Date: Tue, 27 May 2014 22:40:49 +0100
From: Jo Vincent <joad130@gmail.com>
Subject: Tom Browning's Schooldays Ch 82

			 Tom Browning's Schooldays

				    By

				   Joel

			     Chapter EightyTwo


Natty Dyer was well-pleased on the journey back to Careby as he told us
more than once.  Mr Darlow had praised him on attention to detail in his
care of not only our steeds but those of Mr Dimbleby, George and two
others.  He had said his wages would rise by two shillings a week when
Natty returned in the new school year.  Robin and I said nothing as we knew
my father had to pay for the upkeep of our mounts, Silver and Blaze, as
well as Natty's Kerry, but we were sure the extra money would come from
payments required from those others.  We also heard that Jack the farrier's
lad had taken Natty on a number of evenings to a Working Men's Meeting in
Ashbourne where they had heard lectures on a variety of subjects.  One
which had been of particular interest to Natty was on the findings from
tombs in Egypt.  He said he was able to speak with the gentleman who had
delivered it saying he had been to the Museum in London and was entranced
with what he had seen and wanted to learn more.

     "I have a book in my saddle-bag which he kindly sent me all the way
from Manchester," Natty averred.  "'Tis full of where they have opened old
tombs and there are drawings of those old mummies they call them.  There's
drawings from the walls as well and some are made into how we write.  I
have made a fist at copying some and I've tried to write what they say.
Very strange 'cos 'tis not as we write and you have to put things together
which don't make no sense at first."

     What was Natty telling us?  Was he able to make sense of those strange
markings?  I remembered they were called hieroglyphs from what I had been
told on my visit there.  There was a stone which had been carved in
different languages which someone only a few years back had been able to
translate.  Robin had not been with me in London for that visit but I had
told him about the many treasures Aubrey and I had seen in the Museum.  I
could not belittle Natty on what he was saying but if it were true I would
have to consult Uncle Dodd for I knew our Natty was no fool.

     Robin was quite discontented that he had not visited the Museum.
There was no doubt there would be a visit to London before school began
again for I was determined to be there to see George receive his
commission.  We would have to make sure that Natty was on the box with
Rowley Roberts who would, no doubt, be the coachman.  I was most forward in
making these plans and Robin and I shared a laugh or two over them!

     Our arrival at Careby Hall was nothing out of the ordinary.  All
seemed quiet as grooms were ready to deal with the coach and we left our
mounts with Bobby Brewer in the Hall stable.  As it was somewhat after
three in the afternoon Robin and I went straight to announce our arrival to
my mother.  We were both hugged and kissed and told we had grown even more.
This was true.  We were of comparable size and from putting marks on the
wall in our hidey-hole at Ridley House we had found we were both five feet
nine inches in height which was more than most of our companions.  We had
made other measurements but did not divulge those to my mother!  She asked
me to pull the bell-rope to order tea.  This was soon delivered by Benjy
and Eamonn who had a new serving-boy in tow.  He was a son of the
bricklayer named Reeve whose forebears had been mentioned when we looked at
the old documents.  We found he was called John and was twelve.  He still
attended my Aunt Matty's Dame School but had no desire to be a bricklayer
like his father or as his elder brother, William, already was.  We found
that out when we questioned Benjy later.

     My mother had much news for us.  My cousin Nicholas and his friend
Cornelius Button had been made most welcome in Coquelles and in Paris and
had now returned to America.  We had invitations to visit them in New York!
My Aunt Fanny Wright would be visiting again after the London Season.  Not
only that but the waifs, Jacob and Daniel, were to come to Careby with her
and were to be taken to Cambridge for their most probable entry into the St
Mark's College Choir School.  My mother was laughing as she said there
would have to be two carriages as they were to be accompanied by Antonio
and Carlo with Paolo and Karem in charge of them all.  It certainly would
be an invasion.  My mother was not disconcerted but just shook her head and
said we had plenty of rooms.  I asked if Robin and I would be accompanying
the visit to Cambridge.  She just laughed and said not only would we be
making that journey but most probably Uncle Dodd and Lancelot would take
the opportunity to visit St Mark's again.

     There was other news.  She had a letter which she showed us announcing
that my cousin Rosamund was expecting a child.  Even George had not heard
of this when we had bid each other goodbye for the holiday.  He would be
pleased for he would be an uncle again.  I would be a first cousin, once
removed, to the infant once it was born.  We also heard that Miss Barnes
was not well.  She was quite aged now and Lancelot had visited her several
times during the past three weeks.  All my mother knew was that her
breathing was bad.  That was sad news as I was very fond of the old lady
who was always kind and had been most generous not only to me but to Robin
and to Timmy.  We were told Timmy would also be on the journey to
Cambridge.  He was to be apprenticed to Mr Mead the apothecary there and
spend his seven years under his tutelage.  My father had the signed letter
from Lord Harford as his surety.  There were also promises from Mr
Summerson, the Prime Minister's Secretary, for payment of any fees for the
waifs' education.  This was in addition to the amounts already given them
in Government Bonds.  That was the final piece of news.

     I was pleased that Karem and Paolo would be at Careby.  I would not
dare ask if Karem knew a Bertie, nor if he had massaged someone who had
attended the Baths with him.  This was something I would confide in Jabez
who, no doubt, would be cognisant of any strange gentlemens' clubs not far
from the Baths.  Also the tale of the young soldiers who were involved
would have to be discussed with him.  Robin had said I had to take care in
what I related but I trusted Jabez and I was more than a little curious.

     We left my mother and found our bags and chests were already in our
room.  There was much to sort through and we both had a mound of unclean
linen, shirts, stockings and running togs which we had not asked Japhet's
mother to launder for us in the last week or so of school.  Robin wrinkled
his nose as he held up one pair of running drawers which were very much the
worse for wear being not only muddy by ripped on the side from the last
Hare and Hounds we had participated in.  It had been a hot day and as a
Hare I had laid a trail with Radcliffe through two streams and a wooded
stretch with blackberry brambles as the path emerged.  We knew there had
been much splashing as the runners reached the streams as this helped to
cool them.  Some of the more unwary had been tripped by their fellows so
had an early bath!

