Date: Sat, 15 Feb 2014 19:14:45 +0000
From: Jo Vincent <joad130@hotmail.com>
Subject: Tom Brownings Schooldays Ch 72
Tom Browning's Schooldays
By
Joel
Chapter SeventyTwo
The morning came all too soon. Our loving embraces had lasted a while for
we had been in a most happy mood. Worn out but satiated with love we slept
soundly. It had been decreed no one would be disturbed before eight
o'clock and it was at that hour two silent servants entered our room and
woke us gently with a quiet whisper. Fabrice was my awakener, Valentine
Robin's. What could two happy boys do but reach out and hug the pair!
They were not too startled. I think they were getting used to the
strange English! We both said how pleased we had been making music the
night before. They replied that they had been most honoured for us to join
them. Valentine said le petit djeuner would be served at nine o'clock.
What could we do after they left but rejoice and repeat our love again!
Washed clean we were dressed and ready exactly as the clock struck.
We knew we would be setting off at half past ten and that our bags and
chests would be ready packed for us. Just the two young boys from the
kitchen were in the breakfast room serving our party so the other servants
could be busy upstairs. Of course, we were congratulated again over our
contributions to the concert. Martin said he had heard the Commandant say
we would be welcome to join the regimental band. He did say he thought it
was in jest but he had been most fulsome in his praise.
The Comte appeared as we were finishing eating. He was beside himself
with praise, too. Both Robin and I were hugged as we stood to bow and
greet him. "My dears, you will return. I warrant I will have that other
organ as soon as possible." He turned to his nephews who were grinning at
him. "You will make sure you all come back soon." Lancelot and Jabez were
not left out. "Dr Dodd and Mr Bottom. I have valued our conversations.
Please return." He laughed. "This morning, though, I will be here to see
you depart." With that he waved and strode off.
Breakfast finished we all went to check none of our belongings
remained in our rooms. Oh dear, I did find that soiled stocking under the
bed as the coverlet hung low. "Too precious to leave behind," said Robin
as I stuffed it into a jacket pocket. I hoped it would not peep out before
I could add it to my travelling bag in the coach.
We assembled ready to depart at the appointed time. Our coach had
been drawn up before the front door. Alain had our parcels for the
servants who stood in a row in the hallway. I saw Lancelot hand each of
them a coin as well. As we descended the steps they preceded us and stood
ready to open the coach doors and to hand us into it. Of course, Rowley
Roberts was on the box and he and Claude raised their whips in greeting.
Young Pierre in a new hat with a cockade was our postillion again. One of
us would join him once we were away from the mansion.
Before we stepped forward the Comte rushed down the steps and hugged
each of us much to the amusement of all, including the servants, who could
not contain their smiles. He stood at the bottom of the steps as we drove
away. "To the next time!" he called out as the coach circled the drive and
progressed through the ornate gateway.
The next two and a half days sped by as we relived our adventures so
far. Our journey back to Coquelles took the same road though we stayed
overnight in two different auberges from those on our outward journey. It
was at the second of these while sitting in the garden after dinner I was
able to talk one-to-one with Jabez. The others were resting or were
exploring ruins. It was peaceful and quiet but what I heard was a sorry
tale.
Jabez said my Uncle Digby had made clear what I should be told as
there were affairs which might have an effect on me, while also my
curiosity over his own mission must be satisfied. He said that the bank of
which the Honourable Philip Lascelles MP had been a director had crashed
even more spectacularly than at first feared. There were accusations of
fraud and chicanery on a large scale and all the directors had fled the
country. Many people had lost money, including Mr de Vere and officers
known to my Uncle Billy, so Uncle Digby Wright was involved in getting
redress through his contacts and with lawyers such as Mr Harrison. Jabez
said there was no worry about the deeds which my father had received for
Sir Digby had said the provenance of these was beyond question and the year
and a day would soon be up. One of Jabez's errands had been to give Mr
Tuckwell, for we still referred to him by that name, documents to be passed
to the authorities in Paris as the bank had held securities on properties
in Paris and elsewhere. These were now forfeit for many of the owners were
not known or hidden behind dummy companies.
