Date: Wed, 25 Jul 2012 19:26:56 +0000
From: Jo Vincent <joad130@hotmail.com>
Subject: Tom Browning's Schooldays Chapter 40

			 Tom Browning's Schooldays

				    By

				   Joel

			       Chapter Forty



The look on my father's face was a picture which changed rapidly from
surprise to a smile, but then two great tears welled from his eyes.

     He put his pipe down and beckoned Uncle Dodd to him.  "That was my
mother's and though she gave it to me for my seventh birthday she kept it
hanging on the wall of her boudoir to keep it safe."

     Aunt Matty was openly weeping and Lancelot passed her his white
handkerchief.  "Oh, Sam, I remember how you loved that plate.  Our mother
used to make up stories for us and your favourites were those where the boy
had adventures with his friend the hare."  She did smile then.  "Fanny and
I enjoyed those particular stories as we surmised that the hare was a
little more astute than the boy."

     Father ignored that gibe from his sister.  I surmised he had heard it
before.  He took the plate carefully from Uncle Dodd.  He was shaking his
head.  "I cannot believe I'm seeing this again after all these years."  He
sniffed and brushed his nose with the back of his hand.  "Many times I
asked my father if I could have a hare for myself but he always said I
could not.  I did not understand but the gamekeepers said their rightful
place was in the fields.  Many's the time I was taken by old Amos Cooper
our head gamekeeper to watch the mad March hares sparring and boxing.  He
did let me hold a young leveret which had hopped from its form but warned
me I could not take it away as it would die without its mother's care.  I
thought of that many times when my own mother lay dying.  Would we survive,
my sisters, my brother and me?"

     My mother moved towards him and clasped his hand.  "Sam, you have told
me many times of that plate.  It is almost a miracle it has been found."
She turned to Uncle Dodd.  "Where was it?

     Uncle Dodd smiled.  "We were on an exploration in one of the
cellars..." he paused, "...Lancelot, young Philip Goodhew and me.  I had
better explain.  Philip has discovered certain measurements of rooms do not
tally with what one might expect.  We think there are secret rooms, but
that is a story for another time."  He turned to my father who was still
looking at the plate.  "Sam, we found some other things.  Let me fetch
them."  He nodded at Lancelot and the pair went from the room and nobody
spoke.  My mother took the plate from my father and was also looking at it
intently.  Uncle Dodd and Lancelot were soon back each carrying a box.

     Lancelot opened his and took out one of the Hogarth pictures.  My
father was shaking his head slowly.  "'The Good Samaritan'.  That was on
the boudoir wall as well.  Are there others?  I remember 'The Pool of
Bethesda' with the flying angel."

     "Uncle, there are six in the box and one is of the 'Pool'" Lancelot
said.  He went over to a side table and placed the six in three rows of
two.

     My father got up and looked at the array.  He nodded and smiled this
time.  "These were all my mother's."  He looked over at Uncle Dodd.  "And I
can but guess what you have."  He turned to his sister.  "Matty, come and
stand by me."

     Uncle Dodd placed the four miniatures on another side table. He held
up one.  "I would say this is you," he said to Aunt Matty.

     It was her turn to smile.  "Yes, that is me!  I remember the Signor
coming to paint that.  He was a welcome guest.  He had painted both Mother
and Father some time before and they had each of us depicted when we were
five or so.  Fanny was the first as eldest and then me."  She looked at my
father.  "I think you and Billy were depicted at the same time."  She
pointed at one of the ovals.  "And that is dear Billy.  How he will be
delighted to see it again, but we must forewarn Torquil not to make
remarks."  She laughed.  "He was such a pretty boy in that lace collar with
his long hair.  We used to vie, Fanny and I, over who should brush it for
him in the morning."  She turned and pointed at Robin and me.  "You boys
were the same at that age so there is no need to sit and grin.  Look at you
now.  Your hair is still as long even if it does not curl."

     I am afraid we looked at each other and sniggered.  I had difficulty
in imagining either my father or Uncle Billy as small boys.  But they must
have been.  They had been scamps in the village as much as us.  They had
enjoyed boyish pleasures.  Oh! my thoughts then strayed to that supreme
boyish pleasure!  Father and Uncle were boys, too!  I had to think of other
less alarming things.

     "Uncle thinks some kind servant rescued these pictures and hid them,"
I remarked in order to change the way my thoughts were running.  "Who would
that have been?"

     Aunt Matty thought for a moment.  "I would say it was Mr Jubb.  He was
our butler and he died soon after our mother.  He was devoted to her and
had come from London with her when she married our father so we were told.
He lies in the graveyard just a yard or two from our parents' tomb."

     I had seen the plain table-top tomb many times and had seen their
names carved on it but I had never noted a stone for Mr Jubb.  Robin spoke
up.

     "Is that the one for Hezekiah Jubb?" he asked.  "Father says it has
uncommonly fine lettering."

