Date: Wed, 14 Mar 2012 22:30:44 +0000
From: Jo Vincent <joad130@hotmail.com>
Subject: Tom Browning's School Days 31

			 Tom Browning's Schooldays

				    By

				   Joel

			    Chapter Thirty One



Morning came all too soon.  My faithful servant Jabez woke me gently and
said he had just heard the church bell chime six.  There were two pitchers
on the hearth which were being warmed by the fire.  The jakes was a
necessary first step and then a quick wash before I dressed in my riding
clothes.  I noted my jerkin had been brushed and the leather slightly oiled
to make it waterproof again.  I put on a good linen shirt over a woollen
one as I expected it to be cold in this January weather.  We had a good
three days riding ahead of us so I must be warm.  I had noted that my
saddle had not caused me to ache after my ride out on Blaze.  But three
days on horseback might be a different case.  However, I would be seeing my
Robin and I was sure any aches and pains would soon diminish in his
company.

     As I looked around at the bags, with a hamper to be filled with my new
clothes and all the books, I just hoped there would be room in the coach
with my mother and Maria.  There would be all the things which I knew my
mother had bought for herself, too.  I had placed my purse with almost all
my money in my apothecary's box.  As I checked the lid was secure Jabez
handed me a small phial to add to the others.  "Mehmet said this was a gift
from him and Karem," he said with a smile, "It is a little of that Oil of
Neroli he used on you and your friend.  Please keep it safe and think of
them when you use it."  That was a real act of kindness and I urged him to
thank them and say I would see them both when I returned to London.

     Before I left the room I tried to press on Jabez three guineas as a
recompense and heartfelt gift for his friendship.  He refused the sum but I
did make sure a guinea piece was dropped into a pocket.  He smiled and said
it was recompense enough for me to be 'Just Tom' as I had been for so long
in his life.  He did ask me to carry a small parcel in my saddlebag.  It
contained a letter to his mother and a sum of money from his wages with
some small trinkets he had bought for her.  "I miss my mother," he said,
"But I am happy here and I write each week when able.  I want to meet young
Timmy and with all good fortune I will be home to see her and my father in
the summer."

     I asked that he should write to me at Ashbourne if there was news of
Black Jack.  He said he had my guinea which would pay for many letters but
I was adamant he should buy himself anything he wanted with most of that as
letters only cost a penny or two in the mail.

     I was ready to depart but first we hugged and exchanged really fond
kisses of friendship.  He picked up my saddlebags and followed me down the
stairs. He said he would take them to the mews ready for them to be
attached to Blaze's saddle. He murmured that he would have to hurry as he
had to assist in the breakfast room after.  I nodded and smiled at his
grumbling as I was ready for my breakfast and it was just Jabez as I knew
him.  Paolo was already in the breakfast room by the serving dishes and we
greeted each other cordially.  I watched as he served me a good plateful of
fried eggs, bacon and kidneys.

     Just as I was about to pick up my knife and fork my father came in.
"Good! You are up and ready, eh?"  I didn't get a chance to reply for he
was nodding to Paolo as he filled a heaped plate with an assortment which
more than matched mine.  "You played well yesterday," he said as he sat
down opposite me, "Made me proud."  That was more than praise.  I thanked
him and said I always tried my best.  "Yes, with that tongue of yours as
well!"  I was then asked my opinion of the Soir£Æ.  I said I had never
before experienced such artistry and fervently wished to hear more.  He
nodded.  "I may be only a country lad but I can enjoy good things like
that, too.  I felt quite uplifted especially with the Beethoven.  Something
like that raises the spirits."

     We were interrupted by the entry of both my brother Torquil and
Jabez. Torquil threw off his riding cloak to be caught by Jabez who was
standing by the door.  His hat was next and Jabez took his crop as well.
He looked like a hatstand in the hallway.  There was a muttered instruction
and Jabez hurried out. Torquil flopped onto an empty chair.  "Hello,
father, are you ready for the ride?"  He sounded more than cheerful. Then
he glanced at me and winked.  "Had to sound lively or the old fellow would
give me a cut with his tongue."

