Date: Tue, 24 Apr 2012 13:37:51 +0000
From: Jo Vincent <joad130@hotmail.com>
Subject: Tom Browning's Schooldays

			 Tom Browning's Schooldays

				    By

				   Joel

			    Chapter ThirtyFive


Our talk continued until Eamonn came back to clear the crockery.  He bowed
and said that dinner would be served at eight as my father was at the main
stable and was likely to be late.

     "I wonder what's happening there?" Torquil pondered, "He remarked
after lunch he had a deal of business to keep him occupied for some time.
I heard him say that some lad from his office is to be ready to take
letters to Stamford tomorrow."

     "I expect that would be for Mr Grindcobbe," I replied knowingly, "He
is the lawyer he was talking about who acts for him."

     Torquil nodded.  "We are to ride but father says I can convey my
uniforms in a carriage he keeps at the stables.  That lad and a groom would
drive and we would have the use of the coach to get to Peterborough as
well."

     I asked if he would be riding Phineas.  He agreed he would be as he
thought a horse like that would impress even the county gentry especially
as he would be wearing his full uniform.  I forbore from asking if this
would be with the shiny cuirass and all the golden drapery.  A magnificent
sight in any case and I felt most proud of my eldest brother.

     Torquil was silent for a moment as he must have had something on his
mind and then he was most serious.  "I must see that lawyer, too.  There
are many things I will have to attend to now I'm to be married.  I must
alter my Will first and make certain provision from my inheritances."

     "You have a Will?" I asked as I supposed that was something for old
people to worry about.

     Torquil grinned.  "As a soldier I may be sent off to fight any of the
Queen's enemies and who would get what I own if my head was blown away?..."
He must have seen my horrified look and there was no more grin. "...Tom, I
did not mean to frighten you... ...or scare Robin."  I saw that Robin had
stiffened beside him.  "No, I have to be honest with you, I was reluctant
to give my instructions and then to sign as it seemed so final, but it was
something I really had to do.  Now, I shall soon be married and I must make
changes as you must see."  He pointed at me.  "And do not ask if..."  He
left it at that and the grin was back.

     "And if that coach is driven to Stamford tomorrow the servants can
show you the way in case you get lost in the snow," I said and gave him a
brotherly sneer as well.

     Torquil looked to see if Eamonn was still in the room.  He had gone.
He leaned forward and bared his teeth.  "I threatened to tan your arse.
It's not too late!"

     "You and whose army?" I said.

     He just shook his head.  "I give up.  Little brothers grow up much too
quickly."  He looked at Robin.  "Think of it.  I had to hold your poor old
uncle when he was tiny so Nanny Maddocks could clean his little bottom."

     I supposed that was sufficient recompense for 'You and whose army?'
So I did grin at him.  I remembered our kind old Nurse who had died some
six or seven years ago.  She told me stories about my brothers and sisters
and one about Torquil when I was upset one day.  I think I was experiencing
a loose bowel and she was trying to make light of my predicament.

     "Nanny Maddocks told me of a little boy who wet himself when he was
chased by a goose.  I think she said he was eight at the time.  Not so
little." I said.

     Torquil took that in his stride.  "And so would you, Mr Wonderful!
That goose was evil.  It was big and cross-natured.  I was being kind and
taking it a bit of old bread but its wings went up and it came at me and I
ran."  He laughed.  "I admit it.  I turned and ran in the face of the
enemy!  And what Nursey said was true.  Fright, pure fright!"

     Robin looked at Torquil with such a straight face.  "In the face of
the enemy?  That is desertion, I warrant.  Mistress Maddocks should have
sentenced you to be tied to a wagon wheel and given a good whipping, is
that not so?"

     Torquil put an arm round his son's shoulder.  "I got a good few
whippings for misdemeanours but I hope I would never truly turn and run if
faced by a real enemy.  That would be cowardice of the highest order."

     Robin smiled.  "I would never think you could do anything like that.
All I pray for is that you are never in such danger."  He shook his head.
"A soldier's life is not for me.  I hope you do not think that is a
coward's admission."

     Torquil hugged him.  "You must be whatever you wish, my little Robin.
Just as Tom over there wants to be a physician you must choose your path
yourself.  And, just as Tom will have this family behind him, so will you."

     I looked over at Robin and smiled at him.  His path was being prepared
and as long as I was by his side we could travel that course together.
That was all I would wish!

     We talked more.  Torquil was full of tales about his life with his
troopers and the officers who were his friends.  It must have been near
seven when we decided we had better make ourselves tidy.  Torquil said he
would not change for dinner and father would be in some old suit since our
mother was not around.  Just be clean and tidy and brush your hair he
declared and got two sneers in return.

     In my room I confessed to Robin I had read his translation and his
notes.  He said he liked to comment on what he read as it made things stick
in his mind.  I thought that was a good idea and one to copy.  He wanted to
know what books I had chosen and I said he would have to wait as there were
quite a few and they were something else to share.  I said I had chosen
some for his brothers as well but would not tell them until the coach
arrived back at Careby Hall.