     Aunt Matty gave a little laugh.  "No one knew what his Christian name
was until our father made enquiries.  He was the brother of our cook so of
course she knew."

     "She is in the same grave," said Robin, "She must be Hephzibah Jubb
and that is all it says other than giving their dates."

     "You are most observant," Aunt Matty said approvingly.

     Robin said no more but confessed to me when in bed later that his
father Steven had said having long names cost more to carve. He had said it
was fortunate their surname was not Featherstonehaugh as well which would
have been most expensive when their long Christian names were added.

     My father left his contemplation of the pictures and turned to Uncle
Dodd.  "Which cellar were they in, Alfred?"

     Uncle then explained that Philip had noted the measurements he had
taken in the bedrooms at the back right-hand corner of the Hall did not add
up.  He had tried to explore the cellar beneath but it was full of lumber.
The three of them had gone down to find what had to be moved and they found
the three boxes on a shelf above an old escritoire.

     "I have never ventured down there," my father said.  He looked at
Robin and me who were still grinning.  "The only cellar I check is the one
in which my store of good wine is kept.  And that is securely under lock
and key!" he said quite firmly.

     Why were we being singled out?  He smiled then.  I dared not sneer.

     Uncle Dodd smiled, too.  "Sam, this other cellar was also locked.  Mr
Clements said as far as he knew no one had been down for many years as it
had been filled a long time ago with old furniture and unwanted utensils
and so on."

     "Father, you said there had been portraits of grandfather and
grandmother.  Could it be they were not destroyed?" I asked.

     "That is an interesting question," he said.  "Your grandfather said
they were burnt but if these were saved, I wonder?"

     "Perhaps Mr Jubb was instructed to destroy everything but disobeyed,"
said Lancelot.  "I think we should take care when the lumber is moved to
discover what may be amongst it and not just discard everything as
rubbish."

     My father nodded. "May I leave it to you, Alfred, to conduct the
search?  It is not something I feel I can do."

     "Sam, I will gladly do it and hope that there will be an even more
eventful and happy outcome."  He looked at Lancelot.  "We will have to ask
Steven Goodhew if we may borrow Jesse Flagge as we suggested but as soon as
possible.  Let us say next week sometime."

     I looked at Robin and we were both frowning.  We would not be party to
any discoveries down there of any kind.  We would at last be going to
school!

     My mother had been passed two of the Hogarth prints.  "Sam, I think we
should display these in the passageway by the parlour to give everyone the
pleasure of seeing them."  She laughed.  "I would have suggested otherwise
if they were 'The Rake's Progress' which Lady Catherine has fully on show
to all and sundry."
     "But, my dear," Uncle Dodd interjected, "There is a moral tale in
those which I'm sure all young men should take to heart."  The look he gave
us was one just short of full laughter.  I would have to explore and see
this 'Progress'. The word 'debauchery' had been used when it was mentioned
before.

     It was then decided that a dreary picture of some fields in the
country would be taken down in the Library and replaced by the miniatures
and the plate.  Jackson was nodded at by my father so he would have to pass
the instructions on to Mr Clements.

      Pipes were relit and port and the sweet wine circulated again as
discussion then moved to the list of guests for the dinner on Saturday..  I
think the total of participants came to eighteen and I noted that although
the Jeffersons were invited only their daughter, Millicent, was mentioned
as accompanying them.  Algernon had probably been told he had made a
spectacle of himself over the dog and that sort of language was not to be
heard in polite company.  I thought another explanation might be that he
didn't relish having his pizzle decorated again.  Anyway, as well as the
usual guests from the village I heard Mr and Mrs Westrup mentioned.  They
were not usual participants and I hadn't seen her for at least two years.
Looking after nine offspring must be quite a burden although no doubt she
was well supplied with help.  It was then Aunt Matty asked would there be
dancing or some other entertainment?

     My mother looked at me.  "I think as we will have a surfeit of young
men we will have just entertainment."  I wondered if being referred to as
being within a 'surfeit' was quite what I felt myself.  I knew one of the
old Norman kings had died after 'a surfeit of lampreys'!  But, counting up,
if 'young' included Rass and Lancelot, with Torquil, Geoffrey and Robin and
me, there would be six of us without female partners other than Millicent
and the elderly Miss Barnes.  My abstracted cogitation was interrupted as
my mother went on "I heard some sweet sounds this afternoon so our two
young musicians can divert us.  Is that not so?"  This was plainly not a
question but a firm order.

     Uncle Dodd turned to Robin.  "You've collected your new violin from Mr
Venables then?"

     Robin was smiling broadly.  "Yes, it's a most wonderful instrument,"
he said with enthusiasm.

     "Then perhaps we might enjoy some sweet sounds before Saturday, eh?"
my father asked.