     Father just stared at him, then nodded but said nothing.  I smiled.
"I have been accused already this morning of having a ready tongue," I
said, "But as you see we are both prepared except we haven't finished
eating this very fine breakfast."

     "Then I shall join you."  He held up a finger and pointed to the array
of dishes.  "I am at your command, young Paolo.  I left the barracks too
early for anything more than a dish of porridge.  Fill me up!"

     If father and I had substantial platefuls then Torquil outdid us.  He
asked our father which route we would be taking.  He got a grunt.  "The
shortest and fastest," was the curt reply, "I have no business on the way,
just things to discuss.  And I am glad you are in such good spirits for it
will be a cold ride."

     "The road to Barnet Gate is good, so I am told, even in this icy
weather," said Torquil, "We could then try for Biggleswade or even St Neots
before evening.  Our Quartermaster says that route is well-travelled and
the road is clear of snow."

     Our father nodded.  "I am glad to have the aid of the military.  Last
time I heard they were having difficulty retrieving their wagons from the
bogs on some plain in the West country.  There are no bogs or marshes on
this route I hope!"

     "Father, I am trying to be some help.  That story is mostly made-up to
embarrass the Colonel who was in charge.  He would not take advice like all
good commanders should from the natives."

     My father laughed.  "Natives!  The inhabitants of good English
villages compared with the denizens of some African or Indian tribal
place!"

     "Father, stop being obtuse.  You know exactly what I mean.  You are a
native of Careby."
     My turn to set up father.  "That is correct," I chimed in, "'Native'
is derived from 'natus', to have been born.  You were born there, ergo, you
are a native of that place."

     Father waved his fork at me.  "I'll 'ergo' you!  The first bog we find
will have a new inhabitant and you can spout your Latin crying 'succurrite!
succurrite! ecce me!'" There was a look of triumph on his face.  "Your old
father hasn't forgotten his days at Stamford Grammar School!"

     There was a suppressed giggle from Paolo.

     "Now eat up the pair of you or we won't even be at Barnet Gate by
midnight!"  Our father was in a good mood!

     We set to and our plates were soon empty.  Two good dishes of that
odd-tasting tea washed it all down for me.  I hoped father would allow a
stop for a much needed piss at some time.

     The three of us went to Uncle Digby's study where he was sitting
wearing a good thick dressing gown and reading a newssheet.  After father
had greeted his brother-in-law I thanked him for having me to stay and for
all the kindnesses he and Aunt Fanny had shown to me.  He said I was
welcome to come to Charles Street at any time and he would welcome a letter
or two to tell him how I was progressing at Ashbourne.  Torquil was shaken
by the hand and wished well and told that he had made a good choice in his
bride-to-be.  "Do not delay the marriage" was the command.  Torquil then
said that James was arranging matters.  Oh, that meant another visit to
London as it sounded as if the ceremony might occur at rather an important
location!

     After bidding Uncle farewell we collected all our outer clothing and,
arrayed against whatever weather, we walked out to the mews.  With Mr
Churcher in charge, Natty, Rowley, Gregson and the boy William were there
with all our mounts.  Standing together were the two brothers, Jabez and
Caleb.  Caleb was in ordinary riding clothes and a fine cloak.  I went over
to greet him and said how much I had been impressed by the parade.  He said
he was looking forward to the ride home.  Poor Jabez looked a bit sad at
that.  Caleb was by his mount which I saw was a good bay gelding.  Of
course, Blaze was glad to see me and I got nuzzled as I stroked his head.
Father was looking over his mount whose name I could never remember. It was
one of a string of three or four always ready for him at Careby and chosen
as he fancied.