     We were commenting to each on what my mother had said when Benjy
knocked and entered.  We heard he was now promoted to being a senior
footman as Jackson was spending more time at my Uncle Dodd's for as
Archdeacon he had more entertaining to do. The twins were now trained to be
junior footmen and Eamonn was a trusted assistant.  He was then full of
gossip.  "Which tale do you want to hear first?" was his rather confusing
question.  I asked how would we know unless he told us?  He screwed his
nose up.  "'Tis the best comes first," he averred with a snigger. "Mrs
Rogers has been delivered of another bouncing boy!" he sang out and started
to wave his hands up and down.  He looked at me and stopped smiling. "I
have to tell you he has... ...red hair!" he finished emphatically.

     "Does Rogers not know?" I asked.

     "Who the father is?" the wretch queried with the grin reappearing.
"He is rarely sober so he probably thinks he has twins."  We had to smile
at that for he waggled his head to and fro.  "I heard the christening was
last Sunday at their village.  I was told the babe's called Matthew which
tells nowt!  Not like the other," he added.

     Robin held up a finger.  "That is number one.  What is the next?"

     "Miss Fancy Hine has gone to stay with an aunt who has a shop in
Bath."  He paused for effect.  "Her father was not happy with her dancing
with Jacob Barker.  She kept on saying he was most polite and her mother
found she had written a poem about him..."

     Robin was quick with his improvisation.  "...Jacob is a lovely boy, I
would be his willing toy. Big and strong..."

     I added "...and hard and long!"

     Benjy shook his head at me.  "That is true, but Master Tom!  For you
to say such things!"  He couldn't keep up the pretence of being shocked.
He laughed.  "We all saw what happened for his britches were tight around
his front."  He up his forearm with his fist clenched.  "I think her father
saw it, too.  He had her sitting by him after that and she had a pout on
her face."

     "So Mr Hine is afeared she might fall into temptation, eh?" I asked.

     "There's another who did," Benjy said with a snigger.  "Betty
Woolner's putting on weight I've heard.  John Parminter's been told a
marriage is to be arranged within a month."

     Oh, he was a son of our gatekeeper and worked for one of the tenant
farmers.  I'd noticed he was with Betty for most of the dances.  She and
her mother were seamstresses and I knew my mother had employed them at
times.  Betty must be about twenty or so and John a year or two older.  It
would be a good match.  John was a doughty lad and he was renowned as a
good runner when village games were held.

     "What gossip!" Robin said with a grin.  "A babe, another on the way
and one prevented!  Is that all that happens hereabouts?"

     Benjy was smiling.  "No, the best 'til last.  That Cavendish man at
Bitchfield has gone.  We heard he tried to borrow money on land he didn't
have.  My father says he's run off to Canada or someplace like that and his
wife went to her folks up north.  That'll be another place to be sold for
he owes on that to the banks."

     I felt rather glad of his downfall.  He had turned out two of his
tenants and their families because they could not pay their rents.  I
remembered the poor lubberly lad and his brother who I knew were now
well-settled from what I had heard from other gossip.

     Robin had finished unpacking the rest of his possessions brought back
from school.  Both of us had been set work by Mr Martin and Robin had extra
from Mr Dimbleby so we would have to set time aside to complete those
tasks.

     "Tom, I must go and greet my mother and father," he said as he placed
three books on the shelf below where Timmy's African statue stood.

     "I warrant you have seen nothing as fine as those new rooms," Benjy
said.  "They've good stone lintels and there's carving been done.  Liam did
some of that."  He paused.  "And there's that water closet like here."

     That was something else to inspect here.  The wooden carvings ready
for the water closets collected from the Bedford carver.  Benjy said they
had not been affixed yet as we were to choose which one we wanted on our
door, most probably the one of the arse end of a donkey.  We threw all the
soiled clothing at him which he picked up with a pout of his own on his
face for he complained of the smell as he departed.

     I said I would accompany Robin to the house as there would be time for
a quick visit before dinner at seven.  We did not bother to go to the Hall
stable but ran down the drive as far as the gate and acknowledged Mrs
Parminter whose dear son was to be married soon.  We walked rather more
sedately into the village and took a back lane to the Goodhew's house.  It
stood in a fair piece of land with its barn and workroom and was now much
larger than before.  It looked worthy of such a craftsman as Steven
Goodhew.

     We walked around the outside first and found what Benjy had said was
true.  There was fine new stonework and the bricks were well-laid.  There
was a new front door but we made our way to the backdoor.  Robin knocked
and entered and I followed.  A young girl was preparing a pan of potatoes
and bobbed and curtsied on our entry.  I did not know her name but she
looked about fourteen or so and was probably set to work here by my Aunt
Matty.  She knew Robin.  "Oh, Master Robin, Mistress Goodhew is in the
parlour."  He said we would find our own way.  She bobbed and curtsied
again as I passed.

     As soon as his mother saw him Robin was hugged and kissed.  I stood
back and then both of us were surveyed.  It was the usual.  "My, you have
grown even more!"  I bent down and kissed his mother and was kissed on the
cheek in return.  "You have been looking after my Robin for me?" she asked
with a smile.  Robin grunted.

     "He needs little looking after," I replied.  I did not add that he
looked after my needs but I knew this was true for both of us.  I put on a
play act.  "He is industrious at School but he does spend time in playing
cricket.  I hear he is good at that."

     Jenny Goodhew laughed.  "I have heard that, too.  I have received a
letter from Mr Dimbleby who does give a little praise."  Poor Robin snorted
again.  "He says he is pleased with his progress and will continue with the
extra lessons next year."

     Robin was determined to change the subject.  "Mother, I have received
a letter from the Prime Minister."

     His mother laughed again.  "So I have heard."  She looked at me.  "You
received a letter, too?"  I nodded.  "Your father came and discussed it
with us.  He said the gentleman who was here made sure you were rewarded.
I dare not ask what happened but Timmy is to receive a payment, too."

     I said that the other boys who were kidnapped had also received their
recompense and would be coming to Careby with my Aunt Fanny Wright.  She
nodded and said she had heard that as well.  Robin asked where James was
and what news was there of Philip.  We heard that James was at the Rectory
with Uncle Dodd and was making good headway with his Latin.  She was
smiling as she said dear Philip was too busy to make the journey to Careby
at present as he needed to practice his new skill of water colour.  She
took up a piece of paper from the table by her side.  It may have been an
early attempt but the wash of colour and the careful lines showed a view of
a house and garden.  It was the Harrison's house near the river at Chelsea
and looked very peaceful.

     "No doubt he will beg a place on the coach with your aunt," she said,
"I pray he will come as I do miss him."  She smiled at Robin.  "And you,
too, my dear, but if you are happy so am I."

     She said we should explore the new rooms and go to the workshop.
Steven would not be there as he and Liam were working on stonework in a
church some miles away and were staying there until the morning.

