Date: Tue, 29 Apr 2014 22:05:50 +0100
From: Jo Vincent <joad130@gmail.com>
Subject: Tom Browning's Schooldays Ch 79

			 Tom Browning's Schooldays

				    By

				   Joel

			    Chapter SeventyNine



I woke early.  It was only half-light but I had a pressing need for the
jakes for my bladder was full.  Robin and George were still fast asleep as
I slipped out of bed and had that welcome relief.  I did not let the water
flush for the noise would have woken the slumberers but as I stood there by
the pan I thought I would play a jape on George.  I took several pieces of
the soft paper and made a ball of them.  There was water in the washbowls
from the previous night so I dampened the wad and put it by the side of the
bed in a place I judged would be where he would place his feet when he got
out of bed.  I was not afraid the boys would discover it when they brought
us our hot water for if my bladder was full I had no doubt dear George
would be bursting.  I crept back into bed and heard the church clock chime
six.  I pretended to snore which caused Robin to turn away from me. The
movement must have roused George who gave an almost anguished cry.  He was
out of bed in a moment and must have trodden straight onto the sodden mass.
I heard a second cry of 'What?' before he rushed into the jakes and let fly
the contents of his over-full bladder.

     I had turned in the bed while he was pissing and opened my eyes slowly
when he returned to his side.  I saw him bend down and even in the dawn
light I saw the look of puzzlement on his face as he regarded the
now-flattened clump in his hand.

     "Did you not have your wash-cloth?" I asked very quietly.  "I would
not have relished that dropping on me!"

     He glared at me.  He turned and took the offending object into the
jakes.  He was considerate as he did not let the water flush and Robin
slept on.

     He came to my side of the bed.  "Did I...?"  The question hung in the
air.

     "Most vigorously," I lied, "And a fine performance for all to
witness."

     "All?" he said quietly.  "I do not remember other than being helped to
undress by Jabez and Mehmet..."  He paused.  "...And then?"

     He must have seen my twitching lips.  I could not dissemble any
longer.  "Did you not examine it?" I said and had to snigger.  "Did you
think it was from the night before?"

     George was not slow in coming to conclusions. "You?" he queried
vehemently. "It was water?...  ...And they did not witness?"  I laughed for
it was so.  I was taken by the shoulders and turned in the bed and the
coverlet was removed to reveal my nakedness.  I received four sharp slaps
to my arse-cheeks and then was enveloped in a great hug.  "Oh, Tom, what
relief and happiness I have had these past two days. Nay, in your company
and that of all these other friends I feel I am free of all which has
burdened me for almost half my lifetime."

     This happy outburst had wakened Robin who turned and placed his arms
round George.  "Your friendship over this past year has been part of my
freedom, too."  Without a thought he bussed him on the cheek.  George's
smile was radiant.  He bent down and repaid that kiss.

     The pair of us dragged George back into bed and the three of us lay
content and holding each other close in silence.  We had no need to speak
but each knew that ties were made which could not be broken.

     Just as the church clock chiming seven was heard so our reverie was
broken.  Jabez and Mehmet came in without knocking and clanked their
pitchers as they set them on the hearth.  George leapt from the bed.  "You
noisy buggers!" he shouted and then as they stood side-by-side wondering at
the outburst he clutched both to him round their shoulders.  They in their
grey livery, he in his nakedness.  They both recognised he was not angered
and smiled for he also bussed both on their cheeks before he let go of
them.

     "I shall be going today, but God willing, I will return in the autumn
and will plague the lives out of you with all my demands.  My demands of
friendship, nothing more."

     Jabez put out a hand and took George's.  "Master Lascelles, I could
not wish for more.  I feel our lives will become entangled even further."

     "Sir, my life will not be the same without your friendship," said
Mehmet who held both of theirs in his own hand.  He bent forward and his
and George's foreheads met and pressed together.

     Both Robin and I joined them and between us we pledged our full
allegiance.

     We heard then that Timmy was comforting the two waifs who were almost
distraught over his leaving them, but Antonio and Carlo were there with
Karem with promises that they had nothing to fear.  I said we should go and
see them before we left and George promised he would be an 'uncle' to them.
Jabez laughed and said the imps were in awe of him already and he would
have them as well as Jacob and Daniel as honorary nephews.

     We washed, dressed and readied ourselves.  We were in the breakfast
room making sure we were well-fed before our journey when Mr Topping came
in and said Master Francis Clifford had arrived.  Although he had already
breakfasted he did accept a small portion of egg, bacon, fried bread and a
dish of tea which he said would fill any remaining holes.  I could see that
he and George would be firm friends.  We had almost finished when Philip
and John Harrison appeared.  Naturally, they had to be offered further
sustenance as Philip said they had already travelled some distance already.
That is, across a few streets of London!

     Robin, George and I excused ourselves and left the trio happily
talking together with Philip already sketching something on his notepad.
We made our way upstairs and found the room where the waifs and Timmy had
been accommodated.  Antonio, Carlo and Karem were there as well and the two
youngsters were smiling with all the attention.  Timmy was ready to leave
and had a bulging bag with him.  Antonio was the spokesman and said that he
would make sure Daniel and Jacob were happy.  They all embraced Timmy as we
said we had come to take him to Careby.  There were some sad looks then but
George had a shilling apiece for each of the young ones and caused laughter
when he said they had to spend it a penny at a time.  He may have been a
Viscount's son but four boys would not let him go before he had received a
kiss from each.  Karem looked on and just smiled his inscrutable smile.
This broadened as I pressed a half-crown on him.  "I will look after them,"
he murmured and bowed his head.

     We returned to the breakfast room where Francis was gazing in
wonderment at a drawing Philip had given him.  He handed it to George who
shook his head, also in amazement.  It was just a few lines but showed a
discernible Francis sitting on a harrow with the shafts up and attached to
an invisible horse other than four or so faint lines for its backside.
John Harrison was grinning.  "He did say he went to Harrow!"

     "'Tis the only harrow I know," said Philip and held up his hands, a
pencil in one, his sketchpad in the other.  What talent!