Jabez said Philip Lascelles was no longer a Member of Parliament and
the last heard of him was that he was in a private hospital in Berlin. Not
only that but his son was said to be in Berlin, too, and there were other
disturbing matters. Jabez said he knew I was aware of the young girl who
had run away and had been found in Grantham. I nodded though I was not too
clear of her misdemeanour. Jabez explained that she had been accused of
selling her body. Again I was unsure of what that meant other than the
comments of the grooms that men paid her for being fucked. They had gone
quiet and I had not dared to ask more. Jabez then asked if I had heard of
the 'White Slave Trade'? I shook my head. Jabez was quite forthright as
he said there was growing evidence that young girls from poor families,
especially from places such as Ireland, were being sent across the Channel
to houses of ill- repute in cities such as Paris, Vienna and Berlin. Had I
noticed three girls with an older woman on the boat from Dover? I shook my
head.
"I made it my business to follow them as they seemed rather
distraught," Jabez said most seriously. "I heard the woman say they would
be staying at an inn called 'Le Maison Rouge' and I was able to send a
letter from Mr Johnson's to Mr Tuckwell in Paris." He nodded. "I was
correct as he told me it was a well-known house of ill-repute where girls
were accommodated before being sent on elsewhere."
I was taken aback. This was something almost beyond my comprehension
but Jabez had more to reveal. What he told me then only confirmed my
wariness of Black Jack Lascelles. There was a suspicion that he had got
involved in this trade though he was on the edges of it if anything. Jabez
said the house in St James' Street had been watched for on two occasions
there had been at least one girl and a woman also in residence. They had
only been there a day or so each time. He looked quite solemn when he said
from the description he thought the woman on the ferry was the same person.
I asked if Black Jack had ever returned to the house. He shook his
head and said he was sure he had not as there had been no sightings of him.
Jabez had been sent again to be friendly with the lubberly lout in the
gatehouse but, though forthcoming about visitors, he did not know who they
were or where they went. All the youth would say was that his mother was
even more bad-tempered and forbad him to venture upstairs. The three men
who had been the guards were rarely in residence but seemed to spend their
time drinking in a beerhouse off Curzon Market or driving the coach to and
fro with no apparent purpose. "We do have their names now as the wretch
calls them Makepiss, Scratch-it and Alehouse," he laughed. "He did say
they were rightly Makepeace, Cratchit and Taverner and the other names were
what they joshed themselves with. We know two are discharged soldiery and
the other was on a merchant ship until he lost an eye in some argument."
After remarking that the dolt did seem to have some wit to remember
all that I enquired if Jack Lascelles was cured. Jabez shook his head
again and said their information was he was still quite unsound in the head
mainly because of the laudanum and other preparations he had been taking,
but he needed money which would be a reason for his involvement in that
vile trade.
"He is full of hatred, too," Jabez said slowly. "He wishes to destroy
the good name of the Lascelles family and we are sure he has plans afoot.
Our informants can only observe at a distance but he meets with some very
strange people. We know his father is fatally ill and is raving and his
death will be the trigger for more evil from that son of his." Jabez's use
of 'raving' told me that Philip Lascelles was in the final stages of the
Great Pox. Lancelot's book had noted its symptoms in some detail.
"What of that house in St James' Street?" I asked. "Who is
responsible for it? If the father is ill in Berlin and not likely to
survive will it pass to his son?"
"The house is still in disrepair and is getting more ruinous," Jabez
said with a shake of his head. "There is more, for the house is not that
man's property but rightly belongs to his brother Lord Harford. I doubt if
his Lordship knows this and it is something you must not tell of. There
were deeds for all his holdings in property kept at Garthorpe and some were
thought lost in a fire some twenty or so years ago. We have found those
originals in a lawyer's office in London. The lawyer was one who also
wrote false documents for the bank and was found dead, probably murdered,
just two months or so ago."