     We were most impressed with the new rooms.  There was a big drawing
room and diningroom downstairs and two bedrooms upstairs.  All had been
furnished with care and quality.  There was not one but two water closets
installed, one between the two bedrooms and the other between the parlour
and the kitchen.  The barn had been extended, too, and there was a new
hoist to raise large pieces of stone.  All looked most practical and showed
what skill and industry could achieve.

     We returned and bid farewell to Jenny and said we would return.  She
laughed as I bent to kiss her cheek.  "I have been most forward and have
invited your parents to dinner tomorrow evening.  There will be other
guests as well and I would be honoured for you to join us."  She turned to
her son.  "You are included, my dear."  He grinned back at her and both of
us most politely accepted.

     Walking back to the Hall Robin seemed rather quiet.  "Are you
concerned about the dinner?" I asked.  He nodded.

     "There is a great difference in station between your parents and
mine," he averred.

     I shook my head.  "Steven Goodhew is a craftsman of repute and,
remember, you belong in my family.  What can people say?  Those Goodhews
are rising above themselves?  If my mother and father have accepted there
will be no questions of that kind.  My mother and father offered
hospitality to your parents while the house was being made larger.  It is a
question of respect not of station."  I nudged him as we walked side by
side.  "Remember, after all my father's old nags are dead and gone Steven
Goodhew's workmanship will remain."

     He put a hand out and took mine.  "Tom, I had not thought that way,"
he said quietly.  "I would not want my mother and father derided in any
way."

     Our dinner that evening was quiet for it was just my parents with
Robin and me.  Beforehand we gathered in the Library and Robin and I showed
my parents the letters from Sir Robert and the Certificates for our
holdings of 3 per cent Consols.  My father said we deserved whatever we
received.  He smiled as he remarked with these holdings and the rents from
the farmland in St Albans we would not be too much of a burden if we went
to Cambridge.  I said we were both determined to study there.  "And you
shall," was my mother's response.

     My father looked tired when he first came to the Library.  He had
spent much of the day with several gentlemen shooting rabbits over nearby
farms.  "We shall have rabbit in all forms for the next week I am sure."
He said the gentlemen visiting all wanted hunters for the autumn
immediately.  My mother looked rather askance when he remarked it took a
while for foals to be produced just as it did with children.  She changed
the subject and remarked about the invitation to dine at the Goodhews' the
next evening.  My father said he was mightily pleased not having to ride
several miles for his dinner.  I noted that Robin made no remark but asked
my mother if she had received anything from his brother Philip.  She smiled
and Benjy was instructed to bring 'the painting'.  It was very like the one
we had been shown by Jenny Goodhew but it was from a different perspective.
My mother was most complimentary and said that the one of Curly, though she
said 'the statue', had been placed in a frame and was in pride of place in
my father's study.  He made no comment for at that moment Mr Clements
sounded the gong.  We did have a good roast of rabbit for our main course
that evening!

     We did little on Saturday but rode out and found the navigators had
almost finished the preparation for the rails in many places.  We were told
by one of the supervisors that there would be a double set of rails so that
the engines would not have to wait within a station or on a side set of
rails for others to pass in the opposite direction.  As we rode towards
Little Bytham we saw that bridges were being constructed over the roads and
the river.  Once these were completed the rails would be laid.  These
bridges looked more sturdy than the one at Essendine for these had to take
the weight of the engine and the carriages and whatever they might carry.

     We knew there would be little for luncheon at Careby so we stopped at
the inn we had visited before at Little Bytham and the goodwife recognised
us and we were welcomed with pint pots of her best ale.  She had a cold
capon and a ham ready for travellers and slices of those satisfied any
hunger pangs we had.  We rested after by riding to the nearby river where
we sat and watched the bricklayers constructing the bridge which would pass
over it.  We rode on a little after that along the bank of the river and
finding a suitable spot tethered our mounts, divested ourselves of our
clothing and bathed in the river to cool ourselves for the sun was hot.
Although we splashed and chased each other in the water we dare not take
liberties, though we were both aroused, for there was a track by the
river's edge and we may have been caught unawares.  It was enough for us to
share the time together for we knew that our fires would be quenched in the
safety of our bed this night!

     Before that we had the pleasure of the evening with Robin's family.
There were twelve of us to be seated and we knew there would be gossip.
First, my mother and father might be thought to be condescending in
agreeing to dine especially with the knowledge the village had of Robin's
origins.  Then, secondly, the Rector and his wife, and their son, the
doctor, were in attendance and not for spiritual nor for medical reasons.
Thirdly, why would a shoemaker and his wife, other than for him to make
music, be accorded such precedence over, perhaps, more worthy but nameless
persons?  At least the apprentice was not granted a place but could have
been observed as a smiling and competent footman under the guidance of
Jackson who had the twins as his serving boys as well.  Anyone peeping into
the kitchen would have seen Prudence Cutts and her sister Mabel as cook and
assistant with the young maid being a useful helper.

     What ensued was a most happy and convivial evening.  My father and
mother did take pride of place at the ends of the table with Steven and
Jenny taking the centre positions with the rest arranged around.  I was not
surprised that Mr Venables and his wife were present as he and my father
had been boys together in the village for we had heard of certain tales of
mischief which they and others had engaged in.  It then transpired that Mr
Venables and Steven's mother were brother and sister and this family
connection had not been generally known to anyone else until this evening.
It did account for Steven's appearance in the village all those years ago
and what could the village say about that!

     My father was most amused when that relationship was revealed to the
rest of us for he was aware of it. The sister was some ten years older than
Mr Venables and had departed for a position in service elsewhere when she
was but twelve years old.  My Aunt Matty said she had often thought there
was a resemblance between Steven Goodhew and Mr Venables but had never
remarked on it.  I had James Goodhew next to me who was looking over at Mr
Venables.  "Do I call you Uncle Robert, now?" he enquired.  "Great-uncle,"
I whispered, which made a smiling Mr Venables shake a fist at me.

     We had a most satisfying dinner which began with a Grace spoken by
Uncle Dodd.  He called for blessings on this new building and the family
living in it.  We also said a heartfelt Amen to that.  The first course was
a soup followed by fresh trout with a delicate white wine to accompany it.
The main entr£Æ was roast legs of lamb in a herb and mustard crust.
We heard the herbs were those grown by our Timmy and the fragrance entered
my nostrils and made me salivate most readily.  There were cold tarts and
jellies to follow for it was a hot evening.  As we finished my father said
the house was now truly hallowed and long may it remain so.  He was sure
all within would prosper.  It was unquestionably a most happy evening for
all remained at the table where the gentlemen smoked their pipes and port
and sweet wines were circulated.  The only sadness was that Philip Goodhew
was not present though two of his recent drawings were passed around.  One
was a copy of the memorial to Mr Handel in Westminster Abbey and the other
was of a Yeoman Warder with his halberd he had seen at the Tower of London.
There was no doubt he would prosper.

