Date: Fri, 22 Feb 2013 17:47:50 +0000
From: Jo Vincent <joad130@hotmail.com>
Subject: Tom Browning's Schooldays

			 Tom Browning's Schooldays

				    By

				   Joel

			     Chapter Fifty Five



Branscombe and Freddy came along to our bedroom after changing and tidying
themselves ready for dinner.  Robin and I were sitting by the fire just
chatting and saying what an interesting day we had had.  We had both
laughed at that interplay between my father and Cedric who was now without
any doubt within our wider family.  It was something I had to share with my
mother together with the message from the Colonel so, as the other two came
to the door preceded as usual by a watchful and attentive Benjy, I excused
myself and went along to my mother's boudoir.

     She and her maid Marie were both reading.  I noted both books were in
French though I did not enquire their titles.  My mother closed her book
and held out her arms and I went to be kissed.  Marie smiled and blew me a
kiss as she generally did and I made a face at her which set her laughing.

     "Well, Tom, you have been too busy to disturb your poor old mother
these past two days," my mother said in French.  "I need to know what has
been happening."

     I also replied in my best French and said how we had visited Colonel
Neville and the day had been most pleasant.  I mentioned 'les
r‚parations' and the ruined 'moulin ... eau' as well as the 'peau du
lion' in which Freddy, 'a trouvez son bonheur d'exposer ... la vue...', had
taken delight in showing us.  As my vocabulary was not strong enough I told
her in English of the interplay between my father and Branscombe.  This
made both laugh and my mother said she thought Branscombe was a fine fellow
and she would make a point of welcoming him to the family, too.  After I
told her the Colonel's response to her letter I then asked rather
hesitantly if she had concluded that young Freddy was being rejected by his
mother.  She nodded.

     "Both your Aunt Matty and I have come to that conclusion," she said
quite forcefully also in English.  "He speaks of his father most happily
but he shed a tear or two after he had played to us.  We had to coax him to
tell us why and he said he wished his mother could hear him play but he was
quite afraid to confess it."  She shook her head.  "She had sent him to his
room when she heard him play a scale on her fortepiano.  Our impression is
that his sister is wanted and he is not."

     I agreed that seemed to be so and went on to describe the visit to the
forge.  Both my mother and Marie laughed at my animated depiction of the
Barkers picking up the visitors and how afterwards Freddy had asked if he
might pump the bellows for he had done this at home in the village forge
although his mother had forbad him.  I explained that he had mentioned
other restrictions on what he wanted to do at home and it was my feeling
that he only felt free, even though bound by rules, when at School and,
more importantly, when he was with us on this holiday.

     I could see my mother was not impressed with Mrs Neville and she
declared Freddy was a most agreeable young man and we must see he was not
neglected when in London.  She would arrange visits to the tailors and the
bootmakers which could be at the same time as those already arranged for me
and the Goodhews.  My conclusion was that letters must be passing behind my
back!  I went on to say that Freddy and Philip Goodhew would be friends
even though they were of different stations.  I shrugged my shoulders and
commented that I was not impressed with those who were over-concerned with
such matters.  My mother smiled at this.

     "It is my opinion," my mother said quite firmly, "that Frederick
should also be nurtured in his playing.  Without proper lessons so far he
is able to play most competently and you will have to look to your laurels
if he is able to progress!"  I made a face which set both my mother and
Marie laughing.  "I will take counsel of your Aunt Fanny while in London
and we will see if he can be heard and commented upon by a qualified
musician."  She shook her head.  "What with Philip and now this boy I think
our time in London will not just be concerned with the wedding."

     I heard then that the wedding would be at eleven o'clock on the
Saturday morning and that we would be having a wedding breakfast, or
luncheon, at the Goldsmiths' Hall which would accommodate all the guests of
whom some two hundred had been invited.  The use of that illustrious
setting was through connections Mrs Branscombe's family had with the
Goldsmiths' Company.  My mother laughed again.

     "That is most fortunate as the bride's parents are responsible for the
expenditure as we learned to our cost when your two sisters were married."
She shook her finger at me.  "It will be up to you to find a rich young
lady if you wish to be equal to dear Torquil!"

     I just said I thought that might be many years ahead but knowing it
was most likely not to occur!

     It was time for me to join the others but I did ask if Freddy would be
allowed to attend the Hunt Dinner here on Saturday.  From her expression I
knew she was not happy with some who might be guests but she smiled and
said he would be placed next to her on one side with Robin on the other.  I
thanked her and was rewarded with another kiss and the observation that my
French would improve if I made the effort to read a book or two in that
language.  I forbore from remarking that we now had a 'professeur' at
Ashbourne.  If I had mentioned that I knew it would mean I would have even
less time left at School, with all the other work I had to do and the
duties I had to perform.

     The evening passed pleasantly with just my mother and father and us
four boys at the dinner table.  My mother was happy to hear again that
Colonel Neville was now comfortable in Moss Hall though somewhat
incapacitated because of the gout.  I knew she had a liking for him and his
courtly manners and was pleased when I said I would consult Lancelot on his
behalf for some remedy.  When we were sitting after the repast was over my
father offered Branscombe a pipe which he accepted and made Robin and me
grin as he sat puffing quite contentedly.  They even discussed fishing
though my father always said he was too busy to sit and contemplate the
water going by.  At least the Squire would be happy on Saturday evening as
he would have a like mind to discuss the merits of those various flies we
had helped to prepare.

     Later, in bed, Robin and I decided we would have to find out what else
Philip or James might know about the two on the memorials and even show at
least Philip the drawing.  Our discussion of that led us to the conclusion
that we were certainly on the route to being well-formed young gentlemen
ourselves.  Twice we wondered if the Edward and William of long ago had
reached similar conclusions if they were as firm friends as we were!  Robin
remarked that I was certainly a very firm friend!