     The big surprise was Torquil's mount.  And it was big!  It was the
huge black stallion that Uncle Billy had ridden at the parade.  I was
always wary of getting too close to any of ours at Careby that I did not
know.  Stallions could be fractious with any sudden movement, or for
seemingly no reason at all.  The grooms said it was 'all in the cods' as
our geldings were almost always much more even-tempered.  But I had noted
if a horse was well- schooled, be it stallion, mare or gelding, then,
unless they were stubborn or ill-tempered by nature, they were responsive
to good and careful handling.  Torquil's mount showed he had been
well-schooled.  The young lad William was holding his leading rein and was
stroking his muzzle and talking to him in the same way I did to my Blaze.
The massive beast responded to him as Blaze did to me by moving his head
and snuffling quietly.  It was also noticeable that the two geldings, Blaze
and Natty's Kerry, were not as unfriendly as they had been to the grey
stallions we had brought to London.  Father's stallion was more restive.  A
rival had been scented!  But even he quietened to Gregson's expert touch.

     Saddlebags were safely attached.  I thanked Gregson for driving me in
the chaise and asked him to thank Jacobson as well. Mr Churcher said he
hoped I had enjoyed my stay and there would always be a conveyance here for
visiting.  Rowley would be in charge of driving my mother back to Careby so
got a waved 'goodbye' as did Jabez who stood outside the stables as we rode
out on our journey home.  I had much to remember and think about from just
those few days.

     I rode with Natty as father and Torquil were intent on discussing
obviously weighty matters and Caleb brought up the rear, keeping an eye out
for highwaymen, he said, I hoped jestingly.  So, after Natty had enthused
about his whole stay in London, I asked him about his visit to the British
Museum.  He was ecstatic about it.  He and William had met Aubrey Bayes as
soon as they had arrived in the carriage at the gates to the museum
forecourt.  The journey had also been an experience.  They had actually
ridden inside a carriage all that way and were to be picked up again at
twelve o'clock as if they were young gentry.  Natty did say the carriage
was old and more than the door needed repairing but it was something 'a boy
like him' couldn't imagine.  Aubrey was a gentleman, according to Natty,
and they saw as much as possible.

     I heard descriptions of things I had never seen but Natty was so
precise and clear it was as if I had been there, too.  They had started
with the discoveries made in Egypt.  Natty knew exactly where that was as
they had been shown a map.  He said the Nile was the longest river, even
more than the Thames which we had seen from the Tower of London.  It had
terrible creatures in it called crocodiles which they were told could snap
you in half with their powerful jaws.  He described how the old Egyptians
had wrapped their dead up with strips of linen after taking out their
innards.  After the bodies had dried they were put into big wooden coffins
which were decorated with painted faces and small pictures of people and
things.  "Those old shrivelled things were mummies the man said who showed
us them in one room.  He said they were not all ladies as must people
thought 'cause of that name but was 'cause they were mummified which was
the name of the things done to them.  I learned a lot, didn't I?"  I had to
agree.  He knew more than me, though Lancelot had talked about the process
of embalming I hadn't seen what was in the museum.

     "There were jars as well which the man said held the bits they took
out of people.  Must be old and rotten now I thought but your friend, that
Master Aubrey, said they had special oils or something which kept them
proper.  Had to believe him as they didn't open any."

     I said I knew one could preserve fruits and vegetables for the winter
by cooking them and sealing them in jars but I hadn't known about those
sorts of urns.

     "Those old 'Gyptians' did cats and birds as well," he went on, "All
wrapped up but you could see they were cats.  They were sacred the man
said, and they probably worshipped them.  Don't know if I liked that.
That's in the Bible isn't it 'bowing down to false images'."

     I didn't know Natty was so aware of the Bible.  He, of course, like
most of the villagers who were not Dissenters attended our church and heard
the Bible read each Sunday.  It was then made clear.  "My mother reads the
Bible to us every evening," he explained, "Mr Hine gave her a good copy
when she had been in service there ten years.  I was a babe then and that's
the first thing I remember is my mother reading the story when Jesus was
born.  I musta been about four and I remember that as if 'twere yesterday."

     Again, I was being made aware of things.  Natty was not just a country
bumpkin but had taken in teachings and was able to tell me exactly what he
had seen.  I thought of Uncle Digby and his emphasis on looking and
learning.

     "Those Egyptians lived before Jesus was born so had different ideas,"
I said, "You know the story of Moses who led the Hebrews out of Egypt,
don't you?"