     "Gladly," said Robin as we both got up and rushed off upstairs.
"Don't get out of breath," he said after we had collected our boxes and the
book with the duets.  We walked more sedately down and back to the parlour.
There we unpacked our instruments and while Robin checked his tuning I set
the book up on the old music stand which was kept in the corner.  I found
the piece by Sebastian Bach and as soon as Robin was ready we set off
intertwining our melodies and making good harmonies.  There was a
respectful silence as we drew the piece to a close.  There were nods of
approval, none more decided than from my father, and Robin's grandfather.

     "That lad," he said obviously referring to me, "offered to play on
street corners in London and I think he is better than that.  Robin, you
need not join him, just give me the pleasure of hearing you here."  He
waved his churchwarden.  "Another piece!"

     On that instruction we set off on the next duet, a lively movement by
Mr Corelli.  It was most generously received.  Aunt Matty was full of
praise and my mother said we should play those two and at least two more.
Not too long but tuneful!  She would leave it to us to choose.  That we
would do gladly, I thought.

     Talk was desultory after that as far as Robin and I were concerned.
Mother and Aunt Matty were discussing what dresses they would wear.  The
three men set to putting the world to rights as father always said most
men's conversations were of that nature, or about the weather and the price
of corn!  He did say he had decided to place Mr Johnson in Cobblers Farm as
soon as possible and would also put a fair amount of land to beet this
year.  This was a good crop whatever the weather might do.

     That was interesting as Mr Johnson was a deputy constable.  If Rogers
was moving and Johnson was outside the village at the farm a new constable
would definitely be needed.  I thought there could be only one candidate as
I had thought before.  Isaac Barker, the doughty farrier!  Was he too
young?  He would be nineteen come the summer.

     As we had already put our instruments in their cases we said our
goodnights and left the parlour.  Benjy lighted us upstairs and said he had
been told by Mr Clements to go to bed early tonight and tomorrow as
Saturday evening would be very tiring for the servants.  Robin said he
shouldn't tire himself too much when he got into bed either night.  He was
not a respectful servant as he said he did no more than others of some
higher station who were known to perform most regularly.  We just laughed
but I was kind and gave him two wrapped sweetmeats to share with Eamonn.

     We did perform and that most lovingly and lengthily twice over and
held each other close as we settled to sleep.

     On waking I found I was alone but being entertained by the quite
ethereal sounds of Robin quietly playing his new violin.  It was still
quite dark so I could only see him outlined against the flickering flames
from logs he had placed on the embers, the planes of his slim and naked
body illuminated in the warm red glow.  He was like the Greek boy I had
seen in a picture, except he had the violin rather than the double flute
which the boy was playing.  I imagined I was the other figure lying on the
bed listening.  My Robin looked so beautiful I wanted him, I needed him,
but I was captivated by the sweetness of his playing.

     He saw me and smiled and continued playing.  I did not recognise the
melody but as it rose and fell I was enthralled by it. I wondered if he was
extemporising.  He finished and placed the violin and bow carefully on the
side table.  He came to the bed and held out his arms and we kissed deeply
and I almost pulled him in to lie beside me.  We smothered each others'
cheeks, necks and chests with flurries of kisses as we lay and held each
other close.  Again I could but see his face dimly but we smiled at each
other with such love.

     "My Robin, your love is all I want..."

     "Tom dearest, your love, too.  I played that to wake you with my
tenderest affection."
     "What was the melody?  I do not know its name?"

     "It has no name.  I thought of you and it came to me as I played.  If
anything it should be called 'My Tom's Melody'.

     "That was your own making?" I whispered.  He nodded against me.  "It
was so fine: could you play it again?"

     "My Tom, I would play it forever, if I could, but I will write it down
so we can share it.  As I played another melody entwined with it inside me.
I will endeavour to make sense of that, too."

     I hugged him tight against me and we kissed again.  The church clock
struck seven so we knew we could go no further as there would be an
interruption soon.  In the growing light we looked at each other and our
smiles were those of enduring love.

     The interruption came all too soon.  Just Benjy and Eamonn bearing
their pitchers of hot water.  We were bathed and ready dressed for the day
by half past seven.  A busy day.  Breakfast first and then we decided we
had better practice a little more before we set out for the church and the
burial of the poor mite.  We had promised ourselves time in the church to
play the organ which would take us to luncheon time.  I had our lists of
requirements for school so we would be ready for our chests to be packed
that afternoon and the following morning.  I had seen the two fine cambric
shirts which Robin's mother had ready for him and we would have to visit
Jenny and Steven again.  We would then await the arrival back of my brother
hoping that there would be news for him from London by the mail.

     At breakfast Jackson said my father had already gone to the stables
and that we had been invited for luncheon at Robin's house.  Jackson said
that was most convenient as the servants would be busy setting rooms to
rights and hanging pictures as well as doing all the rest of their duties.
So, orders had already been given over what had been decided the night
before.

     As we would be luncheon guests we changed into our neat suits before
we began our practice.  Dressed like that we would have to ask to be taken
around the village by my mother's chaise.  I knew she would be busy today
with all the arrangements for tomorrow.  I rang.  Benjy appeared and said
he would pass the request to Mr Clements for the chaise to be ready for
half past nine.