"The fire was deliberate and Philip Lascelles was the culprit," I said
surmising what might have happened.
Jabez smiled. "Your uncle said you would not be slow in coming to the
correct conclusions."
"My uncle Digby would seem to be putting a deal of confidence in one
so young as me," I said carefully looking at Jabez straight in the eye.
He was solemn again. "Master Tom, think of me. I was taken from my
lowly station and placed in a household which is more important than you
could imagine. I have been entrusted with tasks and duties..."
I held out a hand and grasped his. "...Jabez, you do not have to say
more. It is only within these last few months I have dimly learned of what
my uncle and the others in his household might be occupied with. I know it
is more than pursuing stupid women and spiritualists with their strange
tables. I am honoured I have been given such information as you have
imparted today." His look was inscrutable. "So my Uncle Digby is
entrusting me with more?"
"He may have more to say when you meet him but I have to tell you your
friend at school must be protected."
"George Lascelles?"
Jabez nodded. "Mad Jack has made threats heard by others that many at
your school will suffer. There is one who will not return when you do for
his father has withdrawn him through those rumours. He had dealings with
Jack and is blamed for causing his downfall there. I doubt it is true but
we know Jack borrowed money from him and his father has had short shrift
over repayment."
I did not say but surmised it could be Jopling who I knew had lent
money and had sought repayment. What retribution might Black Jack wreak on
him?
Jabez looked at me steadily. "Your uncle wishes you to be discreet
but to note any strangers who might be about the school. Also, if you hear
talk of persons who are asking questions then he would be grateful to
receive a letter from you."
"From your manner there is more to say," I asserted.
Jabez sighed. "There is more evil in this world than I could ever
imagine." He chewed on his lower lip. "You are aware of a master who was
dismissed from Ashbourne?"
I nodded though this was an incident before I had joined the school.
Of course, George Lascelles had been the one to alert Mr Pretyman to that
man's behaviour.
"I heard that threats were made against my friend George," I said
wonderingly as Jabez seemed to know so much.
"Do you know that man's name?" he asked. I shook my head. "'Tis
better you do not for it might be mentioned and you must show ignorance."
He took a deep breath. "It is known that Jack Lascelles has been seen with
the man in the village outside Paris where he lives." He did smile then.
"The place was not on the route we took and that must suffice for you."
"Why would that pair meet?" I asked.
"That is something I cannot discuss with you except that, as both have
hate for your friend, vigilance must be maintained."
I was flummoxed. I was being told snippets and not given a complete
story.
"And when will I be told more?" I responded rather testily. My
irritation abated, for after all Jabez was under orders. "Jabez, I am
sorry. I did not mean to be so sharp."
"Tom, you must wait until your uncle speaks with you. I only know
what I have been allowed to divulge to you."
I smiled at him. "Jabez I have heard enough for one day. What say
you we should call for a glass?"
A serving-boy was hovering near the rear door of the inn and soon
brought us tankards of cool small beer.
"Jabez I have one more question. What may I share with Robin?"
"Our Robin is as astute as you. He has already asked me if I was
delivering messages and what should he tell you. I said quite truthfully I
was and that he should wait until you had asked me the same." He laughed.
"I do aver he thinks you are somewhat witless and slow and think my only
task is to see your backside is clean, for that has been my duty before."
"Jabez you are incorrigible!" I smiled at him. "But I would not wish
you to be otherwise. I have much to think about and from your response I
should say as much as I think fit."
He nodded and we quaffed our ale.
The others had either abandoned their quest for buried treasure in the
ruins or had revived after their rest. It was now growing cool so we
repaired to the warmth inside the inn and played at backgammon or jeu de
dames. On the morrow we would be arriving back at Coquelles and we would
have but one more day before embarking on the voyage back to Dover and
thence the train to London. There was still much to discuss. The twins
were adamant their father would have goods suitable for presents for my
mother and Aunt Fanny. Lancelot wanted something for his mother, too. We
still had the barrel of wine. The Comte had shook his head when it was
offered to him. He had a cellar full already but on the recommendation of
his astute nephews would contact Monsieur Fontane and have a delivery from
him. "My dears, there is always a thirst for good wine!"