     Over the next week or so we spent much time riding and making sure
Timmy joined us on Tarquin with Natty as company as well.  With the
afternoons being hot we had to cool ourselves so we made good use of the
river though the flow was becoming sluggish.  We found the navigators had
diverted two of the main streams entering it some way back and my father
had to make representations to the Company to have them redirected.  This
would have delayed the laying of the rails a deal further but Lancelot
solved the problem by suggesting brick tunnels be built for the water to
flow through rather than large bridges over the streams.  Even so it meant
several more weeks added to the construction.

     The day came when the arrival of the carriages from London was
expected.  We had been told that Aunt Fanny was leaving one day before the
London Season finished for she wanted to make sure the roads from London
were not over busy with escaping carriages!  If she was leaving on Thursday
July the thirty-first we could expect her arrival on the Saturday.

     On Saturday the second of August all was ready in the afternoon.  It
was just after four o'clock when three carriages appeared.  What a
commotion!  The first carried my Aunt Fanny and her maid Doria Maria with
chests on the roof and a host of bags and baskets inside.  A second was
even more laden with chests, baskets and bags plus a merry Philip Goodhew
who had his constant companion, John Harrison, beside him.  It had been
decided John could not be left behind in London!  The third was like a
menagerie so Robin said.  No wild animals but boys, boys and boys!  It was
a great assortment from the older Paolo and Karem, the pair of imps Antonio
and Carlo, to the young waifs, Daniel and Jacob.  My father was there to
meet his sister who was greeted with a great kiss which made the boys
giggle.  The motley crew then stood quietly and were surveyed with a stern
look.  At last my father smiled.  "You look hungry."  What a thing to say
to growing boys!  He pointed to the paddock.  It had been cleared and
tables had been set in the shade of the trees around.  "Sit and see what
appears!"

     Of course Robin, James and I had to greet everyone.  James was
overjoyed to see his brother and announced Philip and John Harrison would
have one of the new bedrooms in the Goodhew house.  The others seemed a
little overwhelmed until Robin and I spoke to them all individually and led
them to the tables where a procession of others then appeared bearing trays
and plates of cakes, pastries, bread and preserves and jugs of cordial.
Benjy, Eamonn, the twins and young John Reeve were all in plain grey livery
and looked most smart as they carried their burdens and laid them ready.
Both Robin and I took places and found the waifs were less shy and
apprehensive then when we had seen them in London.  Of course, Antonio was
in charge of their welfare and we could see a great friendship between them
all.  I sat with Paolo and Karem for Robin had joined his brothers and John
Harrison.  I could see Paolo and Karem were quite transfixed as they looked
around at the open space leading down to the river beyond.  I saw Karem
sniffing.  There was a summer breeze and it carried the scent of flowers
growing in the walled garden behind us.

     Karem looked at me and smiled.  "Master Tom, my brother Mehmet said
how beautiful it was here.  I know we have the parks and gardens in London
but here the air is fresh."  He shook his head.  "I can see across the
river to the fields beyond.  There is no smoke and no crowded houses.  I
have not travelled from London before and I was bewildered with all the
miles of road and few houses."  I said I had noted that even in just those
years I had been back and forth to London how new settlements were
spreading.  Paolo was nodding.

     "I have been to the south of London across the river and new houses
are being built there as well," he said.  He smiled.  "This is so peaceful.
There is no noise of carriages over the cobbles."

     I could but agree.  The four younger boys were at a table by
themselves and I noted Antonio making sure each got an equal share.  There
was a cry from the elder waif, Daniel.  He had spotted someone he knew
approaching.  It was Timmy and though he bowed his head in greeting his
eyes were on the two youngsters with whom he had shared that dreadful
experience.  I stood and he was soon seated with Jacob holding his hand.
If the boys were accepted for the Choir School with Timmy nearby they would
not want for a friend.

     Benjy informed us that all the younger visitors would have their meals
in the breakfast room and would have two rooms along the passageway from
Robin's and mine.  He smiled when he told us this and said they were
obviously of a higher station than the senior footman for he was in the
attics!  I knew he said this in jest for my mother was most concerned that
the servants' rooms were comfortable for as she said discontented servants
do not make a happy household.

     We heard at dinner that evening those involved would be departing for
Cambridge on Monday.  Rooms had been taken in a rooming house for most of
us though Lancelot and Uncle Dodd would be accommodated in rooms in St
Mark's College.  The Fellow in Music would hear the two boys sing and make
a judgement about their admission while Timmy would be with Mr Mead to
agree to the conditions of his indenture which would have to be witnessed
before a notary.  Lancelot said Robin and I would not be left out as
Erasmus would be instructed to entertain us in College and to take us to
see King's College and Trinity nearby!

     We were also told that evening that Uncle Digby had made enquiries
first about the whereabouts of the waifs' mother but she had disappeared as
if into thin air.  Though not elaborated upon I had the impression from
what was said that there were many women of low class who earned money by
dubious means mainly to buy their next drink of ale or, more likely, gin.
The second enquiry was to the Rector of the village which the boys said
they came from.  The boys' father had been a farm labourer but had lost his
position with the poor returns from farming.  He had gone to Colchester and
joined the military without either his wife's or his parents' knowledge.
It was thought he had joined under an alias for nothing more had been heard
of him other than he had written once to his wife some years back saying he
was sailing for hotter climes.  As there was no more correspondence it was
feared he had lost his life in the Afghan war and the family would have
been destitute except for the position the mother had in a household until
she lost it.  The grandparents on both sides of the family were now dead
and there was no one willing to claim the boys, for the mother had made
herself a nuisance.  My Aunt Fanny related all this to our rapt attention
and said she had been more than impressed by the boys' resilience to all
that had happened to them and their good nature.  They had been
well-schooled in the village at the Dame School supervised by the widow of
the previous Rector.  She had taken pity on them when their mother had
taken to drink and had not charged for their lessons.  Both could read well
and my aunt was sure they would not be out of place in the Choir School.
     The journey to Cambridge was most successful.  Lancelot went with
Timmy to see his indenture signed and sealed.  He would start his
apprenticeship on Monday September the first and he was both happy and sad
about it.  He would have to leave Careby and the love of Mrs Bottom, who
had truly taken him to heart as another son, together with the friendship
of the lads there such as young Paul, Benjy and Eamonn.  However, he was to
be set on the path which would take him to the end he desired and would
join Mr Mead's son Jeremy, who was the same age, and was to take an
apprenticeship from the same date.