     Our practice went well.  We chose two other items to play.  One was a
Mozart Duet and the other Mr Handel's 'Entry of the Queen of Sheba' which
we thought would be a good end piece.  We were very pleased at our
progress.  All too soon, as far as our enjoyment of playing was concerned,
we were interrupted by Benjy saying the chaise was ready as soon as we
were.  We packed our instruments away and went downstairs to collect our
cloaks, hats, scarves and gloves.  Standing by a grave in winter would be a
cold affair.

     We arrived early enough to ask Uncle Dodd, who was already waiting in
the porch of the church, his permission to play the organ after the burial
service.  He said we were to call at the Rectory as soon as we had finished
to collect things for both of us for school.  It was then time for Uncle,
followed by Mr Thatcher the Parish Clerk, and Briggs the Sexton and
gravedigger, to go to receive the coffin and the mourners at the
lychgate. We followed, too, at a respectful distance.  Poor Mrs Lovell was
not there but Mr Lovell and all the children were, with several of their
neighbours.  The twins looked so sad and I wanted to comfort them but it
would not have been considered proper.  We all walked to the graveside with
Mr Lovell carrying that so small wooden box.  A stone still remained at the
head which read that several other Lovells were already interred there.
There was only a small but deep hole dug and as Uncle Dodd said his final
words of the Committal so two men lowered the tiny coffin into that cavity.
'Earth to earth, ashes to ashes, dust to dust' - it all sounded so final as
the first spadefuls of earth were cast into the grave.  I had to speak to
Mr Lovell.  I would represent my father and a few words on his behalf would
be appreciated.  I went to him, surrounded by his family, and offered my
condolences and that of my family.  We bowed our heads to each other and I
had done my duty and that action would be recognised and, no doubt,
commented upon.

     The mourners dispersed quickly as the wind was chill.  We walked with
Uncle Dodd towards the church.  "I am proud of you, Tom.  You did the right
thing just now.  However young or old their dear one was, such words are a
comfort to those who mourn."  He led us into the church which for a chilly
January day was quite warm.  "I ordered Briggs to stoke the Squire's fire
and there is another lit in my vestry.  I must complete the Register as Mr
Thatcher has gone back to the cottage with the Lovells."

     Robin said he would pump first as that would warm him as well.  I
unlocked the cover over the keys and set up a book of John Stanley's
Voluntaries which Aunt Matty had left on the bench.  I chose the first in
the book and played through the first movement marked 'Siciliano' on the
Stopped Diapason on the Swell manual.  For the second movement I chose the
Flutes at eight foot and four foot on the Great manual with the Vox Humana
on the Swell to contrast the solos and the echoes.  Robin said I should
play another before his turn so I turned to the third Voluntary which
needed a Cornet stop in the second movement but there was none so I made
use of the Dulciana with the four foot Principal.  It sounded a little
harsh but I persevered.  I did enjoy playing but Robin had to have his
turn.

     His first choice was the fourth Voluntary.  Again this needed
Diapasons for the Adagio. He added the Fifteenth for the first part of the
second movement and then used the Stopped Diapason for the sequences of
quavers against the long-held notes when that passage appeared twice.  He
added the trills perfectly and it all sounded most musical as he reached
the last few bars.  He then played the sixth Voluntary.  Our organ of
twelve stops did not have the Trumpet required so he played the Andante
movement using the Oboe stop instead.  It still sounded fine and used the
Dulciana alone for the third movement.  His final selection was the Eighth
Voluntary where the first movement was marked Full Organ.  I had to watch
the mouse carefully as he set most of the stops with the two manuals
coupled and that used a deal of wind.  He left that registration for the
second movement and used the contrast between the full organ 'forte'
against the not quite 'piano' of the Swell.  It was a most accomplished
performance. 'Robin you have great skill', I thought to myself.

     We didn't know but Uncle Dodd having finished writing the Register had
settled in the Squire's pew with the curtains drawn.  When he emerged he
was most profuse in his congratulations as Robin closed the organ and I
settled the pump handle.  "I marvel at you boys with your music.  You must
make sure you do not let your skills diminish," he said as he stood and
came back into the chancel.
     He said he would walk across the lane to the Rectory and would see us
there.  Two of the young village boys had been instructed to keep an eye on
the chaise and horse which had been left not far from the lychgate.  One
was stroking the muzzle of the old gelding while the other sheltered in the
covered gate.  "We took it in turns, Master Tom," this one said as he
pushed the gate open for us.  "'Tis a cold day and a burial makes it feel
colder," the other one opined as we reached him.  Luckily I had had the
foresight to put a few coins in my trouser pocket and handed each two
pennies which they took and smiled.  They touched their caps in response
and smiled at each other.  That meant a good few sweets from the shop.  I
guessed they were about ten years or so.  Two pennies would be like riches
for boys that age.  Robin nudged me as they scampered off.