     "That I do," he said nodding his head, "That made me think about all
those people in the Bible and all the ones after Moses so you could count
back from Jesus to them if you guessed how long they lived, couldn't you?
That means you could tell when those Egyptians were making those old
mummies.  That's right, isn't it?"

     I hadn't thought of that.  I knew there was some old clergyman who had
once said he could tell when Adam lived.  Here was Natty doing the same
thing, but just back to Moses and the Egyptians.

     "I must think about that," I said, "We had better talk to my Uncle
Dodd and see what he says."

     Natty laughed.  "The Rector said I was to try harder with my reading
and I have. That Gregson lent me a good primer and I finished all of that
while I've been in London and I helped William as well.  Those gas lamps
are better than candles at night and Mr Churcher said we could sit by the
fire but not to stay up too late."  He sighed. "If I were better minded I
would like to see more and understand those old Egyptians.  Master Aubrey
explained they did their writing with those pictures we saw and it ain't
long back since some Frenchman worked out what it all meant.  I wish I
could do suchlike and find out interesting things."

     I wondered at that and could not think of a good answer.  Natty was no
dullard and yet if not given such opportunities open to me, and now to
Robin, he would languish in his intellect.  If he came with me to Ashbourne
there might be occasion to help him.

     I complimented Natty then on the very good and practical neckerchief
he was wearing.  He laughed. "It is a gift from that boy William and I gave
him one, too.  There was a good shop near that Museum and we both had a bit
of money so we thought it would be good to have something for ourselves.  I
chose his and he picked this one."  He shook his head.  "He's a good boy
and has had a hard life."  I had heard of the dreadful circumstance of his
arrival on Aunt Fanny's doorsteps and wondered what retribution could be
settled on that heartless man.  No! Not a man, but some lower creature even
though he probably had wealth and used his affluence wickedly.  All I could
say was that William was in a good position now and if he worked hard he
would succeed.  In what, though?  Were we all set in particular paths in
life?  I knew from what Uncle Dodd had explained to Robin and me that many
believed in predestination, not only in relation to our souls, but that
people were placed in a station of life which was preordained for them.
More to think about!  I was glad I could express my thoughts to Uncle Dodd
and now in those classes with Mr Ridley.
     By this time we were making good progress out of London.  We had seen
the signposts pointing the road to Barnet and the first one said 7 miles,
so with good riding we would be there in just over an hour.  There were
many carts and riders coming in so I was glad we did not have a conveyance
to drive against the throng.  At least the road was good and other than
having to skirt round carts which had broken down we were making good time.

     Father said as we went up Barnet Hill towards the church that we would
press on to take advantage of the reasonable weather.  If the boys, meaning
me and Natty, could stand the pace Codicote might be reached for luncheon
as there was a recommended inn there.  We did stop before then as all
needed a good piss and to stretch our legs.  I was used to my saddle now
and I felt I was riding well.

     The inn we found was well set up and we managed some game pie and a
flagon of good ale before we set off again.  As the road was quieter Natty
and I rode either side of Caleb as father and Torquil were still deep in
conversation.  Caleb told us something about his life as a trooper.  He
said that he was kept very busy not only with the training and the
schooling of the horses but also as personal servant or valet to Torquil.
I knew the military word for that was 'batman'.  He laughed and said as
long as he had the correct clothing and equipment always ready he had no
trouble except when Torquil in his absent-minded way forget which parade he
was supposed to be at.  He said he had made few mistakes as my mother had
warned him of Torquil's forgetful ways before he took the Queen's shilling.

     He said he had served five years now and was very happy with his life
as he had made a number of good friends.  He said the discipline was
strict.  Drunkenness and gambling were frowned upon though some of his
fellows seemed to get away with having a skinful, as he put it, on a
Saturday evening.  He said he was hopeful of rising in the ranks because
with Torquil's promotion it was in keeping that he should have a Corporal
of Horse as his batman.  He said he didn't see his brother Jabez very much
but he seemed settled.

