Date: Fri, 20 Jun 2014 20:53:10 +0100
From: Jo Vincent <joad130@gmail.com>
Subject: Tom Browning's Schooldays ch 84

			 Tom Browning's Schooldays

				    By

				   Joel

			    Chapter EightyFour


We had by now become accustomed to the journey backwards and forwards to
Ashbourne and it just seemed tedious.  We had fine hot weather for this one
back to Careby.  Rowley Roberts, our coachman, was strangely quiet over
most of the distance until the morning of the third day.  We would be at
Careby that afternoon.  I was sitting with him on the box while Jemmy his
assistant was riding Blaze.  He turned to me and shrugged his shoulders.

     "There is something I must confess," he said in a low tone.  What was
this?  Had he got some wench with child?  Was he a secret highwayman?  Was
he the one who was stealing bottles from Flaxman's cellar at the Varley
Arms?  No, it was none of these.  "This railway," he said and grimaced.
"My father has sent me to Grantham to find what employ there may be.  I
have been told I can be a station man or learn how to control the signals.
It will be better payment than even being in the employ of so generous man
as your father.  I know not what to do."

     What could I say?  Would I be betraying my father by saying he should
take whatever was on offer?  I did not know who he could consult.  There
had been discussion both in and out of Mr Ridley's classes about the
reputed proliferation of railway lines discussed in the newssheets and in
families which had land where lines might be laid.  Mr Ridley had smiled
when he reported that the University at Cambridge had great reservations
about the Railway Act just a year or so ago for constructing a railway line
from London to Cambridge. He thought that the University of Oxford had had
fewer qualms and the Great Western line had been laid and the station was
in operation.

     "Are there others?" I asked as I doubted if Mr Roberts would have
recommended only Rowley to go to Grantham.

     "There are others," he said.  He sighed.  "If I tell you they must not
lose their places for they are all in employment with your father or the
Squire."

     "Why do you think my father would be so disposed?" I asked.

     He shook his head.  "I must tell you when in Grantham I met with one
young man now in the railway employ whose father was told if another son
left in the same way his cottage would be forfeit.  The master is a hard
man he said and does not make threats lightly."

     "I am sure my father is not like that," I said with feeling.  "There
are those we know already who have left the village and no harm has come to
anyone.  Are you still concerned?"

     He breathed out loudly.  "That young man at Grantham put it clear and
strong."  He looked at me with no hint of expression and held up his left
hand.  "Tom, he said that too many of the gentry have their workers by the
balls."  He closed his fingers in a tight grip.  I knew what he meant and
winced having had my own ballocks squeezed unintentionally when swimming
with my unruly classmates at Ashbourne.

     I smiled.  "You accuse my father of such actions, eh?"

     He shook his head.  "No, Tom, but I am afeared that if more go then
life in Careby will change."

     "You said there are others.  Who?"

     He nodded to where Jemmy was riding just behind Robin and Natty.
"There's Jemmy and Johnnie Cummings and Zekiel Boot that I know of.
They've all been enquiring of the railway man when he was at the Varley
Arms.  He said there would be good employment for willing youngsters.  What
do I do?"

     "Do you want me to speak to my father?"

     He nodded.  Rowley was a real friend and I did not like my friends to
be sad.  I would try to lighten his concern.

     "There is little we can do about the manners of the gentry," I said
and screwed my nose up at him.  "That is, even if I am amongst their
number."  He did manage a smile at that.  "We have had discussion about
these matters at school."  His expression became one of surprise.  "Yes,
Rowley, even the gentry think there will be change.  They may not think it
will be for the better but they already know that many are moving away from
their villages to the bigger towns."

     Rowley nodded.  "That is so.  I have driven Dr Lancelot to see the
Colonel several times and there are five already gone from that
estate. 'Tis only the mill and the gravel which keep others from moving
away.  Three have gone to Cambridge for there is much building of new
houses and roads about there."

     "And when the railway comes I predict people will use that to move to
new places."  We reminisced about our journey to Dover and back and I told
him of Robin's and my return to Ashbourne after Easter by means of the
railway as far as Birmingham.  I said we had been told that town was
growing because of the opportunities for employment in the manufactories
there.  I think our conversation did ease his mind for we turned to more
pleasant things.  He said if he did change his employment and it was for
the better he would make advances to Prudence Cutts for she had not
demurred from being asked to dance several times with him at the New Year
Ball.  He wondered if Mrs Gray might soon be too old to make all the dishes
she did in our kitchen.  Both Prudence and her sister Mabel were now well
trained and ready to take more responsibility.  I said I doubted if Mrs
Gray would ever be dismissed but my mother would make any decision at the
appropriate time.  I did not say but I knew Mrs Gray consulted my cousin
Lancelot over a great soreness she had in her leg and hip.  Perhaps Rowley
had heard of that and anticipated an advancement in Prudence's status.  He
and Prudence would be a fine couple.  I did not mention Mary Ann Clements
for Rowley's attention was now elsewhere with Prudence Cutts.  It was
something to josh him about at another time!

