.

     I went indoors and could hear talking as I passed the door of Uncle
Digby's study.  Jabez was reporting back.  Paolo came along bearing a tray
of cups and a teapot.  I smiled at him.  He nodded.  I said I would be in
the drawing-room where I assumed the pianoforte had already been moved.

     The instrument was set up ready for the tuner and chairs were arranged
for the guests.  There were twenty-four of them.  Aunt Fanny had left a
piece of paper on the music rest.  'Tom: On Thursday afternoon you will be
first.  Just the first movement of the sonata.  There will be three other
items then your flute.  Mr Handel's Air from Xerxes.  Rosamund will
practice with you in the morning.  Three more items then you can finish the
afternoon with two country dances and a Scotch reel on your flute.  Love.
Aunt F.'  Oh, orders!  Now to practice, but first Paolo had entered with
tea and two pieces of a fruit tart.

     That over I spent a good hour playing the sonata movement even though
some notes jangled against each other.  I played parts of it slowly, then
speeding up.  I noted where my fingers should be in one passage and played
that several times and then hooked it between what came before and after.
When I was satisfied I played through all of it slowly and noted two places
to watch carefully.  I then played it through twice at what I considered a
good speed and my fingers did not get in a muddle.  I rested a little by
trying some parts of other sonatas then finally I played it through again
and was pleased that I did not make any mistakes.

     I hadn't realised but both Rosamund and Jabez had come in silently.
Rosamund said I would be the highlight of the afternoon.  There would also
be a lady singing and a gentleman who played the cello.  Starting at
two-thirty it would all be over by four-thirty.  That included tea.  She
said we would have a quiet dinner at six as we had to be at Lady Bridges'
for the concert at eight o'clock that evening.  The evening would be a
formal affair so I would have to be properly dressed.  I asked where Lady
Bridges lived and Rosamund said it was off Belgrave Square and the house
was very large.  She said I was not to be surprised as her Ladyship
mistrusted the gaslights so we would just be in candlelight. "Like Careby,"
I said.

     I arranged that we would meet at nine in the morning to practice my
flute piece and she said that if I played the flute as well as I did the
pianoforte I would have no problems.  As Jabez and I went up to my room I
wondered why someone as delightful as Rosamund hadn't been snapped up and
married.  But, I realised that it would have to be someone very special,
not like Marmaduke, nor, I assumed like any of the previous suitors.

     Jabez was quite forthcoming as we went into my room.  "Your cousin is
such a lady," he said, "I have never heard her say an unkind word and I
always get a smile."

     I agreed.  Perhaps she would meet someone who was her equal.

     Jabez then said he had reported all to my Uncle Digby.  As he talked I
thought I had better try my flute before the morning so fetched it from
it's case and fitted it together.  He said he had been commended in getting
into the house and being very much accepted by the lodgeboy but he had to
keep clear of the guards.  "I am sure your uncle knows there is more
nastiness in that family to come.  I have to keep watch each time Mehmet
goes to the Baths."  He laughed.  "And you can have another massage
Thursday morning before your grand performance.  Mehmet has an unusual oil
for you which his father only uses for very special people."

     I said I knew I was very special and deserved proper treatment and put
my flute onto the table by the bed because I expected some remonstration in
response.  I was not quick enough to move away as I found myself over the
bed and being held and tickled with Jabez saying I was 'unusual'.  I
managed to squirm free and caught Jabez by his wrists and managed to get a
little bit of my own back.  I think we were laughing too much and just lay
side by side while he said how much he had enjoyed the visit to the Bayes'
and also seeing the College.  He thought Master Aubrey was a good fellow
and was glad I had a friend like that.  I said I thought he and Robin would
be friends, too.

     We were interrupted in our chat by a rap on the door.  Jabez hurried
over and it was Paolo.  "A young gentleman has arrived," he announced, "And
her Ladyship wishes Master Tom to entertain him while we prepare his room."