     "You've made two good allies there, Tom. I know that pair as they are
friends of young James.  I think they're good lads and your generosity was
well bestowed."

     "I am not good with money, Robin.  I was told I was far too generous
when I was in London," I said as we climbed aboard and Robin took up the
reins.

     "Then I will have to return your gift to me.  As I said, it was far
too much."  He shook the reins and the old horse set off at a slow steady
pace

     "No, Robin, it is for you.  You will need a little to see you through
the term and we can ask my father to keep any money you want to leave
behind safe and sound as I will do.  Remember there will be many workmen
tramping around while we are away.  Not that we do not trust them but
temptation may be their downfall."

     He laughed.  "Tom, you think of everything!"

     Aunt Matty had Robin's school chest ready in the parlour.  I saw it
had a deal of clothing in it all carefully wrapped in paper.  "Don't peer
too close, nephew," she said to me as I was itching to explore, "I have
followed the school list exactly and a bit more.  You have things to add?"

     I said there were football and running togs and books in our
bedroom. She laughed when I said 'our' but made no comment.  Robin got a
hug and a smile when he thanked her for all she had given him.  "No more
than you deserve," was her response.  We closed the chest and the gardener
and the stableman were called to carry the chest to the chaise and strap it
to the back.  We smiled at each other as I took the reins this time.  Robin
mouthed 'Time for luncheon'.

     The warmest of welcomes awaited us at his house.  The greatly-loved
son may be leaving for a completely new life but all was happiness.  Six of
us, including Liam, sat around the table and were served by two of the
village girls.  Steven said Grace and I noted that Liam made the sign of
the Cross at its end.

     It was a substantial luncheon of good wholesome country food.  A large
sirloin of roast beef was brought in to be carved by Steven.  With it were
roasted potatoes and preserved beans with plenty of thick brown gravy.  I
had to have two more potatoes as they were so tasty and just a slice more
of the beef.  All the boys did!  There was a treacle pudding to follow
which Steven Goodhew said was his favourite and he was glad I had been
invited.  This made Jenny laugh as she said she was always having to
prepare the dish.

     After this most substantial feast I went with Steven and the boys to
the workshop as Jenny obviously wanted time with her son, Robin.  I saw
that the white stone previously covered with paper was now being lettered
in black pencil ready for carving.  The boys had made a good start on their
task.  While Philip and James were teasing Liam over something I had the
opportunity to tell Steven I would make sure Robin was treated as an equal
by all.  Steven smiled.  "I think Robin will astound us all.  I have never
had to chide him other than when another mischievous imp had led him
astray."  I grinned at him.  That was me.  He continued, "Robin is his own
man and will take his rightful place in society whatever might befall.  I
know you and he are the greatest of friends and long may that continue.  I
should not tell you this but your father has made even greater provision
for Robin and has been most kind and more than generous to my own boys.  I
know there will be plans for Philip soon but we must wait and see."  I held
out my hand and we clasped and shook and I vowed that Robin would never be
put at any disadvantage.

     It was then that Philip crept up behind me.  "Please, I have something
for you," he whispered.  I unrolled the paper he gave me.  It was a drawing
of Robin and me, heads and shoulders, looking at each other.  Somehow that
young boy had captured the love shining in our eyes as we gazed with half
smiles.  I bent down towards him and gave him a hug.  I turned to James who
had joined him.  I hugged him, too.

     "I will miss all the excitements which will happen in the next few
weeks," I said mainly to Philip, "And make sure Robin and I have a
comfortable closet..."

     "...or we'll lock Philip in those rooms he thinks he's found," James
said with his cheeky smile.  "I want to see the pictures they found and
that plate, too, I would like to write a story about the boy with the
hare."

     "You will," I said, "If you help the architect here with his
measurements you will see all the pictures found."

     Their father laughed.  "I have to buy more and more paper for the pair
of them.  One drawing, the other writing and both asking the most awkward
questions.  How is this or that made?  How long would it take to walk to
Rome to see the statues?"

     "But father, you have said pilgrims walked for many miles and I would
be a pilgrim to see all those things in Rome Mr Harrison told us he saw on
his travels," Philip said.

     "No doubt one day there will be these trains we hear so much about all
over and you won't have to walk," his father said, "And I shall be old and
grey and you would have to read me your tales, James."

     Liam had been listening to all this badinage.  "And I pray by then I
may have finished my apprenticeship."

     "You will, my boy, but we had better set to work again or the moment
to learn more will be lost!"

     I said my goodbyes and wandered back along the passageway to the
house.  Mother and son had finished their conversation and were enjoying a
dish of tea.  I had to join them, of course, as there was a piece of
gingerbread ready for me.

     Once we had finished we collected the chaise and Robin drove us back
to Careby Hall.  There was still an air of quiet pandemonium when we peeked
down in the kitchen.  Mrs Gray was calculating how long the haunch of
venison would take to roast and whether the spit was well-oiled and
wouldn't squeak.  Robin and I just smiled at each other and arranged for
the chest to be brought up by two of the grooms who were stacking wood
ready for the fires and stoves.