     I remarked that young Philip, his brother, hadn't been seen that
day. Robin said he thought he was spending time at Uncle Dodd's looking at
old plans of the building as he had said he was puzzled about something.

     "We can find out tomorrow morning," I said, "I must pay my respects to
your family now I'm back."

     Robin laughed.  "Philip keeps asking if you were going to see his
friend John Harrison, so there will be questions to answer there."

     "And we'd better go and see Natty's mother as well," I said.  I told
Robin then about giving Natty one of the Duchess's sweetmeats which he was
going to present to his mother and I wondered if she had eaten it.  He just
laughed and said Natty was a trusting lad and his mother adored him.  He
wondered how he would be if he accompanied us to Ashbourne as our groom.

     Dinner that evening was quite a merry affair and all male. The dishes
were as plentiful as the conversation.  After a slice or two of roasted
chicken with small potatoes also roasted the second course was brought in.
Two pair of hares had been jugged and there was a good red wine to
accompany that fragrant course.  Both Robin and I were allowed a glass,
something to savour.  Lancelot had joined us again and he and Geoffrey were
soon exchanging quips and jests and I could see they were becoming firm
friends.  Torquil at one point said he wasn't looking forward to meeting
all the bigwigs of Stamford and Peterborough but father said he knew the
Mayor of Stamford very well as they had been at school together.  He
surveyed Torquil with half-closed eyes and pursed lips.

     "Yes, he also had a fine-looking sister, Mary Elizabeth, but I was too
shy to court her or I might have pledged my troth there.  When I was
seventeen your grandfather took me up to Chester to keep me from the
wenches, so he said, and I met your mother there.  Two years later and we
were wed."  He smiled properly as he looked at Geoffrey.  "She was a
Crossley and I hear you have connections there, too."

     Geoffrey nodded.  "That is true so my father said, but he would have
to search the family tree to find them.  There are two Crossleys farming
around Garthorpe and father always calls them 'cousin'.  They have large
families scattered around and the friend who helped me destroy that barn
was a Crossley.  He's married now and has two young boys."

     "Of course," father said looking at me, "Your grandmother wondered if
I was good enough for her daughter.  She was not pleased when I rather
overdid the good ale there one evening and your mother had to bathe my head
after I fell down.  At least that was our excuse.  I never did find out
what the torrent of French was but it was enough to cut one's ears off.  I
think that's where your sharpness of tongue comes from, my lad!"

     "But Grandmama is quiet and gentle," I said, remembering being taken
to see her when I was five or so and the way she had smiled when I parroted
the French phrase of greeting I had been taught carefully.

     Father looked at me under lowered brows.  "Have you ever seen a swan
protecting her cygnets?  A beautiful creature, but get in the way and
she'll have your eyes out!"

     "So it was a little more than washing your wounds?" Torquil asked with
a laugh.

     "You could say that," father said with such a pious look now, "But I
did have to take my shirt off in case there was any blood."

     "And Mama?" I asked.

     "Well, she did have to kiss my forehead to make it better, didn't
she?"

     "Is that known as courtship?" Robin asked looking thoughtful.  "I have
seen the cob and pen on the river almost twining their necks together."  He
looked at Torquil and me.  "But the cygnets are such ugly creatures, aren't
they?" His face creased up then.

     Torquil waved his fork at him.  "I heard that, young man.  Cygnets
become fine fellows, don't they Tom?"

     I nodded.  "That is true.  Fine in their own plumage and not needing
to drape themselves with gold tassels and ornaments."

     Torquil shook his head.  "I have been assaulted bodily this afternoon
and now my ears are being assailed."

     That was a near miss. For, if questions had been asked, then Torquil's
plans would have had to be divulged to our father.  Luckily Lancelot said
his father had a similar tale to tell.  He had tripped and fallen over at
the County Ball where he had danced with Miss Matilda Browning and she had
ministered to his bruises and became Lancelot's mother and my Aunt Matty.

     Lancelot then went on to say his father was getting rather excited
about something he and young Philip Goodhew were exploring with the old
plans of this house.  They wouldn't say what it was but some measurements
didn't match up.

     "I know there is an old staircase for the servants which they don't
use," I said.  "Mr Clements frightened me one day when he appeared through
a door in the Library I didn't know was there."

     Father was nodding.  "There's too many bits and pieces about this
place.  After that Varley got killed in the duel his widow sold it off
later to some merchant who added another wing.  His son didn't like it so
had it demolished and used the stone and bricks to build our dairy and
laundry.  He lost his money in some speculation, so when my father bought
it nothing else had been done for some fifty or so years.  Where that old
man had lost money my father said he was wise enough to sell as the stock
was still rising.  He made enough to buy the estate outright.  He'd never
say where he got the original money from, though."
     "Wasn't he apprenticed to a London merchant?" Torquil asked.