Again there was a great welcome for us at the Johnson's mansion. We
arrived late in the afternoon and the place was humming with activity. Mr
Johnson explained that several carts had arrived with merchandise ready to
be dispatched to Dover and on to London. Wares had also come from the
other direction. He pointed to one barn in which he said was the latest
consignment of ornamental brass and ironwork: hinges, door handles and
suchlike in great abundance brought from manufactories in Birmingham and
Manchester. I did not need to ask about vases or pots as Martin made
straight for another of the warehouses almost dragging his father with him.
Even before we had a chance to enter the house I was supplied with a
selection of most beautiful objets d'art to choose from. I said there was
so much to admire I would do my selection in the morning as I knew the
others wanted sustenance!
Madame Johnson was in the salon awaiting us with pots of tea and
pastries. We had to relate some of our adventures and Madame was quite
shocked by hearing of the involvement with the would-be brigands. Alain
praised his brother even though he had waved an unloaded musket. As we all
grinned at this it did relax his mother. There was so much to tell so
Madame Johnson said she would hear it in installments or she would get
quite confused. We were enjoined to make ourselves comfortable and dinner
would be at seven. A good mode of dismissal!
Although Robin had known I had talked with Jabez at length the
previous evening he had said nothing nor asked any questions on this stage
of our journey. We went to our bedroom to wash and change and as we were
lolling on a comfortable sofa after making ourselves more handsome than
ever Robin still remained inscrutably silent. However, the twitching of
his lips as he sat and looked at me was the unasked question. What to tell
him? Everything I had heard with no prevarication! He sat quiet and
attentive. It was only when I finished he breathed deeply.
"That person is evil!" he said with emphasis. "I will not give him
the favour of calling him a man nor even a boy! He tormented Timmy! He
was cruel to that fine horse! How could he hate George? These other
schemes? If I could ever be part of his downfall it would be a pleasure!"
He was silent for a moment. "That is wrong of me to say that. It would be
a duty!"
I had not heard my Robin be so vehement. I knew more. I had heard
Black Jack's confession of depravity at the other school. George had also
confided the ill-treatment he had received when younger. I could not break
that confidence. I would not, but had to say something.
"Robin, I know even more but have pledged that my lips are sealed.
Believe me, there are things he has already done which make me fear for
what might come in the future."
"To harm George?"
I nodded. "His family and any connected I would say."
He leaned over me and held out his arms. We hugged. "We must be
vigilant," he whispered.
As we sat close so our spirits lightened, or would have done apart
from the fact we were somewhat sad that our first visit to France was soon
to end. We did practice more French as Robin retrieved Les Fables
d'sope from his bag and carefully unwrapped it. We were soon engaged
with the tale of the crow and the pitcher - 'La corneille altre
trouva la cruche qui contenait un peu d'eau... The bird was thirsty we
read and could not reach the water so dropped stones into the pitcher until
the water could be reached. We liked the moral: 'Necessit est la
mre de l'invention'! We thought that moral would stand us in good
stead!
We agreed two of the other fables had morals which were worth
remembering. 'Le Livre et la Tortue' told of the Hare who boasted he
had never lost a race. Thinking the Tortoise was stupid he went to sleep
so the Tortoise won for when the Hare awoke he was too far back to catch
up. So even plodders win the race! I think my favourite was 'Le Reynard
et le Corbeau' where 'un corbeau ayant drob un morceau de fromage
alla se percher sur un arbre'. While sitting in the tree a fox praised the
raven on its beauty so the stupid bird cawed and the piece of cheese fell
out of its mouth and the fox pounced on it and ate it. 'Ne vous laissez
pas ridiculiser par la flatterie!' I would have to make sure I was not
misled by flattery.