     Thursday was quite a blustery day so we decided to visit the Rectory
rather than ride out far.  I knew that if Lancelot was not in his lair I
was sure my Uncle Dodd would be in his study preparing his sermon for
Sunday.  If we disturbed him he would not be able to write too much, I
thought.  After that we could ride along to Robin's house for Branscombe
and Freddy to meet his mother and to see Steven Goodhew at work.  Bobby
Brewer had our mounts ready for us in no time and again I vowed not to play
any tricks with the two ponies!

     First, though, we explored the laying of the pipes to the river for
the future disposal of the debris from the jakes.  Brinkley, who usually
was in charge of the wind-pump removing water to the drain and the river
from the low-lying land, was supervising three men filling in the earth
above the pipes already laid.  He said all would be done in just a couple
of days.

     We left our steeds with the stable-lad at the Rectory and went round
to the side entrance.  Lancelot was in his upper room just by the lobby
inside the door where he saw his patients.  He was busy for a mother had
brought two young sons who had ringworm on their scalps.  She was bobbing
and curtseying as we entered through the porch and was most apologetic for
being there as she explained their predicament.

     "Mistress Cardew," I said, "There is no hurry.  We will disturb the
Rector and return to see my cousin at some later time."

     Robin stayed a moment to speak to her for her husband, Joseph Cardew,
often helped his father with transporting stone.  He was a carter who plied
his trade towards Bourne where the canal there ended.  I knew him as a most
cheerful fellow who was rarely without a flagon of ale which was liberally
shared with any who wished to take the cart with him.  He was known to be a
busy man!

     Uncle Dodd was in his study with his great Bible open in front of him
and other tomes piled around.  He breathed out as we entered, having
knocked, and he shouting out 'Enter!'.

     "I am very glad to see you," he declared, reaching out for the bell
pull.  "I have just completed my sermon."  He indicated a sheet or two of
paper covered with his big untidy hand.  "I am minded to outdo my
dissenting friends and preach for more than their two hours on Sunday.  All
that has put my intellect in a fervour and I require a hot posset to calm
me."  He tugged the bell-pull again.  "I have forgot.  Mr Simpson has been
sent to our excellent Parish Clerk as I must send my returns to the Bishop
who, no doubt, is eagerly awaiting the news of three weddings, six burials
and uncountable christenings."  A lad appeared at the door.  "Ah, young
Claudius, tell your aunt I have four visitors and we need a good draught of
that fine mixture she has in the pan on the trivet."

     The lad, who I knew was no more 'Claudius' than I was, bowed his head
and ran off.  He was one of Mrs Reynolds' nephews and was really another of
the many Johns in the village.  I also noted he was smartly dressed in an
old suit of jacket and britches which I had outgrown a good two years ago.

     I would have to counter that remark about the length of his sermon.
"Uncle, you cannot speak for so long or you will wear out your voice and I
am certain Mr Thatcher will not allow you a tankard in the pulpit to ease
your throat."

     He laughed.  "Then I must enquire how Zebediah survives those
onslaughts of his."

     Freddy was looking at my uncle with such a serious look on his face.
"Sir, my father says that if he strays over half an hour the churchwardens
have to rouse themselves from their slumbers to wake the rest of the
congregation with their staves.  My mother closes her eyes when he is
speaking but says that is for better concentration."

     "My boy, if I had a penny for every closed pair of eyes in my
congregations over the years I would be the richest man in England."  He
looked at me.  "Eh, Tom?  Now answer that!"

     I knew better than to say anything.  My uncle leaned over and began to
make spaces on the large desk.  "Now let me welcome you all properly.
Master Branscombe you are welcome and if you can find a chair without too
much clutter on it draw it up and sit.  That applies to you too, young
Fredericus Maximus."  Cedric Branscombe very kindly cleared Freddy's chair
as well.  Robin and I were not welcomed formally but seats were pointed at.

     None too soon Mrs Reynold's rather rotund daughter brought in a tray
with three tankards on it and was followed by the lad bearing another one
with two more.  Whatever Mrs Reynolds brewed was most appreciated.  As we
supped Uncle Dodd turned to Freddy.

     "You were to visit your grandfather yesterday.  How is he?" he asked.

     Freddy was very exact in his telling.  Uncle Dodd was nodding as he
said about the painful foot.  As Freddy finished I said one reason for our
visit here was to ask Lancelot to prepare something for the Colonel and
have it delivered.

     "No doubt Lancelot will conjure up some magical elixir..."  He looked
at Freddy and waved his arms wildly, "...I am sure he chants 'Abracadabra'
as he stirs the steaming cauldron."  Freddy was rather perplexed at this
but Robin patted his leg and gave him a reassuring sneer.  My uncle saw
this and laughed.  "'Tis a pity the Colonel will not be attending the Hunt
on Saturday as that is a great pleasure for him.  I must send him a message
before we depart on Monday."  Freddy was addressed again.  "Are you
prepared for what we will experience in London?"

     Freddy shook his head.  "I must not get too excited but that Natty
told me of some of the wonders.  I do know about the gaslights as I have
seen those in Ipswich but it is all the buildings I'm eager to see."
     "Well, my boy, you will have a most marvellous time especially as the
wedding will be in one of the grandest churches in Christendom.  There is
only one I know which surpasses it and that is St Peter's in Rome as even
our Westminster Abbey does not have such a dome."

     Robin was laughing.  "I warrant my brother will want to take you up
into the dome but do not be tempted as he was to see if the echoes continue
if you shout loud against the wall!"

     That tale had to be told and Freddy promised he would not be led
astray.  Uncle Dodd was grinning at that then turned to me.  He was more
than astute.

     "I would suggest your visit to the church that morning was more than
to exhibit your skills to your friends, eh?"

     What was I to say?  I could hardly admit to secreting the drawing in
my drawer as those lads had done through a gap in the floorboards a good
hundred years before.  Freddy, at least, knew he should say nothing and
both Branscombe had Robin stared at me with passive expressions.

     "We were looking around and spied two of the memorials were for quite
young fellows who had died and Philip said they were both uncles of the
Squire."

     I was relieved as my uncle was nodding and I had to say nothing
further.  He knew their history.

     "That is so but there is more.  Did you note the dates of their
deaths?"

     Here Branscombe was ready.  "I remember reading the younger one,
Edward Sheridan, died in 1757 and the other, I think William Matthews, in
1760,"

     "Where did the younger one die?" my uncle asked.

     Robin answered this time.  "I believe it said Calcutta and he was in
the employ of the East India Company, so that is India."

     "That is true but what do you know of the strange history of that
continent at that time?"  He asked looking around at us.

     Branscombe said he had heard his father talk of the Company and Freddy
piped up and said 'that lady', meaning Miss Barnes, had told us her father
had been employed by the Company.  I did not dare say there must be many
strange things in that continent for Miss Barnes had two of them in her
house mounted on a wall!

     "I will enlighten you," said Uncle Dodd with a smile.  "The Company
was very powerful in India with its own army and it had trading posts in
several places there.  This caused jealousies among the Indian rulers even
more so when the fortifications in Calcutta were being extended.  One of
the rulers defeated the Company's soldiers the year before that young man
died.  Calcutta was regained in 1757 after what is known as the Battle of
Plassey led by Robert Clive."

     Branscombe was nodding at this.  "Sir, my father has spoken of that
battle and said there was a massacre of prisoners in an underground cellar.
He said it was called the Black Hole of Calcutta."

     "That is so," my uncle said, "but the Sheridan who died was not there
but perished from a fever some time later.  It was the fate of many young
men who thought they might make their fortunes in the Company's employ.  He
was most unlucky for he had joined the Company when he was just eighteen
and had been a clerk in London for some years before being shipped to India
where he succumbed just two months after arriving.  I know this because of
the father's papers which have survived."  He looked at me.  "I think you
know the father became a recluse after he lost a deal of money in a stupid
speculation soon after both his wife and son died.  That is how Careby Hall
became quite ruinous and there were no heirs to the estate when he died so
your grandfather bought it."

     I nodded as that fitted what my father had told us.  I would enquire
further.

     "I did not know my grandfather," I said, "My father said he came from
London, I think."

     My uncle smiled.  "That is as much as I know, too.  I met him only a
few months before he died when he presented me with the living here.  Your
Aunt Matty was his elder daughter and he was most cordial in his welcome to
me.  We knew he was ill and your dear grandmother had already died so to
have his daughter nearby was a blessing for him for we were able to marry
then.  Do not ask more as your father knows nothing further, or so he has
told me."

     That dismissal was the same as Torquil had also received.  No more
enquiry now.  But...

      Branscombe came to my rescue.  "Sir, the other one?  He was a naval
man as I wish to be.  My father says he was always wary of not knowing a
safe passage into a harbour for there was always a risk of the vessel being
holed on rocks or driven onto the shore.  Is that how this ship was lost?"

     My uncle looked at him closely.  "I would say that would be of great
concern for any captain.  It is true that this vessel foundered.  It was
the Mermaid and was cast on shore by a storm in the December of the year
before and then abandoned in the following January so I understand.  There
was no news for several months of the fate of the vessel and that came with
the intelligence that William Matthews had been found drowned though the
captain maintained no lives had been lost in the original incident.  From
the accounts of his fellow officers he was sober and hard-working,
well-liked and well-respected by all.  However, it was said that he had
been distraught over the death of his best friend."

     "Uncle, was that best friend Edward Sheridan?" Robin asked in hushed
tones.

     All my uncle did was nod.

     There was no more to be said.  Fortuitously there was a rap on the
door and Lancelot poked his head round.

     "Father, you all look as solemn as a Puritan tea party would, if ever
they held one."  He laughed as he entered the room.  "And with tankards,
too."  The young lad must have heard him leave his den and came to the door
carrying another tankard which Lancelot took from him. He patted the lad on
the head who then turned and hurried off.  "Your health, gentlemen!"
Lancelot said as he lifted the tankard to his lips and gave an appreciative
smile.  "Not that everyone has good health..."

     His father laughed now. "...Lancelot, we are like your mother and do
not wish to hear of the ailments of your patients."

     He was not subdued.  "Father, unless I broadcast my successes then I
would have no new patients."  He waved his tankard at me "Tom, I will tell
you of a good remedy for the affliction the young Cardews exhibited.  It is
most common where children are in close quarters."

     I knew that as I had seen the tell-tale circle a number of times in
the past, most usually on the shaved heads of young brothers in the
village.  I also knew Lancelot made an ointment for its treatment which was
most efficacious.  I had to deliver a message, though.

     "I thank you, cousin, it may be useful if any at School should have it
appear," I said politely then looked at my uncle, who as usual had a ghost
of a grin on his face.  "Uncle, may I be excused as I have to give Lancelot
a request?..."

     Uncle Dodd waved his hand at me.  "...From the Colonel no doubt?"  I
nodded.  "Stay, as we all know of his condition and there will be no
hideous details to relate."  He smiled at his son.  "Lancelot, you said you
would be riding out Essendine way tomorrow to visit that stubborn patient
of yours even though it will be Good Friday so you could go a little
further and visit the Colonel."

     Lancelot frowned.  "I would need to set off in good time but I know
from the past what the Colonel needs and at least I would have done my duty
before we leave on Monday."

     There was a little silence.  I spoke up and remarked about the ruined
mill-wheel.  Lancelot snorted.

     "Am I to examine that as well as a patient?" he said rather testily,
"I beg your pardon, Tom, but the last time I went to Moss Hall I was also
asked to look at two of his steeds and I am no horse quack!"  He calmed
down.  "No, forgive me, I will do as asked for the Colonel is a fine man."
He winked at Freddy who was listening intently.  "I must give my opinion on
the water-mill for I am also being consulted on matters hydraulic for
Careby Hall and such things are of great interest to me."

     Uncle Dodd laughed.  "That is so.  I await with even greater interest
the ceremony of the first flush of your device for cascading the water into
those new closets there."  He clapped his hands together.  "My apologies,
my boys, for mentioning such things but we have had much discussion here
over the designs.  I am confident all will perform as planned."
     Our tankards were empty and I could see that my uncle wanted to finish
any other tasks he had that morning so I stood and said if Lancelot would
allow we would like to see a demonstration of some of his other devices and
experiments.

     My uncle gave an even deeper laugh as he pinched his nostrils and
waved his other hand as if to shoo as out.  We bowed our heads in farewell
and followed a laughing Lancelot as well.

     I do not think either Branscombe or Freddy foresaw what was to befall
them as they were ushered in first into his other room where he kept
bottles and jars and the box containing that head.  It was quite dark but
cousin Lancelot had a small lantern burning some oil of his own concocting.
He took a taper and lit two candles from the flame.  I could then see into
the room and was relieved that the box was not in sight.

     As we were all now in the room he pointed to the rows of jars and
bottles on the shelves and to his microscope set up by the window.
"Welcome to my hermit's lair," he said.  He picked up the nearest bottle.
In it was one of his prize specimens.  "Do you know what this is?" he asked
as he held it up.  Both Robin and I kept silent.  The other two shook their
heads.  "Then I must tell you unless either Robin or Tom will enlighten
you."

     I let Robin have his say.  "It is a seahorse or hippocampus," he said
almost resignedly.

     I knew why he was rather reluctant to be more mannerly.  We had seen
the preserved object many times and Robin had questioned whether such a
thing could be a fish on the first showing when we were much younger.  "It
is too strange," he had said, "It is not like a good trout or even a pike."

     "Is it really a horse?" Freddy asked.

     "No, it is a curious fish and this specimen came from the
Mediterranean sea near Italy.  Our Uncle Digby in London gave it to me from
his cabinet of curiosities."

     "My father has described many strange fish he has seen on his
travels," said Branscombe.  "He says there are flying fish though they do
not have wings but break out from the water to follow the passage of the
ship beside them."

     Lancelot nodded.  "I have heard of those and of the dolphins and
porpoises which also swim alongside vessels."

     "He has described those, too," Cedric averred.

     I knew also what would come next and this would have added to Robin's
disquiet.

     "Do you know what you have in here?" he asked Freddy and tapped him on
the top of his head.

     "That would be my brain," Freddy said with a smile.

     "Yes, and that is made of different parts," said Lancelot taking up a
second jar.  "This was taken from some poor man's head after he died."  I
looked at Freddy who did not seem at all disquieted by this statement but
looked intently at the contents of the jar.  "There is a part of the brain
which has the shape of that fish and in the books of anatomy it is called
the hippocampus as well.  We do not know its function but it sits near the
base of the mass of grey matter as you have seen in a butcher's shop."

     Branscombe laughed.  "That is a favourite dish of my father's.  A
sheep's brain sliced and fried."

     "But that is from a man?" Freddy said.  "Are our brains like those I
have seen in Harding's shop?  I am not allowed there but if I see Mrs
Harding she always has a sweetmeat for me so the boy there shows me things
before I leave."

     Lancelot was in his true didactic mode.  "Yes, that is so.  We like
all animals have a brain, though some are not so sharp as others..."

     "...vervex," murmured Robin.

     Lancelot laughed.  "That is true.  Who offers me a translation?"

     Both Branscombe and Freddy remained silent.  It was my turn.
"Mutton-headed," I said, "Uncle Dodd says it of us when we are slow in our
learning."

     Freddy was smiling.  "I will remember that and say it to Lawson when I
have to finish his recitation of a declension."

     Lancelot was busying himself with other jars and bottles.  He took the
stopper from one.  "Sniff that carefully," he said to Branscombe.  He did
so and started back, his eyes watering.  He drew out a handkerchief and
wiped his eyes

     "I have experienced that before but not so strong.  My sisters have a
small phial in case they feel faint."

     Lancelot was nodding.  "That is so.  As Tom and Robin will tell you
there are many other aromas even less pleasant than that.  I won't produce
any of those but this is most agreeable."  He loosened the stopper of
another and held it near Freddy's nose.

     "That is most pleasant, sir," Freddy said.

     "It is attar of roses," Lancelot said, "And most costly in its purest
form."

     We all demanded to be allowed to sniff at the enjoyable aroma which
being let out like a genie from the bottle was sweetening the other more
pungent odours which pervaded the cellar room.

     "Just one more demonstration," said Lancelot picking up a small phial
with a quantity of greyish grains in it and selecting a small hammer from
tools hung on a board.  "We must be outside for this as the vapours are not
to be breathed."  We followed him out to where the stone mounting-block was
standing.  This was well-worn as many a knife had been sharpened against it
as well as many a riding-boot having stood on it.  Lancelot tipped a small
quantity of the powdery crystals on the stone.  He beckoned Freddy and gave
him the hammer.  He positioned him a distance from the block.  It was
rather like the instruction to Megson with the Prince Rupert's Drop.  Now
it was "Strike the powder with the hammer".

     Freddy did as instructed and there was a flash and a loud report as
the powder exploded.  He jumped and looked at Lancelot inquiringly.
Lancelot took the hammer from him.  "Your turn, Master Branscombe," he said
and I noted he poured almost the rest of the powder which was quite a
little more than that given to Freddy.  Branscombe's explosion was most
spectacular.  It was loud enough for birds to take flight from quite
distant trees.  In fact we all jumped back as Lancelot roared with
laughter.

     "That was something new," I said, "What preparation is that?"

     Lancelot looked at the phial he was holding.  "It is something I have
not made before but tried it last week and thought to demonstrate its
properties to you if you all came to the Rectory as I was not minded to
keep it longer.  It is fulminate of mercury and its production is not to be
undertaken lightly.  I was warned to prepare it outside and to keep it
carefully without dropping anything it was contained in."  He held the
seemingly empty fragile container over the mounting-block and dropped it.
There must have been some grains remaining as there was a third detonation
though not as spectacular as the other two but nothing now remained of the
phial.  He shook his head.  "That would not have been at all pleasant
happening in the confines of my room."

     "Is that an useful explosive?" asked Branscombe.  "It would seem too
ready to discharge, even more than gunpowder."

     "I would say it is too dangerous in that pure form," Lancelot said.
"It is also very hazardous to prepare."  He wagged a finger at me. "If I
tell you, you must promise..."  I nodded.  If Lancelot wanted to blow his
head off...  I must not be ungracious.  I was most indebted to my cousin
for all the learning he had imparted to me.  He beckoned us back into the
den and we followed him like sheep!  He picked out more jars and a flask
talking as he did so.  "As I said the advice is to prepare it in an open
space for the fumes are extremely poisonous.  You take a little mercury."
He held up the first very thick-walled jar and the silvery liquid swirled a
little as he turned it.  "Have you not seen this before?" he enquired of
Branscombe and Freddy.  They both shook their heads.  "It is a metal though
it is liquid.  It is also very heavy."  He held the bottle out to
Branscombe who almost dropped it before he became accustomed to the
unfamiliar weight.

     "That is most strange," he said quietly shaking his head.  "I have
heard of the substance but have not experienced it."  He turned to
Freddy. "I think it better for you not to hold this alone but feel the
weight as I put a hand under yours."  Freddy was spell-bound as the bright
heavy liquid moved slowly in the jar.

     Lancelot took it back and placed it carefully on a lower shelf.  He
held up a second bottle.  "This I will not let you hold.  This is nitric
acid which is most dangerous and some is placed in a flask over the
mercury." He held the still-stoppered jar close to the open glass
container.  "As the two combine very poisonous fumes are produced which
must not be breathed."  He put down the nitric acid jar and picked up the
third bottle which was filled also with a clear liquid.  "The final
ingredient is this quite pure distilled alcohol which I prepare from
fermented sugar. What is left then after washing in water, filtering and
drying carefully are those crystals you saw."

     Branscombe was shaking his head.  "I do not think I would remember all
these things.  I have been shown the black powder my father uses in his
pistols when he shoots at targets.  I have tried them, too, and he is
strict on the small amount one has to pour."

     Lancelot nodded.  "That is true.  Too much and with a misfire then
damage can be done to the shooter rather than the shot.  I will not show
you how to manufacture gunpowder but Robin and Tom have been instructed and
know to take care."  He smiled at Branscombe.  "I am told it is a great
danger on board ship but it soon takes damp if not stored carefully."  He
looked at Freddy.  "When it is damp it will not fire but one must not try
to dry it by placing a barrel near a stove as the powder monkey once did
and he finished up in the rigging without climbing the companionway
stairs."

     "That is something I would not do," Freddy said most emphatically
having realised the seriousness behind the jest.  "I would wish to learn
more about such things as these mixtures and portions but I have not heard
of any such thing at School."

     "It would be my wish that such things were taught in school," said
Lancelot.  "If they are not how will we make progress in the world?  There
is a great lack of good instruction."

     We could not discuss this explosive matter further as he held up a
prism of glass and beckoned us to follow him out of the room.  Outside as
we stood around him he turned the prism so we could see the colours of the
rainbow faintly.  "If we had more time I would show what Sir Isaac Newton
discovered about light."  He laughed.  " However, I think my instruction
for today has ended."

     Uncle Dodd came out hatless and coatless, shaking his head, to enquire
as to the loud report.  Lancelot had to tell his father about the substance
he had prepared which made Uncle Dodd give his usual snort of exasperation.
Freddy was looking at the mounting block and was rather excited when he
spotted a few tiny silvery globules.  Uncle Dodd waited as Lancelot turned
to Freddy.  "What you see there is some of the mercury I used to produce
that fulminate and it returns to its natural state once the explosion has
taken place.  The other constituents have floated off as those noxious
gases I mentioned."

     "It is almost like magic," Freddy said looking at Uncle Dodd with a
smile.

     "That is so," Uncle Dodd said with a laugh in response.  "In times
past such things were thought to be magical and both clever and
not-so-clever men spent much time trying to turn such things as lead into
gold.  I remember as a boy an old man in the village who was convinced some
mountebank had made him some gold for which he had paid handsomely.  He was
most disconcerted when his shining gold was shown to be nothing but a
common ore of iron."

     Lancelot rushed into his den and soon came out bearing another jar.
This had a lump of shining gold.  "This is that very substance," he
announced holding it up so it shone brightly.  "It is iron pyrites!"
     Uncle Dodd laughed and went back indoors with a dismissive wave of his
hand at his son.  He was used to Lancelot's collections and his
experiments.

     Lancelot had not finished.  He brandished the jar.  "Many people have
been misled in believing anything that glitters must be gold."  He smiled
at Freddy.  "So, if someone offers you such a thing you must take care."

     "I would take great care," Freddy said.  "I could but wish to study
such things so I knew when to take care."

     I said we did not have ordinary lessons dealing with chemical or other
things but in Mr Ridley's special class we had demonstrations by fellows
like Winstanley who was going to study at a College in London.  I wondered
who would take his place and thought that perhaps Aubrey Bayes might take
over his mantle.

     As time was going fast I said we should say farewell as we intended to
visit Robin's family and then get back to the Hall for luncheon.  It took
no time to make that journey as we took a short cut by a back lane.  We
went to the barn first and found it to be a hive of activity.  Steven
Goodhew was shaping a large block of stone while Liam was carefully
chiselling into a black line drawn on a smaller block.  Jesse Flagge and
another hefty young man were bringing in two other blocks on a low wheeled
trolley while both James and Philip were clearing stone chips ready for
those blocks to be placed on the ground.

     We were welcomed most heartily and after introductions Cedric and
Freddy were soon in conversation with Steven and the two youngsters.  Robin
and I cornered Liam who showed us how he was preparing his particular block
ready to replace a crumbling lintel on a window of a church in a nearby
village.  "Mr Goodhew has made it round and I have to prepare this groove
so it matches its companion which we finished yesterday."  He indicated a
second block resting on two logs.  We said we would not hinder him so he
continued as we watched and waited until Steven had shown the other pair a
very fine gravestone he had just finished carving.  Steven said we should
go to the house as he was certain there would be some refreshment there.
Of course, Philip and James led the way, calling out to warn their mother
that guests were approaching.  Jenny had already noted our arrival and was
ready with a cordial greeting in more ways than one!  Beakers of a fine
concoction were being poured by the kitchen-maid as we had to pass through
the kitchen to reach the parlour.

     Robin introduced Cedric to his mother and it was very touching to see
how he took her hand and kissed it.  I think there were tears in both their
eyes.  Cedric put an arm round Robin's shoulder.  "I am honoured to meet
you, ma'am, and to know your son," he said very sincerely.  There was no
more to say.

     Philip then introduced Freddy to his mother as his 'twin' which, no
doubt, had already been discussed between him and his parents this morning
and we all laughed.  Freddy then had his say of all the things which were
happening to him which amused Jenny even more.  While he was speaking
Philip disappeared upstairs for a few moments and returned with two rolls
of paper.  As Freddy finished so Philip handed one roll to Cedric.

     "Please, Mr Branscombe, this is with my compliments," he said most
formally with a bow of his head.  Branscombe unrolled the paper.  On it was
a truly beautiful representation of the boy holding the hare, except that
the boy was quite unmistakably Branscombe.  All he could do was to shake
his head in disbelief that he could be the recipient of such a gift.
Freddy was handed the second roll.  "I would be most pleased, Master
Neville, if you would accept this for the occasion of your forthcoming
birthday."  Of course, this was the boy with the hare again, this time it
was Freddy.  Robin and I were handed the papers as Philip was hugged and
lifted off the floor by Branscombe so Freddy was left to hug him almost
round his thighs.

     We then toasted both the boys for their forthcoming birthdays and said
there would have to be further celebrations on the way to London and after
we arrived there.  I wondered if James would feel left out but he was
grinning in anticipation of that visit.

     A very happy quartet left the house and rode back to the Hall. My
mother was in the Library instructing Benjy and Eamonn on placing a stack
of books which had just arrived by carrier from London.  "Your Uncle Digby
thinks we do not have enough," she said, "He has sent two boxes full and I
haven't even had time to look at all the titles."  I noted that all had
been bound identically in the same red and gold binding as most of the
others already on the shelves.  I knew I had better not pick up any to look
at, that would have to come later. Freddy was too excited to contain
himself as it was.

     "Ma'am, please, look at what Philip has given me," he declared,
unrolling his drawing.  That did stop my mother in her task.

     She also shook her head.  "That is so perfect," she said, "You must
keep it safely."

     "Oh, ma'am, I will."

     Cedric then had to show her his portrayal as well.  "Ma'am, I could
not wish for anything better."  My mother just smiled. Philip's talent was
being manifested more and more.  She said to Freddy she would see him in
the parlour when she finished with the books and he could play more.

     We excused ourselves and went up to our rooms as we all had urgent
needs to use the commodes.  Robin said he was most desperate for a good
piss so I let him go first and the sounds almost made me wet my britches.
When I finished and had buttoned up Robin caught hold of me in a great hug
and as I looked into his face I saw tears in his eyes.

     "Tom, that William Matthews was found drowned but the captain said no
one was lost with the foundering," he murmured through his tears. "Did he
do away with himself?"

     "Through love for his best friend?" I asked in response.  If so, then
the plaque held a lie for good or ill.

     "I could not lose you," he whispered.

     I kissed his cheek, then on his lips.  "Nor I you," I said fervently
but quietly through my own tears.

     We sat on the settle and held each other tightly just valuing our
closeness and that great, great friendship we had for each other.  We had
sat apart and were just smiling at each other when a rap on the door
announced that Cedric had completed his needs.  He came in alone as Freddy
had gone downstairs to my mother.  He came over to us and held out both his
hands and we grasped one each.

     "I would be most distraught if anything happened to my friends and I
count on you as not only family but such good friends," he said so
touchingly.  "To perish for love is the greatest sacrifice of one's life I
would say."  He had come to the same conclusion as we had.  "There are
things I must say and do when I return home as my dearest friend must not
be neglected."

     Quite spontaneously we both stood and we hugged all together in a bond
of friendship.

     We had a most convivial dinner that evening.  The Dodds came and
Lancelot said he was all prepared to see the Colonel the next day.  Freddy,
when closeted with my mother that afternoon, had prepared a short letter to
his grandfather and asked most politely if Lancelot would deliver it.  I
heard my mother say to him that she would help him write a letter to his
mother which would go on the mail-coach on Tuesday.  We all grinned at each
other as his mother would receive it when he was safely in London and no
sanctions would be forthcoming.

     In bed that night Robin and I decided we would each need some symbol
of our togetherness.  We already had our birthmarks which were also shared
within the family.  We giggled together when rings in cods were mentioned
but I said that both Torquil and Terence had been given signet rings when
they left to join Uncle Billy's Regiment of Horse.  I had seen similar
rings in the jeweller's window in London.  Theirs had their initial
engraved on the flat face for I knew we did not have a family crest nor a
coat of arms.  Ours could have our initial, but inside on the ring, our
initials could be joined in some way.  Robin said as he had spent none of
the money given to him on going to Ashbourne he would purchase mine and I
said I would do the same for him. Our enjoyment of each other that night
was suffused with such love we both wanted it to continue but fell asleep
in each other's arms exhausted and most content.

     Good Friday was another wet and rainy day.  We spent all day indoors
browsing the new acquisitions in the Library especially the atlases and
books of travel.  Freddy was with my mother all afternoon and was most
happy with his musical progress and also with the writing of a suitable
letter to his mother.  There was still much work being carried on in the
bedrooms all day but no carpenters were there.  As by custom they did not
work on the day of the Crucifixion for they shared the trade of the young
Jesus.  Also by custom we had fish for both luncheon and for the evening
meal.

     Everyone was luckier on Saturday with the weather and we rode to the
Squire's courtyard where the Hunt would assemble.  As predicted there were
over forty riders in the pursuit as well as a good twenty or so of those
like us who would follow at a distance.  I counted at least ten couples of
hounds all eager to be off.  We used our own stirrup-cups and even Freddy's
was filled.  Mr and Mrs Jefferson were there with Millicent but no Algernon
who we were told was visiting a College friend for Easter.  Millicent told
us that with a wry smile.  At eleven o'clock the first horn-call was
sounded and the huntsmen said two dog foxes had been sighted in liars quite
a way further on and the riders galloped off with the hounds in the lead.
We followed at a more leisurely pace and we could hear the thunder of
hooves, the baying of the hounds and the sounds of the horns without the
fear of injury.  My father's injunction was well-founded.  We had barely
ridden a mile when two of the red- coated riders were being placed on
hurdles having come a cropper over a low hedge.  Lancelot had not returned
from Moss Hall but a surgeon from Stamford was attending them.  He soon
rode alongside and informed us neither were badly damaged.  One had broken
a collar-bone and suffered bad grazes while the other had a bloody nose and
a wrenched ankle for his foot had been caught in the stirrup and he had
fallen on a tree stump face first.  The surgeon rode off at a canter as he
said no doubt others would require his services.

     I think the sight of those two muddied and bloodied fellows so soon
after the start of the Hunt prevented any of us from venturing to increase
our pace from an easy trot.  We took some side lanes and soon came
alongside the Hunt going pell-mell across a very muddy and churned-up
pasture where horses were skidding and riders were having great difficulty
in keeping them on a straight course.  Lads had opened two gates and there
was much shouting and swearing with riders bunching together to get through
for the hedge was too high and dense for any to attempt to jump it.  Freed
from that obstruction there was a mad scramble to follow the leading
huntsmen for a fox had been sighted a field or so away.  However Reynard
was too wily and made his escape through another high and dense hedge.  Two
riders swerved off and came into the lane nearly causing Branscombe to lose
his seat as his pony was startled and backed and shied.  Robin must have
known where the lane led as he shouted out 'Pond!'.  One rider jumped the
low hedge back into the mˆl‚e but the other hurtled on and we heard a
splash accompanied by even more fearful oaths.  As we turned the corner of
the lane the rider was still mounted but his horse was taking a leisurely
drink of water before being persuaded to join the chase by the liberal
application of the whip.

     After a good hour our lanes took us to Swayfield where we lost sight
of the Hunt though we could hear the sound of horns at times.  Branscombe
spotted a hostelry which looked rather more inviting than the mere
beer-houses in our way so far.

     "What do you say to a taste of something warming?" he asked
rhetorically as he dismounted in front of the establishment and hitched his
pony to the rail. We needed no more encouragement as three other mounts
were tied and told to stay calm.

     We had been followed by several others along the lane who also
stopped.  There were two wives of riders and four boys of around our age.
One of the ladies I knew was the wife of Captain Pridmore of Stamford as
she and her husband had been to Careby for the Summer Ball last year.  She
recognised my name as I introduced myself before helping her to dismount.

     "Master Browning of Careby Hall if I am not mistaken, I know your
mother well," she said as she reached the ground and smoothed out her
riding habit.  "I am so glad your companion suggested some refreshment.  My
sister and I ride little but our husbands insisted we came."  I saw that
Branscombe was assisting the other lady.  Mrs Pridmore looked past me to a
boy still on the back of a rather overweight pony.  "Martin, come down and
meet Master Browning.  I know he is at Ashbourne School where you are
destined for in September."

     I was then introduced to a thin, very handsome lad who was now
thirteen but seemed rather apprehensive about leaving home for School.  The
other lads were twin sons of Mrs Pridmore's sister and an older boy who was
a friend of Martin from the school in Stamford.  Mrs Pridmore was most
amused that all four of us were at Ashbourne and after we were all
installed in a private room she insisted she would pay for whatever
refreshment we required.  While the lads chatted together I talked with the
two ladies who were glad not to have to ride further on but, given a
suitable interval of time, could return to Careby and the Squire's manor
without having to endure needless miles of riding side-saddle at more than
a trot which was uncomfortable at the best of times according to them.  A
tankard of hot rum posset was particularly warming and I noted that both
ladies had the same though the younger twins and Freddy had something hot
without the rum.  "I cannot have the pair falling off or falling asleep,"
their mother said with a laugh.  I thought the same for Freddy who had been
most talkative on part of the way after his stirrup-cup.  Was he tiring?

     We must have spent another good hour in quite convivial company as
Branscombe also joined us leaving the others to a game of shove-ha'penny on
a board the publican brought in for them.  Both ladies had military
husbands so were particularly interested in hearing of the wedding next
week.  I think both were most impressed with the mention of St Paul's
Cathedral.  Cedric said that Freddy was being most eloquent about the joys
of being at Ashbourne and that Martin now seemed less wary.  Mrs Pridmore
said Martin's masters at Stamford were sorry he was leaving them but his
father was adamant he should go away to school and Ashbourne had a good
reputation.  I did ask, without the lad hearing, if he was a good scholar.
I wondered if the masters were sorry that he would be leaving them as they
would be losing a pupil and therefore some income.  I did not say this but
Mrs Pridmore said she was assured he was an excellent scholar as her uncle
who was a Fellow at Oxford had tested his knowledge of the Classics and
pronounced him more than adequate.  She said this last with a grin as she
put on an imitation of the magisterial voice in which she was told.