     We had to say farewell to my Uncle Digby.  He was flanked by Mr
Topping and Mr Purrett as he sat and surveyed us.  He looked rested and did
not have that pensive air of the past few days.  He made no direct mention
of our adventure but he had a special word with Timmy saying whatever had
happened must be placed in the past and he could only foresee a useful and
worthwhile future for him.  The younger boys with Timmy and Francis then
left us for my uncle had more to say to George, Robin and me.

     George was pleased for my Uncle Digby observed with a smile that any
tailor's bills and any others for purchases we had made would be sent to
Her Majesty direct for payment so his father, or any of us, would not have
that expense.  He asked if we had the signed proofs of purchases from the
outfitter and the hatter.  We had and passed them to Mr Purrett.  Robin
whispered that he would like to see Her Majesty's face as she looked at the
bill, especially for boy's drawers.  My uncle heard that and picked up a
sheet of paper.  "Was ist das?" he said in a high-pitched voice which made
us grin for we had heard that the Queen spoke German almost all the time.

     My uncle then confided that all our new clothes and those for Timmy
and the waifs would be charged to a special account according to a letter
he had received from Mr Summerson.  He also told us that he had had a
personal note from Sir Robert commending us and suitable sums were being
calculated for our 'expenses'.  He emphasised that word and remarked that
the government always used words in their own way.  We would have to wait
and see what might be determined.  He said to George that he expected to
see him again in the autumn and to me that my cousin Lancelot should
arrange a visit soon.  He nodded towards Lancelot's device gently blowing
away in a corner.  He handed me two letters, one for my father and one for
my mother.  I already had one for my mother from Aunt Fanny who had sent a
message to us at breakfast saying she wished us all a safe journey.  He
shook us each by the hand as did Mr Topping and Mr Purrett.  We left the
study in a much happier mood than on the fateful occasion when we arrived.

     Our carriage was loaded and waiting for us with Terence, in plain
riding dress, chatting to Mr Churcher and Caleb, also in britches and
jerkin, laughing with Jacobson, our driver-to-be, over something.  Terence
gave Philip a friendly cuff on greeting and said he wanted another picture
from him to give our mother.  He pointed to Caleb, in his plain dress, "I
must watch what I say now in front of Sergeant-Major Bottom!"  So Caleb had
received his promotion!

     With that Mr Topping came out from the house and handed Terence a
leather satchel.  Nothing was said but my brother had an errand to perform.
He passed the satchel to me and I was told to keep it safe and Mr Topping
added it was to be taken from the carriage on any stop we made.

     We did not have any of the greys harnessed but four fine geldings who,
with careful handling, should last the journey, at least to Bedford.  It
was not quite nine o'clock when Terence and Caleb mounted their steeds and
Jacobson and Jemmy Trodd took their places on the box.  Seven boys inside
the coach tried to peer out of the windows all at once as Mr Churcher gave
the order to 'Drive on'.

     I saw George close his eyes as we trundled out from the Mews into
Charles' Street.  I nudged him for the front door of the house was open and
four young boys, Antonio, Carlo, Jacob and Daniel, under the supervision of
Karem, waved us farewell.  George smiled and waved through the open window.
"I feel content now," he said quietly.  Timmy was smiling, too, and he was
going home, content as well.

     The journey progressed without incident.  We chatted together
incessantly and there were books and cards also to while away the time
between stopping for calls of nature, food and drink and beds for the two
nights.  Each of us played at being postillion at the back of the coach for
the weather was good and we could watch the world go by as Francis Clifford
said.  Poor Philip moaned at times for he saw things he wished to draw but
the jolting of the coach made it too difficult for him to control his
pencil on the page.  Our last few miles were slowed by drovers on the road
with cattle and sheep so it was late on Good Friday afternoon when we
arrived at Careby Hall.

     News had reached the Hall that we were on our way.  We had stopped to
view the completed almshouses where two of the gardeners were setting out
small plots.  They said a procession was planned for Easter Sunday for the
buildings were to be blessed by the Rector and the first old folk would
take occupation on Easter Monday.  The boy who was with them must have been
sent across the fields to tell of our imminent arrival.

     Our father was in the courtyard with Mr Bottom and several grooms who
were ready to take over the carriage.  Father was greeted first by Terence
who had leapt from his steed and embraced him.  Caleb received a hand
raised in greeting as he bowed his head.  We seven rather dishevelled
youngsters tumbled out and stood wriggling and stretching our arms and legs
for a day's journey meant cramped limbs from the confines of the coach.

     "What is all this!" my father roared looking at us all in a row, "'Tis
a ladies' tea-party lost its way?"  He turned and pointed back to the
driveway.  "The Varley Arms is that road!"  Mr Bottom had heard my father
before so looked on wryly.  The grooms were grinning.  Terence took no
notice and he and Caleb led their mounts away.

     Both John Harrison and Francis Clifford looked aghast at the outburst.
George sensed my father's humour.  He knew the family were all stitched
from the same cloth!  He went up to him and bowed his head.  "Sir, I have
returned those two young maids who flitted to London Town and found some
others who would prefer country air!"

     The two 'young maids' pushed him out of the way.  "Father, I do
believe your eyes are weaker..."  I got no further as my father enveloped
both me and his grandson in a great hug.  He said a welcome to George over
our heads.  I had not managed to pass him the letter from Uncle Digby.
That would have to wait.

     He let us go and surveyed the other four who were now standing still
and staring.  Before either John or Francis could be introduced my father
took Timmy into his arms.  "My boy, you are safe.  I have heard terrible
things, but you are safe."  I saw both he and Timmy had tears in their eyes
as he stood then holding Timmy at arm's length.  Mr Bottom stepped forward
and took Timmy's hand, smiled, and embraced him, too.