     I heard also that Mrs Matthews was now employing two girls to act as
parlourmaids.  He said that I was not to tell but he had heard it was at my
Aunt Matty's instigation for she was concerned at the poor upkeep in the
house.  I grinned for it was always said that dust lay inches deep there,
though I had not noticed it when I had visited the Squire in his study.
Rowley went on to say that Miss Barnes' old house was now being put in good
order ready for whenever my Aunt Fanny might be in residence.  He said that
had provided some good employment for carpenters, bricklayers and
seamstresses over the past few months when the weather had been too bad for
outside work.  I did ask what seamstresses did outside and got a nudge
which nearly toppled me off the box.  Rowley would get a touch of whip if
he was not careful!

     All was peace and quiet when we arrived at Careby Hall.  Our chests
and bags were unloaded and even before making ourselves more presentable
with a wash and a comb Robin and I went along to greet my mother.  Although
pleased to see us she told us to get clean and tidy and come back for a
dish of tea and hear the news.

     Eamonn and the twins brought us hot water and we changed from britches
and jerkins to jackets and trousers after we washed.  Although we had taken
care while at school when wearing our various suits they did seem a little
worn and grubby now.  Still we had chosen darker colours on being advised
to by the tailor for we had noted those in the Senior School who wore white
or cream trousers needed to have them washed frequently for they showed
green stains from the grass and dark stains from unknown other sources.
They also tended to shrink, though the wearers attributed the shortness in
sleeves or legs of trousers as being due to their own rapid growth.  We did
not think we looked too dishevelled when we made our way downstairs again
where Lancelot was now sitting with my mother.

     There was much news, mainly from Cambridge.  Lancelot had visited
there twice and found the choristers to be well-settled and happy.  Timmy
had made his mark with the apothecary and his dark visage was reputed to
bring in more customers as well as his confident demeanour.  He was
learning quickly but had no hesitation in making his own judgements over
prescribing for common ailments.  His youthfulness and that of Jeremy the
apothecary's son had appeal for students, for they would confide in someone
near their own age rather than in the father figure of the older man.  We
did not enquire what ailments they might have for Lancelot put his finger
against his lips after he had said that.

     Lancelot was undecided whether to make the journey to America to visit
his cousin Nicholas and his friend Cornelius Button for they were adamant
he should not delay too long.
 He said he would decide within the next year for there were many places
and things he wished to see and experience.  It would mean the village and
its surrounds would not have the pleasure of a resident physician and it
did cause some amusement when I said that with the coming of the railway a
doctor could be summoned easily from Grantham or Peterborough!

     Then, of course, my Aunt Matty and her entourage would be coming to
Careby after the London Season ended.  My mother had been in charge of the
internal refurbishment of Miss Barnes' old house but it would not be quite
ready for my aunt to move in.  Much of the old furniture was of very good
quality and a good number of pieces had been sent by carrier to Torquil and
Elizabeth in Charles' Street to furnish their house there.  There had been
some hilarity over three of the beds, which were riddled with woodworm and
had to be burned, though Uncle Dodd and Mr Venables had said at least two
were old enough to have been carved in Queen Elizabeth's time.  No
'second-best beds' travelled to London.

     After having a fill of tea and cakes Robin and I excused ourselves and
took ourselves off to visit Steven and Jenny Goodhew.  The workroom was
visited first where the clink of steel against stone was very evident.
Both Steven and Liam were busy with Steven incising letters on a gravestone
and Liam shaping an edge to another one.  There was a third busy person
polishing the gleaming white stone of yet another gravestone.  It was the
lad Truman to whom Steven had said he would most likely offer an
apprenticeship.

     We were again greeted warmly and were rather amused that the three
gravestones were not for our churchyard but to go to Swinstead where the
rector of the parish had insisted the Squire there should commemorate his
father and two uncles more properly than with the now decayed wooden rails
which had beforetime been put round their graves.  Steven did say that when
we went to our own church we would find not only the new base for the font
but also the memorial plaque to our own Squire's father.  Young Truman
looked pleased when we greeted him.  He was dressed as the others in his
grey smock and paper hat.  Steven said the finish on a stone was as
important as anything else and a smooth and careful polish showed off the
work to its best advantage.  Steven patted the boy on his back as he said
this.