     Daniel and Jacob must have sung like angels for Dr Powis was adamant
they should be admitted forthwith.  This meant two more would be in
Cambridge for the beginning of September.  The waifs were somewhat
apprehensive but two boys already in the choir were still in residence even
though it was out of term time.  Fortuitously, like Antonio and Carlo, the
two choristers had made immediate friends with Daniel and Jacob.  The sad
ones were Antonio and Carlo but they were assured that they would be
welcome both in Careby and Cambridge.  I wondered what their future might
be?

     Erasmus did spend time showing Robin and me many places and things of
interest during the two days we were in Cambridge.  We met some of the
other dons who all seemed rather elderly to me.  Of course, my cousin was
not elderly but he did whisper he felt quite young when he found he had to
help some of his elders to find their way to the High Table.  "There are
two in particular," he confided, "Both are too proud to wear spectacles in
public and are as blind as bats in consequence.  There are eccentricities
all around.  We must watch for Dr Townley.  He has appeared in his scarlet
Doctor's gown and just his undervest and small clothes more than once."  As
we passed an imposing building he said it was the Master's House.  Rass was
smiling as he told us the Master had three or four terrier dogs which ran
about everywhere within his rooms and his servants were hard-pressed to
keep the place clean.  He also had a cage with ferrets in it in his
hallway, for his favourite pastime was that of a common labourer in setting
his ferrets to a rabbit-hole and letting his terriers catch the conies as
they emerged.  He laughed and said as well as a noted warrener he was also
Professor of Latin!

     On our second morning Erasmus took us to the Chapel and it was there
we met Dr Powis who was also the organist and choirmaster.  He was most
praising over the accomplishments of the two boys.  He said their voices
had a pure quality and they would be good additions to his choir.  We did
not know it before but it transpired both could read music and said they
had been taught by the old lady to play a little on her fortepiano.  We had
to admit that both Robin and I could play the organ and we hoped to be
admitted to the College in two years' time.

     Dr Powis took us to the organ loft and as he pumped so we played.  The
organ had several more stops than those at Careby or at Ashbourne School
but we played pieces we knew by heart on 8 and 4 foot Flutes and Diapasons.
He was most complimentary and said we could earn a stipend if we agreed to
play at services.  He also told us that one student was appointed every
three years as the Servant of the Chapel and the present incumbent had just
finished his first year.  I nudged Robin and he asked what the duties
entailed.  We found the Servant was in charge of the lists of services, the
lesson readers and the maintenance of cleanliness by the College servants
and had his rooms, tuition and buttery as his stipend.  It would be perfect
if Robin could be appointed to that role when he applied for matriculation
in two year's time!
     We found the appointment was in the gift of the Fellow in Music and
the Chaplain. It was a thought!  After all Erasmus had told us he had been
most agreeable in assisting the elderly Chaplain and Robin had impressed Dr
Powis.  When we told him Robin would most likely apply for that position
Erasmus was in agreement and said he would make it his business to promote
his case when the time came!

     There was someone else who was happy.  During the previous weeks my
Uncle Dodd had questioned Natty on his understanding of those strange
Egyptian hieroglyphics and though my uncle said he had difficulty himself
with the interpretation he was sure Natty had made headway with the
language.  In Cambridge Natty accompanied Uncle Dodd to a consultation with
a Fellow in another college who had spent time in Egypt studying many tombs
and inscriptions.  He had praised Natty on what he had done and was within
a whisker of offering Natty a position as a servant but Uncle Dodd, wisely
perhaps, said that Natty should persevere with his learning and then, say,
in a year's time be tested again.  It was agreed and Natty spent a whole
day being shown many inscriptions and came away with a host of papers and
manuscripts to study.  Uncle Dodd told Robin and me privately that the
Fellow had been very impressed but he thought that if he joined his service
now Natty might have been used as the translator with the man taking the
credit.  Robin suggested that we should ask Aubrey Bayes if his father
might know a scholar in London who would also be willing to examine Natty's
understanding.

     With our visit to Cambridge over we all returned to Careby where we
enjoyed each other's company in divers ways.  Karem exercised his skills on
both Robin and me a number of times and we did have a good sight of that
circumcised peg as we cavorted in the river on many hot days.  My father
employed his services more than once especially when, on dismounting a
rather mettlesome steed, he had caught his foot in the stirrup and strained
his calf muscle.  His limping and bad temper soon evaporated under Karem's
expert hands.  Paolo charmed Mrs Gray with his knowledge of Italian dishes
and with Timmy's herbs and new vegetables we had many a dinner for
ourselves, neighbours and friends which were highly praised.  My father
acted like a grandfather to the youngsters and there was never a quarrel or
disagreement for all took a turn in keeping the others entertained.  Philip
Goodhew and John Harrison joined in most of our ventures and Philip's
drawings kept all amused as he had a great wit in making a sketch of a
person or a happening.  Jacob and Daniel sang to us every day and my mother
and Aunt Matty found new songs for the pair to learn.  Their visit to Miss
Barnes helped her recovery so she said as she was now up and about though
quite frail.

     Through all this Robin and I grew even closer for we spent each night
in each other's loving company.  We still had not made that final step in
our love-making but bore in mind that tale of the tableau.  "It will happen
when we are ready," was Robin's comment.

     The time came for all to make their departures.  The first to go were
Timmy, Daniel and Jacob.  We had a great late luncheon after church the day
before Lancelot accompanied them to Cambridge the week before Timmy would
begin his apprenticeship.  There were some tears but most were of joy.  My
Aunt Fanny and her entourage would leave on the next day so a grand dinner
was arranged not only in her honour but in ours as well for Robin and I
would be accompanying her to London to see George on his first parade.
George would be receiving his commission on the Friday and we would be
present to see this happen.  We were told we would leave London for
Ashbourne on the Monday and would be in time for the start of the new term
on the Thursday.

     This meant the three coaches would be filled again on that journey to
London with Robin and me taking the places of the three boys now at
Cambridge.  My father was ready with comments as we all assembled for that
departure.  He sniffed and said the air would be purer once the London
ruffians had gone.  The ruffians were all patted or hands were shaken and a
good number of coins were placed in pockets.  They knew they would all be
welcome at Careby again!