Time passed most agreeably and between us we had dealt with new words,
most guessed at, different tenses and that strange quirk of the French
describing things as either masculine or feminine. Why was Robin's violin
male, 'le violon', and my flute female, 'la flte'? But then, in Greek
and Latin we had also to distinguish those things which were neuter such as
'journey': 'odos' or 'iter'. Why did people make things difficult?
'Difficile', 'chalepos', 'difficilis'?
There was a rap on the door. The twins had come to gather us for
dinner. They laughed when we said we had been practising our French
because what we had heard on our journey was often quite incomprehensible.
They said they found the same when they visited villages in England with
their father for often the accent and the dialect words made them confused.
Martin shrugged his shoulders when Robin asked him about 'masculine' and
'feminine' with 'le' or 'la'. He said you never thought about it as you
learned the two parts together. Alain was more earthy as he said the
violin was shaped like a woman's body which was feminine and my flute was
like Martin's skinny pizzle but was much longer and more masculine so he
agreed it was stupid. He got a thump for that from his brother!
We had to compose ourselves before we went downstairs as the pair kept
vying with each other over lengths by holding up their hands either two
inches apart or four inches and so on. More mirth erupted when Robin said
'miraculous springs' and pointed at a small statue of a naked Hercules
displayed on a table near the top of the stairs. Like all Greek and Roman
statues, Curly included, Hercules seemed rather small in parts. Alain said
perhaps he should be dipped in the water as well. We had to stop while I
recounted my brother's lies about stroking Curly and making him smile. I
didn't say about the hair powder for I might need that ploy sometime! Four
boys then solemnly stroked Hercules' small appendage. We shook our heads
for he neither smiled nor became erect, which Martin whispered would happen
to him and we others each concurred with a laugh. Alain said he was
probably shy in showing himself to four well-equipped young men, but he
would caress the poor man each time he passed. We looked at Martin who
averred he would, too! I glanced at Robin who was mouthing
'well-equipped'. I could but agree with him!
We were joined that evening for dinner by Monsieur and Madame
Cordevoir, the landowner and his wife. If the two sons we had met before
our journey were battle-scarred then Monsieur beat them handsomely. He had
a scar which ran from below his left eye to his chin, a complete finger was
missing on his right hand and he limped. Nothing was said at table about
his appearance but the twins did enlighten us when we went up to bed.
Although he was now a settled landowner, having inherited from his father,
in his early days he had been to sea and the facial scar was the result of
a fight when at the port of Marseilles. The limp was caused by a fall from
the ship's rigging and the finger was removed when a wound got infected.
However, even though it was difficult to understand his heavy accent we
found him to be a most jovial fellow and his wife was plump and jolly, too.
Mr Johnson was most interested in Lancelot's encounter with the monks
and had received one of the flagons of the liqueur which was opened after
our superb dinner. The main course had been coq au vin with a rich sauce
which had had brandy added. Of course, the liqueur added the crowning
touch to our visit. Lancelot said he had almost all the herbs which were
needed for the distillation of the College liqueur and he was almost sure
the two liqueurs were the same or very similar in composition. The two
herbs he had not been able to find were a type of gentian and a particular
camomile. Mr Johnson said he would enquire and would make sure he received
them in time for getting them to the College or where the distillation
would take place. There was also the question of the brandy also needed.
That was not a problem according to Mr Johnson there were supplies of the
particular one Lancelot had noted in his warehouse in London.
Well-fed and tired we made our way to bed. The twins followed us into
our room and said they would be making sure we left France in the morning
as we had both said how much we had enjoyed being in their country. They
reminded us they were half English so had the best of both worlds. Of
course I had to work out I was a quarter French and Robin was even less but
he still hopped like a frog. I was roughly handled by all three of them
and had my trousers and underclout removed and my arsecheeks slapped.