     Oh, I had quite forgotten that Branscombe was to come on the visit to
the barracks tomorrow.  I must say I had assumed he would arrive in the
morning and just stay one night.  But he was here now.  Jabez quickly
tidied me, that is, combed my hair and made sure all my buttons were done
up.  Downstairs I found Cedric, as I now thought of him, deep in
conversation with Uncle Digby.  In fact, Uncle was questioning him on some
naval matter concerning the rigging of a ship.  I stood by the door and
listened while Cedric explained the difference between one type of rigging
and another.  I tapped on the door and was commanded to enter.  "Our young
sailor has arrived," my uncle declared, "And he has corrected my knowledge
of the difference of the rigging on a frigate and a sloop.  He'll do for
Her Majesty's Navy I'm sure.  He should go as a Midshipman now as in the
old days.  Two of my companions went at sixteen and one said he felt the
rope's lash before he was even commissioned when he forgot to salute the
Admiral or some such old bird."

     I grinned at Uncle Digby as I knew he was disconcerting poor Cedric
who couldn't keep his eyes from straying to Curly.

     "Uncle, I am sure Cedric..." - I thought that would be a good
retaliation for the digs in the ribs -"...wishes to complete his schooldays
at Ashbourne.  I doubt if they play at football on Her Majesty's vessels as
he does.  You could lose a ball easily over the edge."

     My uncle tossed his head.  "Evidently my nephew is not of a naval
cast. 'Over the edge' he says and would that be correct?"

     Cedric smiled at me.  "Thomas..." - I would get my revenge for that! -
"...as a scholar is possibly correct, but as a sailor I would say the ball
was 'in the drink'."

     My uncle laughed.  "Good!  Now, Tom, pull the bellrope and we shall
splice the mainbrace with a dish of tea and some hard tack!"

     I looked at Cedric and raised my eyebrows. This was getting wearing.
He just laughed as well, but I did as instructed.

     Paolo was at the door immediately and an order was taken for something
to fill the interval between now and dinner.  I let Cedric have my share of
the almond and fruit tart as he said he had missed luncheon as he had taken
a Hackney cab to see the river before arriving here and hadn't even seen
his parents leave to return to Canterbury.

     Uncle and he chatted as I looked again through two piles of old books.
I found one of the designs for ships of the East India Company and Uncle
Digby said that Cedric should have it as well as copies of works by
Herodotus and Aristophanes.  I got the impression Cedric was not so
enthusiastic about those two gifts.  I think Uncle Digby was teasing!

     Paolo returned to clear up the tea things and announced that the room
was ready.  His bags had already been taken up and Antonio and Carlo were
to be his servants for the stay.  I wondered what he would make of that
pair.

     I accompanied Cedric up the two flights of stairs.  I remembered what
he had said about his father extending their house so wondered if this
house might be small in comparison.  It was definitely smaller than Careby
Hall but Aunt Fanny had explained that the land in the better parts of
London was getting scarcer and also more expensive than when they had
decided to build.  Even then, she said, it took a small fortune to provide
something reasonable.  I didn't dare ask what a 'small fortune' entailed
and the house seemed quite reasonable for everything I had experienced so
far.

     The two young lads were waiting at his open door.  Both were in grey
livery with neat knee britches and white stockings and bobbed their curly
heads in greeting.  I think Cedric was impressed as both Jabez and Mehmet
joined us in their best livery of green and gold jackets.  Aunt Fanny was
obviously putting on a show.  I guessed it was for Torquil's sake.
Whatever Cedric saw was sure to be relayed to his mother and Aunt Fanny was
not going to have the family labelled as country bumpkins newly arrived in
London.

     Between them they got him installed and it was announced that dinner
would be at eight this evening and other guests would be the naval Captain
from next door, the Duchess and Mr de Vere and his daughter.

     Once settled I took him back to my room and we sat by the fire and
chatted.  Yes, he was impressed.  He said his mother thoroughly approved of
our family and thought my father and my uncle, the General, were very fine
men.  He said Elizabeth was so in love with Torquil, here he made a real
grimace, it was unbearable but, here he smiled, "I think an announcement
will be made soon!"

     Good, I was glad Torquil would be settled.  But where would he live?

     He said my Uncle Digby was very clever.  "I'm sure he knew the
difference in that rigging all the time and he wanted to see my reaction to
the gift of those two other books.  Father said he is something important
but didn't say what.  I thought I was being tested like Mr Dimbleby does."
He laughed.  "You don't get anything past him."

     "Are you in his form?" I asked.  I was dreadfully ignorant of which
masters other of my fellow pupils were under.