     As the work needed not to be interrupted we went to see Robin's mother
who was sitting in the shade by the back door of the house and busy with
some embroidery.  "This keeps my fingers nimble," she said after greeting
us with a hug and a kiss each.  We sat and had a beaker of cordial while
watching her needle dipping in and out and adding the colour to the design
on the fabric below.  We had to report on our progress next.  As usual,
letters had already arrived telling of Robin's accomplishment in
mathematics especially.  She smiled when she said that he had also been
praised as an upholder of discipline.  "I will admit that did amuse me when
I think of the scrapes you and Master Thomas Browning got into before going
to school!"  She gave me a wink as she said this.  Jenny had rescued us
more than once when escaping from the wrath of Old Mother Caudle or Goodman
Phipps after being seen stuffing apples or pears into our pockets taken
from the trees in their holdings.  Our defence was they would only rot on
the ground or be fed to the pigs for there were so many.  As I generally
had my cap pulled down low on my head they did not always recognise one of
the naughty lads as the Master's youngest son!

     She had more of Philip's drawings and a couple of the watercolours
which she showed us when we went inside the house.  Though his early
drawings had seemed perfect it was now evident he was learning more and
more and there was now a mastery which was most apparent even to my
unpractised eye.  There was another pile of paper which we found were more
stories young James had written.  My Aunt Matty had enlisted him as a
helper in the Dame School setting him the task of seeing that the younger
ones were forming the letters correctly on their slates and hearing them
read simple stories some of which were his own work.

     We returned to the Hall and rested, then we readied ourselves for
dinner.  Benjy had informed us there would be several attending, for my
father had been visited by three gentlemen from York who had heard of the
good bloodstock of his hunters and was desirous of increasing their own
lines.  They were staying at the Varley Arms but it was politeness to
welcome them to our table before they left on the morrow for their ride
back home.  Of course, politeness also meant Squire Matthews and Mrs
Matthews would be attending, for in his opinion he ranked higher in station
than my father.  As it was he and my father were good friends and in my
opinion it was only Mrs Matthews who made the distinction.  What would turn
her head a little more would be that one of the guests was a baronet.

     Robin and I were a little apprehensive when we heard this from Benjy.
He had found two of the three were the baronet and his younger brother and
the third was their cousin.  As it so happened all three were plain, good
countrymen though their accents and dialect took a little understanding.
The Dodds were present, too, and Uncle Dodd knew an uncle of theirs who had
been at Cambridge and was now the rector of the town next to the estate the
baronet and his brother had inherited on the death of their father.  The
cousin was a man in his early thirties who had recently returned from India
and had saved an Indian potentate there from a tiger attack by shooting it.
He had been rewarded with a number of precious stones which he had found
had quite an immense value far beyond what he had imagined.  His cousins
said he was a good rider, on an elephant!  It was a most convivial dinner
and I did enquire quietly about Henderson who came from their area. Near
York The younger brother knew the family well and said Henderson was the
only son with three sisters and he would have no prospects of marriage for,
and here the man shrugged his shoulders, "a dolt for a husband is not an
attraction even with money and there is little of that in the offing".  We
did hear some two years later Henderson had taken a fall when descending a
steep bank and had perished after his horse fell on him.

     My father was very pleased for the men were ready to purchase at least
a dozen or so stallions and mares over the next year and discussion turned
once again to bloodlines and character.  Spartacus and Invictus would be in
full demand at stud for these.  That set me thinking.  I had seen both in
action more than once covering mares and had witnessed the withdrawal of
their mighty organs dripping with that white cream which was their
counterpart of what I produced in my nightly issues.  If I had a microscope
of my own I could visit the stable and scoop a drop or two from the straw
under their feet and compare with my own more meagre outpourings!  Perhaps
I might use a portion of the income from my next St Albans rents or the
interest from the Consols to purchase that instrument I desired?  What
differences might I see?  I was brought back from my reverie by my glass
being filled once again.  It was a late night for the men seemed quite
unwilling to forgo another pipe or glass and take the waiting carriage back
to the Varley Arms.  My father's face was a picture when at last we bid
them adieu.  "It is now near midnight and I was in the stable at six this
morning," was his complaint.

     Uncle Dodd looked equally tired.  "But, Sam, think of the golden
shekels raining down like manna even though from York and not Heaven!"

     Both I and Robin were tired as well and I did confess to him my
thoughts about the stallions and the microscope as we lay in bed.  He just
laughed and said he was willing to let me compare him as well.  I made sure
he was capable, as he did me, before we fell into deep and contented sleep.