     "Jabez is most content," I said, "He has told me many things about his
position and I think my Uncle Digby thinks quite highly of him"

     "I am thankful of that," said Caleb with some intensity, "My mother
was getting more than a little worried about what might become of him at
Careby."  He laughed.  "He is too big for life in a village, isn't he?  My
mother confided in your mother and she suggested he might be well-placed in
London."

     That was something else I didn't know.  Jabez was certainly
flourishing and I hoped he might keep out of danger.  We chatted on and
Natty went over his visit to the Museum again much to Caleb's amusement as
he repeated two or three times about the mummified cats.  Caleb said if any
cats were missing in the village from now on he expected Natty would have
tried to preserve them for another two thousand years.  I don't think Natty
really appreciated his leg being pulled.  He made it plain he was too fond
of his mother's cats to harm them.

     I was intrigued by his descriptions of the excavations which had been
done in Babylon and Nineveh as both places were mentioned in the Bible.
Natty said that because the Museum was still being built only some of the
things found could be on display but he wanted to go again especially to
see more things from Roman times.  That reminded me that young Freddy
Neville's father dug up Roman coins and other relics near where he lived in
Suffolk.  I would have to ask him if he had any his father had found.

     We were tiring as the afternoon progressed and went more slowly as the
road was icy.  Talking came to an end.  It was just a cold ride now, and we
were a thankful crew as we entered the village of Sandy and the welcoming
inn there with food and beds.  The horses were taken to the stables and
father checked carefully that all were well.  The head ostler was very
impressed with the horse that Torquil was riding and I heard it explained
that it was being kept at stud at our stables until the encampment was
over.  Judging the size and power of that mount I guessed any of it's
progeny would be valuable and in demand.

     There was a substantial stew with boiled potatoes as our hot meal,
with mulled ale to drink. Then I was ready for bed.  As Torquil said father
snored he should sleep alone and I could share with him as long as I didn't
snore as well.  I gave him the usual brotherly sneer.  Caleb and Natty were
not cast out to the stables but were to be accommodated in another room.
The room we had was well-appointed with a roaring fire and a good feather
bed.  I sank into that and was asleep within moments, not even having time
to ask Torquil what he and our father had been talking about for so long.

     A serving-lad woke us in the morning with a tankard of a hot posset
which was very tasty.  He said he would bring hot water for our wash within
a few minutes.  The good thing was that there had been no snow in the night
though he could not say if the road was better than the day before.  As
soon as the water arrived we washed and dressed quickly as we knew father
wanted to get as far as possible in the daylight.  It would take more than
the hours of daylight today to reach home and with the early winter
darkness we would have to stop again and have the final miles to ride on
Sunday.

     A breakfast of bacon and hot bread filled us and we were off again
soon after seven o'clock.  I had noted I wasn't too sore the previous night
and my arse wasn't aching very much this morning so I was getting used to
my new saddle.  We found the road to be quite good in most places but it
did show signs of heavy use around St Neots and Brampton some way further
on.  We had a reasonable luncheon and then pressed on keeping our eyes
skinned in case of deep ruts which, when full of ice, could cause a horse
to slip.  Darkness began to fall and my father said we would stop at the
next inn which looked clean.  He rejected the one we saw at Norman Cross
for good reason.  There had been a wedding that afternoon and the two
families were in the main room sitting on opposite sides. They were well
into drink and already in a mood for a fight.

     I was standing by the door waiting with Torquil and heard one stout
fellow call across that he'd heard the bridegroom was wanting in length
like the rest of his brothers.  An even bigger fellow stood and advanced on
him shouting that he hoped her quinny was big enough to house the monster
which would make her squeal like the fat sow she was!  Father strode out,
even before approaching the landlord.  He was followed by his two laughing
sons and we set off again.  Luckily a good house was found not far on at
Haddon by the river.

     I was not so tired as the previous night so after the evening meal and
preparing for bed I was able to talk at some length with Torquil.

     I asked him about his mount.  I found that Uncle Billy had acquired it
from a German princeling who was short of ready money having gambled rather
recklessly on his way to England.  The horse had a German name but Uncle
Billy called it Phinn, which Torquil carefully said was spelled with a 'Ph'
at the beginning.  This made me laugh at a memory so I asked Torquil if
this was short for Phineas, who had been King of Thrace.