There were remarks then as part of me responded and I was uncharitably
compared with someone else the twins had seen and admired! Our dear Jabez!
I just said they were jealous as I was some two years younger than them and
was still growing and matched them even now! What could boys do but make a
comparison? Robin and I had to concede defeat but it was a matter of a
finger's breadth so there were sneers all round and another comparison.
Alain won this time on both speed and distance! We all bundled into our
bed and slept the sleep of the just!
I was barely awake when Martin and Alain crept out of bed as dawn
broke and a cock crew somewhere. "We must go to our bed," Martin whispered
as he rolled out past me.
We had to wake early anyway as we had to drive to Calais for the ten
o'clock packet. I had no time to choose my gifts but four parcels were
ready for Robin and me and Mr Johnson shook his head when I offered him my
gold piece. "You have kept my ruffians out of my way," he said laughing
while the pair made snarling noises behind him. We thanked him most
profusely and he said he was more than rewarded by all the information
Lancelot had been able to give him about possible supplies of wine and
other goods. What we hadn't realised was that Lancelot had been asking
questions at each of our stops and had written almost each day back to
Coquelles with news of what he had found. It wasn't only the monks and
their liqueur! He had also refused the offer of at least half the barrel
of Monsieur Fontane's wine. He said he would make sure he purchased some
just on our most discerning recommendation.
Our coach to Calais was almost as laden as on our arrival except for
one important item. That had been safely delivered to a suitable resting
place and Lancelot's quest was complete on that matter. We now had baskets
of herbs for him to deliver back to the College in return.
Not only had a close friendship been made between Robin and me and the
twins but there were very fond farewells made by Rowley Roberts and Mr
Johnson's coachmen, Claude and young Pierre. Both Robin and I gave Pierre
a hug as well and Lancelot was most lavish with coins for the pair. It
only remained for us then to board the boat with all our bags, chests and
baskets stowed away. It was another fine calm day as we were informed by
the purser, a large bluff Englishman, and it was strange to hear our own
language again. There were many passengers but Lancelot, as usual, made
sure we had seats in front of the smokestack and none of us ventured below.
Jabez seemed a little distracted and we joshed him that he was sad leaving
a place flowing with wine. He did retort and said that he knew all about
miraculous water and it would only be of use to remove the big sooty smudge
on Robin's snout! Poor Robin rubbed his nose in response but, of course,
there had been nothing there.
As forecast the journey across the Channel was smooth other than a
slight swell which did upset Rowley somewhat. He averred he was not a
sailor though he had to endure swaying and jolting when driving a coach.
Lancelot said again that poor Lord Nelson was always seasick on every
voyage so he was in good company. Jabez had wandered off but returned with
the buttery boy and his tray and we had a bottle of ale and a bread
sandwich each. Even Rowley devoured his and said he felt better.
We disembarked in good time and all our belongings were collected and
placed on the train which stood waiting. Two hours and a half later we
were in London and took three Hackney cabs to transport us and all our
belongings to Charles Street.
No sooner had we arrived than Jabez disappeared again. The rest of us
waited while Uncle Digby's grooms unloaded the cabs and claimed just our
travel bags to take to our rooms to wash and change ready to meet my Aunt
and Uncle again to take afternoon tea. This was almost like a miracle.
All those miles travelled and we were in Charles Street by four in the
afternoon!
As soon as Lancelot, Robin and I were clean and tidy we descended and
were ushered by Paolo and Mehmet to the breakfast room. Jabez had still
not reappeared and we were not yet to meet either my Uncle or Aunt. We
didn't worry as there was a good strong tea and a multitude of cakes and
pastries to satisfy a horde until dinnertime. We were just finishing when
Mr Topping appeared and apologised for the delay in being greeted but there
had been an urgent matter to be dealt with, however my Uncle Digby was now
ready to meet us. As we left the breakfast room I saw Jabez and Mr Purrett
walking rapidly away from my Uncle's study to the back entrance of the
house.