     I waited and then brought Francis Clifford and John Harrison to my
father and introduced them formally.  They relaxed for he said they were
most welcome but he always had to see if young colts were lively.  A voice
came from behind the pair.  "There's me, too."  It was young Philip.
"Please, sir, her Ladyship said I should give you this."  He held up a roll
of paper.  He was trying to suppress a grin.  My father unrolled it and
stared.  Philip pointed at the paper. "Her Ladyship said you wished you had
a statue like that for you could hang your hat on one arm and your cloak on
the other."  I stared, too.  It was an exact copy of Curly but with a hat
and a cloak as he had described.  I looked down.  No, there was nothing
covering his delicate appendage which was in full, but small, view.  I
almost said there was a ledge for gloves as my father let out a roar of
laughter.

     "Philip, I aver 'twas Sir Digby who primed you with this?" he said,
"Then my dear sister would have aided and abetted him.  Is that not so?"

     Philip's grin told all.  There were smiles all round as the others
looked at the drawing.

     More were coming into the courtyard.  Benjy and Eamonn were with the
twins and the boy Paul.  They were followed by James Goodhew who rushed
over to his brothers.  My father was laughing and waved his arms at us and
shooed them all indoors.  Mr Bottom said something to Timmy and he joined
the disappearing horde.  I hurried over to Mr Bottom and said Timmy would
need to see Mrs Bottom and my mother.  He said his wife was waiting in the
kitchen and he would be at home with Caleb in due time.  "That boy is a
treasure. I have prayed so hard for him to be safe and he is.  Praise the
Lord!"  I just said there was much to tell and Caleb would know.  At that
moment Caleb came back and father and son went off together.  Two most
upright countrymen.  The courtyard was now clear except for my father.

     He looked at me and smiled as I held out the letter from Uncle Digby.
"Is that from Digby?" he asked.  I nodded.  "I have received one already
which says you three have been most brave.  I will hear more privately no
doubt from Terence but see your mother now who has been mightily worried."
I received another hug and my good father also had another tear in his eye.

     I hurried into the side entrance to the Hall and peered into the
breakfast room which was laid out with all manner of delicacies and was
crowded with boys either beginning to eat or serving the good things.  I
had a duty to perform.  I had to see my mother so went along to the
parlour.  She had Timmy and Mrs Bottom with her.  Both my mother and Mrs
Bottom were in tears with Timmy looking on and I heard him say he was safe
and was most content and pleased to be home.  They both looked happier with
that statement.

     I went over and knelt by my mother's side.  She put a hand on my
shoulder so I leaned over and she kissed me tenderly on the forehead.  "Oh,
Tom, I am so glad to see you safe and sound.  My sister says how brave you
boys have been.  Our Timmy is home, too.  'Tis Providence it is Eastertide.
There is much to celebrate!"

     Yes, we did have much to celebrate but I was troubled on one hand.
Even Black Jack must have had a soul and he was now consigned, no doubt, to
an unknown pauper's grave.  I was not sure of the 'Raging Fires of Hell'
which Zebediah and the other ranters consigned all us sinners to.  There
was no doubt that Black Jack was a sinner, so where was he now resided?  I
would confide my concerns to Uncle Dodd who was sure to give me good
counsel on this and set my mind at rest.

     I was holding the two letters from Aunt Fanny and Uncle Digby.  I
handed them to her and she said she would read them later.  I stood up and
bowed my head to Mrs Bottom in greeting.  Her smile was radiant in reply as
she held onto Timmy's arm.

     My mother looked over to Mrs Bottom and she, too, was smiling.
"Margery, you will have a houseful with Caleb home," she said in her firm
voice.  "We also have much to do for the Village Dance on Monday.  I
suggest that as Timmy and Benjamin are good friends and the other boys will
be here, too, then Timmy can share Benjamin's room."

     My mother wanted Timmy to feel even safer.  Timmy was quite overcome.
"Please, ma'am, I do not wish to be a nuisance," he whispered.

     Before my mother could reply there was a quiet rap on the door.  It
was Benjy who had young Paul, the boy who had been with Timmy when he was
kidnapped, with him.  Paul looked wide-eyed when he saw Timmy and then
bobbed his head to my mother.  She smiled at him.  "My boy, I know you have
been most worried but Timmy is home now. You have tended the garden well
while he has been away so I have heard.  Go down to the kitchen for I am
sure Mrs Gray will have something for you."  Young Paul was happier now and
bobbed his head again as Benjy led him off.  My mother had his welfare at
heart even more as further instructions were given.  "Margery, the boy
needs new boots, send him to Mr Venables in the morning."  She smiled
again.  "My husband's account."

     My instructions came next.  "Tom, send Benjamin back here when you go
to the breakfast room.  I am sure you need food after that journey."  She
laughed as she knew I was fond of my stomach.  I was most polite.  I bowed
my head both to her and to Mrs Bottom again and gave Timmy a surreptitious
wink which did raise a smile.  I had chatted to Timmy a deal on the ride
home and found his greatest desire was to make his way in life as an
apothecary.  I was determined to do whatever I could to help that wish come
true.

     The breakfast room was a hive of activity with Benjy and Eamonn busy
pouring beakers of tea or handing plates of pastries and cakes around.  I
gave my mother's instructions to Benjy who had a large teapot in his hand.
Here was I, the master's son, having to pour my own beaker of tea and also
to replenish George's, Robin's and Francis's.  But we had found Francis to
have no side and though also a Viscount's son like our George he treated us
all as equals.  He was smiling as he held out his beaker for more.  I saw
he wanted to say something so we moved to a less-crowded part of the room.

     "I was wary of coming here," he said, then shook his head as if in
wonderment.  "I have been lonely in London but I know I will not be
anymore.  This seems such a happy house and you have good friends."

     I said we would have plenty of entertainment before he left to return
to Harrow.  I surmised my brother Terence would remain here until that time
and they would travel back together.  Francis said he was a good rider and
I promised we would be out and about in the countryside as much as
possible.  We rejoined the others and found that Philip and his brother
James would be sharing an upper room here at the Hall for Steven Goodhew
was having changes made to their house and his workshop.  James laughed as
I was told this as they were also having a proper water closet made and it
would be the first in the rest of the village.  Mr Flaxman at the Varley
Arms also wanted to see designs so Philip would be busy drawing!  I said if
he misbehaved he would be put in the Priest's Hole which earned me a sneer
then a smile.  We also found that George and Francis would be sharing the
room next to ours which meant I and my dear Robin would be alone and able
to share all our intimacies with each other to their fullest extent.