     "That was the tale he told," father said, "There was more to it I am
sure but I was never told anything further.  I know your Uncle Billy made
enquiries when his commission was bought for him.  We knew that was done on
a friendly basis, but even then at great cost.  Father - your grandfather -
did have friends in high places, but all was kept very close and Billy got
nowhere except a flea in his ear from our father for daring to ask."

     This was all very intriguing as it was the first time I had heard all
this.  I had been told that Grandfather had been a very successful farmer
and horse breeder and the evidence was around me in our very large house,
together with land in many acres and the stock of fine horses which my
father had inherited and expanded over the years.

     Father was enjoying telling his tale.  "All I know is my father
married late and so was well over forty when I was born.  Your aunts were
born first, then I and your uncle followed in quick succession but poor
Mama succumbed to some vile disease when I was sixteen and father became
ill soon after so I had to learn quickly and with your mother's help we've
kept the place afloat."

     "You've never spoken of our grandmother Browning," Torquil said
cautiously.

     Father shook his head and there was a hint of a tear.  "She was the
sweetest, kindest person you could ever meet.  Father could be hard at
times if things went awry but she healed all wounds and, old as I am, I
still miss her sweet smile.  My father was so saddened at her passing he
destroyed the portraits of the pair of them he had had painted so there is
nothing I have but my memories.  Nothing to show you."  He looked at
Torquil.  "Your Uncle Digby did find she was a merchant's daughter and came
to the marriage with a fine dowry but that family has died away, like many
others, with all the illness about."

     "You say you know little or nothing about grandfather and his
origins?" Torquil asked.

     Father nodded.  "Although I was the elder boy he never told me
anything, nor do I think anyone else.  I asked him when my mother died if I
should write to any relations of hers or his.  He just shook his head and
said I had to count myself lucky I wasn't a mudlark on the banks of the
Thames.  What that meant he never explained and I never enquired.  I knew
it would be of no use."

     We could see Torquil was intrigued.  "Some of my fellows pride
themselves and say they can trace themselves back to when William the
Conqueror defeated Harold and others say they can go back further as their
families have owned the same land for many centuries.  I know Uncle Dodd
can trace his ancestry back only a little but we know even less."  Lancelot
was nodding at this.

     Father laughed.  "If I were you I wouldn't poke my nose too far.
Enjoy what you have and make the most of it.  I have seen too many young
fellows of good families who think they can better their fortunes by
gambling rather than doing a good day's work.  However your grandfather
made, or came into his money, does not matter now.  It is in the past.  I
trust you and your brothers and sisters to use what you have well.  Your
sisters have husbands and children.  You have Robin and will soon have a
wife.  What Terence and this rapscallion will do is up to them."

     'This rapscallion' looked pious then.  I knew what I wanted.  To be
with Robin.

     I don't think Torquil was satisfied with father's answers.  I expect
he would take counsel of the person who might be able to find out things.
Our Uncle Digby, no doubt.  There seemed to be mysteries everywhere.  Who
was Mr Tuckwell really?  I wondered what his connection with the Duchess
might be because of the ring and the statement she made about a nephew.
Little things to notice!  But, wait and see.

     Once our repast finished and the sweet course dishes cleared the
'gentlemen' took up their pipes though Torquil also passed his handsome
snuffbox around.  I looked at it cautiously.  "Try it," he said.  I took a
tiny pinch and placed it by my thumb copying what he had done. I sniffed,
then sneezed.  That and smoking would not be pastimes for me!  Robin tried
a pinch.  He didn't sneeze and said it actually did clear his nostrils.  We
sat and listened while more gossip was bandied around and the decanter of
port circulated and glasses were filled by Jackson.  A small glass of that
kept Robin and me at the table longer but the talk was about horses,
racing, hunting and the evils of gambling so when our glasses were empty
Robin and I politely excused ourselves and left the diningroom.

     Benjy was lurking outside the door ready with a sconce to light our
way upstairs.  Mr Clements was dozing on a settle and we crept past and as
silently as possible made our way upstairs.  Benjy lit three candles for us
and then excused himself as he said he had better get back downstairs in
case Mr Clements slept too soundly and wasn't awake when the others left
the room.  We were quite happy to be left to fend for ourselves and were
soon snuggled together under the covers and recalling those odd things
about the family.

     "I am sure there is more to find out," commented Robin as I said I
didn't think Torquil would be satisfied with the scant information we had
heard.  "There must be documents somewhere which show how much this estate
cost your grandfather and probably the provenance of the money.  It must
have been a goodly amount but I know nothing about money.  I expect Mr
Grindcobbe would know such things but he is a lawyer and must not divulge
his client's business."