     The next week or so before the visitors from London would descend on
us was filled with such things as swimming in the pool by the river and
rides out to see the rails now almost completely laid for the railway.  The
platform for the halt with a sheltered room behind was being constructed by
carpenters from the village.  We found there had to be exact measurements
for the distance between the side of the railway carriage and the edge of
the platform.  We heard that damage had been done elsewhere where
carelessness had occurred.  A small stable was also planned beside the side
rails and the railway engineer told us how a system of points and levers
would be installed to change the direction of the engine and carriages to
and from those side rails.  What were called 'signal boxes' were also being
constructed wherever there was a station or halt.  Wires to take a current
of electricity between them were to be installed with a telegraph apparatus
in each to receive and send messages.  I wondered if these could be used
privately to send messages between, say, our halt and the main London
station where the result could be delivered quickly to Uncle Digby.  If
messages could be sent over such distances by electricity what might become
of the mail?  That was something to discuss with Aubrey Bayes and in Mr
Ridley's classes again.  I remembered Megson's dismissal of such ideas
after Winstanley's demonstration but it seemed to be more than possible
now.

     As my father had spoken of the building of the halt one night at
dinner I mentioned that workers would be needed to man the station and
operate the mechanisms for setting the rails.  He said he knew that several
of the younger men would desire such employment and it would be no
different from those who had left farms or the stables, like the Barker
brothers for the Army, for there were always other youngsters who needed
work as they grew to age.  As far as he was concerned if a family ceased
employment with him their cottage would not be forfeit if they paid a just
rent.  I told Rowley of this and he was much relieved and within a
six-month had become the proud master of the halt with uniform and cap and
two lads to assist him.

     So the day approached when the visitors would arrive.  My mother said
she was not sure of the numbers but beds had been prepared to accommodate a
horde.  There were three carriages as before with a smaller conveyance
bringing up the rear.  One, as usual, had just my Aunt Fanny and her maid,
the other two, as well as laden with chests and baskets held Jabez and
Mehmet, Paolo and Karem and Antonio and Carlo.  The small conveyance was
the curricle driven by Jacobson with Philip Goodhew and John Harrison in
colourful attire laughing and waving quite unnecessary riding crops.  My
father was waiting with us as the caravanserai reached the forecourt of the
Hall and the six lads descended and stood in a row with Philip and John
still sitting looking quite smug.  I wondered what his greeting would be
this time. We had had the ladies' tea party and a quiet 'Are you hungry?'.
I did not know but he was holding a handbell behind his back.  Before even
the door of my aunt's carriage was open he held up the bell and rang it.
"Farewell, farewell!" he called out.  "I hope your journey back to London
will be pleasant and speedy!"

      My aunt's head appeared from the window of the door of her coach.
"Sam Browning, do be quiet!" she called out.  "Come and help me, my skirt
is caught on the handle of a basket!"

     My father had been bested!  There were heaving chests all round as my
father went and disentangled my aunt and kissed her as he handed her down.
"I suppose you must all stay now," he said.  My aunt led him towards the
line and as one the six bowed their heads and that set my father laughing.
Philip and John had hopped down from their seats and stood and bowed.
"Sir, I have something for you from Sir Digby," Philip said and held up a
wrapped parcel.  "He said you should enjoy at least one a day."  My father
took the gift from him and unwrapped it carefully.  We saw it was a box of
fifty of the finest cigars from some far-off land.  "Please Sir, my father
has added to that," said John Harrison.  He went back to the curricle and
came back with another wicker basket.  That was opened and two flagons of
the best French liqueurs were disclosed.  "There are other things for
Madam," he added.  I was present when the basket for my mother was opened
and a display of the most exotic sweetmeats was revealed.

     Though it would provide more gossip Jabez and Mehmet were not
accommodated with Jabez's father and mother but had a room here in Careby
Hall though Philip and John went to the Goodhews.  The other four also had
rooms in the Hall.  Karem and Paolo were together in one with Antonio and
Carlo in a second.  As before, meals would be in the breakfast room for
them unless specially invited to the diningroom.

     The youngsters were somewhat disconcerted that Jacob and Daniel were
not here, nor was Timmy.  We said there were plans to visit Cambridge and
they would be reunited there.

     There was much news that evening at a dinner which the Dodds also
attended.  We heard from Aunt Fanny of the infants belonging to the family,
Amelia Elizabeth was growing fast and young Arthur Lascelles-Wright was
thriving.  Uncle Digby had promised that as soon as the railway was
complete he would make the journey to Careby.  There was great news of
Freddy Neville.  He was lodged at the moment with Mr Bennett for he was
taking the lad to Birmingham at the end of August.  Dr Mendelssohn would be
there for the Music Festival where he would be conducting his new oratorio
Elijah.  It was promised that Freddy would meet the illustrious composer
and had learned several of his compositions to play if asked.  We were told
that George was a constant visitor to Charles Street and amused all with
his tales of making mistakes in giving orders and having to rely on Caleb
Bottom to put things right.  My Uncle Billy was in much demand at the
Palace for ceremonial duties and my new aunt, Mary, was called on
constantly as a Lady-in-Waiting to assist the Queen who was much engaged
with her young children.