     As well as the chest they made another journey and brought up the rest
of the packages for me including the books for Philip from Uncle Digby
Wright.  Being inquisitive we had a quick look and were amazed how generous
the gift was.  There were fully a dozen books of drawings of figures and
statues as well as plans of houses and ornamental gardens.  I noted they
were nearly all from Florence or Rome and vowed these were places Robin and
I would visit at some time.

     Robin looked so pleased as he closed a thick book of drawings of
strange contrivances, "My mother said that next time father has to go to
Stamford he will take Philip with him to visit Mr Carteret the drawing
master there.  He knows him as he had occasion to carve a headstone for a
relation. We must see what his opinion may be."

     We swiftly unpacked all the rest of the parcels and the cases and
found there was an assortment of clothing of various sizes as well as
seventeen packets of sweetmeats.  An odd number, I thought, and wondered if
Jabez had sampled at least one other as there were six cakes of good soap
also wrapped carefully in the bottom of that case.  Nestled against these
were six packs of soft paper for use after the jakes.  I did not grudge
dear Jabez anything he may have fancied with these added to the bounty.
However, moving the packages I found a note from Jabez saying he had packed
everything carefully and had given Mehmet, Karem and the young Bartoli boys
some of the sweetmeats on my Aunt Fanny's instruction.  I gave one of the
cakes of soap to Robin and said he should use it when he was muddy and
smelly after football.  I said we would take the soft paper with us, too,
and give each of our roommates one for their comfort.  I was not enamoured
of some of the rough paper I had had to use during the last term.

     We were attentive to any activity in the corridors as we expected my
brother and Geoffrey to return sometime this afternoon.  Just as we heard
the church clock strike four there was a commotion.  Not wishing to appear
too inquisitive we made our way quietly downstairs and there Torquil and
Geoffrey were, just coming in still becloaked.  Both were smiling hugely
and greeted us warmly.  Jackson and Benjy were hovering ready to take their
outer garments.  Mr Clements was saying there would be tea in the breakfast
room as soon as they were ready and the boys would bring hot water to their
rooms immediately.  Two not quite clean travellers would be unwelcome in
the parlour in Mr Clements' eyes as I had surmised when we had invaded that
room on our return from London.

     Neither took very long to make themselves clean and tidy. We were
first in the breakfast room in any case and Torquil made some remark which
made Geoffrey laugh as they joined us.  We ignored them as it was the usual
comment on boys and food.  While we ate and drank they enthused about their
reception by all the gentry they had met.  The militia commanders would be
pleased to join in the Easter camp and their detachments would act both as
the infantry and the enemy.  That would be a sight worth seeing.

     It was while we were talking together that Mr Clements brought in at
least three letters for Torquil.  We waited until he opened the first one.
I couldn't resist the temptation after the taunt about boys and their
stomachs.  "Should I read it to you, brother?" I asked in my kindest tones
as he scanned the page, "You will be a long time stumbling over all those
words."

     He shot me a look as both Geoffrey and Robin laughed.  "You keep your
words to yourself, young man, or I might suggest you stand in front of my
troopers for their sabre practice," Torquil said quite solemnly, then
sniggered and shook his head. "Four days away and I come back to that
tongue of yours!  But this is such good news!"  He sneered at me then.  "I
must go and tell our mother first and then I might let you line out the
words like the Parish Clerk you might become."  He stood and smiled.
"Geoffrey, I must ask your pardon leaving you in the company of this pair
but I must haste upstairs."  Geoffrey laughed again as he rushed from the
room.

     "I warrant that is good news from London, eh?" he said.  "It is all he
has talked about on our travels. It will be a great affair if it is at that
church.  I wait to see the place as I have only seen drawings of it."

     We both said it was the biggest and grandest building we had ever
seen.  I said it would appear that James, my brother-in-law, had been
successful and the marriage would take place in Great St Paul's.  After
more chat Geoffrey asked if we would deliver a letter he would write to
George.  He looked at us with lowered brows and neither of us dared ask if
we should write the letter for him!

     He told us more about their visit and how the Mayor of Stamford was a
most agreeable fellow and had entertained them handsomely with a dinner
attended by numerous of the gentry.  From what he said the Browning name
was well-known and respected in the town.

     Torquil did not reappear so we parted and went to our rooms to rest
and to prepare for this evening's dinner.  Robin and I played over our
pieces for the next evening and we decided we were well-practised.

     At dinner we were joined by Uncle and Aunt Dodd and Lancelot.  The
discussion was all about the impending wedding and my mother could not keep
from smiling all through the repast.  Her eldest son was to be married and
to a most delightful young lady.  After dinner we repaired to the Library
where the miniatures and the plate had been hung.  Torquil could hardly
contain himself when the two dear little boys were pointed out to be in
fact Father and Uncle Billy.  Father did say in a loud voice that sons had
been cut off with a shilling for saying less than whatever might be opined
that evening.  We did all laugh at that though Torquil was grinning and
kept pointing at the two representations with such an amused look.