     "There must be more to find in London, too," I said, "I warrant
Torquil will make enquiries of Uncle Digby Wright."  I laughed.  "Perhaps
grandfather had been a pirate and made his money that way."  I told Robin
about Branscombe's tales of his father's footmen who were old sailors.  I
nearly said about the ring in Cedric's cods, but stopped myself, describing
instead the massage we had both received.  Thinking about that set my
pizzle tingling and I told Robin to lie on his front and I would try to
demonstrate on him.  My fingers had hardly kneaded his shoulders when he
turned over and another massage began until, head to toe, we savoured those
outpourings we had grown to cherish.

     Sharing the remains on our tongues we pledged our friendship again and
twice more our juices flowed before sated with food and love we slept.

     What a din wakened us!  Benjy and the twins had each brought in a
copper pitcher of hot water.  Benjy had poured his into the hip bath and
was banging the empty pitcher with a piece of metal which had been among
the heap of things on the floor.  "Wake up, sleepyheads!" he shouted, "It
is past seven o'clock.  More snow has fallen in the night and the soldiers
will be ready to depart at nine.  Up! Up! Breakfast is served below!"

     Two nude lads woke and within a moment or two Benjy had his britches
to his ankles and his underclout down and his bare arse being walloped
which only caused him to yell out more.  The twins were standing, looking
and laughing.

     He wasn't really being hurt though his buttocks were soon tinged red.
"Help! Help!"  he yelled.  I couldn't resist it, as face down and legs
apart his good-sized young cods were on full view so I clutched at them.

     "Be quiet!" I commanded, "Or I squeeze!"

     I did squeeze slightly and was rewarded with a full-blown fart.  I let
go quickly as three others now laughed heartily.  I was tempted to give him
a mighty slap but thought better of it.

     I was still giggling as he righted himself, turning over and
displaying his erect peg before dragging up his clothes to cover himself.
Robin slapped his clothed backside then and remarked that he shouldn't
display himself to young lads like the twins.  One of them must have
spotted the carving on the tall chest.  He pointed up to it and looked at
me, "Sir, he does not match that fine boy there."

     There was a clamour then as Robin took the statue down.  I said it was
really a gift to Timmy but he thought Mrs Bottom might be discomfited if he
took it home.

     Benjy pointed at the discomfiting object.  "She must have seen her
Jabez many times and I wager a statue of him would need more wood there
than that young man."

     The twins were now eyeing Benjy with questioning looks.

     "As we grow older so boys grow more here as you have I am sure since I
saw you in the river last Summer." He pointed directly at the wooden
projection. "Jabez has grown a deal more than most boys and is proud of the
fine pizzle he has. You will have to wait a little longer yet to see what
you may achieve."

     One of the twins nodded.  "Our cousin Jimmy Peters has told us
that. He said we had to be patient as he had been."  The other whispered
"Our brother John is big."  The other looked at him as if to silence him.

     So they must have peeked at their older brother!  But all this chat
was meaning the water in the bath was cooling.  It had been set by the
hearth but both Robin and I had evidence of the night to wash away.

     Benjy saw I was getting agitated.  He pointed to the door.  "Take your
pitchers and get hot water for Dr Lancelot.  He is in the green bedroom.
And don't make too much noise."  The boys departed grinning at each other.
Noise!

     As soon as the door closed behind them I used the pot in the commode
as my belly was rumbling.  Both Robin and Benjy screwed up their noses as I
finished.

     "Your fart was enough," Robin said to Benjy "But he has beaten you on
stink."

     "That was the fine jugged hare I expect," I said as I wiped my arse
with soft paper.  I walked over to the bath and stepped in.  "It is Robin's
turn now and as he had a second leg you can judge if his stench is worse."
I made sure my face was lathered with almost the last of the sweet soap
which masked anything he could produce.

     Benjy washed my back as Robin completed his task.  "It will be Heaven
once those jakes are here," Robin said, "Edward Harrison said he could sit
and contemplate and know all would be washed away with the turn of a
handle."

     "That is interesting," I said, "I know there are pipes to be placed to
remove our efforts,.  How will there be enough water to make it all
disappear?"

     Robin pointed up to the ceiling.  "There are plans for a cistern or
two to be placed in the roof space.  There is to be a special pump down in
the laundry with a rotating handle to drive the water upwards.  I heard Dr
Lancelot explaining it to Philip and father as he had made enquiries."

     Lancelot had told us of the difficulties of pumping water as such
things as village pumps depended on the pressure of air to support the
water as it rose so they could not be bored too deep.  Something else to
explore.

     I was soon sweet and clean and dried myself as Robin got into the
bath.  "This could be hotter," he complained.

     "Don't worry, the coolness cannot make much difference to your tiny
prong," I said and was lucky as he made to throw the dripping washcloth at
me.

     This set Benjy off giggling.  "That Eamonn is amazing.  It must be the
better food and drink he gets here, but he is sprouting fast."

     "And you have been observing closely?" asked Robin.

     Benjy shook his head.  "I have observed, but not closely.  He is a
quiet lad and makes his own pleasure most nights."