     As all the food had now been consumed we made our way upstairs to our
allotted quarters with instructions from Mr Clements not to emerge until
the dinner gong sounded.  I knew that Steven and Jenny Goodhew would be at
the table and I hoped their dear son would be in his fine London apparel.
Philip had travelled, like the rest of us, in everyday wear of cloth
britches and jacket.  Tonight, I hoped, he would appear in his yellow, I
mean, ochre trousers!

     Robin and I accompanied George and Francis to their room.  George was
smiling and happy and set to sorting out his chest of belongings which had
been left behind here before our London adventure.  He was so pleased with
his new tailcoat and trousers which he thought he might wear this evening.
Robin said he hoped he would be wearing his new drawers the Queen had paid
for.  We had to explain that to Francis, who had not been present when
Uncle Digby had jested about the payment, and he was mightily amused.  "I
would wish to see you on your first parade in Her Majesty's presence.  I
believe you have the command 'Draw your swords!' or would it be 'Show your
drawers!'"  Poor George.  He said he now had three tormentors!

     Two very happy boys went along to their own room.  It had been readied
for us with hot water on the hearth and we knew we could open the windows
without admitting the London stench and foul air.  We stripped and washed
ourselves and also decided to dress in our London finery.  We also had our
French sprigged waistcoats which we found neatly folded side by side in a
drawer.  We dressed except for our tailcoats and reminisced over the
journey back.  We knew now that Francis had a ready wit and on the journey
had kept us entertained with the absurdities of some of his fellow pupils
who seemed quite suited to be in Pratt's House if they had been at
Ashbourne.  He was quite candid when he averred that anyone lower than a
Viscount's son such as he would be the butt of subtle and unsubtle
cruelties meted out by older pupils whose only concerns in life were of
their own superiority as seniors or of the next Hunt or Shoot they might be
invited to.  He had shrugged his shoulders as we chatted one night in our
shared room at the inn.  "I must admit I have felt a cane or two across my
arse even from my inferiors, though elders." He had grinned then. "I also
admit I bought three penn'orth of jalap from the apothecary's and I believe
two of those had sorer arses than I from adding some of that to the hot
cordial they had on the trivet!"  I explained to a puzzled Robin and George
that jalap was a powerful purgative and Francis said he had learned its
properties for he had been dosed with it when he was shit-bound at the age
of seven.

     We had much to ponder over the happenings of the past few days and
decided we should each write an aide-memoire for not only were we sure we
would be asked to explain further but also we needed to keep our own record
of events.  We had just made this decision when Benjy came to the door full
of apologies that we had no valet to assist us.  He had been preparing the
dining room with Mr Clements for there would be a good number at the table
tonight with all the boys, my mother and father, Terence, the Goodhews and
my Aunt Matty.  He did not think Uncle Dodd or Lancelot would be here to
dine, at least not until later.  Uncle Dodd was riding out to visit sick
parishioners and Lancelot was doing the same for patients. "Your uncle
looks most fine in his new riding habit as Archdeacon," Benjy said.  "Your
father has provided a good new mount for him for old Queen Bess is now
quite ancient."  My uncle had named the horse that for it had a touch of
white about its neck like the ruff in a portrait of the Queen he had shown
us.

     When the gong sounded we were ready to descend to the dining room.  It
seemed Terence was in charge of all us boys for he had us standing to
attention, military-wise, behind our chairs when my mother and father, the
Goodhews and Aunt Matty entered the room.  There was a great burst of
laughter when my father said he was minded to send for the bird scarers for
he had not seen so many hungry crows in a while all with their beaks agape.
My mother, from the other end of the table told us to sit and Terence
murmured 'And gullets will be filled!'.

     It was Good Friday so we knew we would be served fish.  The first
course was soup.  A most substantial vegetable soup with cut loaves of
fresh bread.  There followed two entrees of differing fish with potatoes
seethed in milk and cream and a topping of grated cheese, or potatoes
mashed with cut chives added.  We older lads had been allowed a glass of
white wine with the fish with the others having a cordial.  Following that
course Mrs Gray had made a great favourite of coloured jellies in three
different shapes; one was new and looked like a castle turret having piped
cream around its base. There was an almond sauce and a frumenty with eggs
and a hint of rum to accompany those.  A little merriment occurred for a
dish of candied figs and other fruit was placed on the table to end the
meal.  Terence remarked that he remembered our old Nanny giving him ripe
figs when he was young and he had disgraced himself.  There was no need for
him to say more as all knew those effects which might also occur with the
preserved fruit.  My mother gave him a sharp look and I think my father was
minded to make some comment but merely winked at Timmy who seemed somewhat
perturbed by such levity in the presence of older folk.  Francis and I
exchanged grins for figs were not as powerful as jalap but we all partook
of the selection even if our bowels might be eased!

     As we were finishing so Uncle Dodd and Lancelot appeared.  Both looked
weary for each had ridden some miles on their visits to parishioners or
patients.  They soon cheered for while the rest of us sat and chatted and
had a little more wine or cordial their dinners were served.  I was sitting
next to Jenny Goodhew and had realised that Liam was not present.  She told
me he had gone to Stamford to celebrate Easter with his brother, Niall, and
the Roman Catholic family he was lodged with.  She said with all the
upheaval in the house and workshop it was a good opportunity for him.  I
could tell from her manner that Liam had become another son to her.  I also
saw she was constantly looking at Philip across the table and smiling.