Uncle Digby greeted us most heartily and once we were seated he wanted
to know what Robin and I thought of France. I sat back and smiled as Robin
said how much he had enjoyed all he had seen and done, even eating snails
which made my Uncle laugh. I said the only disappointment was we hadn't
sampled frogs. Uncle Digby's only remark was that delight would come in
the future and it was only the legs which were eaten.
It was then Lancelot's turn but again I hadn't realised that he had
also written to Uncle Digby as well throughout the journey. Uncle Digby
was particularly interested in our meeting that particular Minister as he
was responsible for internal affairs for the French government and said
that it was particularly important there were good relations. The accord
between the British and French governments was not always harmonious and it
was always best to have good contacts. I was about to say I had spotted Mr
Tuckwell as I realised he was probably a contact but Uncle Digby
forestalled me by telling us that Jabez had been on duty for him and had
been a faithful and good messenger. He said nothing but nodded at me so I
knew other messages had been sent and received.
There was more news to come. He said that there were to be three
marriages before Christmas. Dates were not as we had expected. My cousin
Rosamund and Geoffrey Lascelles were to be married in October, in London at
the Chapel Royal. This was a disappointment for Robin and me as we would
be at School. I wondered about George but said nothing. Uncle Billy and
Lady Cornwallis would be marrying in November in the parish church in Kent
where her nephew was the rector and, finally, Cedric Branscombe's second
sister Arabella and Captain Bemrose would be married on Christmas Eve in
Canterbury Cathedral. He smiled as he said he was sure that Jane
Branscombe and Sir William Forbes would be married at Easter. Three
Branscombe daughters married in less than a year at what expense?
There was no sign of Jabez when we left my uncle's study but it was
now time to see my Aunt Fanny in the parlour. She was being divested of
her bonnet for she had only just arrived back from a charity meeting and
was 'dying for a cup of tea' so she announced. While we sat and recounted
some of our adventures so Rosamund appeared. She had been to the music
college for a piano lesson from Mr Bennett. Of course she was
congratulated again and explained it was most convenient for the wedding to
be on the date chosen because she and Geoffrey would be going immediately
to Nice in the South of France for their honeymoon while the weather there
was still clement. There had been a problem as Lord and Lady Harford did
not have a residence in London. I did not dare look at Robin as we knew
otherwise! She said this had been resolved for she then confided that the
Duke of Cambridge had offered them accommodation in his house in Piccadilly
so all were happy. I knew I wasn't as I wanted to see the ceremony when my
cousin married. I did not pull a long face but smiled and hid my thoughts.
As Rosamund had not heard any of our tale they agreed we should regale them
all at dinner with the whole story.
My Aunt then said as the Season was now finished she would be
travelling to Careby in the Wright coach while we made the journey back in
the one we had travelled to London before our excursion to France. If
Jabez was not wanted here in London he and Mehmet would ride on our coach
with Rowley Roberts and Peters as our coachmen. I kept silent again as I
wished dearly that Jabez and his friend would be at Careby at least until I
returned to Ashbourne. I had a feeling that Jabez might be needed
elsewhere.
There was a quiet dinner that evening with just the family at Charles
Street. We would be staying one more day so a more formal dinner would be
held the next night before our departure to Careby. There was some
amusement as the early stages of the journey were described though we did
not overplay our involvement with the would-be brigands. Aunt Fanny was
particularly interested in our meeting the Fontanes both in Paris and Riom.
Lancelot told of the kindness of the pair in Riom in allowing the burial of
the ducal head. Very quietly I told of the errant daughter and her
fortunate marriage, but the unfortunate death of her husband. I said she
was now residing in Edinburgh at her parent's-in-law with her son which
caused my Aunt to look startled. She was calmed after Lancelot confirmed
that he had already written both to my sister Peg and a friend there to
gather more information. I had brought down the painting of Agnes Le
Ferreur and Aunt Fanny said she could see a definite likeness with my
mother. There was much merriment as Robin and I described the dinner and
concert at the Comte's h"tel with Lancelot adding the most complimentary
comments about our performance. I had also brought down one of the
ornamented vases which Mr Johnson had so kindly given me which I then
presented to my aunt saying it was a present from all of us. She was so
delighted she rose from the table and kissed all three of us, Lancelot,
Robin and me, saying she had never seen such exquisite decoration. I think
Lancelot was rather bemused as I had not told him beforehand he was
included!