     After such a miserable winter and spring the summer proved to be
mainly hot and sunny.  With so many in residence at Careby a carriage took
some whenever we made an excursion while the rest had mounts.  The pool by
the river proved to be very popular again and pink bodies turned brown in
the sun as we swam and lazed.  It was most noticeable that all the boys
were growing fast.  Carlo and Antonio darkened easily and their luxuriant
curly locks topped sturdy bodies with Carlo displaying an uncurled snail
which hardened whenever he was held and ducked in the pool.  He had the
beginnings of the black bush his brother Paolo sported above his thick peg.
Dear Jabez had finished his growth and had to take care his lengthy weapon
did not stiffen or, as Robin remarked, someone would have their eye poked
out!

     I did manage to corner Jabez when he was alone for Philip had asked
Mehmet if he might draw him sitting by the river.  I was quite
straightforward and told Jabez of the overheard conversation between
Cawston and his friend.  He said he knew of the club which was frequented
by a number of the men who visited the Baths.  It was next door to a well-
known establishment known as a 'Molly House'.  What went on there was
highly illegal and others like it had been raided by the constables with
many arrested.  He thought this had not occurred so far for this place as
it was reputed to be the haunt of members of the nobility and even of
royalty.  I was rather aghast at this.  I dare not ask more for he said it
was regularly under surveillance for at least two of the habitu‚es had
been blackmailed over their attendance there and Uncle Digby's expertise
had been called upon to apprehend those involved in the threats.  He did
laugh after I mentioned the description of the prodigious appendage on one
of the participants in the tableau.  He said he probably matched that but
he could assure me he was not involved in such displays!  He was interested
when I said that young soldiers and post boys were involved.  He nodded
when I said that.  "That is so, two of the troopers were recently
dismissed."  He smiled and leaned toward me.  "They were sent to the
surgeon for a certain complaint behind and he said it was not through
riding their proper mounts but for being mounted improperly."  He shook his
head.  "I cannot blame them.  They have little pay but it is better than
what they would obtain as horsemen on a farm." He sniggered.  "I hear they
are employed fully at that place now and eat standing up."

     I admit I smiled at that and wondered silently if it might be Robin's
and my fate.  I mean the standing up, not the employment!

     I was even bolder then and asked of his journey to France.  He was
quite open and said he and Mr Purrett had delivered documents and arrests
had been made.  He made a slicing movement against the back of his neck and
I winced.  I did not ask more about that for he then went on to say they
had visited the Comte who had welcomed them most warmly.  Lancelot had sent
a letter of introduction for them but it was not needed.  The Comte had
immediately sent for them when they had made themselves known at the H"tel
de Roanne.  They had been wined and dined and there were at least three
more footmen who with the others entertained them after their dinner with
good music.  "If your father was so minded and did the same I would learn
the kettle-drum and beat it soundly."  My response was that he was
well-practised in beating something soundly and it wasn't a kettle-drum.
His response was most unkind and not the behaviour of a good servant as I
was held firmly, turned over and my arse was played like the drum!  I might
be seventeen and growing but Jabez had been given instruction by Mehmet
with the weights he used for exercise and had more muscles than me!  I was
not hurt: neither my arse nor my pride.  In fact, Jabez complimented me on
my growth for that stinging slap or two on my rear had a most definite
effect on my front!  Perhaps I should visit that place again and experience
a beating!  No!!  I also heard that on both the journey to Paris and on the
way back they had stayed with the Johnsons at Coquelles.

     Plans were made for the visit to Cambridge.  Lancelot was determined
to accompany us and was put in charge of all the arrangements.  Though he
would be accommodated in St Mark's the rest of us would be in the
rooming-house as before.  Two carriages were made ready, for it was decided
none of us would be riding there.  It was an easy journey and after passing
through Peterborough we stayed at a commodious inn, the George, at Ramsey
for the night before arriving in Cambridge the next day.  There was much to
gape at and we had three days at our disposal.  Jabez was in charge of all
the youngsters as he had visited the town once before and averred he would
not get lost!  First though we had to see Timmy and the choristers.  Mr
Mead was most amused when all arrived at the apothecary's establishment
near the market place.  It was arranged that as the next day was Wednesday
and the shop closed for the afternoon Timmy and Jeremy would join us by the
river Cam where we would try our hands at punting.  I had a letter for Mr
Mead from his brother in Careby so was able to talk to him privately.  He
was full of praise for the facility with which Timmy was learning the art.
He said he was already quite adept in mixing potions and preparing pills
under his instruction.  He forecast a good future for the boy.  At the end
of his apprenticeship Timmy could study more and obtain the Licentiateship
of the Society of Apothecary's.  Mr Mead explained that all those who were
in that profession were required by law to acquire that qualification,
which he had done.  He said it was equivalent to being a general
practitioner of medicine and some styled themselves with the honorary title
of Doctor.  He said he was often consulted by Doctors such as Lancelot
about materia medica, that is the herbs and mixtures which the doctors
prescribed but often did not know how to prepare them.