     There was another great welcome when we arrived at Charles Street well
in time on Thursday afternoon.  My Uncle Digby looked much better in health
and rested.  We heard that Jabez and Mr Purrett were in Paris on important
business.  No details were given but from nods and hints we gathered it was
the end for Fortescue and his accomplices there.  George had arrived some
days earlier to be kitted out with his uniform and the important occasion
would be the next day when he would be on parade for the first time as
Cornet of Horse the Honourable George Lascelles.  His brother Geoffrey and
my cousin Rosamund were also in residence.  Rosamund did look most radiant
and her swelling belly was quite evident.  Another grand dinner with some
thirty guests was held that evening.  My brother Torquil and Elizabeth were
there with Terence and other officers and all the usual friends of my uncle
and aunt.  Also amongst those seated was Theo Davis ready for his first
term at Oxford but in London to witness his friend's parade.  Although we
were so elegant in our tailcoats both Robin and I knew we were outgrowing
them as even now with one more summer we had added another inch to our
height.  Aunt Fanny said we would be visiting the tailor and the outfitter
on Saturday!

     The parade the next day was a riot of colour and noise.  My Uncle
Billy had two Dukes, Colonels of other regiments, mounted with him and all
rode along to inspect the assembled troops of riders as the drums rolled
and the fifes played.  A distant rumble of gunfire announced not George's
commission but was thought to be practice for yet another royal birthday!
We were all foxed with good wines and port that evening after an excellent
dinner in the Officers' Mess.  There were toasts all round and Robin and I
felt very honoured to be there with me beside my brother Terence and Robin
by the side of his father.  How we returned to Charles' Street I do not
know but I knew my head rattled in the morning!

     Whether our heads were rattling or not our visits to the tailor and
outfitter were effective if rather costly.  As we were now seniors in
school we could wear trousers rather than britches so three pairs each were
made ready for us.  We did not choose ochre but rather more subdued hues in
brown, dark blue and dark green with waistcoats and jackets to match.
There were also shirts and cravats to purchase as well as running and
football togs.  Oh, yes, plus two pairs of shoes each and boots for
football for Robin!  We paid for all this ourselves from our rents and the
first payment of interest!  Uncle Digby was most amused on our return and
five pounds sterling each joined our depleted purses!

     On Sunday Robin and I accompanied Aunt Fanny to the church in Hanover
Square for morning service.  Rosamund and Geoffrey attended as well but
Torquil and Elizabeth did not.  They went to the Chapel-of-ease near
Charles Street for that was where Amelia had been christened.  Of course,
on our return from church we had to visit them and see Amelia.  Torquil
insisted we toasted her health which set us up for our luncheon in which we
partook with them.
      Uncle Digby had jested we should return to Ashbourne in the curricle
which was languishing in a stable somewhere.  However his solution was
admirable.  On Tuesday morning instead of travelling by a hired carriage we
would take the Birmingham train from the Euston terminus and travel there
in one fell swoop.  He said that soon after the train arrived a stagecoach
left the Birmingham terminus for Lichfield where we could stay at an inn
that night.  We would then easily find a seat on the coach from Lichfield
northwards to arrive at Ashbourne on the Wednesday evening.  We would be
travelling light as other than a travelling bag each our new clothes would
be dispatched by carrier on the Monday.  Of course, there would be a
carriage carrying the rest of our accoutrements and books leaving Careby
with our mounts, Blaze and Silver as well.  The plans were that Rowley and
two of the young grooms would accompany Natty and his Kerry to Ashbourne
taking in turns to be on the coach or riding at least two of the steeds
with the other being led.

     This meant we had an extra day in London.  We could not visit the
Museum as it was not open on a Monday but in the morning like the good
scholars we were we went to the bookshop and found a number of volumes
which took our fancy.  Uncle Digby in his usual generous manner had said we
should chose what we wanted though he averred dear Nicholas and Cornelius
had sailed back to New York with half the contents of any bookshop they had
visited.  As we had a pound or two still in our purses and our train fares
and money for the stagecoaches were promised we had to stop at the emporium
again and make a stock of sweetmeats, bon-bons and other goodies, including
a large packet of peppermint humbugs for Uncle Digby and his henchmen.  Our
last purchases there were a pair of matching black silver-topped canes
which we had noted were all the fashion!

     We had to be awake early as our train to Birmingham left the Euston
terminus at eight in the morning.  That journey was, for us, quite
momentous.  We had travelled from London to Dover by train but this engine
was more powerful and travelled at such a rate.  With few stops to allow
passengers to mount or disembark we found ourselves all those miles from
London to Birmingham in the time we might take to take a horse and carriage
the few miles to Stamford from Careby.  We had time to have a tankard of
ale and a meat-filled pastry in a hostelry where the stagecoach would
leave.  By two o'clock we were on our way to Lichfield.  We had outside
seats for the day was quite warm and so could gaze at the passing
countryside.  This was slow progress in contrast to the train and not so
comfortable, for the road in many places was worn and rutted.  However, we
found a decent inn in Lichfield and were told that the great Dr Johnson had
supped there in his time.  Again we had to rise early as the stage onwards
from Lichfield left at eight in the morning.  We informed the coachman we
needed to alight near the school and as luck would have it as we had
reached the Bell in the middle of the afternoon we saw Dr Dimbleby's chaise
outside.  We scrambled off, almost forgetting our bags, and his coachman
recognised me.  He said the Doctor was attending to Mrs Figgis who had a
touch of the colic and then he was having dinner with Mr and Mrs Dimbleby
that evening so it would be no trouble to take us to the School.  As we
waited Robin said he wondered who was in charge, Dr Dimbleby or his
coachman!

     Dr Dimbleby laughed when he saw us and we regaled him with all that
had happened in London.  He knew George Lascelles from when he had first
joined the school and had arrived complete with a painful rash.  Being
polite we did not ask where!  Our arrival at Ridley House was unexpected
especially as we appeared with Dr Dimbleby in his chaise.  We reported our
arrival to Matron who seemed pleased to see us especially as Robin gave her
a packet of bon-bons.  She said young Lawson had arrived and was in the
dining-hall with the other young fags awaiting their masters' arrival.