     "Yes, and I am glad I am.  That Arbuthnot fellow who slouches around
has several of our House and he is idle in correcting work.  Maitland was
in his form until last term and asked to be transferred as we would be
sharing a room and would work better.  He was not pleased and it's only
because Maitland's father was at Oxford with Arbuthnot's brother that he
was allowed to change."

     "So you are both under Mr Dimbleby?"

     "Yes... ...and we do work though we are not exalted bodies like those
in Mr Ridley's extra class!"  He did grin at that and I could see he wasn't
jealous.

     I said I didn't know why I had been chosen except, perhaps, my Uncle
Alfred had recommended me.

     "And what about young Goodhew?  Robin, Rob, or Bob?"

     I said everyone called him Robin and he had better make sure he did
work or Robin would be on his tail.

     He laughed.  "If I'm to appear before the Navy Board I've got to have
a good recommendation from school and Mr Dimbleby will not write untruths.
I shall have to be a good pupil and I think Robin will be just what we
need.  No, I don't mean to be a servant for us but to work with us."

     I laughed.  "I can guarantee Robin will not be a servant.  I have to
watch my step with him.  He is very much his own master but he is my
dearest friend."

     Branscombe nodded.  "He is more like a brother isn't he?  I have
missed that.  I have three older sisters but until I went to Ashbourne when
I was twelve I had had little boyish company at all.  I and Maitland are
good friends and have been since we met on our first day there.  Poor
Travis has had tragedy in his life. He had an older brother but he died
three years ago of a fit and I have been his new brother he says.  He does
have a younger brother, but he is only ten, with a sister in between."

     I said I was the baby of the family but never felt left out although
my two brothers and two sisters had all left home. My brothers were in the
military as he knew and my sisters married.  I think Branscombe was rather
impressed when I said my brother-in-law, whom he had met at the Ball, was a
minor canon at St Paul's and my other one was a lawyer in Edinburgh.

     We chatted on and I saw him look at my flute.  I said I had been
commanded to play both that and the pianoforte at Thursday's At Home.  He
grinned and said he hoped it might be better than some he'd been to in
Canterbury.  I said this was my first experience and he would probably be
attending.

     "As long as I can get to the Bull and Mouth for the Dover coach at
half past six I will be most happy to hear what is on offer.  I know you
play well as I have heard you during the evenings in Big School."  He
smiled. "Would you play to me now?"

     A good idea so I went through several of the country dances and had
just finished a Scotch tune when Jabez knocked and entered.  "Please excuse
my interruption but it is time for you to dress for dinner."  He turned to
Branscombe.  "I have taken the liberty of laying out your clothes.  I have
also put out a pair of clean white stockings for you."

     "Oh Lord!" Branscombe said, "I had forgotten there was a hole in the
heel in one and a mud stain on the other from when I got in the coach last
night.  I must thank you."  Jabez bowed his head.  "Whose stockings are
they?" Branscombe asked.

     Jabez smiled.  "Mine, sir, but I can assure you they are of the
highest quality..."

     I giggled. "...And not worn on human feet, eh Jabez?  Who's the boy
who swims like a duck so we always said he's got webbed feet, eh?"

     The master and servant barrier was breached.  "And I suppose you've
never belly- flopped trying to dive in?  Can't get your hands right!" Jabez
waved his arms around in a good imitation of the worst of my early poor
efforts.

     Branscombe gave a great laugh.  "I guessed the pair of you were more
than master and servant.  I saw the way you treated each other last night.
Firm friends, eh?"  We both grinned and nodded.  "Same here.  It wasn't
quite true about not having boyish company.  On going to Ashbourne I had to
leave behind my greatest friend who is now one of my father's valuable
grooms. He's really a cousin as my uncle Jarrold was rather forward with
one of the maids.  I thought of that when Robin Goodhew appeared.  I miss
the times my friend James and I had together.  But he's happy to see me and
I'm happy to see him even though we are apart so much."

     "I have several good friends I miss, too," I said.  "Jabez is one.  I
must tell you he is not my cousin or any other relative.  He's definitely
his father's son and he's just like his brother Caleb."  I wasn't quite
sure about that as though they looked alike I had never seen if Caleb
shared any other resemblance.

     "No," said Branscombe before Jabez could make a reply, "You certainly
don't look alike."  He grinned.  "I am not sure who is handsomer, though."
He nodded.  "You both looked so good last night.  My mother said young Tom
was a delightful lad and was also most impressed by the costume you wore,
Jabez.  That other bruiser?  Is he going to be a prizefighter?"