Mehmet and Paolo had served us at dinner under the watchful eye of Mr
Pembridge. There was still no Jabez even when we went to our beds. We did
not question Mehmet who was our valet that night but he was pleased he was
to travel to Careby. I asked about his brother Karem and he said he was
receiving more instruction at the Baths and would be giving my Uncle Digby
his massage while he was away. He said that the device to clean the air
had made a great difference for my uncle's health. I had noted at dinner
he was breathing much more easily.
Jabez did reappear for I was fast asleep when he came into the room in
the morning. Both Robin and I were woken quite roughly having the coverlet
pulled off us and our bare arsecheeks smacked. "Up, up, my darlings!" he
roared as he then set about tickling us so we squirmed and turned in the
bed and each displayed that usual demonstration of growing boyhood. "I do
believe some miracle has happened," he said standing away so we could not
grab him, "Those French snails are rearing their little tentacles..." He
held up the forefingers of both hands and wriggled them. "...c'est
magnifique pour deux petits garons!"
We did grab him then and bussed him on his hairy cheeks and Robin
tugged at his black beard. "I think we should find if he has shaved his
bush and stuck it on his chin," he said, "The other was sparse and so is
this!" As Jabez was most hairy down below it would have made quite a full
beard!
We calmed down from our laughter and Robin slid out of bed and went to
the water closet for he said he was in great danger of pissing himself.
Jabez slapped his arse again and said it was impolite to use such language
especially in the hearing of the servants. He was sure Mehmet or Paolo
would be shocked if they had been present.
I sat on the edge of the bed and peered over to the hearth where our
pitchers of hot water would be placed. There were none. "Bottom!" I said
in a poor imitation of Mr Clements' stern tones, "You are in disgrace.
Where is our water?"
Jabez lunged at me and I was on my back and was tickled again. I
could not help it but let a great fart. Jabez jumped back. "Master Tom,
you would have frightened those brigands away better than any pistol shot.
I will suggest to your Uncle you should be set bare-arsed on the roof of
the coach to protect your Aunt on her journey to Careby."
Robin had returned from relieving himself. "I doubt if Aunt Fanny
would wish to look on that. Perhaps he might be better employed as a
figurehead on a ship and could terrify any pirates with a volley of farts."
"'Figure-arse' you mean," the knave replied and the pair danced up and
down while I shook my fists at them.
When they quietened Jabez pointed to the water closet. "Your turn,
young sir, as I have a little news to impart." I was more than ready as my
bladder was full. I tried not to be too long but there was an amount to
void. I would have to ask Lancelot if measures of intake and output had
been made.
Two bare-arsed boys and a liveried Jabez sat on the settle. He looked
at me. "I do assume you have told Robin of my tasks?" I nodded. "There is
a little more to tell." He took a deep breath. "When we boarded the boat
yesterday I was sure the woman who had been with the girls was there. That
was why I left you and I found she was alone. I watched her disembark and
she went to where the London coach would be leaving. As we were travelling
on the railway I knew we would arrive in London long before she would so my
first duty was to inform your Uncle. He immediately sent Mr Purrett and me
to observe the woman as she left the coach for Mr Purrett would recognise
her. That was why I was absent last evening. I had been correct. It was
the woman and we were able to follow her to her destination. It was a
substantial house in a most respectable road." He smiled. "There are
watchers now in place to observe."
"You are very observant," Robin said. I could but agree.
"I must not be in London now in case I am also recognised, but my
reward is to ride to Careby!"
Two more than happy boys turned and hugged their friend.
To be continued:
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