     "How do I know such things, brother dear, for all I expect you do,"
said Torquil as he swatted me with his shirt he had just taken off.

     I asked if he had learned nothing at Ashbourne and got another swat.

     "I think it is a jest," I said, "Phineas was captured and bound.  He
was then set food which he could not reach as a punishment.  The Harpies
flew down and stole it from him.  Uncle Billy said at the Ball that he was
pursued by ladies of an uncertain age and I would say he thought of those
as Harpies."

     Torquil breathed out as if sighing, but he nodded.  "Of course, he
complains all the time that he is invited to dinners and balls and there is
always someone ready to pounce, as he says.  I think there is one who might
ensnare him.  She is a widow of a Colonel who died some two years ago.  She
is over her mourning as he was rather a wastrel and I have met her and she
is a most agreeable lady.  She has a place at Court and is very close to
Her Majesty as she is much older and quite sensible, not like some of the
flibbertigibbets who are pushed forward by scheming mothers.  No, I am
being unkind, she would not ensnare him but he has to make up his mind."

     "Is that the lady who danced with him several times at the Ball?" I
asked.

     He nodded.  "You are an observant young lad.  Lady Mary Cornwallis is
her name so watch what you say as mother knows her."

     I was in a chatty mood and Torquil seemed wide awake, too.  Having
donned our nightshirts we sat together in bed and drank a beaker of hot rum
and water each for which Torquil had called down the stairs. I had much to
ask him and started by questioning him about his long conversations with
our father.

     "Father says I must think of my future," he said with a grimace.  "I
am to be married and will need somewhere to live.  If the regiment returns
finally to Canterbury it would mean finding a suitable house there.  I will
tell you bluntly that Elizabeth does not want to live near her mother and
that is something you are not to discuss with that rather handsome brother
of hers."  He patted my arm.  "You and he got on well I noted.  He is
adored by Elizabeth so I think it is good you are friends."  I said I found
him to be good company.  "Yes, and Robin will be lodged in with him and the
other lad."

     "Maitland is a fine fellow, too," I said.  "Robin knows him as we have
ridden out together and he should be a good mentor to Robin."  I laughed.
"If I know Robin and his ways both Branscombe and Maitland will have to
work at their studies much harder."

     Torquil nodded.  "The more I hear about my son the more he sounds like
our father."

     That was the first time I had heard Torquil say 'my son'.  He had said
before that he would act if Robin was not treated correctly but he said 'my
son' and that meant so much more.

     It was true that in character Robin was like his grandfather.  He was
upright, true to friends and to all he met and had a droll side to him as
well.  He was tenacious in all that he thought was right and treated all as
being worthy of attention if they were of like mind.

     I said that Robin and I had sworn eternal friendship.  I was wary of
saying of our great love for each other and felt this was a first step to
get our families to understand.

     "Mother has told me of that friendship and it is something I can only
approve of.  I must try to show my love as a real and proper father to him.
I know that Steven Goodhew could not have been a better father in raising
him and I must not interfere but I have much to do to make amends for all
the time I have been away."

     I said that no doubt Robin would be with me most of the time before we
left for school on Monday week.  Perhaps we could ride, or even hunt
together, so Robin and he could make some progress in taking stock of each
other.

     "I was only a boy when he was made," Torquil said quietly, "I was sent
to the military almost as a punishment I always thought.  On the way here
father said it wasn't to be thought of as a punishment but a way of making
me realise I had a deal of learning still to do if I was to be a proper
heir to his estate.  I have learned much.  How to command and how to take
orders.  I know how to be a man amongst men, not only as an officer but as
someone who can inspire trust.  That is more important than anything else.
Our Uncle Billy would never have countenanced any action on my part which
might have broken the trust my men have in me or I in them."  He laughed.
"Caleb trusts me enough to tell me when he does not quite approve of
something I might do.  Our mother's hand was in his enlistment I'm sure.
She knew that Margery Bottom was unsure of what path he might take so took
advice from Uncle Billy.  Caleb has flourished and is the best of men."