     First though we both needed the Vespasian, or piss-trough as it had
been christened by ruder elements amongst us.  Japhet had arranged for our
bags to be taken to our room.  I had my own key and George had given Robin
his and Theo's as he said I was most likely to mislay them.  The door was
open for I had forgotten the serving-boys had to have entry during the day
to clean and tidy the beds.  This was fortunate for if we had not arrived
today then young Lawson having no key would have had to beg a bed
elsewhere.  As it happened the bed was already made and we looked at my old
truckle bed which had a bright new coverlet on it.  No doubt Mrs Lawson had
sent it so her son had a present for his elevation from being a Whelp to
being a member of Middle School.  By the side was a still-strapped chest
and a travelling bag.  These must be the lad's for our bags were by the
desk the other side of the room.  We went down and saw Sharpin in his
cubby-hole.  We greeted him and he was such a different fellow from that
reprobate Pullen.  He reached behind him and produced two sealed notes.  We
thanked him and without opening them went in search of young Lawson.  Robin
was smiling.

     "What do we call the lad?  I have never heard his Christian name
mentioned?" he enquired with a laugh.

     This was true as far as I could recall.  "'Young Lawson' should do," I
said in jest.  "However, it would be better if we enquired first."

     This decided us and we went to Mr Pretyman's part of the house.  He
laughed when we made our request after the usual greetings.  "His Christian
names are Henry Montague William but do not embarrass the lad with that
mouthful."  We smiled at that.  "But I have to congratulate you on your
promotion."  We must have looked like a pair of blockheads.  "Oh dear," he
said, "Perhaps I am precipitate.  Have you not had letters from Mr Ridley?"
We stared at each other then held up the unopened missives.  He pointed at
them.  We unsealed them...

     Mine read: 'Dear Browning,
                It is with great pleasure I ask if you would accept the
position and
               duties of a Praepostor in my house.  It is unusual for a
pupil to be
               asked to undertake such duties before their final year at
our school
               however I and other Masters are impressed with your standing
               amongst your fellows therefore I have had no hesitation in
asking
               you to take on this role.
                         Yours sincerely,
                                   A Ridley'

     I looked at Robin who had finished reading his letter, too.  He
grimaced, then grinned.  Mr Pretyman saw the change in his features.

     "From groom to pupil to Praepostor, eh?" he said with a laugh, "Three
stages few have accomplished, I would say."  He turned to me.  "And you,
Doctor-in-waiting, philosopher and master-musician Browning?  The same
tidings?"

     I nodded.  "Sir, this is most unusual," I said, "What will our fellows
say?"

     He waved a dismissive hand.  "I would surmise that certain previous
holders of the position also whispered in the Headmaster's ear.  Have no
worry but your biggest judge will be Henry Montague William I am sure."  He
snorted with laughter.

     Robin was laughing now.  "Sir, our last purchase in London were
suitable canes of office."

     I shook my head.  "It must have been a premonition."  I looked at
Robin.  "Do we accept?  I feel quite inadequate."

     He looked at me as if I was a stupid dolt.  "You will lead and I will
follow," he said most emphatically.

     Mr Pretyman smiled.  "No, you will be equal partners as always."  What
had he discerned?  He went on immediately.  "I shall be on my way to see Mr
Ridley soon.  May I convey your acceptance?"

     We both nodded and said "Yes, sir".

     That matter over he bade us good-day and we went silently and slowly
back to our part of the house and the dining-hall.  As we entered a hush
fell on the room then a voice rang out from amongst the throng.  "Three
cheers for our new principes!"  Who it was we did not know for the roar of
'Principes, principes, principes! outdid any usual triple 'Hurrah!'.  Two
figures joined us, Aubrey Bayes and Bristow.  They were holding their short
gowns and mortarboards and were smiling and shaking their heads.  Bristow
was a sturdy fellow who had been one of George's willing allies on the
football field and was now at the beginning of his final year.  He held out
a hand and Robin and I shook it and then Bayes did the same.

     "I never expected this," Aubrey Bayes said as he let go my hand.  "We
have just come from Mr Ridley."  He held up the mortarboard.  "This will be
strange after the cap."

     Bristow laughed.  "As long as I do not have to wear it when on the
football field I will be content."  He nodded at us.  "You have not yet
seen Mr Ridley?"  We shook our heads.  "I think you were not expected back
until tomorrow.  Bastable is to be a Praepostor as well and he is not
expected until later."

     Japhet came along to us.  "Sirs," he said and indicated the
Praepostors' table.  We would not be sitting with our fellows any more.
One of the serving-boys brought us beakers and poured us some cordial and
another brought a plate of small cakes.  As we sat and looked about us
someone came and stood between Robin and me.  "Please sirs..." there was a
pause and we both looked up.  It was young Lawson.  I put out a hand and
gripped his.

     "Matron told us you were already here," I said.  "Have you eaten?"  He
nodded his head.  "Let us finish here and we can go to the room."  I smiled
at him and he smiled, too.  He was, no doubt, a handsome lad.  "I do not
think you would be permitted to sit with us here."  I winked.  "Your time
will come I am sure."
     Robin smiled at him, too.  "I have a key for you but I will give it to
you later."  Young Lawson bowed his head and went off to join the others
who had been staring at us intently.

     Aubrey was listening to our interaction with him.  "Radcliffe and I
have a friend of his for our fag.  His name is Coulson and he seems a
studious fellow for he brought a shelfful of books with him."

     "Where is Radcliffe?" Robin asked.  "I do not see him here."

     Aubrey laughed.  "Now that George Lascelles is no longer here
Radcliffe has had to beg a place on Priestley's carriage and will arrive in
the morning.  Priestley lives somewhere near Lancaster I have been told."

     We then told Aubrey we had taken the railway from London to Birmingham
and stages from there.  Just two days for the journey.  He shook his head
and grimaced.

     "If only I had had the wit to think of that.  Seven of us were in our
coach from London and there were another two following us with a good dozen
more crammed in.  Three whole days of misery!  My father says the sooner
there are more railways the better."  He leaned towards us.  "By the way,
Branscombe's friend has been accepted as a student by my father.
Branscombe was in town with him and my mother invited them to luncheon." He
smiled.  "They are so alike."  He nudged me.  "As two others are!"  What
could I or Robin say?

     Our repast over, Robin and I stood and immediately young Lawson was by
our side.  As Aubrey then rose from his seat so a fair-haired lad came up
to him.  This was Coulson who bowed his head to us and placed himself
beside Lawson in due deference.  I thought back to my first day not only as
a pupil but also as a fag and here I was now a Senior with my own fag.  Of
course, to be shared in his duties by Robin.  There was a slight drop in
the chatter as we left the room, followed by the pair, and made our way
across to the entrance to Ridley House itself.  We walked in silence and I
knew that both Robin and I were trying hard not to laugh.  Aubrey and
Coulson parted from us as we reached the top of the stairs.  Once we were
in our room Robin turned to the silent lad.

     "Now Henry, I am Robin and he is Tom when we are in this room."  Both
he and I burst out laughing.

     The lad looked at us then grinned.  "Thank you, my brother said I was
to give you his greetings and Neville said he is mighty jealous for he
would wish to have this position."

     "Your brother asked if we would keep you tied to the end of the bed so
you would not stray," Robin said with a straight face.  "I see you have
brought a sturdy strap with you which will serve that purpose."  He pointed
to the chest.

     The lad's grin disappeared.  He looked at me and I had to smile.  His
nose twitched.  "You and Neville are good friends," I said.  "He told us of
some of your little pageants."

     He had realised that Robin was jesting. "Freddy has been staying with
us at Epping before he goes to London.  His mother and my father are
cousins though I have never met her.  That makes us some sort of relation
which my father says it is better not to explore!"

     Mr Lawson had a similar outlook on Mrs Neville as I had formed!

     "Freddy is to study in London," I said, "I am sure he will lodge with
my cousin who I can assure you is kindness itself."

     He smiled.  "He has told me that.  He is most pleased and wishes to do
well."

     Robin was undoing the strings of one of his bags.  He held out a
wrapped sweetmeat to the lad.  "I must not make jests like that until we
are better acquainted," he said as Henry took it with a wide smile and
mouthed his thanks.  "Now, do we call you Henry or Harry?"

     The smile was wider.  "Harry, please.  It is what I am called at
home."

     Robin smiled at him.  "I am forgiven?"  The nose twitched again.
"Then here is your key.  It still has Master Lascelles' bootlace on it.  Do
not lose it!"

     The admonition always to make sure the door was locked was given and
just then there was a knock.  It was Japhet with the message that Mr Ridley
desired our presence.  We left Harry as he contentedly sat at the desk and
unwrapped his gift.

     Barney opened the door to us and more smiles were evident.  He
announced us formally and Mr Ridley waved him away.  "Come in, come in!
Welcome back!  I hear you still wish to join my band of Myrmidons, is that
so?"

     What could we do but grin?  That was not a seemly thing to do.  We
bowed our heads and between us said we were honoured.  All he did was to
point to the padded settle under the window.  "Your Spartan garb is there."
I wondered at his use of that description as we went across and picked up
the black gowns and the mortarboards.  The gowns were short and if worn
when we were bare would be like the Greek tunics I had seen illustrated.
We were a pair, too.  Was that a hidden meaning?  "I will announce the
appointments at morning service on Friday.  My wife will preside at tea on
Sunday."  We thanked him again and that was that.

     When we returned to our room Harry had emptied his chest and all his
clothes were neatly hung or folded in his part of the cupboard.  That was,
I thought, a good sign.  I saw he had a pile of primers of various sorts on
the desk with a good Greek lexicon and a Latin dictionary.  More of a
scholar than his elder brother!  We discussed the various duties he had to
perform such as tending the fire and making sure the fireguard was always
in position.  This passed the time until we heard the clock strike the
half-hour.  It was time for our evening meal.  Robin and I donned our
symbols of new authority, took up our silver-topped canes and gave each
other a wry smile as Harry opened the door for us.  He then carefully
locked it after we had all gone through.  We joined up with others as we
marched sedately down the stairs.  There was a little subdued comment or
two which we knew were not made with animosity but in the general spirit of
schoolboys to those they saw in authority but were otherwise comrades.

     We took our places at the Praepostors' table and Mr Pretyman was
already there having led his Pups and Whelps into the dining-hall.  As soon
as any stragglers were in so all stood as Bristow intoned the Grace before
the serving-boys entered bearing their tureens.  There was a substantial
stew designed to fill hungry boys' bellies followed by fruit pie and cream.
We decided that we would meet afterwards in our room to read through the
list of duties and instructions which Mr Ridley had given to Bristow when
he had received his gown and board earlier in the day.  We told Harry he
should remain with his friends until finished with the board games which
would now ensue.

     Bristow kindly brought a bottle of claret to celebrate our elevation,
as he called it.  I found that all the glasses and beakers were still in
our cupboard.  All clean!  Japhet or Ham would have to be rewarded.  We
found the duties listed were not onerous.  We were to be guides rather than
upholders of some strict regime.  This was true of the way in which George
and Theo had ruled.  Not with a rod of iron, or wielded canes as Prots and
Frobs, but with patience and a quiet word of reproof.  We vowed that would
be our way, too.

     We drew up a list of who would be on particular duties such as
checking on readiness for Chapel, those who might be sickening, those whose
behaviour transgressed simple rules and so on.  It was not a long list but
we could honour it.  What did make us laugh was when our names were listed
under it.  Bastable, Bayes, Bristow, Browning, Goodhew: four B's and a G!
We then gossiped for what must have been another hour then realised it
would soon be time to perform our first duty, seeing all candles were
extinguished and all were in bed.

     We parted company and found that Harry had joined Coulson in the other
room and they had already opened books and were reading even though
darkness was beginning to fall.  Harry followed us back and we had to tell
him of our deliberations.  There was no real need to be officious for the
day had been long for most and we also were tired as the pair of us
patrolled the stairway and passageways bearing our canes and a candle each.
We then used the piss-trough and prepared for bed.  Both of us had seen
Harry naked and he us while bathing in the summer term so there was no
shame nor hesitation as our clothes were removed and nightshirts donned.  I
did see that even after just those months of holiday young Harry was at
fourteen now more generously endowed.

     We climbed into our beds and as Robin snuffed the candles so I said
the prayer which I had heard each night from Theo.  There was a little time
of silence.  Robin and I could hardly assume that position we had enjoyed
many times over the past month or so which would end in savouring each
other's plentiful libations. Needless to say we would not sleep before
release consequently in tandem and quite silently our hands were employed
on our own erect pegs till with sighs of contentment we almost
simultaneously spurted.  There was another moment or two of silence then a
faint creaking came from below the end of our bed.  I nudged Robin.  He
nudged me back.  The truckle-bed would have to be adjusted.  A more than
contented sigh was heard almost immediately.  I thought back to that first
night I was at Ashbourne as I felt for the washcloth I had secreted under
my pillow.  Young Harry would not have that dropped on him as I had placed
his own on top of his pillow!

To be continued.

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