Tom Browning's Schooldays

Tom Browning's Schooldays

By

Joel

Chapter Thirty One

Morning came all too soon. My faithful servant Jabez woke me gently and said he had just heard the church bell chime six. There were two pitchers on the hearth which were being warmed by the fire. The jakes was a necessary first step and then a quick wash before I dressed in my riding clothes. I noted my jerkin had been brushed and the leather slightly oiled to make it waterproof again. I put on a good linen shirt over a woollen one as I expected it to be cold in this January weather. We had a good three days riding ahead of us so I must be warm. I had noted that my saddle had not caused me to ache after my ride out on Blaze. But three days on horseback might be a different case. However, I would be seeing my Robin and I was sure any aches and pains would soon diminish in his company.

As I looked around at the bags, with a hamper to be filled with my new clothes and all the books, I just hoped there would be room in the coach with my mother and Maria. There would be all the things which I knew my mother had bought for herself, too. I had placed my purse with almost all my money in my apothecary's box. As I checked the lid was secure Jabez handed me a small phial to add to the others. "Mehmet said this was a gift from him and Karem," he said with a smile, "It is a little of that Oil of Neroli he used on you and your friend. Please keep it safe and think of them when you use it." That was a real act of kindness and I urged him to thank them and say I would see them both when I returned to London.

Before I left the room I tried to press on Jabez three guineas as a recompense and heartfelt gift for his friendship. He refused the sum but I did make sure a guinea piece was dropped into a pocket. He smiled and said it was recompense enough for me to be 'Just Tom' as I had been for so long in his life. He did ask me to carry a small parcel in my saddlebag. It contained a letter to his mother and a sum of money from his wages with some small trinkets he had bought for her. "I miss my mother," he said, "But I am happy here and I write each week when able. I want to meet young Timmy and with all good fortune I will be home to see her and my father in the summer."

I asked that he should write to me at Ashbourne if there was news of Black Jack. He said he had my guinea which would pay for many letters but I was adamant he should buy himself anything he wanted with most of that as letters only cost a penny or two in the mail.

I was ready to depart but first we hugged and exchanged really fond kisses of friendship. He picked up my saddlebags and followed me down the stairs. He said he would take them to the mews ready for them to be attached to Blaze's saddle. He murmured that he would have to hurry as he had to assist in the breakfast room after. I nodded and smiled at his grumbling as I was ready for my breakfast and it was just Jabez as I knew him. Paolo was already in the breakfast room by the serving dishes and we greeted each other cordially. I watched as he served me a good plateful of fried eggs, bacon and kidneys.

Just as I was about to pick up my knife and fork my father came in. "Good! You are up and ready, eh?" I didn't get a chance to reply for he was nodding to Paolo as he filled a heaped plate with an assortment which more than matched mine. "You played well yesterday," he said as he sat down opposite me, "Made me proud." That was more than praise. I thanked him and said I always tried my best. "Yes, with that tongue of yours as well!" I was then asked my opinion of the Soir£Æ. I said I had never before experienced such artistry and fervently wished to hear more. He nodded. "I may be only a country lad but I can enjoy good things like that, too. I felt quite uplifted especially with the Beethoven. Something like that raises the spirits."

We were interrupted by the entry of both my brother Torquil and Jabez. Torquil threw off his riding cloak to be caught by Jabez who was standing by the door. His hat was next and Jabez took his crop as well. He looked like a hatstand in the hallway. There was a muttered instruction and Jabez hurried out. Torquil flopped onto an empty chair. "Hello, father, are you ready for the ride?" He sounded more than cheerful. Then he glanced at me and winked. "Had to sound lively or the old fellow would give me a cut with his tongue."

Father just stared at him, then nodded but said nothing. I smiled. "I have been accused already this morning of having a ready tongue," I said, "But as you see we are both prepared except we haven't finished eating this very fine breakfast."

"Then I shall join you." He held up a finger and pointed to the array of dishes. "I am at your command, young Paolo. I left the barracks too early for anything more than a dish of porridge. Fill me up!"

If father and I had substantial platefuls then Torquil outdid us. He asked our father which route we would be taking. He got a grunt. "The shortest and fastest," was the curt reply, "I have no business on the way, just things to discuss. And I am glad you are in such good spirits for it will be a cold ride."

"The road to Barnet Gate is good, so I am told, even in this icy weather," said Torquil, "We could then try for Biggleswade or even St Neots before evening. Our Quartermaster says that route is well-travelled and the road is clear of snow."

Our father nodded. "I am glad to have the aid of the military. Last time I heard they were having difficulty retrieving their wagons from the bogs on some plain in the West country. There are no bogs or marshes on this route I hope!"

"Father, I am trying to be some help. That story is mostly made-up to embarrass the Colonel who was in charge. He would not take advice like all good commanders should from the natives."

My father laughed. "Natives! The inhabitants of good English villages compared with the denizens of some African or Indian tribal place!"

"Father, stop being obtuse. You know exactly what I mean. You are a native of Careby."

My turn to set up father. "That is correct," I chimed in, "'Native' is derived from 'natus', to have been born. You were born there, ergo, you are a native of that place."

Father waved his fork at me. "I'll 'ergo' you! The first bog we find will have a new inhabitant and you can spout your Latin crying 'succurrite! succurrite! ecce me!'" There was a look of triumph on his face. "Your old father hasn't forgotten his days at Stamford Grammar School!"

There was a suppressed giggle from Paolo.

"Now eat up the pair of you or we won't even be at Barnet Gate by midnight!" Our father was in a good mood!

We set to and our plates were soon empty. Two good dishes of that odd-tasting tea washed it all down for me. I hoped father would allow a stop for a much needed piss at some time.

The three of us went to Uncle Digby's study where he was sitting wearing a good thick dressing gown and reading a newssheet. After father had greeted his brother-in-law I thanked him for having me to stay and for all the kindnesses he and Aunt Fanny had shown to me. He said I was welcome to come to Charles Street at any time and he would welcome a letter or two to tell him how I was progressing at Ashbourne. Torquil was shaken by the hand and wished well and told that he had made a good choice in his bride-to-be. "Do not delay the marriage" was the command. Torquil then said that James was arranging matters. Oh, that meant another visit to London as it sounded as if the ceremony might occur at rather an important location!

After bidding Uncle farewell we collected all our outer clothing and, arrayed against whatever weather, we walked out to the mews. With Mr Churcher in charge, Natty, Rowley, Gregson and the boy William were there with all our mounts. Standing together were the two brothers, Jabez and Caleb. Caleb was in ordinary riding clothes and a fine cloak. I went over to greet him and said how much I had been impressed by the parade. He said he was looking forward to the ride home. Poor Jabez looked a bit sad at that. Caleb was by his mount which I saw was a good bay gelding. Of course, Blaze was glad to see me and I got nuzzled as I stroked his head. Father was looking over his mount whose name I could never remember. It was one of a string of three or four always ready for him at Careby and chosen as he fancied.

The big surprise was Torquil's mount. And it was big! It was the huge black stallion that Uncle Billy had ridden at the parade. I was always wary of getting too close to any of ours at Careby that I did not know. Stallions could be fractious with any sudden movement, or for seemingly no reason at all. The grooms said it was 'all in the cods' as our geldings were almost always much more even-tempered. But I had noted if a horse was well- schooled, be it stallion, mare or gelding, then, unless they were stubborn or ill-tempered by nature, they were responsive to good and careful handling. Torquil's mount showed he had been well-schooled. The young lad William was holding his leading rein and was stroking his muzzle and talking to him in the same way I did to my Blaze. The massive beast responded to him as Blaze did to me by moving his head and snuffling quietly. It was also noticeable that the two geldings, Blaze and Natty's Kerry, were not as unfriendly as they had been to the grey stallions we had brought to London. Father's stallion was more restive. A rival had been scented! But even he quietened to Gregson's expert touch.

Saddlebags were safely attached. I thanked Gregson for driving me in the chaise and asked him to thank Jacobson as well. Mr Churcher said he hoped I had enjoyed my stay and there would always be a conveyance here for visiting. Rowley would be in charge of driving my mother back to Careby so got a waved 'goodbye' as did Jabez who stood outside the stables as we rode out on our journey home. I had much to remember and think about from just those few days.

I rode with Natty as father and Torquil were intent on discussing obviously weighty matters and Caleb brought up the rear, keeping an eye out for highwaymen, he said, I hoped jestingly. So, after Natty had enthused about his whole stay in London, I asked him about his visit to the British Museum. He was ecstatic about it. He and William had met Aubrey Bayes as soon as they had arrived in the carriage at the gates to the museum forecourt. The journey had also been an experience. They had actually ridden inside a carriage all that way and were to be picked up again at twelve o'clock as if they were young gentry. Natty did say the carriage was old and more than the door needed repairing but it was something 'a boy like him' couldn't imagine. Aubrey was a gentleman, according to Natty, and they saw as much as possible.