     I said that Jabez must be like him.  That seeming rapscallion in the
village was now relied on to take on errands and tasks for our uncle which
required courage, cunning and discipline.  I did not say I knew of his
latest task but, no doubt, Torquil would find out before I did of any
outcome.

     "I have observed Jabez at a distance when visiting Charles Street," he
said, "I know the work Uncle Digby does requires men who have a head for
making careful decisions and judgements.  I think Jabez will prosper from
discussions I have had with Uncle Digby who would not have him there five
minutes if he thought him wanting."

     "Discussions with Uncle Digby?" I asked, "Are you thinking of joining
in his enterprise?"

     Torquil gave me a strange look.  I assumed it was as he wondered 'what
does this boy know?'.

     "I know little," I said, "But I have fathomed out that Uncle Digby is
engaged in some sort of secret service for the government which in the past
has left him crippled but determined to work on."

     Torquil gave a snort.  "There are some things one does not talk about
and one of them is what dealings Uncle has with the government and our
friends and enemies amongst the nations.  You have observed certain things
and have come to correct conclusions but, in the main, my discussions with
him are about things military.  Uncle Digby has a grasp of military history
and strategy which in my experience is unmatched.  If he wasn't crippled he
would at least match Uncle Billy in rank in any branch of the Army in which
he cared to serve.  Even so, he is consulted by those whose interests are
for the country and not for themselves.  That may sound strange but we are
ill-served by many who hold a rank above their capabilities or concern."

     I hoped I could make proper sense of this.  "You mean there are many
in command who should not be?"

     Torquil grinned at me.  "That is correct.  I ask you not to discuss
these things but, as you know, commissions are bought and sold and many
young men are put to a military life even though not suited.  They rise in
rank and cause havoc."  He laughed.  "I have heard many stories of how
sergeants and corporals have rescued their officers from disasters of their
own making either through their stupidity or overweening opinions of
themselves, or both!  At least Uncle Billy accepts no one for a commission
without careful appraisal.  One or two may slip through but they do not
last."

     "My friend George's brother..." I began.

     "...The Honourable Geoffrey Lascelles has been scrutinised even more
carefully than father will scrutinise Phineas for any defect of body or
temperament," Torquil said with a laugh.  "If you tell young George what I
am telling you then... ...I cannot think what might be done to you."

     "As long as I am not circumcised like poor Mehmet and his brother..."
Oh, dear, why does my tongue run away at times?  I felt my face reddening.

     Torquil's chest was heaving.  "A just punishment I would say.  You
must tell me more another time, but you understand about secrecy, don't
you?"

     I nodded.

     "Again, our mother has been involved," he went on, trying to keep a
straight face and I knew I would be questioned further, "Uncle Billy asked
her to contact our relatives on the Crossley side who know of the
Lascelles.  Of course, there is a family connection there, too."

     I said George had mentioned that on our first meeting but I had never
pursued it.

     "That connection has been useful as the intelligence came back saying
that the Honourable Geoffrey Lascelles was an admirable man.  He has served
in the local militia and has made his mark as being dedicated to his tasks
there and also in the village and on the estate. Uncle Billy has trusted
those judgments and Geoffrey will be offered the chance of a commission as
Cornet of Horse.  He is older than most for that rank but if he takes it
willingly and learns his duties and responsibilities like his fellow
officers he will be accepted and should gain promotion quite quickly.
Uncle Billy will not tolerate a slacker, nor will our Colonels."

     I knew little of the regiment but had heard of Colonel Fitzpatrick,
whom father had talked about as a good steeplechase rider who always needed
good mounts.  I had no knowledge of any other Colonel, but I wanted to
enquire more about other matters.

     "Will Terence join with Uncle Digby?" I asked rather tentatively.  I
got bolder.  "Uncle Digby said I should observe the little things and..."

     Torquil was laughing again.  "...and my little brother has picked up a
hint or two.  I do not know.  Terence is his own man and would be most
suited to be of assistance in whatever concern Uncle Digby might need him.
I too have picked up hints but, again, it is something not to be
discussed."