     Jabez laughed.  I was quiet.  So I was 'a delightful lad'!

     "Sir, Mehmet is the gentlest of creatures.  That is, unless he is
giving a massage."

     We then had to explain about Uncle Digby and the massage routine.  I
said I had been under Mehmet's hands and was promised another on Thursday.
Oh, I thought, perhaps dear Cedric could have one, too.

     We then had to hurry.  Jabez went with Branscombe to his room and came
back laughing.  "Those two imps are having a fit of the giggles but are
trying hard.  I said as soon as my baby was dressed I would come back and
see he was properly tidy."  I was about to remonstrate a second time but I
was pushed onto the bed again. "Come on now, get down to your drawers! We
haven't got all night!"

     Through giggles and groping I was undressed.  My faithful valet then
helped me clothe myself in my best black britches and tailed coat.  I did
manage to reach back while he was combing my hair and squeeze a rather
lengthy object.  I wondered if brother Caleb was so equipped as well.  I
would have to ask.  Not Caleb, of course.

     When he had finished his tasks with me we looked at each other and
grinned.  Yes, we were good friends and I said so.  He nodded.  "Your
Master Branscombe will be a good friend to Robin, I'm sure.  I did ask if
he would like a massage if we could arrange it.  He said he would.  Mehmet
is with your uncle at the moment so I will ask later."

     He disappeared off as I stood by the fire and contemplated how lucky I
was.  I felt Branscombe was also a friend now.  I heard laughing in the
corridor and a clattering.  The door was thrown open and there stood my two
brothers.  They were not in full dress uniform tonight, just in ordinary
tailcoats and trousers.

     "Hello, little brother," Terence bellowed, "We thought we might catch
you unawares!"

     "Or in your underclothes," Torquil added a bit more quietly.  "My, you
do look a dandy!"

     I stared for a moment.  "At least neither of you are hung like
lampshades with all that braid as you were at the Dinner or the Ball."

     I was entrapped on both sides.  "Who said that?" demanded Terence at
the same time as Torquil laughed and said "Uncle Digby I warrant!"

     "You looked very splendid," I said, "You almost outdid Jabez and
Mehmet in magnificence.  Perhaps you should join them at the next Ball and
help them to hand out the wine.  At least you could get round to the rest
of the young ladies."

     Terence laughed.  "You wait and see what you might hear!"

     Torquil put an arm round my shoulder.  "There's only one young lady!"

     So, something was in the air!

     Just then another visitor appeared at the door led by the two grinning
youngsters.  Branscombe was introduced again and I thought I detected a
slight reddening of Torquil's cheeks.  Jabez said it was time to go
downstairs and I had an idea.  I picked up my flute and played a well-known
tune.  Branscombe and my brothers laughed and joined in as we marched in
step to the stairwell preceded by the youngsters with Jabez at the rear.
'Some talk of Alexander and some of Hercules, of Hector and Lysander and
such great names as these.'  The song I had played at two of the sing-songs
at Ashbourne.  'The British Grenadier.'  A great favourite.

     As we reached the bottom stair we heard clapping in rhythm with us
from the parlour.  Aunt Fanny was laughing as well.  "Well my boys, that
would be a good introduction to an At Home, but I'm sure some of the old
dears would think we were being invaded."

     "It'd do them good," Uncle Digby said.  "That was well-played, my lad,
let's have another one."

     Because Branscombe and the old naval Captain were there I played a
Sailor's Hornpipe which set up the clapping again.  Just as I finished the
dinner gong sounded.  No music as we processed in.  I noted Branscombe was
placed on one side of Mr de Vere's daughter and Terence on the other.  She
was more lively, I thought, this evening and she and Branscombe were soon
chatting away.  Rosamund was next to Branscombe and I completed the side
being by my aunt at the opposite end of the table to my uncle who had the
Duchess next to him.

     I was quite hungry as usual and tasted several of the offered courses.
I think Branscombe was hungry as well and kept the footmen busy.  I saw him
counting at one point.  Seven footmen on duty!  That would get back to
Mother I was sure!  But Mr Tuckwell was still missing.

     As we finished the last of the puddings in that final course I saw
Torquil look at our father who nodded.  Torquil stood up.  "Ladies and
gentlemen, I have an announcement to make."

To be continued.

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