     Our next visit was to meet Lancelot at St Mark's.  There was much
screeching and hugging when the imps spied their friends Jacob and Daniel
now in neat black tailcoats, short gowns and top hats.  They would be
staying in the Choir School during the vacation with four others for there
was always a demand for singing boys in the grand houses round about.
These were two more boys who were destined for an assured life, as their
master told Lancelot.  He was certain with their present attention to their
studies they would be ready to matriculate at an appropriate age and join
the College as full students.  There would be Exhibitions and Scholarships
available to pay for their keep and tuition, together with what the
Government had promised them!

     With Lancelot and Jabez in charge of the youngsters and desirous of
seeing the river, Robin and I went to the Chapel to meet Dr Powis again.
Robin said he would apply to become the Servant of the Chapel and this
decision was met with smiles.  "I think there will be no problem with that
application," he said.  "I am not breaking any confidences when I say we
will be well rid of the present incumbent, for he thinks one service a day
is sufficient as any more would interfere with his enjoyment of hunting
with the Beagles and shooting at ducks on the fens."  Robin assured him he
was not interested in either of those two activities.

     I was asked again if I would consider helping by playing the organ at
times.  I agreed that I would and, as Doctor Powis was to take tea with the
Master, we went with him to the Lodge.  I would never have believed the
stench in that fine house when the front door was opened to us by a
liveried servant.  Dr Powis turned to us as we entered.  "It is better in
the kitchen!" he whispered.  We saw that not only were there cages with
ferrets, at least six of these, and one with a badger, but an assortment of
dead fowl, pheasants, partridges, rooks, pigeons and duck all in various
stages of decay hanging from hooks along the wall interspersed by fine
engravings in frames.  We had to step carefully as there were dog turds
ingrained or scattered on the carpet leading from the door.  Two terriers
came scampering along when a door at the end of the passage way opened.
"Knott, catch those two little buggers!" came a most imperious shout.  The
servant must have been well-accustomed to 'catching little buggers' for he
bent down and scooped up both but not before one had lifted its leg against
a wooden chest and squirted a small stream of yellow piss.

     Dr Powis preceded us into a most impressive room.  The stench followed
us and was not much better in here.  We were beckoned in by a corpulent man
of medium height arrayed in an old-fashioned suit which had once been of
good black cloth but was now worn and frayed at the cuffs and lacked
buttons.  Over this he had a scholar's gown which must have been black in
its youth but was now almost green with age.  He had a clergyman's bands at
his throat for I knew that to be a Master of a College, or even a Fellow,
Holy Orders had to be taken.

     The door closed behind us and three more terriers scampered about and
were joined by the two now set down by the servant.  The corpulent man
surveyed us.

     "Master," Dr Powis said, "May I present two prospective students,
Master Thomas Browning and Master Robin Goodhew.  Master Goodhew is
desirous of being the next Servant of the Chapel..."

     "...Better than the rascal we have now, eh?" the Master interjected
before Dr Powis could continue.  "Thinks himself a fine sportsman, eh?
We'll have Davis ordain him and send him off to the Colonies if I have my
way!"  He laughed and looked at Robin over the top of the spectacles he was
wearing perched on his snub nose.  "You have your eye on a Bishopric I
suppose?"  I think both Robin and I had detected a twinkle in his eyes.

     "No, Sir, I do not aspire to that but perhaps to follow in the
footsteps of Sir Isaac Newton in that fine picture there."  Robin pointed
to the depiction of Newton with compasses painted by Mr Blake.  It was
displayed over the very ornamented mantle of the fireplace.

     "A mathematician, eh?  Never got a grip on that past Pythagoras
myself."  He looked at Robin then at the picture.  "Blake, eh?  Quite mad!"
He turned to Robin again.  "Do you row?"

     "No, sir, but I have heard from Dr Dodd it is of considerable
importance in the College."

     The Master nodded.  His brow furrowed.  "Dodd..., is that Alfred
Dodd?" he asked.

     Robin nodded.  "Sir, that is his name."

     There was a rumble of laughter from the Master.  "We rowed together
and he was a Fellow here and now we have his son."

     "Dr Dodd is my uncle and Erasmus Dodd is my cousin," I said, then
realised I had been most rude in interrupting.

     The Master turned and looked at me.  "And you are not twins?"  He had
seen the likeness between us and both of us were wearing our same-coloured
brown suits.