     I thought I had better leave these rather interesting topics.  "What
decisions might be made about where you will live?" I asked.

     He breathed in and out deeply.  "The sooner we are married the better.
I have kept Elizabeth waiting too long.  I think some solution of
accommodation will be the connections Uncle Billy now has with the Palace
and those in government.  There are plans for two detachments to be
stationed permanently at barracks which are being built in Kensington.  If
so, I should be an officer in charge there as well as aide to Uncle.  There
are new houses being built around that district so one of those would be
suitable.  Our main barracks would still be near Canterbury but troopers
would serve for periods there and in London."

     "But that is not to be discussed either?" I asked.

     He nudged me.  "Lips are sealed."  I think I could keep that secret.
"Of course, father then said about the expense.  You know about St Albans?"

     I said I had visited the part of the estate which father had bought
and thought it was good land.

     "Yes, and it is to be divided into four as he told you.  My portion
should provide for household staff but he has other plans, too.  He said I
should tell you and Terence that he has been offered first refusal on land
which the railway company would have bought if they could not find that
straighter route.  It is another case of a family being rather profligate
and not being able to survive with these last few bad harvests as well.
They wish to dispose of their entails and emigrate to the Antipodes where
land is cheap." He laughed.  "Father kept on about some fellow called
Grindcobbe who seems to have a finger in every transaction."

     I said I had met Mr Grindcobbe who was our lawyer and he was the one
who had taken Robin and Philip Goodhew to London.

     "That's the fellow.  Father wrote to say I should not contact Robin as
there was a motive in that journey."  I kept silent as another thing fell
into place.  "That gives me an idea," he said and I got another nudge.
What with Branscombe's digs to my ribs and him with his nudges I might be
black and blue before I reached home!  "That estate is out near South
Witham west of Castle Bytham," he continued, "Father says it is a strange
place and he thinks it's history goes back to around the Crusades.  He said
he has hunted around there in the past and there are ruins of old buildings
and stories of secret tunnels.  He made it sound rather exciting so perhaps
we might explore there next week.  You, Robin and me!"

     That sounded a capital plan and I agreed as I knew the name as it was
on the road we took to get to Ashbourne and was less than a day's ride from
Careby.  I was yawning.  I was tired now and we had finished our beakers.
I think the rum was helping to make me drowsy, too.  Torquil took my beaker
from me and said it was time to sleep.  If we set out at a reasonable hour
in the morning we should be home in the early afternoon.

     Sleep I did.  Soundly and perfectly. I was quite rested when the
serving-lad woke us in the morning.  A quick wash was all that was required
before we joined my father for breakfast.  We were told the fat hog from
which the bacon came had been reared in the sty behind the inn.  I did not
ask if it was related to the bride described at that other inn!  However,
whether or not that would have made it special was no matter as it was
crisp and delectable and, even on a Sunday morning, there was fresh warm
bread to mop up the juices.

     Our party reassembled.  Natty was more lively, as I was today.  It had
been a long ride yesterday and we had all tired of conversation, except for
father!  As we set out I thought again of Sir Walter Scott - 'The way was
long, the wind was cold'.  It was, too.  An icy blast was blowing from the
East and, though we had stopped at an inn for hot sustenance just before
midday, it was with weather-beaten faces and cold hands and feet we arrived
at last at Careby Hall.

     There was quite a welcome.  We parted company with Natty and Caleb as
our mounts were led off to the stables and they would be going to their
homes.  Father said it was good to be back home and Torquil and I followed
him into the Hall.  Our footmen were around and after we were divested of
our outerwear Mr Clements said dinner was arranged for seven o'clock.
However, in the mean time he would arrange for good hot drinks and some
food for us to be brought to the drawing room.  This was strange but when
we entered the room there were already three people ensconced before the
roaring fire with Benjy and Timmy serving them tea and pastries.  Two were
Lancelot and Robin, the third an older version of my good friend George.
This must be his older brother, Geoffrey.

To be continued: