Date: Wed, 18 Sep 2013 15:48:55 +0000
From: Jo Vincent <joad130@hotmail.com>
Subject: Tom Browning's Schooldays 63

			 Tom Browning's Schooldays

				    By

				   Joel

			    Chapter SixtyThree

 The journey back to Careby from Ashbourne School was without incident
other than when Branscombe's mount, startled by the appearance of a large
dog on a chain, took off at a gallop and cleared a five-bar gate with no
problem but then stopped suddenly with Cedric deposited in a heap with his
face in a cow pat.  Robin and I on Silver and Blaze had ridden quickly to
the gate and Rowley drew the coach to a halt in the road there.  "You be no
primrose!" called out Robin in good imitation of that raucous cab-driver.

     "I'll have your fucking hide!" spluttered Branscombe as he stood and
shook his head vigorously to rid himself of most of the evil-smelling turd.
Freddy, ever helpful and riding in the coach resting himself from riding
Prince, delved into a bag and hopped out bearing a wad of the soft paper.
Branscombe carefully wiped the residue away after Freddy solemnly handed it
to him.  It was too much for Freddy who then burst into laughter.

     "Please, you still have some in your hair," he said as Branscombe
screwed up the soiled paper and threw it into the hedge.

     Branscombe snarled but must have thought better than venting his anger
on the lad.  "That must wait until we stay at an inn this night," he said
more calmly.  "That fag of mine had better mind his manners, though!"  But
even he could see the humour in the moment.  He wiped the tousled hair from
his face with a remaining sheet or two.  "'Tis the same as Maitland in that
football game except his running drawers were ruined beyond wearing by
tearing and him landing arse first in that cow pat.  At least it is only my
face dirtied and my dignity hurt."

     "You are not bruised?" I called out.  He shook his head.

     "No, the ground was soft and I rolled when I landed."  He looked
around.  "Where's the bloody horse?"

     His otherwise docile mount was recovered from its fright and was
standing grazing on some good green grass by a nearby stream.

     Branscombe snorted.  "I might have landed in that if the bastard
hadn't stumbled."

     "I suggest you gather him up and get to the road," I said pointing
further into the field.  A dozen or so fat steers were beginning to advance
and if there was a bull amongst the horde there might be trouble.  Freddy
opened the gate and Branscombe quickly caught the rein of his steed and led
him through.  It was not a moment too soon as the steers began to move
faster.  Luckily there were no large hanging cods amongst them as they
converged and stared more or less benignly at us.  Natty had dismounted and
patted one inquisitive beast on the nose.
     "There be no harm in them," he averred, "Except they crowd on you and
you could be a'crushed.  Here me beauty!"  He patted the animal again and
it lowed.  "You'll be on the parson's plate a'roasted a'fore you're a mite
older."

     Freddy was intrigued.  "Why the parson's plate?" he enquired.

     "Begging your pardon, young sir, but that's according to my mother.
She says that whenever she sees a fine beast like this in a field, for the
Reverend Dodd always has a good roasting of beef on a Sunday and she should
know for she was in his kitchen as a maid."

     Freddy nodded.  "It is a fine dish and my father always praises it
though my mother says she prefers good lamb."

     "And we'd better be moving on," I said before any more of Mrs
Neville's partialities were forthcoming.  Although I had never made her
acquaintance my opinion of her was low.  "We have a few more miles to go
before we can enjoy a plate of whatever the goodwife at the inn can
provide."

     There was little said about the happening as we rode on but Cedric did
say he had to watch his language as his mother had scolded him roundly when
he had issued some expletive over spilling wine on his trousers one
evening.  I noted that Robin kept to my other side as he expected some
retaliation from his fag-master over his comment.

     The inn was one we had stayed at before and there were cuts of beef
for us for dinner that evening.  The four of us shared a room and bed and
Freddy was told by Cedric that if he grew any more he would be swaddled in
a blanket on the floor.  He was not abashed by this.

     "Perhaps it should be the biggest who should be placed on the floor
for he takes up most of the bed," he said, "That would give those smaller a
better rest and not be crushed like with those cattle."

     Cedric did laugh at this.  "And I will make sure I roll over you if
you permit me to share."

     "And I can make another wish...." Freddy began to say but fell silent
and cast his eyes down.

     Neither Robin nor I dared say anything but Cedric lifted the lad's
chin.  "And what would you wish for?" he asked quietly.

     "That my happiness with you and Tom and Robin should continue."  He
did smile then.  "I do not have a brother and I am happiest when with my
school-friends and with you.  I have much to be glad for and I am grateful
for that."

     "Are you not looking forward to being at home for this vacation?"
Cedric asked quite levelly.

     Freddy shrugged his shoulders.  "I shall be happy if my father takes
me to dig for more old Romans," he said almost resignedly.
     "I would hope your mother will allow you to play her fortepiano as you
have a bundle of music from Mrs Dimbleby," I said and then wondered if that
comment might cause the lad some discomfort.

     He shrugged again.  "If she does not I can look and learn more and I
can write down all those tunes I hear in my head."

     I vowed to let Freddy take my old flute back home with him.  I would
need to show him how to finger for sharps and flats before he went but I
knew he would not take long to learn and there were illustrations in the
primer which he could have as well.  Perhaps he would be like the young
Handel in the attic with the clavichord but surely his mother would not
object to him playing the flute even in his bedroom!

     We settled to sleep and I was awake bright and early.  The serving
boys brought our hot water and I made sure I was first to use a chamber pot
and then douse my head in good hot water like Cedric the night before when
he removed the rest of the turd.  We breakfasted early and made good time
starting the rest of the journey. We made only a short stop for luncheon
and arrived in Careby later that Friday afternoon.

     I was anxious to reach home.  Although I did enjoy my time at school
with the companionship of my fellows I really missed my mother and father
and my friends in the village.  My brother and his new wife would be there,
too, and there would be great discussions of all the happenings while Robin
and I had been away.  I was sure Robin would now be with me all the time.
His other family would not be neglected but with his true father in
residence there would be time and place for those years of separation to be
remedied.  Elizabeth had also accepted him and with her brother Cedric also
present who was now a firm friend of that bright and spunky lad another
family was there for him.

     It was so.  There was a family gathering having an outdoor tea when we
arrived.  It was a fine, sunny July afternoon with all happy and smiling
and talking animatedly.  My Aunt Matty was there as well as old Miss Barnes
with Lancelot and Torquil as the only gentlemen present.  Servants brought
out more seats and the four of us were plied with tea, sandwiches and
pastries and many, many questions.  First though we were bussed by a
radiant Elizabeth who I noticed was wearing a loose gown.  Lancelot must
have noted my attention and when I smiled at him in greeting as he lounged
in his easy chair he nodded and pursed his lips slightly.  My sister-in-law
was some four months with child!  I would have to ask Cedric if any comment
was made to him of her condition.

     I and the other boys had been slapped on the back by Torquil in
greeting as he had leapt from his chair on our approach.  He was most
carelessly dressed in a shirt and trousers with soft shoes and no hose.  He
said he had just returned from a good swim in the waterhole and was minded
to go again.  If we were hot and sweaty after our journey we might join him
and save the servants toiling to the bedrooms with hot water.

     "Let them eat first," my mother called out, "You and your playmates
can then help to drown these unfortunates."  We understood she meant Benjy
and Timmy who Torquil had been teaching to swim and were now most
competent.  My mother also knew Robin and I were good at that sport but so
were Cedric and Freddy who had enjoyed many an afternoon in the water at
Ashbourne.
     We soon made short work of all that was on the table and though our
stomachs were full Torquil said he would see we came to no harm.  I was
afeared Miss Barnes was going to follow us as we set off as I knew we would
be naked in the water.  Benjy, who had been serving with two of the
parlour-maids, was sent to fetch Timmy from the garden and before long
seven were leaping into the cool water.

     I had not seen Timmy since leaving Careby Hall after Christmas.  Here
he was naked and grown even in those six months or so.  Grown in stature
and in that other part which was ample before.  It was evident Torquil
treated him as more than servant just as he did Benjy who was slimmer now
and, again, more prominent in certain areas.  But then, so were Robin and I
who, though no match for Timmy, were proud possessors of lengths which
rivalled those of even older schoolfellows.

     There was much diving and ducking and grabbing of unwary limbs though,
on this occasion, other portions of the anatomy were left alone.  Freddy
was laughing and squealing as hands tickled him and, more than once,
Torquil caught him and threw him bodily into the air and let him splash
down before holding him and making him squeal again.

     Cedric and Torquil had an almost under water wrestle but neither won
as, laughing and clutching each other, the two brothers-in-law made sure
they were good friends as well.

     More than a little exhausted we clambered out and shook ourselves like
wetted dogs and then sat hugger-mugger on the bank while we dried in the
sun.  I thought of that old saying which Uncle Dodd had quoted at us, 'When
Adam delved and Eve span, who was then the gentleman', after Robin had told
him of seeing an irate fellow belabouring a poor youth outside the Varley
Arms when the lad had not touched his forelock and the man was incensed at
such so-called insolence.  Here were seven, naked, happy young men,
admittedly one blacker than the others, but none showing any difference in
station by way of dress or manners.  Torquil was in charge but only as if
in the role of an older brother.

     I was able to question Timmy about his time in Cambridge at the
apothecary's and we heard how he had visited the Botanic Garden and had
brought back so many plants and seeds the walled garden was now full of
growing plants.  I could see both Cedric and Freddy were more than
entranced by this fine, young man so different from any they had seen
before but showing he was equal, or more than equal to them, in his
knowledge and confidence.  Torquil, I knew, had sensed that Timmy was no
ordinary individual and in his good-natured and kind way had made it his
business not to belittle him as a person of lower station.

     When dry and the sun was over the trees we dressed and said we should
make time and effort to repeat the experience.  As we walked back up to the
Hall we could hear more merry shouts from further down the river.  These
must have been from the stable-lads exercising the horses in the water and
Torquil said he wondered if Miss Barnes had gone home that way.  Robin and
I knew those lads would be naked as well but said nothing to Cedric and
Freddy.
     Timmy bowed his head and thanked Torquil for allowing him to join in
the swimming.  Torquil said if Mr Bottom allowed him to desert his post in
the garden he was always welcome.  He would always be welcome, I thought,
if he showed off that fine body and that most enticing appendage and I knew
Robin agreed as he nudged me when Torquil was saying his piece.
     Benjy said he had to get back to his duties or Mr Clements might whack
him with the gong-stick if he were late to be ready for serving at dinner.
As Torquil had slapped his backside several times when Benjy had splashed
him I didn't think another couple of blows would harm those now most
muscular young arse-cheeks.

     Cedric said he couldn't think of a better way in which to cleanse
oneself after a hot and dusty journey and Torquil said it was the preferred
way his troopers had refreshed themselves after a hard ride on the warm
June days when they were at Careby.  When questioned he did say he did not
join them.  I forbore from asking whether he was afraid he might have been
out-ranked in some dimension by any of his men.  That thought would be
shared with Robin later!

     Dinner that evening was another merry affair.  My father had made
several good sales in the past week or so and said that I might stay at
Ashbourne at least until I had outgrown my present clothing which at the
present rate of growth would be about half a term.  Poor Freddy must have
thought I would not be there for much longer as he, sitting beside me at
the dinner table, put a hand in mine and gripped it.  I did say to him
later that I was used to my father saying I was a great expense.  I
wondered then if my Aunt Fanny and my mother had been recompensed for the
outlay on Freddy's new clothing and shoes when in London?

     Lancelot was at dinner and whispered to Robin and me as we waited
beforehand for the sound of the gong that he would show us on Saturday
afternoon all the arrangements for our journey to France which we would
begin the next Wednesday.  Lancelot also said he would take Freddy to his
grandfather's on Monday morning for he had to see how Colonel Neville was
progressing and to leave him with enough medication while we were away.  Of
course, Cedric would be staying at Careby until his sister and
brother-in-law returned to London.  It was decided Cedric and Freddy would
share a room until Freddy departed.  I think he was rather in two minds
about being parted from us so soon but he wanted to see his grandfather.  I
did say we would visit the forge in the morning and he smiled and looked
most happy at that promise.

     I was ready for my bed that evening and Freddy had been taken up as
soon as dinner was finished as he was yawning and almost falling asleep.
Cedric came upstairs with us and asked if we might talk before he joined
Freddy.  We sat by the window and looked out at the vista on that fine
summer's evening.  Cedric had heard Lancelot's mention of France and wanted
to know what was to happen.  We had not told anyone else other than the
Johnson twins and Pederson at Ashbourne so we had to confess we knew little
of how and where we were going except it was to return a part of an
executed aristocrat from the French Revolution to a suitable resting-place.

     "What part?" inquired Cedric who was not mollified having only just
heard of our forthcoming adventure, "Is it his heart?"

     We had to be truthful and it was Robin who quietly said it was his
head.  I then had to tell him all we knew which was not a great deal except
there was also a family connection with the area of France as my
grandmother had come from a village called Riom near the ducal seat of
Clermont Ferrand.  I think Cedric had a wrong opinion, which I did not
disabuse, that my grandmother was from such an aristocratic lineage!  He
said he was envious of our proposed enterprise and would spend the rest of
the summer idling away his time at their house near Canterbury.  He then
moved to another topic which was probably more at the front of his mind.

     "That black boy," he started, "Was he not in the stables at Ashbourne?
I remember he was discussed as Maitland and I had not seen a lad like that
before."

     I let Robin say that was so.  Of course, Cedric knew of Black Jack and
his expulsion but we did not enlarge on this.  What had impressed Cedric
more soon emerged.  He shook his head.

     "You say he is but fourteen or so.  I have never seen anything that
big on a boy even of seventeen or so."  He sniggered.  "Even when he came
out of the cool water it was not much diminished."  He nudged Robin.  "Not
like someone we could mention, eh?"

     "Me, or him?" the wretch enquired.  He then turned to Cedric and
looked pointedly down at his lap.  "And there was a person of seventeen who
was no more than a child of thirteen when dripping wet so even Freddy
bested him I would say!"

     This was too much for dear Cedric's sensibilities.  He turned and
grabbed Robin and was about to administer some dire punishment on his fag
but he laughed and then pulled his head towards him and gave him a lasting
kiss on his lips.

     Robin was perplexed at this and as they parted looked quite dazed.
Cedric was smiling broadly.

     "That was for all the pleasure I have had in your company," he said.
"If the other one," - meaning me I assumed - "was closer he would receive
the same."  He looked at Robin who was still being held tightly.  "I hope I
have not disconcerted you but like young Freddy I could not have wished for
better company and friendship."  He held out a hand to me.  I took it and
was gripped even more firmly than Freddy had done so earlier.  He had not
finished joshing me, though.  "I would say you have some way to go to
measure up to your brother.  I would aver he and that black lad were about
equal!"

     I just sneered at him and wondered if I might say he, even when warm,
was no match for dear Jabez who had accompanied him back and forth at
Charles Street.  It was interesting, I thought, how boys were most eager to
compare themselves with others in that particular respect.

     We bid each other good night and he departed with a great smile on his
face.  Robin and I clutched each other and said it was time for bed.  Hot
water had been left for us but without a fire in the grate it was cool so
comments were made as we tussled with each other then fell to our boyish
love-making under the coverlet before casting that aside on this most warm
July evening.  Though expressing tiredness we did not sleep until at least
two hours had passed in those passions which we now more than accustomed
to.  At some time, I thought, as we finally settled to slumber we had to
decide to experience that further expression of our love and togetherness.

     Another fine and hot day greeted us and after breakfast we set out
both to visit the forge but also for Robin to be with his mother and his
family.  Torquil and Elizabeth were to ride out in the chaise after lunch
and had said the night before they would like the company of Cedric and
Freddy as that would release Robin and me to meet with Lancelot to discuss
our journey.

     Freddy was excited about seeing the Barker brothers again and asked if
he might pump the bellows as he done before.  This he was allowed to do
while the pair not only carried on with their work but regaled us with the
happenings of the military camp which was accommodated on nearby fields in
June.  Torquil had mentioned it when we were at the pool yesterday but he
was rather circumspect in his descriptions.  With Freddy more or less out
of earshot we other three were regaled first with the description of their
big brother, Abel Barker the farrier, marching up the ranks of the
assembled Troopers and holding the biggest pair of pinchers imaginable.  He
warned the assembled, rather cowed, soldiers that if any unwanted baggage
was left behind when they returned to barracks after their stay then the
reputed causes of such undesirable events would be deprived of certain
valued possessions.  With the now Corporal of Horse, Caleb Barker, marching
behind him they knew any dalliances had to be pure as the pair were quite
formidable!

     We three knew what 'unwanted baggage' referred to and Branscombe asked
if the threat had born fruit and caused a laugh at that turn of phrase as
it was other 'fruit' which was not to be born.

     "That is to be seen, sir," said Isaac with a grin as he gave a red hot
piece of iron a mighty blow, "We were ready here with the branding irons as
well but other than two wenches from Hornby who were found bedded down in
Farmer Lowe's barn we heard of none who may have allowed more than a buss
or two after the dances in the Assembly Rooms on the Saturday evenings."

     "Which you attended, no doubt?" I queried.  "With a pot or two of Mr
Flaxman's ale?"

     "He did," Jacob said pointing his hammer at his smirking brother, "My
father would not let me as he said I was too young and innocent to be led
from the Path of Righteousness.  Father went and played the bass fiddle
much to our mother's amusement and she allowed me to go and watch through a
window but I had to be back home before father returned."

     "And Abel did take him out a pot to keep him company in his
loneliness," Isaac added and grinned at his younger brother.

     We left Cedric happily chatting to the pair with Freddy fully employed
with the bellows and discarding his clothing as it was mighty hot in there.
We left Blaze and Silver with instructions they were to be re-shod and
walked down the lane towards the village and the Goodhew house.  There was
the usual reception.  Both of us were greeted and hugged by his mother.
She had received a glowing report of Robin's progress at Ashbourne from Mr
Ridley and a letter from Mr Dimbleby commending his mathematical prowess.
Philip and James listened as we recounted the happenings of the term and
there was much laughter when Robin said Philip's designs for the substitute
arrangement for chamber-pots had been well-received and were to be
constructed.  I had not realised but the three pieces of paper had been
prepared and sent to Robin by Philip after he had written home with the
general measurements which he made without telling me.  No wonder those
pages were so neatly drawn and presented.  We also heard that full
arrangements had been made for Philip to begin his studies at the Royal
Schools of Art in September and his father would be accompanying him to see
him settled both there and in his accommodation in Mr Harrison's household.

     Lancelot had told Mr and Mrs Goodhew of the journey to France and,
although somewhat apprehensive, both had said Robin should go if he was
minded to.  His mother said he must come and say farewell before he set off
and his brothers said it was something they wished they could do.

     We then had to visit the workroom where, as usual, there was much
activity.  Steven was carving the lettering for a large stone to ornament
the grave of a recently deceased baronet whose less-than-grieving widow he
said had chosen the cheapest marble with the least number of letters needed
to commemorate him. Still, he added, he had been paid in advance so was
most happy.  Liam was grinning as he was assisting by smoothing the curves
at the top of the stone.

     "She said she wanted straight edges to reduce the cost," he said
waving a finger along the top of the stone, "but Mr Goodhew said it should
match the father's stone next to it and she had to agree."

     I looked at the name and was pleased it wasn't Sir Montgomery
Wagstaffe but was for someone I did not know, whose surname began with
'Mor' as these were the letters so far carved for that name and I could not
discern the roughed-in charcoaled letters further on.

     After leaving the workroom we called in to see Mr Venables in his shop
and gave him news of our progress at school, especially with the lessons we
were having from Mr Skrimshire on the chapel organ.  We said we would be
ready to play at the morning service on the morrow and he said we were
welcome as usual.  We heard that both Philip and James had joined the
church band though they had not told us.

     We arrived back at Careby Hall just in time for luncheon in the
breakfast room where we boys would be eating alone.  Cedric and Freddy were
already there and Benjy was serving them with excellent cold cuts and
roasted potatoes.  We had hardly been seated when an exuberant Freddy began
telling us between mouthfuls of food how much he had enjoyed being at the
forge.  "And I have been his nanny," Cedric grumbled good-naturedly as he
speared a prime piece of beef on his fork.  "I had to wash the grubby
urchin when we returned here as he managed to blacken himself by deciding
he would heap more coals on the fire as well as pump the bellows."

     The urchin grinned at him.  "You wanted to beat that piece of iron but
were too afraid to ask in case you got too hot and had to remove your
clothes like those boys.  I did!"

     Cedric had to explain that as the forge was hot and got hotter so
Freddy calmly took off all his clothes until, like Isaac and Jacob, he was
clad only in his drawers.  They had found an apron and put it on him in
case any sparks burnt him but he, of course, had managed to get black
smudges over his sweaty body so had to be almost bathed on his return to
Careby Hall.

     "It is something I shall not tell my mother," he said quietly.
"Especially as that boy Isaac was beating that iron so hard his drawers
fell down and he did not bother to pull them up until he had quenched the
horseshoe he was making."

     Cedric was trying not to laugh.  "He has fine muscles, eh Freddy?  He
said you should become a blacksmith and they would take you as an
apprentice."

     Freddy smiled.  "I would wish to make such fine iron gates as they
have done."  He shook his head.  "I see all these things around me but do
not know their provenance."

     "I would say they are as much artists as any other good craftsman,"
said Robin.  "Yet their work does not make them the equal of the gentry who
employ them."

     Cedric looked at him closely.  "The more I hear and see in this
household and Sir Digby's in London I know I must question many of those
notions I have taken for granted.  My father is quite open about his
opinions of some of his acquaintances and there are many at Ashbourne I
would not wish to continue with any form of association."

     Robin bowed his head to him across the table.  "You have accepted me
for which I am most grateful..."

     Cedric cut him short.  "...You have proved yourself more than worthy
than many and there is no reason for you to feel grateful.  I only wish I
could learn as fast and as well as you..."  He laughed .  "...And that
rogue of an uncle of yours!  He has lotions and potions as well as his
learning!  I get more and more confused with all I am confronted with!  A
quiet life in Her Majesty's Navy is all I desire.  Though it was anything
but quiet for my father who saw many battles.  Will I?"

     I think we were as confused as poor Cedric.  I was beginning to
realise that life for most was not so straightforward as I had accepted for
my lot.  Was my path so smooth?  I would have to wait and see.

      Freddy's eyes had then opened wide for one of the twins brought in a
large fruit tart from which Benjy cut substantial slices for each of us.
The other twin had a jug of fresh, beaten cream which was poured liberally
over the glistening fruit on the pastry.  Little was said then until our
luncheon was complete.

     We sat a few moments surveying our empty plates until Mr Clements
appeared to take Cedric and Freddy to the parlour where Torquil and
Elizabeth had lunched with my mother.  It was time for their excursion.
Robin and I went along to the Library to await Lancelot and to hear the
details of our coming visit to France.

     As usual, Lancelot was a while before he came hurrying along.  He had
been out to visit a rather sick old gentleman at his house in Creeton.
"Another case of gout," he said as he explained where he had been.  "As you
are aware it would seem to be an affliction associated with indulgence
especially of port.  I am more than certain this is so in Major Barton's
case for bottles both full and empty are always lined up in military ranks
in his parlour.  He is most generous as I had to take two substantial
glasses before he allowed me to leave."
     "No pain in your ankles yet?" enquired cheeky Robin.

     Lancelot waved a dismissive hand at him.  "One has to humour one's
patients as well as setting their humours in balance!"

      I knew better than to ask any questions of a medical nature, for my
cousin would then make sure we would be given his strong opinions on the
antiquated ideas of the ancient Greeks.  Instead I plunged
straightforwardly into the matter of greater importance to us.  "You said
you would have information about our journey for us this afternoon," I said
and gave Robin as severe a look as I could muster behind Lancelot's back.

     Lancelot turned and held up a sizeable leather case.  "It is all here.
Let me put all the documents on the table but ring the bell, please, as I
am famished and need a bite to eat before we continue."

     Benjy soon appeared and was instructed to see what cook had which
would be easy for her to prepare.  In that interval we stood either side of
Lancelot as he opened the case and laid out a succession of papers which he
arranged across the table.  "First, I am most grateful to Uncle Digby as he
has also corresponded with Mr Johnson and between them they have made
appreciable plans for us.  My friend in Paris can accommodate us as well so
we must make time to see the wonders there."  He looked at Robin and gave a
laugh.  "You have not travelled yet on the railway, have you?"  Robin
stared at him and shook his head.  Lancelot held up a hand.  "I am getting
ahead of myself but I must eat first so you can look at the documents until
I have finished but do not touch them as I have placed them in order."
Obediently we did as told.  Robin looked at me and grinned but neither of
us spoke.  Benjy was soon back with a tray on which was a tankard and two
plates with new bread, cheese and that tangy pickle we all liked and
Lancelot was soon enjoying his repast.

     There was plenty of time for the perusal but it was annoying that we
could not pick up the documents to actually read them.  I could see there
were several letters.  The first two had Mr Johnson's address at the top.
By their side were two others each of several pages, with the tapes which
had held the sheets together loosely undone, and these I could see were
covered with Uncle Digby's scrawly hand.  I could also see the copies of
the letters which Lancelot must have written seeking information and lastly
there were other pages which were folded over but I could see there was
printing showing through.  Lancelot ate fast and finished by downing the
tankard in one draught.  He wiped his lips with the napkin on the tray and
a curious Benjy was dismissed.  I winked at him as he passed and he raised
one nostril at me!

     Lancelot waited until the door was closed then beckoned us to stand by
him.  He paused putting a finger to his lips as if thinking of the order of
things.  "Let me start from the beginning.  Our journey to London will be
as usual.  My uncle Sam is providing a coach for us and Rowley Roberts and
young Peters will be driving us there.  We leave here on Wednesday and
arrive there on Friday."  He picked up the first letter.  "This is from Mr
Johnson with the admonition that it is likely to be hotter the further we
go into France as it will be full summer."  He then pointed to the nearby
letter of several pages.  "Uncle Digby has arranged for us to visit the
tailor on Saturday to collect suitable linen suits and light shirts.  Mr
Levy has all our measures from our previous visit and will make allowance
for growing boys!"  He gave Robin a nudge with his elbow.
     "That is a necessity," Robin said, looking round Lancelot at me.  "I
would say Tom and I have both gained at least an inch in our height even
since Easter."

     Lancelot nodded.  "I would be most surprised if you had not."  I got a
nudge this time.  "I noted that your jacket seemed a little short in the
sleeves for you at dinner last night.  However, it may have been just a
falling back of your cuffs as you forked those slices of fine capon so
quickly as if you had starved for a week!"

     I managed a sneer.  Lancelot was always chiding me for eating too fast
and not chewing each mouthful sufficiently in his opinion.  I ignored that
jibe as I wished for more knowledge of what would happen on the Wednesday
and the days following.  "Will Rowley Roberts and Peters also be driving us
to France and over there, too?" I enquired carefully.

     Lancelot shook his head.  "Our Uncle Digby and Mr Johnson have
arranged everything."  He looked at Robin and pointed down at some
unfamiliar papers which, when he picked one up, I could see was partially
printed but with handwriting on it. "You will be travelling by the new
railway to Dover and this is what is called a ticket."  Robin looked rather
startled.  Lancelot laughed.  "If it is good enough for Prince Albert to
travel to Dover that way it will be good enough for us!"

     We heard then that the complete line to Dover from London had been
completed and opened only in February of this year.  Prince Albert had used
the railway to Dover in March because of its quickness when he had to go to
a funeral in Germany.  This had caused great interest from the reports in
the newspapers and Uncle Digby had suggested we might take advantage of it,
for if we were on the train at eight in the morning at the London Bridge
terminus we would be in Dover ready to take the eleven o'clock steam packet
to Calais.

     "We would sail overnight?" asked Robin.

     Lancelot shook his head.  "No, the boat sails at eleven in the morning
not at night.  The train will get us there in but two hours and a half at
most."

     Robin mused on this.  "Dover is some eighty or so miles from London so
Martin Johnson told me."

     Lancelot held up another piece of paper.  "Here is the route which is
somewhat more as the track meanders and is not laid in a straight line.  I
think it is some one hundred miles all told."

     "In two and a half hours?  That is..." Robin paused as his mental
processes were set in motion like the train's wheels.  I thought hard, too.
I think he was a moment or two ahead of me.  "...that is forty miles an
hour.  A coach and four cannot travel more than six or seven miles an hour
and that on a good road.  Is that true?"

     Lancelot nodded.  "The railway is our future, I am sure!"

     I had made the same calculation but was also puzzled about another
matter.  "Will we have to wait for our coach?"

     Lancelot shook his head.  "No.  I am sorry if I have not made things
clear.  Only Rowley will accompany us as he will learn to drive on French
roads in the company of Mr Johnson's coachmen.  Young Peters will remain in
London and will be in Mr Churcher's capable hands and will be able to visit
his relations as well."  Lancelot pointed down at Uncle Digby's letter.
"We will be accompanied by our Jabez Bottom who has certain instructions to
carry out according to the cryptic comments written here."

     I was not surprised.  Here was Jabez being entrusted again and
assigned to a task which was, no doubt, another test of his aptness for
employment in Uncle Digby's enterprises.  "How will we travel in France?" I
asked then realised Lancelot had already mentioned Rowley Roberts driving
in France.  I had been thinking of Jabez's promotion!  Robin had said
nothing. He was, no doubt, mulling over some of our adventures with Jabez
here and the demonstration of Jabez's venture in London.

     "That is all arranged, too.  Mr Johnson will provide a coach with two
experienced coachmen one of whom will be always armed in case of trouble."
He grimaced.  "He says it would be unlikely but he always errs on the side
of caution."

     Robin laughed.  "Martin Johnson says they often go hunting with their
father and he is a better shot than his brother so will they be armed as
well?"

     "All the better if they are," said Lancelot.  "He says here he has no
qualms about their fitness for this their first travel further than Paris.
Make what you will of that!"

     "How far is our journey in France?" I asked, not wishing to
contemplate being held up by highwaymen even though guarded by my friends
the Johnsons!

     Lancelot unfolded a map and flattened it on the table.  I could see it
was marked with a heavy black line from the coast inland and down.

     "Mr Johnson has sent this map and calculations in miles."  He picked
up another sheet.  "I will not bore you now with the names of the towns and
villages but we go first from Calais to his house in Coquelles and stay
there overnight to make ourselves acquainted more fully with the details.
He wishes his coachman to deal with business as well but it should not
delay our progress."  He pointed to the map.  "From Coquelles to Paris is
some one hundred and sixty five miles.  He says the road is good and we
should complete that in two and a half days.  My friend Armand and his
father live at St Denis which is less than five miles outside Paris
itself."  He made circle with his finger over what I assumed must be the
city of Paris.  "I suggest we spend at least two or even three days in
their company and I can show you some of the wonders of the city.  Armand
is a fine fellow and both he and his father are physicians and he says he
is looking forward to entertaining us." Another letter was indicated.  "'Tu
et tes cousins' he writes so you are included as friends as well, eh?"  He
sneered at me this time.  I knew the convention for the use of 'tu'!

     "There are inns to stay at on the road?" I asked for Uncle Dodd had
said he and the young men he was accompanying on their Grand Tour had slept
under haystacks or in barns more than once.

     "Of course and as good as we have here in England," Lancelot said with
a laugh.  "You are thinking of my father's tales, eh?"

     I nodded.  If Uncle Dodd had survived, so would we!

     "What is there to see in Paris?" Robin enquired.

     "Wait and see, young man," Lancelot waved a finger in admonition, "You
will not be disappointed."  He pointed at the map again.  "When we are
ready we will continue down into almost the middle of France.  Mr Johnson
had calculated we have somewhere nigh on two hundred and forty miles to
reach Riom and a little further if we need to go to Clermont Ferrand."

     Robin was quicker than me on calculating this time.  "In ten hours
each day we should travel a good sixty miles if the roads are good so we
should reach Riom in four or five days."

     "I think we should be tired of coach travel by then," I said, thinking
we should be well supplied with books and cards to pass the time but those
activities could be tiring as well.  "What is there to look at on the way?"

     Lancelot held up both hands.  "I do not know.  I have ventured as far
as Versailles and to Fontainebleau on that side of Paris and there are
fields and rivers and we shall see vines growing.  There are ruinous
churches and monasteries but we can ask Mr Johnson if there are particular
sites to explore.  Remember though, although we can allow some four weeks
in France, we still have a particular task to perform."

     We were silent for a moment.  The head!  That had to be carried in the
coach as well Of course, it would be in its box but what if the road was
rough and the glass container shattered?  I would not think of that as I
was sure it would be well-protected from such hazards.  I had a thought of
another matter.

     "What money will we need?" I asked.  "I know from talking with the
Johnsons the French have different coins from those we use."

     "That is so," said Lancelot picking up one of two small leather purses
on the table.  He loosened the tied string closing it and tipped out a
number of coins.  "Uncle Digby sent these so we would become acquainted
with their coinage."  He picked one up. "These are everyday coins some are
francs or divisions of them like our shillings and pence.  I am told there
are at least twenty-five francs to each sovereign and that we should be
able to have good accommodation for less than the price we pay here."

     I leaned forward and picked up one of the nearer, larger coins.  Like
our own silver coins there was an engraved head on one side.  A rather ugly
man, I thought, with heavy jowls and a circlet of leaves around his brow.
I squinted at the coin to read the inscription around the head.  'Louis
Philippe I Roi des Francais' I was aware there was now a king in France but
had not known his name.  I turned the coin over.  Here the inscription in
the centre was '5 francs' with this year's date '1844'.  Robin took the
other coin from Lancelot and looked at that one.

     "This is for five francs," I said, "I calculate it is worth four
shillings of English money, is that not so?"

     "It will be at least that," Lancelot agreed with a laugh.  "We shall
live like English Milords with enough of those."

     "Enough?" asked Robin.  "Who will supply enough?  This is for one
franc which is worth near ten pennies.  We would need plenty of these would
we not?"

     "We are on an errand for St Mark's College and they wish to make our
journey as pleasant as possible," Lancelot said carefully as he picked up
the second purse.  As he shook it open so a number of gold coins slid out.
"The Bursar at St Mark's has been most generous as he found he had ten gold
Louis in his safe which had been bequeathed to the College by the Frenchman
when he died.  I do not know their value now but either Uncle Digby or Mr
Johnson will advise."  He picked up Uncle Digby's second letter and riffled
through the pages.  "He says here that two promissory notes will be
forthcoming, one which we can draw on Mr Johnson for any initial expense
and a second which may be drawn on a bank in Paris in his name.  I must
then apply to the Bursar for Uncle Digby to be reimbursed."

     He picked up the letter again.  "He says here he has obtained
passports for us as well from the Government office in London."  He saw the
questioning look on my face.  "Those are necessary for any traveller abroad
to guarantee a safe passage and no interference from petty officials.  I
have had to wave my passport a number of times at some minor functionary
who would otherwise demand recompense for allowing the carriage to proceed.
I must admit the French are a mercenary race!"

     I stared dumbly at the documents and coins on the table.  A train
ride, a sea crossing, long journeys in a an unfamiliar coach and country,
all in the company of that ducal head!  Robin was laughing most probably, I
thought, at the sally against the French which would not be relayed to our
hosts for I knew Mrs Johnson was French.  However, Robin just pointed to
the array.

     "I would say that this is planned like a military campaign.  William
the Conqueror came here.  Dr Lancelot Dodd and his troopers will be
victorious, too!"

     Lancelot laughed.  "That is exactly the sentiment dear Torquil
expressed!  I think it was with difficulty I dissuaded him from
accompanying us with a band of fifty troopers to avenge that defeat!"


To be continued:


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