     Aunt Matty was amused, too.  "Torquil, my dear," she said with a
smile, "Do you not think your aunts were sweet young girls?"
     "Aunt Matty, what can I say?  All the family are the most handsomest
even now."

     "Is that in our old age?" Aunt Matty retorted.

     "Aunt, you will never be old and less beautiful than you have always
been," Torquil said and put his fingers to his lips and blew her a kiss.

     "Flattery, flattery," my father said gently.

     Both Torquil and Geoffrey enthused over the plate and father had to
tell his tale.  Uncle Dodd then recounted what young Philip Goodhew and he
suspected about hidden rooms.  Geoffrey listened intently at that.

     "I have heard the same about old houses near us.  Garthorpe is not old
enough for such things I am sure, but I would like to see whatever you find
here," he said.

     As the port and the sweet wine circulated and the pipes were lit so
all were regaled with the meetings that Torquil and Geoffrey had had on
their tour.  At one point Torquil looked at me.  "The Mayor has a very
comely grand-daughter, fourteen like you dear brother.  Perhaps you should
meet her."  I smiled and said nothing.  I had all I wanted.  My dear Robin
grinned at me following Torquil's teasing and he was mine.

     In bed that night Robin asked if such a meeting would interest me.  We
both said we knew no girls, but even so they seemed to have no interest for
us.  I think we hugged and kissed and caressed each other more ardently
than ever after we re-avowed our love for each other.

     Saturday dawned and I was wide awake before the church clock struck
six.  My Robin was still asleep so I put my arms round him and contemplated
all that had happened over the last week or so.  I could not be more
content with my lot and my good fortune.  Thoughts then of returning to
school arose and I remembered we would have young Frederick as a companion
on the journey.  Natty Dyer would be with us as well and would be a groom
under Mr Dowler.  I wondered what this new term would bring.  I had enjoyed
my new adventure of being at school and I hoped that Robin would be settled
in his new enterprise there.  I knew I would do all to help and was sure my
friends and his roommates would do the same.  Even at my age and with my
little experience I knew what Steven meant when he said that Robin was his
own man.  He had strength in his character which would stand him in good
stead whatever might befall him.  I then thought of another excitement for
the day.  The wedding of Nellie Reynolds to Bert Perkins at midday.

     All these thoughts were disturbed when Benjy and Eamonn brought our
hot water.  He was much quieter today and said they also had to supply my
brother and the Honourable Mr Lascelles.  I don't think Benjy was too
impressed with titles.  He did remark at some point that whoever a man
might be he had to wear the same sort of drawers as any other man even
though they may be silk!

     We were warned we would not be welcome to visit the kitchen as one of
the serving girls was confined to her bed with a great cough and another
was sneezing and Mrs Gray would be sending her off to her room as well.
This meant more work for the wicked, as Benjy said with a wry grin.

     After breakfast we went back upstairs and re-packed our school chests.
Lancelot had replenished my apothecary's box and the new jars had to be
placed in safely.  I noted he had supplied me with two good bottles of
liniment. We decided we would need two pounds each to see us through the
term so I placed the rest of our coins into two wooden boxes which Benjy
had found for me in the butler's pantry.  These I would give to my father
to keep safely.  Both weighed quite heavy with the guineas and the
sovereigns which Robin had also been given.  I said we would not need to
worry about coinage for the journey as Rowley would be supplied with any
necessary for our sojourns at the inns.

     The chests were well-filled as we added books in both and the big
lexicon in mine.  We would need our instruments for the morning service on
Sunday and, as last time, I was sure some extra sustenance would be put in
before the boxes were strapped to the coach.  We had saddle-bags for our
nightshirts and spare clothing and I placed a good-sized packet of
sweetmeats to share in one of mine.

     By now it was near eleven so we strolled to the Hall stable and found
Bobby and another groom very busy.  As well as Blaze and Silver being
curry-combed and brushed were the mounts for Freddy, Mr Dimbleby and
George.  All looked most well-nourished and ready for the journey.  Bobby
Brewer said Natty would ride from the main stable on Monday morning and
accompany Rowley and Peters who would be in charge of the coach.  We would
be a real cavalcade on our way!

     We took charge of Blaze and Silver and rode to the village.  I needed
to visit Mr Hine's shop as Benjy, Eamonn and the twins deserved a present
each for the care we had received.  I thought also of the lad whose hand
had been damaged and now healed.  Some sweets for him and a kerchief or a
new cap for the others.  Being boys we did not take much time in choosing
and were amused at the attention Mr Hine had to give to Mrs Fincham one of
the farmers' wives who was trying to choose which length of material would
be suitable for her new Spring curtains in her parlour.  Our next stop was
at Mr Venables' shop.  I had found an extra book of works for flute or
violin in the collection I had bought at the stationer's shop.  It was a
small gift but something in recompense for all he had done for us.  He said
he would value such a gift and would take great pleasure in playing all the
pieces.  We said we had orders to play after the dinner this evening and he
said he was sure we would be much appreciated.  I heard then we would be
missing a grand dinner which my parents were planning for the tenants and
those in superior places in the village during February before the
beginning of Lent.

     We went to see what had been prepared for the wedding feast at the
Varley Arms.  The Assembly Room had been decorated with colourful streamers
and Mrs Flaxman was being helped by two of her kitchenmaids to set out
platters of meats and pastries and there was to be a great cauldron of soup
as well as the barrel of good ale.  It did not seem polite to tarry but Mrs
Flaxman said all were invited meaning it would be appreciated if someone
from the family made an appearance at some time.  We rode to the church and
left our steeds with two boys playing hopscotch in the mud and dirt of the
lane.  As we went inside there was a tearful Mrs Reynolds being comforted
by Aunt Matty who was saying she should be thankful Nellie was being wedded
to such a good man as Bert and she was gaining a son and not losing a
daughter.  Mrs Reynolds said she would go home to see the daft girl was
ready.  I also thought Nellie should be thankful and not left in the lurch
as she was obviously in foal, or with child, or whatever.

     When Aunt Matty saw us lurking she said we could make ourselves useful
and play something on the organ as that would drown any chatter from the
many onlookers who would no doubt come to see the ceremony performed.  I
said I would pump if Robin played but Aunt Matty shook her head.  "It would
not be proper in the eyes of the village to be that way round," she said,
"I cannot see that it matters but it would be gossipped about and we do not
want Robin to have an unhappy leaving."

     I settled at the keyboards and played through two of the pieces I had
practised the day before.  Just as the clock struck twelve I heard Uncle
Dodd speaking to Bert as they stood in front of the step to the altar.  "Do
not worry, my boy, brides are always late!"  I played on and started a
March by Mr Handel and could hear some chatter from those arriving.  I had
almost finished the piece when there was a whisper from Robin that Nellie
and her father were at the door.  I pulled two more stops and played the
last few bars just that bit louder to welcome her to her husband-to-be.  I
finished right on time as Uncle Dodd then began 'Dearly beloved, we are
gathered here...'

      I remembered that at the end of the ceremony the Register had to be
signed so played a slow quiet piece by Mr Stanley during that time.  I
looked across to Robin who signalled the end of that by winking and then
mouthed 'Play that March again as they go out!"  I did, having pulled all
the stops, which made Robin grin, to make a grand sound as Bert led the new
Mrs Perkins up the aisle to the church door with all their assembled
friends.

     I had never played the organ for a wedding before so was very pleased
at my effort.  Uncle Dodd also thought so as he said I should have received
half his fee for the ceremony for my excellent efforts but, as he was doing
it for free as a present to the bride and groom, I would have to look on it
as part of life's experience.  Aunt Matty was kinder and said she would see
we both had something extra for our school chests which she would deliver
to us before the dinner this evening.

     Playing made me feel hungry as I said to Robin and he countered by
saying he had exercised his muscles more by pumping so would need extra
sustenance.  We collected Blaze and Silver who had been petted and stroked
by the two youngsters and were almost reluctant to be taken off by their
rightful masters.  I was able to reward the lads with tuppence each rather
than the nothing I had received for being a good musician.  Robin just
laughed as I said this as we rode to the Hall.  He said I was mercenary and
he had pumped for no pence either.

     Bobby said he would go to the Assembly Rooms as soon as he had stabled
our mounts.  We warned him not to indulge in too much ale.  He just laughed
and said with it being free he would be lucky to get a gill rather than
even a half pint with all the elbows that would be pushing to get to the
front.  Anyway our luncheon in the Hall was quite a poor affair, just a
platter of cold cuts with bread.  Benjy served us and said my brother and
Geoffrey had gone to the Varley Arms as they would get a better repast in
the dining room there and would be able to comment on the bride.  I looked
at Robin and laughed at the last statement.  Then I sneered.  We had not
been invited to join them!  I hoped they might brave the throng around the
barrel in the Assembly Rooms next door and get their ribs bruised!
     We spent the afternoon lounging around in our room and played Snap or
looked at books.  Robin showed me two card tricks his father had taught
him.  One needed twenty cards and ten pairs were laid out face down with
one pair to be chosen and remembered.  The cards were then taken up and
placed in four rows of five face up.  I was asked in which single row, or
two rows, my pair of my cards were.  Robin got it right each time until I
realised that I had said both were in the second row on two occasions and
he had picked up the first and last in that row each time. He confessed he
had to lay the cards out to a pattern and the four rows of five were given
by 'David Lovel in yon Abbey'.  The twenty letters were in ten pairs with
either two in the same row or spread into two other rows.  Something to
cozen dear George with!

To be continued:

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