     It was with reluctance that we decided we would have to return and see
if the Hunt had been successful.  We need not have worried as we arrived
back well before the riders started to appear muddied and exhausted.  We
learnt that no fox had been caught though they had ridden on past
Ingoldsby. The only triumphs were two hares thrown to watching lads and a
stupid goose which had waddled in front of the leading hounds and little
was left for the screeching beldame who claimed both ownership and
compensation for her loss.  We heard it was a most expensive goose as some
kind fellow had thrown her a coin and then found it was a sovereign and not
the sixpence he intended!

     We heard three other riders had been injured.  None seriously, just
broken bones and bruised pride as my father said as I handed him a tankard
of the hot punch ready for the riders' return.  Although not being granted
the kill they desired there was much good humour and shouted arrangements
for further Hunts the next week.

     Our little crowd of boys made short work of a pile of pastries and
vowed it was the best Hunt we had ever attended.  Freddy dissented from
this opinion as he was sure the one where he was bloodied was better.
During our goodbyes to the others I found Martin Pridmore was also destined
for Mr Ridley's House as his great-uncle had known Mr Ridley for many
years.

     There were twenty for dinner that evening.  Lancelot had returned from
Moss Hall and said he would tell us more later but left before the dinner
finished as a message came that he was urgently needed.  However, when he
had first appeared he was able to reassure young Freddy that his
grandfather would be on his feet within a few days once the medicine he had
prepared took its action.  As expected Sir Montgomery and Lady Blanche
Wagstaffe attended with their hosts for the night, the Squire and Mrs
Matthews.  Sir Montgomery's friend Mr Gowring was accompanied by a
well-dressed but seemingly quite demure lady who made no comments about
others.  I was told by Jackson this was not the same lady as the time
before when he accompanied me to the closet in the passageway where the
chamber- pots were kept.  She sat by Rass and they were in conversation all
evening while Mr Gowring sitting opposite drank himself steadily under the
table.  In fact the wine flowed very freely so that Sir Montgomery
hiccoughed his farewells as he left and the Squire had to be supported out
to his coach by a stern-faced Mr Clements.  Miss Barnes had her usual
seraphic smile as she left and thanked Freddy for escorting her to her
chaise.  Millicent Jefferson bussed all four of us and said she would see
us all at the wedding.  I swear her eyes were swivelling as her father
laughingly led her and an equally wobbly Mrs Jefferson to their coach.
They were lodging at the Varley Arms for the night so I hoped they would
negociate the rather steep staircase there safely.  We four boys were not
too fuddled but giggled our way to our beds making kissing noises.  Robin
and I still had strength to make sure our evening finished with the supping
of more fine juices.

     Naturally we had to be up ready the next morning for morning service.
At breakfast there were just us four boys.  While we were eating Freddy
said how much he had enjoyed himself the day before especially as Mrs
Ingleby had given him a shilling but put her finger to her lips.  What did
she mean?  Of course we wanted to know who Mrs Ingleby was as none of us
had the faintest notion who he meant.  He said she was the lady with the
man who had too much to drink but he was not Mr Ingleby. We learnt she was
the wife of the local Squire where Freddy lived in Suffolk. "She told me
she was on holiday and visiting friends and that was why she was at the
Hunt," Freddy explained.  "My mother says she spends too much time in
London and she does not know why though she always returns with more
jewellery which her husband could never afford to buy her."

     Branscombe wisely said nothing as I knew he had heard Mr Gowring's
name mentioned in the introductions made before the dinner. We had also
witnessed the very affectionate way Mr Gowring had treated the lady as he
introduced her as Mrs East to my mother and Aunt Matty when they arrived.
We did not question Freddy further but this was gossip to savour!  Mrs
Ingleby-East from East Anglia!  Oh my!  But who could we share it with?

     Of course, during the service the Banns were called for the third and
last time.  Torquil could now get married to Elizabeth Branscombe legally
and properly.  News circulated that there would be a Village Ball in the
Assembly Rooms on the Saturday evening after we returned from London in
celebration of the wedding.  It was hoped my brother and his new wife would
attend!

     Of course, there was still much preparation for the departure the next
day and instructions to Mr Clements to keep the Hall in good order for our
return.  My father said this jocularly and I was almost certain Mr Clements
had a slight sneer on his face.  He did say he hoped during the ten days we
were away all the confusion in the bedrooms would be settled.  I know that
even on that Sunday afternoon my father was closeted with Steven Goodhew
and said at dinner that evening he was most satisfied all would be in order
on our return.

     So Easter Monday dawned and chests and hampers were strapped to three
coaches.  We six boys would be travelling in the Westrup's most commodious
carriage with four good horses to draw us.  With a large family they needed
the space!  Peters and Natty were our coachmen.  Father, of course, decided
he would ride so my mother was accompanied by my Aunt Matty and their maids
in the second while the men of the Dodd family had the third coach.  Mr
Roberts was driving my mother with his son, Rowley, in charge of the other
carriage.  Four of the more experienced stable-lads were secondary coachmen
and postilions, two would be on steeds to accompany my father as well.

     Philip and James had arrived quite early being brought with their
luggage in Aunt Matty's chaise before that returned to collect the Dodds.
Rass was almost late as he had decided to drive himself to Careby Hall and
had to take Communion first to a sick parishioner.  Of course, as all were
marshalled ready for departure my father had to make sure Uncle Dodd had
not forgotten his preaching gown which we were assured most sincerely had
been packed securely by his wife!

     So, as the church clock struck nine we began our journey hoping to
arrive in Bedford for the night.

To be continued:

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