     We did not tarry long after that for the day had been long with the
final part of our journey.  However, plans had to be made for the morrow.
I knew we had to keep away for there was much preparation to be made for
the Village Dance on Monday.  My father said there were plenty of sweet old
nags such as Invictus and Spartacus in the stable for boys unused to
riding.  I did not dare interrupt and say that the pair he mentioned were
the biggest and strongest of stallions and I knew of no one who could or
would ride them willingly.  The Goodhew boys and Timmy had grinned when my
father said that for it was known that only Mr Jarvis and two or three of
the senior grooms ever took charge of them especially when they were put to
service a mare.  I knew even my father was wary for they had never been
properly tamed.  But they were the sires of hunters which were renowned for
their strength, staying power and ability to take a fence or hedge without
flinching.  It was decided George and Francis would take what was on offer
and we would ride out to explore where the railway work had reached.
Terence said he had to ride to Stamford but would care only for Caleb's
company.  I surmised the satchel contained documents for Mr Grindcobbe.

     George did say as we filed upstairs to our beds that he was pleased
that Robin and I would be together without him sleeping on the edge or in
the middle. I got a playful nudge when he said that.  "I must hope that
young Francis does not snore."  I forbore from mentioning washcloths or
soft paper.

     There can be no doubt that Robin and I took every advantage of our
being alone that night.  We had not yet reached a full consummation of our
love-making with each other.  It was with some trepidation I mentioned it
that night but Robin said he did not think he was ready for such a step.
We would be sixteen at the end of the month, perhaps when we were
seventeen.  He was quite content with our closeness and togetherness and I
was more than happy with that.  Our present love-making needed no
preparation other than to make sure we were clean under that circlet of
skin we both possessed.  I was apprehensive, too, that the immediacy of our
passion might take almost a second place to the concern of being clean
elsewhere.  I had to ask and Robin concurred it was a torment for him
though we needed at some time to make that final decision.  It could wait
as our ardour took possession and no soft paper was required!

     Eight mounts were required in the morning.  Of course, Robin and I had
our Blaze and Silver and Timmy was reunited with Tarquin who stamped and
snorted when he appeared in the Hall stable.  Bobby Brewer said he had
ridden him each day and had whispered in his ear that his master would be
home soon.  Timmy held the great horse round its neck in greeting and it
responded by soft whinnies and rubbing its head against his shoulder.
George and Francis had geldings while John Harrison, Philip and James
Goodhew had well-schooled ponies.  None of them had tricky Grace and her
companion! We decided to strike north along roads and lanes which would
eventually lead to Grantham.  We were not destined to ride that distance
but soon found where the surveyors had marked out the straight path for the
rails at Little Bytham and were ready cutting at Swayfield.  We found a
quiet inn and made short work of the fine rabbit stew the goodwife had
simmering on a trivet by the fire.  She said that the preparation of the
railroad had brought more custom but that many of the men employed on the
cutting of the route were very rough.  Her husband kept a shotgun ready by
the bed for they were afeared of night time burglary for a cask of good ale
had been stolen from the inn a bare mile away.

     On our journey back we took the road through Castle Bytham and saw a
signpost to Witham. I remembered my father had expressed an interest in a
farm there which had a strange history of the Knights Templar with
underground tunnels.  I mentioned this and Francis Clifford pricked up his
ears.  He pointed to the signpost.

     "There is another Witham I have heard of which is also a Templar
place.  My mother's family have land there and it is in Essex.  It is also
near a village with the same strange history you have described.  I think
it is called Cressing.  There are buildings which she says go back in
history though I have not seen them."  He shook his head.  "I know little
about it though she says there are stories of secret tunnels as well."

     I then remembered my father said he was no longer interested in the
land but I thought we could make another excursion in this direction and
explore what might be there.  I would have to consult my father first.  We
were tired but happy as we rode into the courtyard at Careby Hall. All
complained they were saddle-sore, none more so than the youngsters though
both I and Robin also had aching bums!  We dare not complain and said that
we would ride out to follow the Easter Monday Hunt which would be setting
off from the Squire's mansion.  Each of us was more than pleased when we
had our soreness eased with my store of gentle wintergreen.  George said I
was more adept than the old quack they had for he was sure he would have
advised the use of the strongest horse liniment!

     We heard at dinner that evening it was expected that a good fifty or
more riders would be mounted with at least sixteen couples of
hounds. Riders from as far north as Harlaxton and Ropsley nearer Grantham
were expected for the work on the railway had disrupted plans for any Hunts
across the land there.  A number had already reserved beds at the Varley
Arms and my father said they would be attending the Village Dance as well.
"Too many men and a lack of ladies," was my mother's comment.

     Sunday was Easter Day and we all trooped to Church where Francis and
George were much amused to see Robin and me in the gallery with the other
members of the village band.  I was so pleased because Timmy also joined us
with the flute that Miss Barnes had given him. The service was shorter than
usual though we did have that fine hymn 'Ride on, ride on in majesty' but
no sermon for we had to process to the Blessing of the new almshouses.  I
would say the whole village was in attendance with the Methodists and
Baptists also joining in.  My Uncle Dodd had provided a form of words which
did not offend the ears or minds of the Dissenters and both the Methodist
and Baptist ministers said a short prayer as well.  Robin nudged me and
whispered he was glad the Baptist minister did not go on at length as he
did when in his own pulpit.  A painted board was revealed with the names of
subscribers to the enterprise and I was pleased to see that both Robin and
I were there to be looked on in the years to come.  It was a most happy
occasion and with the accommodation here and in the older almshouses more
than a dozen old folk would have a good place to end their industrious
lives.  Of course, Isaac and Jacob Barker were there with their father and
the other Methodists, including Mr and Mrs Bottom.  Isaac wanted to know
when Lord Ticklebucket and Sir Percy Coneyfoot, meaning me and Robin, were
going to honour them with their presence and they should bring anyone else
who wished to know which end of a red-hot piece of iron was best to hold.
Robin whispered that Sir Percy knew exactly where to place his piece of
iron and he was sure it would be well-quenched.  I think Isaac, who tried
to suppress a grin at that last statement, was a little perturbed at the
same time over the rudeness of such a sentiment on the Sabbath day!

     Lunch that day was another substantial stew, this time of beef
flavoured with herbs followed by an Easter cake with honey and
walnuts. What we did not eat of that confection at that meal we finished
for our tea at four o'clock!  It was during the quiet of the afternoon that
Robin and I wrote our remembrances of the past week.  We read each other's
scripts and agreed they were clear, concise and covered all the events as
correctly as we could recall.

     There was a full table again for our Easter Day dinner that evening.
We heard that there would be near two hundred in the Assembly Halls for the
Village Dinner and then the Dance the next night.  Poor Mrs Gray and Mrs
Reynolds would be responsible for many of the tarts and puddings and Mr
Flaxman from the Varley Arms would be starting the roasting of a fat steer
early in the morning. This would be done on a spit over an open fire in the
field next to the Assembly Halls.  Other persons would prepare the
cauldrons of potatoes, carrots and preserved beans which would be heated on
stoves also prepared outside with supporting bricks.  We all decided to say
many prayers for good weather!

     On Monday morning we seemed to be surrounded by organised chaos.  Not
only were there riders arriving looking lost and enquiring where Squire
Matthews lived but there were carts and drays going to the Assembly Rooms
with tables, benches, flagons and beakers.  As on the day before eight
mounts were ready for us when we boys went to the Hall stables.  We were
again told the Hunt would be more than well-attended.  My father also
warned us not to ride too hard and he had a severe word with Terence who
was instructed to keep back with us for no more broken legs were desired.
A Captain of Horse being told what to do by Daddy!  Terence would hear of
this if he started to tease me at any time!  As it was the Hunt was most
successful for two foxes ended up in the hounds' jaws.  We saw neither kill
for Terence decided as it was near eleven o'clock and as we were near an
alehouse he would treat us to a little sustenance.  The goodwife there had
anticipated the Hunt's appearance so there was a good selection of tasty
morsels and a tankard of fine ale with no need to bother about the world
outside. Eventually many of the riders did descend on us just as we
finished our repast.  The Hunt was over and hungry and thirsty people
needed a little intake of ale before arriving back at the Squire's where
further meat pies, cheeses, ale and even stronger liquors would be provided
before the ride back to their homes or, for a few, a stay overnight at the
Varley Arms.  I wondered if Sir Montgomery Wagstaffe and his friends would
be accommodated at the Squire's amid all the dust and dead flies! Without
mentioning that to the others I was glad it was decided not to venture to
the Squire's mansion but to stable our mounts and walk into Careby to see
what was being prepared for that evening.

     Of course, boys are ever inquisitive and we joined other youngsters
who were gaping at the slowly rotating steer and asking each other if they
would prefer a slice off the rump or the shoulder, 'arse or top end' would
be more accurate.  Once we had viewed the roast our group went into the
Assembly Rooms though other lads had been told to make themselves scarce.
Again backsides were mentioned in the threat that 'd'you get a kick up the
arse if you don't!'.

     In the cavernous building there were a number of grooms and farm
workers helping with the heavy lifting and placing of tables and benches
under the command of Mr Clements.  Once he spotted us standing idle he
directed us to hang strings of streamers and small flags from the beams.
"Young monkeys are good at climbing," I heard him assert to George who was
laughing loudly as Francis Clifford showed he was quite fearless atop a
rickety ladder with Robin and me holding the other ends of the strings as
he tied things securely.  Mr Clements had no fear of the nobility and the
Honourable Francis took orders with equanimity! As a reward we were allowed
to sample a newly-broached cask of ale and pronounced it most drinkable.

     During the afternoon decisions had to be made on suitable apparel for
the evening.  As Robin and I would be in the village band we would wear our
Sunday best of black jackets, a white stock about our necks, black britches
and black stockings with well-shined shoes.  George and Francis would be at
the top table in their evening dress of white tie and tailed coats.  I had
hoped John Harrison and Philip might wear their coloured trousers and neat
jackets but Philip had thought his friends in the village might think him
risen above his station.  In some ways I and Robin had to agree with
him. Robin said he should make his own decision.  John said he wished to
sit with Philip so it would be best for him to match him in choice of
dress.  Again, Sunday best was agreed upon.  Timmy had no problems.  He was
to help Mrs Bottom hand out the platters and would wear the grey livery he
was used to.

     The Hall party assembled and we were driven in two carriages the short
distance into Careby and arrived just as the church clock struck seven.
The main Assembly Hall was packed and all were standing as the Squire's
coach had arrived just before ours.  Robin and I joined the other members
of the band at their table while my parents, Terence, George and Francis
went to the top table where visiting gentry were already assembled and
others were entering and were being shown to their seats.  As soon as the
Squire was in his place he nodded towards my father who welcomed all to the
gathering and then Uncle Dodd said a Grace before the meal commenced.

     I was glad we had joined the table with the village band for we heard
all the gossip.  It was known that Mrs Rogers was expecting again. It was
rumoured a certain red-haired young man had come from Lincoln last October
and spent a day or two helping his father complete the Returns to be sent
to the Bishop which the old fool had forgotten to prepare.  The young man
could not be expected to spend all his time scribbling so had gone riding
out and had been seen in the next village, or at least his horse had been
seen tied to a convenient sapling while Mr Rogers at the same time was
holding forth and supping strong beer in the nearest alehouse. Old man
Rogers always slept of an afternoon and Mrs Rogers had only young Lem,
sorry, Emmanuel, for company...  No more need be said.  That and other
tales were fine accompaniments to our portions of succulent roast beef with
somewhat over-cooked vegetables.  This was not to forget the couple of
slices of Mrs Gray's almond tart and thick cream custard which followed to
my satisfaction.  Mr Flaxman's ale flowed as freely as the stories and all
were laughing and well-content.

     Once the floor was cleared the dance began.  We had music sheets for
two new dances, the polka and the Lancers.  I knew of both from being at
the Ball at Aunt Fanny's but they were considered to be new and quite
daring for here.  A dancing-master from Stamford had been hired to
demonstrate the steps, especially of the polka, and there was much
merriment as people were cajoled into learning the positions and the
rhythms.  The favourites were the old country dances and I saw that both
George and Francis joined in so several blushing young ladies had their
first dance with a member of the nobility.  Mr Barker had conquered any
qualms over the propriety of being in a dance-hall and was most adept in
keeping the rhythm with his spirited playing on his bass viol.  He caught
the rhythm of the polka exactly with the emphasis on that third quaver
before the fourth and I noted Jacob Barker had captured Miss Nose-in-the
Air Hine for more than one dance.  Something to josh him about when we
visited the forge.  Perhaps he and his elder brother should wear their
leather aprons and no drawers for the next occasion and see how many young
ladies that might attract!

     There was much talk from George and Francis at breakfast the next
morning about how much they had enjoyed the dance.  "There are some most
comely wenches in this village," was one of George's comments.  I think one
or two of those might have a similar opinion of our George as I noted he
had to adjust his clothing after one of the more energetic country-dances
where he had bowed and stepped his partner through the arches formed by the
other pairs as we went through the tune three times over.  Francis said
that he had only watched before and the dances in Suffolk seemed much more
sedate than here.  He was most amused at the shyness of many of the young
men where the girls were much more eager and were almost begging for a
partner. My mother's concern about there being too many men was not borne
out for of the ten who were staying at the Varley Arms only six sat at the
top table and had plenty of partners for the dances.  The four who did not
attend had all had falls in the Hunt and were bruised and bloodied.  Dear
Lancelot had earned his fees attending on them before coming into the
dinner.  He said each was quite content for he had left them clutching
large beakers of hot rum posset to alleviate their mostly imaginary pains!
I think both George and Francis warmed to the good-natured jollity of the
evening helped by a good intake of the ale which was poured in abundance.

     Thus a quieter day was mooted.  Robin said a visit to the forge was
necessary for he wanted one of Silver's shoes seen to before any longer
rides were suggested.  His straight face belied the true reason for the
visit.  I had seen him at one interval talking with Jacob Barker and there
were glances towards George and Francis.  I would say a repeat of a
previous performance was being planned.  I would guess Francis would be the
sacrificial victim this time as he was smaller than George who would have
to be constrained once the play-acting commenced.  As predicted the pair
had been prepared for our visit.  Again, the forge was over-heated and full
of steam as we entered.  There was much crashing and clanging of hammers on
red-hot iron and the quenching added to the cloud of steam.  I watched
George and Francis staring at the scene and Robin and I managed to have
George between us when Francis was seized and held lengthways in the air
above their heads.  He must have had some coins in his pockets as there was
a clink or two as he was held high. The sacrifice to Baal was heard again
and Robin shouted out they had the wrong bullock.  Poor George stepped back
and kicked against a heap of iron rings and plough shackles which clanged
as Francis was lowered and left standing as the pair advanced on either
side of the anvil towards us.  George was not their quarry!  Jacob lifted
Robin and Isaac lifted me.  We screeched to add to the clangour.  There
were roars of laughter from the pair as well for neither Robin nor I had
thought we might be the butts of their prank.  We were set down and there
was laughter also from George.  He had realised this was a replay of what
Branscombe had told him without our knowledge. He had not mentioned this
for the telling had slipped his memory. He said he was both highly
delighted in seeing the three of us treated so and disappointed that he had
not been thought worthy of being a sacrifice. The next moment he was in the
air held lengthways like Francis who was reduced to great cackles of glee.
Two scions of the nobility had been subjected to the most insolent
behaviour imaginable but when recovered were highly amused with the
treatment we all had been given.

     "I near wet myself, then!" Francis confessed.

      "...And me with laughter!" George added.

     George then commented on the strength they had shown and I said he had
seen their older and bigger brother at the barracks in the farrier's yard
and Careby lads were renowned for their brawn.

     "And one or two for their brains," George said and added, "For which I
am glad."

     Robin had been carrying a cloth bag which he had dropped when he was
lifted.  He opened it and produced the substantial remains of one of Mrs
Gray's renowned almond tarts, a little crushed now but perfect to be
shared.  Both George and Francis being country lads at heart had visited
their local forges many times and knew how important the blacksmith and the
farrier were.  They both wanted to pump the bellows and did so while Robin
hunted around and found the coins Francis had lost.  Two shillings and
three sixpences.  As we left I saw Francis hand a shilling each to the
lads.

     As we rode away Robin said Mr Barker, their father, was the village
constable with the pair now living in the constable's cottage.  No doubt
when they were of full age they would become constables themselves.  I was
naughty and recounted the tale of Lemuel and Mrs Rogers, the previous
constable's errant wife, and gave the gossip I had heard the night before.
George said there were stories like that told in Garthorpe.  Francis then
said of a fellow in a village on his father's estate who had sired seven
children on his own wife but was reputed to have had another six over the
years from his hiring himself to work in other places.  He laughed and said
this fellow was also said to be red-haired in his youth and all his tribe
matched him.

     We had not ridden far when dark clouds began to gather so we made our
way back speedily to Careby Hall.  "Just in time for luncheon," remarked
George.  The rain settled in for the afternoon so George and Robin resorted
to backgammon while Francis and I read books and talked together.  He said
he was unsure what he might do after his time at Cambridge.  I commented he
had plenty of time to decide and he smiled and said he would like to
travel.  His father had been on various missions for the government, even
to Australia and to the southern parts of the Americas, and he had heard
many stories of the different wonders he had witnessed.  His father had
refused to let him travel to Canada for he said he had to finish his
education in England and he was agreeable to that but was determined to be
off and explore the world after! I found he was an only son though he had
an older sister who was married to the son of a baronet in Norfolk.  My new
aunt was his mother's elder sister and he enjoyed being in London but was
lonely as he had no close friends who lived near. My Uncle Billy and Lady
Mary had taken a house off Eaton Square and having only just moved there he
had not had opportunity to invite any of his schoolfellows and he was
unsure if he wanted to.  I gauged he more wit than most of his particular
class at Harrow for he said again that many had no interest in their school
work.

     The others appeared in time for tea and had been both to the Rectory
where Lancelot had concocted evil smells and bubbling liquids much to John
Harrison's delight and then to see the building work being done at the
Goodhew's house and workshop.  "There will be three more rooms," Philip
declared.  "I told father the new room downstairs needed to be a foot and a
half wider or it would lose symmetry.  That can be done for the old wall
has not yet been taken down.  He did agree with my judgement."  Chests were
heaving at that pronouncement. We would raise the matter at dinner!

     We listened enthralled at dinner for Steven agreed with Philip about
the room.  Philip then went on to describe his visit to the studio which a
Mr Pugin, who was responsible for designs for the new Houses of Parliament,
had used.  One of his drawing masters had taken him and two of his
classmates and had said not to be too amazed by the strange shapes and
patterns in the drawings they would be shown.  "We are to visit the insides
of the new buildings to see the carvings and painting. There is much
decoration and the drawings we saw were very intricate."  I was very taken
with his use of language and the poise he showed in his general bearing.

     We heard that John Harrison was to be in the junior team at
Westminster School for cricket during the Summer Term.  My mother remarked
that her grandsons Philemon and Peter would be joining the school in
September, but in the preparatory classes.  John said he had started there,
too, at the age of seven but had spent much of his time catching beetles
and putting them in other pupils' pockets.  He said he had been bored for
his mother had taught him to read before he had joined his class.  "It is
better now as I like calculating and my father said he would find me a
place in the Bank of England if I had no wish to attend university."

     "That would be convenient for we could borrow five pounds if we were
short," said Robin referring to his brother's prank of asking the
gate-keeper.

     "You would only be allowed it if you were of good standing," the
cheeky lad replied and all laughed at that sally.  Robin shook a fist at
him but laughed as well.

     As we left the table I managed to ask my father if we might visit the
Templar farm.  He said he was in two minds whether to bid for it for the
price had been reduced.  He would value an opinion.  I felt very proud when
my father said that and then he added with a wink that Terence had already
suggested he would ride that way and so would be accompanying us.  I did
say two opinions were better than one which amused my father more.

     The weather had cleared in the morning.  The youngsters still had
rather sore backsides or didn't want further aches so Philip and James said
they would take John to visit the main stables and to go to the village as
well. Philip did whisper he hoped they would find Lancelot at home for they
wanted John to see more of the strange creatures he had in bottles and
jars.  I wondered if he might show them how to dissect foals' balls.  Thus
it was just Robin, George, Francis and I who saddled up with Terence to
sally forth to explore the Templar Farm.

     I noted that Terence held back for a greater part of our journey out
for he seemed to be judging how well George handled his mount especially
when he told us to take a route across some scrubland where we could gallop
quite freely.  It was evident to me that George had a good seat and he did
not need to overuse his whip to get the horse's obedience to his commands.
I was riding beside Terence for most of the way and I saw him smile and nod
as George negotiated ditches and small hedges cleanly having anticipated
what his horse should do.  By taking this route we skirted the village of
Castle Bytham and rejoined the road signposted to South Witham further on.

     The farm stood a little way out of the village past the church which
looked as if it needed some repair.  I had not known that Terence had
questioned Uncle Dodd who, after my father's initial interest, had made
further enquiries about the old Templars' holdings in this region.  Terence
said that some excavations had been made at Witham by a reverend gentleman
just a few years previous and he had found evidence of bones and burning
but Uncle Dodd knew no more.  He did say to look for the bell tower which
was said to date back even before the twelve hundreds and the Templar
times.  We tethered our steeds and found the church open so explored inside
which was rather dark and forbidding.  Robin had spied a strange carved
animal's head on the porch and inside there were more strange carvings on
the walls with a rather ornate stone sink which Terence said was where the
sacred vessels would have been washed in Romish times. I think we were glad
when we came out into the sunlight and Terence agreed we should have a
little rest in the local inn.  This was close by the church and Terence
said that Uncle Dodd averred that most often the village inn was next to
the church ready for those who thirsted after righteousness!  I had heard
that before from the same source but I was staring for the inn sign said it
was called The Angel.  Uncle Dodd had told us before that the Templar inn
in Grantham was called The Angel and it was a common name for taverns
associated with the order.

     The inn, though rather small and cramped, was more welcoming than the
church and we supped a reasonable ale and had a slice of a raised pork pie
before we set off to look at the farm itself. Robin chatted to an old
fellow who was sitting in the inglenook who said it was known there were
tunnels from the mounds where the abbey, as he called it, used to be.
There was a cellar in the house just along the road which his father had
repaired for he had been a bricklayer but he had not seen it himself though
it was reputed to lie in the direction of the mounds.  He shook his head
and said he did not think the owner would take kindly to people wanting to
see it.  For that tangle of information he was rewarded with another
tankard of ale to join the one he was already holding.

     We remounted and took the road the old man had indicated.  We did not
attempt to ask at the house because there were two fierce dogs behind the
gate which had a stout chain and padlock on it, too.  As we rode on it
became clear the land was poor.  We saw a small and sluggish river which
partially drained the land through which it flowed.  The land was too
water-logged to be put to arable use and, as the old man had said, the only
things that thrived on the land were sheep and there was a poor return on
them now.  Francis Clifford was most forthright and remarked he could see
why the land was for sale and he was sure it would be unwise to pay good
money for it.  Robin had taken his steed across a stone slab placed over a
stream and his horse's hooves were sinking in the mire the other side.
Terence declared he would advise our father not to buy however good the
price may seem to be.

     We were rather disappointed in not finding evidence of the Templars
other than the story of hidden tunnels and a few mounds where buildings
could have been but we felt we would be justified and honest in giving our
negative opinion on the land.  We decided not to frequent The Angel tavern
again but to ride on and visit one in Castle Bytham before riding home to
Careby after.  The inn we found was much more comfortable and we enjoyed
slices of ham with bread and a pickle almost as good as those made by Mrs
Gray. We rested a while and set off some time after two o'clock for those
last few miles to Careby Hall.

     We had rehearsed what we would tell my father at dinner and rode into
the courtyard ready to dismount hoping to find a groom or two who would be
instructed to take the horses to the Hall stable.  George and Terence were
leading the way and they both pulled up sharply.  A most impressive coach
was being unloaded.

     George whistled and turned to Terence.  "Oh, my God, my father's
here!" he declared and then sighed.


To be continued:


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