     I thought it had better be said.  "No, sir, I am his uncle."

     There was another rumble of laughter and I heard a snort from Dr
Powis.

     The Master held up his hand.  "Enough said.  Young Dodd told me some
tale of his cousin and nephew wishing to come to this College."  His
attention was now turned to me.  "And what would you wish to read?"

     "I would wish to become a physician," I said quietly.

     "Excellent.  We have a new Fellow in Medicine."  Another burst of
laughter.  "Dr Quick and I do not wish to hear that jest again."

     I looked at Robin and he was trying hard not to laugh.  A doctor with
that name.  The quick and the dead!  Poor man!

     The Master turned to Dr Powis.  "I think we might allow these fellows
into our hallowed walls, eh?"  Dr Powis was nodding.  "Shan't find out what
you know today but if my friend Alfred recommends you, young uncle and
nephew, you shall have places here."  He looked over at the liveried
servant and held up a finger.  "Knott, take them to the kitchen and see
what Cook may have hiding in that pantry of his."

     We bowed our heads both to him and Dr Powis, whose lips were
twitching, and followed Knott from the room.  The dogs did not attempt to
follow us but gathered round the Master's feet.

     As the door closed behind us Knott breathed out.  "Have to hold my
breath in there," he said.  Both Robin and I sniggered.  "It can only get
worse," Knott said, "There are four more pups in the outhouse."  We could
not comment as he led us into a commodious and very clean kitchen.  A
delicious smell of freshly baked bread and pastries was in the air.
"George!" he called out, "Master's orders.  Two to be fed!"  He turned to
us and grinned.  "Do not take it amiss if I do not bow and scrape.  High or
low, I've seen them all and I judge you're not partial to great ceremony."
He looked towards an open door.  "George! Where are you?"

     A small quite ancient man wearing a voluminous white apron came out of
the room beyond the door.  He was carrying a metal tray of most
appetising-looking pastries.  "Heard you the first time, young Knott."  He
peered at us.  "You ain't with us yet?"  We shook our heads.  He
sniffed. "No dog-shit on your feet?"  We held our feet up for inspection.
All were clean.  He held the tray out to us.  "Take your pick and never
bring dogs nor dog-shit into my kitchen!"

     We thanked him and tried the most delectable pastries.  I think they
surpassed Mrs Gray's best and were equal to those produced by Signor
Bartoli.  Would we be fed like this as students?  No doubt we would find
the answer to that when we arrived here.  While we were eating Robin
explained who we were to the amusement of both.  Knott knew Lancelot for he
had been his gyp, or servant, when Lancelot was a student.  Knott said he
had seen him arrive today but had not spoken to him.  He had been fifteen
when Lancelot first came as a student and was now thirty-three.  From his
remarks I knew there was a friendship there.  I also realised College
servants were not to be bandied with!  High or low made no difference!
They nodded when we said the Reverend Erasmus Dodd was our relation, too.
He must have been acceptable to them for no disparaging remarks were made
though we heard that another Fellow was complaining about the standard of
the port at High Table.  There was a sotto voce 'Stupid old bugger' from
George as Knott related that.

     We had to excuse ourselves for we had abandoned Dr Powis and we had to
find the rest of our group.  Knott said not to worry as he would tell Dr
Powis for he and the Master would be talking together for the next hour
with tea being served.  We had told the pair about the choirboys and George
said he often baked a special batch of pastries for all of them, some
sixteen we gathered, for his own son had been in the choir and was now a
teacher of music in Bury St Edmunds.  He wrapped several of those left on
the tray in paper and said we should give them to the boys.  As we left
them he raised a finger and smiled. "Remember, no dogs or..." He left the
rest unsaid.

     We found Lancelot and the others sitting on the bank of the river
watching two punts being manoeuvred past each other much too close to the
other bank.  Luckily there was not a mishap though there were shouts
between the two young men with the poles.  The pastries were distributed
and I said to Lancelot that we had met someone called Knott who knew him.

      "That must be William."  He laughed.  "We did not dare call him Billy
or Will, even though he was younger than us."  Lancelot pointed to the
punts.  "I do not think we will venture on those today.  I see there are
mischievous lads who delight in grabbing at the poles when unwary punters
are passing under that bridge and I think there will be a calamity in a
moment or two."  We watched as the punts separated and the young men with
the poles tried to beat each other in speed towards the bridge.  There was
a splash, then another.  Both young men had landed in the water when their
poles were grasped by laughing hobble-de- hoys who rushed away.  Our boys
were both amused and concerned.  Both the bedraggled punters gained the
bank and we heard their shouts calling down all manner of retribution on
the miscreants. I hoped our lads would not repeat such curses as 'I'll cut
your bloody ballocks off!' or 'You'll get this fucking pole shoved up your
shitty arse!'.  Luckily by then Lancelot was ready to gather us all up to
make our way back to the Choir School for the boys were engaged for that
evening to sing at a house on the Trumpington Road.

     Our stay in Cambridge was made even more delightful for the next day
we were all taken in the carriages to Ely.  Both Timmy and Jeremy Mead
joined us for they were allowed a complete day off from work.  Lancelot
knew one of the clergy who had been a student at St Mark's with him and he
showed us the inside of the vast cathedral and the ruined cloisters
outside.  This was another place where the Puritans had destroyed much.
Angel heads had been knocked off the bodies as being idolatrous and it was
only bravery on the part of the clergy that stained glass had not been
broken.  We saw the Bishop's Palace opposite the main door and Jabez said
it would be a suitable residence for me if I was minded to be a clergyman
instead of a physician and he would not mind being a butler in charge.
There was a fine inn by the river where we had a pleasant and substantial
late luncheon before we returned to Cambridge where Lancelot had arranged
an evening meal for us in an eating-house.  We all felt well-fed and
contented that day!

     We bid farewell to Timmy and the choirboys after spending the next day
exploring other Colleges and the market-place where more sweetmeats were
purchased for the boys being left behind.  Lancelot asked Robin and me if
we could see ourselves as students at St Mark's for our three years.  We
both nodded and I said the quietness of the place impressed me.  He laughed
and said I had seen it without the multitude of students around.  Wait and
see!

     Our summer holiday soon came to an end and the visitors from London
would be departing for that place soon after we left for our final year at
Ashbourne.  Mr Corsham the tailor from Stamford had visited and measured us
for our final new suits for School.  He had been most complimentary on the
tailoring of the ones we had made for us in London and took note of details
such as numbers and style of buttons and slopes of pocket flaps.  Thus we
were ready packed if not quite raring to go!
     Our arrival at Ashbourne was just as we had experienced before except
for one thing.  There were letters awaiting us from Mr Ridley requesting
our presence as soon as possible.  Were we to be stripped of our positions
of Praepostors?  Had we committed some grave errors of judgement or of
discipline?  We knew from Mr Pretyman's remarks after the night of
celebration that he had heard some extra fine singing of 'Hearts of Oak'
well after his charges had been put to bed and they were kept awake.
Nothing for it.  We went down quickly to the washroom and got rid of the
dust and smell of the journey with the hot water simmering in the copper.
On returning to our room, just with towels wrapped round us, we found our
chests had been brought up.  These were opened and we donned our new suits
and retrieved our gowns and our mortar-boards from the cupboard where we
had left them.  Now, would they be demanded back?

     It was near five o'clock when we approached the front door of Mr
Ridley's house.  Barney must have been keeping a watchful eye for the door
was opened before we even knocked.  He bowed his head.  "Sirs, follow me,
please.  Mr Ridley is in his study."  We were announced and stood before
him as he sat in his chair behind his desk.

     He looked up from the book he had in front of him.  "Why the doleful
looks.  Are you not pleased to have returned here?"

     I think we both smiled then.  He looked at us keenly.

     "I have to ask a great favour of you both..."  What was this?  Did he
want our Spartan garb returned?  "...There has been discussion between
members of the staff and it has been decided..."  Who had we crossed?  Mr
Martin must have reported back that neither of us wished to take Holy
Orders.  Had I transgressed at the end of a service when I had forgotten to
bring the piece I meant to play and let my fingers stray over the keys with
an invention that was too near "Sweet Polly Oliver"?  I know Mr Skrimshire
had smiled but the Reverend Trevelyan had screwed up his face.  My
attention returned.  "...Yes, it has been decided to ask you to share the
position of Head Praepostor for the School."  We both stared at him as he
smiled.  "It was decided that it would be too difficult for anyone to
distinguish between you.  Do you accept?"  We glanced at each other.  "Do
you?" the question came again.

     "Sir," we said together, no distinguishing there.  "It is a great
honour," again said almost simultaneously.  "Yes, Sir," we managed that
together.

     He stood and came round to us bearing the light blue ribands with the
Head Praepostor's badge of office hanging from them.  He handed them to us.

     "You may crown yourselves as the Emperor Napoleon did.  It would be
invidious of me to choose one before the other!"  He laughed as we turned
and we each placed the ribands about the other's neck.  We both smiled.  A
smile of love for each other having this great accolade of trust placed on
us.

     "Now then, my wife expects you for tea!"

     Our reverie was broken!

     Barney led us to the parlour.  As he opened the door and before we
could be announced the parrot hopped about on its perch.  "Look at the
pretty boys! Tan their arses!  Tan their arses!"

To be continued:


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