     "While you do every night, I warrant," Robin said.

     "I am a healthy boy," Benjy said, standing up straight and thrusting
his chest out. "I may not match that carving but I do not want for enough
to keep me happy."

     "I suppose there must be some who are not satisfied with what the dear
Lord has given them." I mused as I dressed, "One always wonders if someone
has something better."  I realised the pair were staring at me.  "I do not
know what might be better so am satisfied with my lot."
     "Your lot?" Robin said, standing up in the bath and taking the towel
Benjy handed him.  "That's not a lot in his possession, is it Benjy?"

     "Oh, Robin, do not tease the lad, he has sufficient for his needs at
present and no doubt will vie with the carving for superiority when he is
fully grown," said Benjy.  He turned to me.  "I will say no more as a poor
servant may be rewarded for his kind statements."  He gave me a wink as he
handed me my jacket which he had taken from the hook inside my tall chest.

     "Oh, Benjy," I said, "Those words of yours are worth their weight in
gold.  'Tis a pity we cannot weigh such things."  I simpered at him as I
thrust my arms into the sleeves.

     Robin was not hoodwinked.  "Benjy, I need to be dried, do your duty!"

     Benjy looked at me with another wink.  "My, that young master will
have his tankard filled with the lees from the barrel I am sure if he
treats good servants like the dirt beneath the carpet."

     "Dirt beneath the carpet!" Robin called out.  "Are you telling us that
the servants here are not cleaning the house with care?  I will inspect
such things personally and certain persons will be on hands and knees with
brushes and dustpans..."

     His diatribe came to an end as stepping out of the bath with a gesture
worthy of a Roman Senator swirling his toga the dear boy stood on the end
of the draped towel and toppled in a heap.  We didn't laugh but he was
rolled and tickled as I had been and all ended in laughter and good
spirits.

     "There is no time to test his lot this morning," I said, "I need my
breakfast though last night's dinner was substantial."

     "That is so," said Benjy with a smile, "Mrs Gray gave us boys the
remains of that jugged hare with fine boiled potatoes though the twins
wondered at the richness of it.  I said they would sleep well after that
even if there wasn't much meat left in the pot."  He laughed.  "I must go
and see if that dirt is there but I doubt it or Mistress Clements would
have given the cleaning maids a good switching."

     He went off and after Robin dressed quickly I brushed his hair for
him.  Like mine it was now lower than our shoulders and we needed it to be
cut somewhat before we went back to Ashbourne or one of the young Potts
could deal with it.  Not that we would look unsightly as many wore their
hair long but if running or playing at football it would get wet, muddy and
tangled.

     I put my arm round his shoulders as we stood before the glass.  "Are
you happy, my Robin?" I whispered.

     He nodded slowly.  "More than I can say."  He turned and held me
tightly.  "Torquil has told me I am to have land in St Albans in my name.
That sounds impossible."

     I lent forward and kissed him on the lips.  "We shall both be landed
gentry then.  I am to have some, too, and I will ask for it to be next to
yours."

     We held that kiss for some time until with smiles at each other we
went in search of our breakfast.

     Both Torquil and Geoffrey were already seated and had piled plates
before them.  We went immediately to inspect the heated dishes and then sat
while Eamonn filled our plates with a good mixture of things.

     "We wondered where you were," Torquil said waving his fork at us,
"It's not like you to be late for food."

     "But it is better for you to be off early as when I looked out of the
window I saw there had been more snow," I said, "I hope you will ride
carefully as it would not be appropriate for you to arrive on the Mayor's
doorstep with britches as wet as you had yesterday."

     Torquil just sneered at me.  "There will be a time when a young
gentleman finds his eldest brother not to be in a forgiving mood."

     Geoffrey gave a snort.  "Torquil, all young brothers are the same.  I
have one as Tom well knows who keeps his elder brothers in order."

     "George keeps me in order, too," I said, "I hope he does not find me
too disobedient."

     Geoffrey laughed.  "My boy, he's full of praise for you.  He says he
would not have survived this last term without you and that fellow Davis to
help him with his studies."

     I felt a warm glow inside.  I knew George struggled with his learning
but he had succeeded.  "I will do my best to help him in whatever he needs.
And he will have Robin, too, although I think he will be kept busy with our
future relative."

     Torquil waved his fork at me.  "Now, do not forget, lips are sealed or
big brother will not be pleased."

     Just in time as father came into the room accompanied by Lancelot.

     We greeted him with the usual head bows.  He pointed at Torquil and
Geoffrey.  "Good, you are here.  Mr Jarvis has sent a message from the
stables that the coach and your mounts are ready.  I suggest you start as
soon as you are well-filled.  There has been snow but it should not hamper
you too much.  Ride carefully."  This last was said with a grin and
directed mainly at Geoffrey.  "No pony today but Jarvis has picked a fine
gelding for you."  He turned to Torquil.  "I trust you to deliver the
letters Mr Mead will have given to the lad to lawyer Grindcobbe at your
first convenience.  Any replies can either be collected before you ride to
Peterborough or sent in the mail back to here."  As he said this he slipped
a leather purse onto Torquil's lap which clinked.  A sum of money I assumed
to pay any expenses the pair might have on their quest.

     We also had our own errands to perform so eating breakfast was the
priority now.  I heard Lancelot describing his examination of the idiot boy
to father.  The boy's aunt had said he would be accommodated at the
farmstead and would be looked after there.  Lancelot said he had tested the
other lad and he could read and write well as he had been taught to read by
the curate of the parish when younger.  He had spent most of his time when
caring for his brother reading books which Mrs Cavendish had loaned him
from the library at Bitchfield Hall.

     Torquil had been listening to this.  "So the elusive Mrs Cavendish has
a kinder streak than that husband of hers."

     Father sighed.  "I suppose there is always hope." He turned to
Lancelot.  "From that boy's speech and manner he has potential.  Let your
mother loose on him and she will assess what he might be apprenticed to."

     As usual father had made a decision from which I felt only good would
flow.

     Torquil and Geoffrey were soon finished having cleared their plates of
any remaining scraps.  They bid us farewell and Torquil said he would make
every effort to be back by Friday afternoon.  As they left father nodded
his head.  "Milord Harford must be rightly proud to have a son like that.
He will be a good addition to Billy's band of warriors, no doubt."  Father
had made another judgement.

     As we ate he asked what our plans were.  I let Robin tell him and he
listed his household, Natty's mother and Uncle Dodd.  Lancelot laughed when
he said the last as he would like to be there when we asked about the plans
of the house but he had several sick patients to visit.  Father said he
would be looking at maps Uncle Digby had given him of the Witham farms.  He
shook his head when we said we would like to ride over there.

     "It would be more than a day's ride in weather such as this and we do
not know if there is to be more snow.  Leave it until you are back at
Easter when the snow will be over.  With all the lawyers and their
machinations I doubt if there will be any advance for some months."  He
smiled.  "One of those letters for friend Grindcobbe is for him to set
further conditions for the railway company.  Your uncle said the sooner the
better to get things clear as there is a clamour for the line to be
excavated and laid.  The investors want to see a speedy return on their
money which can only happen when there are those engines running up and
down."  He shook his head.  "How things change.  My father said the canals
made such a difference for business and now I see it will be these
railways."  There was much to think about as usual.

     We finished our breakfast and as Eamonn cleared our plates we bid
good-day to my father and hurried to get changed for riding into the
village on a cold day.  This, of course, was accompanied by a hug or two.
As soon as we had retrieved hats, cloaks, gloves and scarves we went to the
Hall stables.  Bobby Brewer was tending to a young bay gelding which had a
touch of mange on it's flank.  He bemoaned the lack of care which had been
given to the animal which father had bought from a dealer some two months
ago.  "That man had a string of six to sell and all good except they were
dirty and ill-kept.  I liked this one so Mr Browning said I should
persevere with it and it pleases me it has responded well to Dr Lancelot's
ointment."  Robin and I exchanged amused glances as Lancelot seemed to
spend as much time curing horse complaints as dealing with his human
patients.  Perhaps that was the lot of country physicians.  No wonder he
was willing to nurture young Timmy.
     Our mounts greeted us as usual with neighs and quiet whinnies as we
gave them each a carrot.  I saw a small heap of my hated parsnips in a
basket and Blaze ate one quickly when I held it to him.  I thought of
Robin's Latin tag - 'de gustibus'.  We set off down the drive and the snow
had been swept aside for most of the way but the village street was quite
treacherous with ice as well.  I could see what father meant about not
attempting to visit Witham.  I hoped the snow would be somewhat gone before
our journey back to Ashbourne.

     There was a great welcome when we went into Robin's house.  He was
enveloped in a great hug by his mother and I was too.  We were not allowed
to leave until I had told of the Ball, the At Home and the SoirＦ.  Jenny
Goodhew had been taught to play the spinet by Aunt Matty and smiled when
she heard I had played a new pianoforte at the At Home.  "That must make a
grand sound," she said.  All this took time and the consumption of two
dishes of tea with a small baked cake each.

     I asked about Liam and Jenny gave her silvery laugh.  "He is doing so
well and has control over the imps."  She meant Philip and his younger
brother.  "Steven says he has never known such a willing worker and he is
learning all the new skills fast.  Steven has new business to complete all
the time.  There are memorials for two other churches and the repair of a
window or something in another but that must wait until the weather
improves."

     I couldn't say about Torquil's impending marriage but, no doubt, she
knew.  She looked fondly at their son as he said we would go to the
workshop.  "You'll find James there but Philip's gone to the Rectory
already.  He said he has much to do but would not tell us anything."

     "I expect it's about the jakes in every bedroom at the Hall," I said,
"Both my room and father's are disordered."

     "Jakes!" Jenny said emphatically, "That is the only word I have heard
this Christmas and New Year.  There is Steven drawing plans and Philip
telling him how to do them properly and the pair getting sodden wet in the
river on the coldest day!  All they would say was it was to make sure there
was a good flow."

     I thought of the descriptions of the Thames where all the ordure and
foul remains were poured in all the time.  I knew the village used the
river to wash away its debris and that and the stables were downstream to
us at the Hall.  In Spring and Autumn the river had a good flow but was
more sluggish in the Summer. Would it become like the Thames?

     We took our leave and went through the rambling house to the
passageway to the big, old barn which Steven used as the space for any
carving.  Here it was quite warm as a brazier had been placed so Steven and
Liam wouldn't freeze as they worked on the stone.  Young James rushed up
and hugged his half-brother as soon as we entered.  I was greeted most
affably by Steven who pointed at Liam with a grin.

     "That lad has saved my reputation," he said, laughing.

     I said I had heard and he was to be congratulated.  Liam smiled as he
stood up from the block of stone he was tapping with a chisel.  He had on
the usual garb of a working mason, a paper cap and grey smock and looked as
if he had been at the craft for years.
     "Mr Goodhew, that was an error on the clergyman's part," he said, now
looking serious.

     I went over to him.  "But you noticed it.  Congratulations."  His
smile was back.

     Robin was looking at the stone his foster-father had been carving.  "I
must check that no more errors are being made," he said impishly, "Yes,
'Michael' is correct now!"

     Steven grabbed his shoulder.  "And Liam carved that perfectly, you
wretch!"

     Liam was looking very pleased.  "I had but to take out the roughnesses
in the grooves."  He looked at young James.  "You had a hand in that, too."

     "And you told me not to tap too hard as the chisel was very sharp.  I
obeyed for once."  This last said with a smile which told that although
James might be losing an older brother he had gained another.

     I was shown all the work in progress and was amazed that Liam in such
a short time was allowed, and able, to do some of the careful work.  As we
left Steven said quietly to me that Liam had the makings of a master mason
and would be trained to the highest standard.

     Before going to the Rectory we went to see Natty's mother.  She said
that whatever her boy wanted to do, as long as he didn't join the military,
she would be happy.  I said my Aunt would no doubt supply any things Natty
needed when he left for the school with us.  I didn't mention the Duchess's
sweetmeat but saw it had pride of place on a saucer on her kitchen dresser.
There would be more for her when my Mother returned with my chest and bags.

     Aunt Matty was out when we arrived at the Rectory as Simpson the
butler announced most pompously.  He followed that with "The Rector and the
boy Goodhew are in the study looking at papers."  Somehow I didn't think Mr
Simpson thought the Rector should be wasting his time on such trivial
pursuits.  He must then have realised that Robin was with me.  He was more
than unctuous after that.  I and the second boy Goodhew were ceremoniously
ushered into the study once we had divested ourselves of our outer
clothing.  "Master Thomas Browning and Master Robert Goodhew for the
Rector."  None of us dared to correct him though there was more than a hint
of a smile on Uncle Dodd's face.  We greeted my uncle and Robin's
half-brother who were standing by a large table set up near the main
window.

     When the door was shut Uncle Dodd let out a snort.  "Come over here."
He beckoned us to the table on which a number of sheets of old paper were
spread out.  On top of some were new pieces with sketches of walls and
rooms on them.  As we peered he said to Philip, "Explain what you think you
have found."

     "Master Tom, there is something in the corner here where the walls
come together."  He set side by side one of the old pieces and a new
sketch.  "When I was measuring the two corner bedrooms I found they do not
touch back to back.  There is a discrepancy of some six or seven feet and
it is the same in the corner of the ballroom and the anteroom on the ground
floor.  I have not explored the cellar yet as there is a deal of old lumber
piled but I crawled through and found a small iron wicket gate.  I could
not open it and we shall have to wait to have that part of the cellar
cleared."

     I looked at Uncle Dodd who was smiling broadly.  "I think our young
explorer has made quite a discovery.  While Philip has been measuring and
crawling in cellars I have been delving into old chests from the attic.  I
should have looked before at what my predecessors had left behind and these
were the documents hoarded in the old priest's room in the tower of the
church.  They were moved here when this Rectory was built at the end of the
last century and the bells rehung in the church tower."  He picked up a
faded piece of parchment.  "This tells us that while the Puritans were
knocking down statues and the priest had been turned out someone had hidden
two carvings of Our Lady.  It doesn't say where but we might have a guess."
He picked up an even older document, frayed at the edges.  "This is an
order for the arrest of any Roman Catholic priest found in the district and
is dated as far as I can make out in 1590.  As it is in Latin I doubt if
the local constables could read it."  He handed the parchment to Robin.
"Now, Tom, look over here."  He pointed at a sketch of part of a building.
"This is the earliest drawing of your home I can find and it has the date
of 1665 on it.  It is a plan for rebuilding part of the original house on
the site.  There is little detail but this piece shows the corner of the
house young Philip has been measuring.  I think this plan is a ruse and
does not show something much older.  I suspect there is one or more hidden
rooms.  Who would ever notice six or seven feet missing at a corner?  There
had been new building much before but in secret and inside."

     I realised what was being said.  Those discussions about Sir Thomas
More and other Catholics.  "You think there might be a room to hide a
priest?" I asked.

     Uncle Dodd nodded.  "There are many examples in old houses where the
families did not reject their Catholic heritage.  The Varleys were Catholic
I am sure right up to the last one killed in the duel.  This part of
Lincolnshire had many old Catholic families.  The boy Niall now with Mr
Grindcobbe is lodged with a Catholic family who have been merchants in
Stamford for generations."  He smiled.  "The family were delighted to take
the boy in and I hear he is well-settled."

     "That is so," Robin said, "But were any priests found here?"

     "I do not think so," Uncle Dodd replied equably, "If any were hidden
they were hidden well.  That family in Stamford had a kinsman who went to
the seminary in Douai in France sometime around 1600 but as far as they
know he never came back to England.  At least he is not listed in those
from Douai who were found and killed."

     "Found and killed?" I asked.

     Uncle Dodd shook his head.  "In the name of religion over one hundred
and fifty Catholic priests from that one college were killed for their
beliefs after being discovered in hiding all over this country."

     All four of us in the room were silent for a few moments until young
Philip broke the silence.  "Uncle, I do not understand.  They were priests,
why were they killed?"

     "Philip, it is a long and difficult story.  It is not one I am proud
of as I am a clergyman.  In a nutshell, Queen Elizabeth had plots against
her especially after the Pope of the time wrote that her reign was not
legitimate.  The Catholics in the country were accused of being against the
Queen as well and an Act was passed requiring allegiance to Her Majesty and
punishment by harsh penalties if not obeyed.  A priest, if caught, was
asked who was supreme, the Pope or the Monarch?  How could he answer?"

     "Uncle, how could anyone be so evil?" the young lad asked with such a
look of consternation on his face.

     "Unfortunately there are many even now who would do evil things in the
name of religion," Uncle Dodd said and put his hand on the lad's shoulder.
"It was only in 1829 that an Act of Parliament was passed to allow
Catholics to take public offices from which they were barred under those
earlier Acts.  Even King George was against the passing of the Act and it
was passed over much opposition from many of the aristocracy and gentry as
well as clergy."

     "But we were all Catholics before Henry the Eighth..." Philip said
then stopped.

     Uncle Dodd smiled.  "You are thinking of the Apostles Creed, eh? I
believe in the Holy Ghost; The Holy Catholic Church; The Communion of
Saints...  We are still Catholics even though our allegiance is to Her
Majesty as head of our Church of England and not the Pope who is head of
the Church in Rome."  He patted Philip's arm.  "I know it is difficult but
believe me I had to make decisions myself before I was ordained.  You know
I had to take Holy Orders to be a Fellow of my college as I have told you
that before.  I was then a deacon.  I was made a priest when I was offered
this living by Tom's grandfather and I did not take that step lightly.
However I have never regretted it.  I hope I am a good parish priest."

     "Sometimes the sermons are rather long," Robin said and dodged the
friendly cuff which was directed at him.

     "I do my best, young man, and I will hear your construe of the next
part of Herodotus on Thursday afternoon."  He turned to me.  "And you need
not be idle, either. Greek adjectives for you.  I want a list with
comparative and superlative. For example, 'black', 'blacker', 'blackest'.
Then, 'light','sweet', 'poor', 'clear', for a start.  You can decide on
five more."

     I picked up the nearest piece of paper meaning to note what he had
said.  My hand was slapped down as it was already drawn upon. Philip
grinned at me at Uncle's action and handed me a blank piece together with a
sharpened pencil.

     "'Black' would have the stem 'melan'?" I said, thinking of the four
humours and 'melancholic'.

     "That is for you to decide.  The new lexicon should be useful," was
all Uncle Dodd said.

     Uncle turned his attention to Philip.  "When these young gentlemen are
ready to visit Mrs Reynolds to see what she has in the pantry for us all we
can pursue the task we started on."  We were ignored as Uncle Dodd went on,
"I think we might find there are rooms one above the other from cellar to
attic, do you not think so, too?"

     Robin looked at me and raised his eyebrows as Philip said "I agree,
and we can see if there are other measures which do not match.".  Robin
nodded towards the door and we made our way out down to the kitchen which
was quite hot and steamy.

     Mrs Reynolds was in a flustered mood, then we heard the news.  "That
daughter of mine is to be married on Saturday and not before time!"


To be continued:

P.S.: If you enjoy reading all the stories on Nifty why not consider making
a contribution to keep the site running.  Best wishes.  Joel