I heard descriptions of things I had never seen but Natty was so precise and clear it was as if I had been there, too. They had started with the discoveries made in Egypt. Natty knew exactly where that was as they had been shown a map. He said the Nile was the longest river, even more than the Thames which we had seen from the Tower of London. It had terrible creatures in it called crocodiles which they were told could snap you in half with their powerful jaws. He described how the old Egyptians had wrapped their dead up with strips of linen after taking out their innards. After the bodies had dried they were put into big wooden coffins which were decorated with painted faces and small pictures of people and things. "Those old shrivelled things were mummies the man said who showed us them in one room. He said they were not all ladies as must people thought 'cause of that name but was 'cause they were mummified which was the name of the things done to them. I learned a lot, didn't I?" I had to agree. He knew more than me, though Lancelot had talked about the process of embalming I hadn't seen what was in the museum.

"There were jars as well which the man said held the bits they took out of people. Must be old and rotten now I thought but your friend, that Master Aubrey, said they had special oils or something which kept them proper. Had to believe him as they didn't open any."

I said I knew one could preserve fruits and vegetables for the winter by cooking them and sealing them in jars but I hadn't known about those sorts of urns.

"Those old 'Gyptians' did cats and birds as well," he went on, "All wrapped up but you could see they were cats. They were sacred the man said, and they probably worshipped them. Don't know if I liked that. That's in the Bible isn't it 'bowing down to false images'."

I didn't know Natty was so aware of the Bible. He, of course, like most of the villagers who were not Dissenters attended our church and heard the Bible read each Sunday. It was then made clear. "My mother reads the Bible to us every evening," he explained, "Mr Hine gave her a good copy when she had been in service there ten years. I was a babe then and that's the first thing I remember is my mother reading the story when Jesus was born. I musta been about four and I remember that as if 'twere yesterday."

Again, I was being made aware of things. Natty was not just a country bumpkin but had taken in teachings and was able to tell me exactly what he had seen. I thought of Uncle Digby and his emphasis on looking and learning.

"Those Egyptians lived before Jesus was born so had different ideas," I said, "You know the story of Moses who led the Hebrews out of Egypt, don't you?"

"That I do," he said nodding his head, "That made me think about all those people in the Bible and all the ones after Moses so you could count back from Jesus to them if you guessed how long they lived, couldn't you? That means you could tell when those Egyptians were making those old mummies. That's right, isn't it?"

I hadn't thought of that. I knew there was some old clergyman who had once said he could tell when Adam lived. Here was Natty doing the same thing, but just back to Moses and the Egyptians.

"I must think about that," I said, "We had better talk to my Uncle Dodd and see what he says."

Natty laughed. "The Rector said I was to try harder with my reading and I have. That Gregson lent me a good primer and I finished all of that while I've been in London and I helped William as well. Those gas lamps are better than candles at night and Mr Churcher said we could sit by the fire but not to stay up too late." He sighed. "If I were better minded I would like to see more and understand those old Egyptians. Master Aubrey explained they did their writing with those pictures we saw and it ain't long back since some Frenchman worked out what it all meant. I wish I could do suchlike and find out interesting things."

I wondered at that and could not think of a good answer. Natty was no dullard and yet if not given such opportunities open to me, and now to Robin, he would languish in his intellect. If he came with me to Ashbourne there might be occasion to help him.

I complimented Natty then on the very good and practical neckerchief he was wearing. He laughed. "It is a gift from that boy William and I gave him one, too. There was a good shop near that Museum and we both had a bit of money so we thought it would be good to have something for ourselves. I chose his and he picked this one." He shook his head. "He's a good boy and has had a hard life." I had heard of the dreadful circumstance of his arrival on Aunt Fanny's doorsteps and wondered what retribution could be settled on that heartless man. No! Not a man, but some lower creature even though he probably had wealth and used his affluence wickedly. All I could say was that William was in a good position now and if he worked hard he would succeed. In what, though? Were we all set in particular paths in life? I knew from what Uncle Dodd had explained to Robin and me that many believed in predestination, not only in relation to our souls, but that people were placed in a station of life which was preordained for them. More to think about! I was glad I could express my thoughts to Uncle Dodd and now in those classes with Mr Ridley.

By this time we were making good progress out of London. We had seen the signposts pointing the road to Barnet and the first one said 7 miles, so with good riding we would be there in just over an hour. There were many carts and riders coming in so I was glad we did not have a conveyance to drive against the throng. At least the road was good and other than having to skirt round carts which had broken down we were making good time.

Father said as we went up Barnet Hill towards the church that we would press on to take advantage of the reasonable weather. If the boys, meaning me and Natty, could stand the pace Codicote might be reached for luncheon as there was a recommended inn there. We did stop before then as all needed a good piss and to stretch our legs. I was used to my saddle now and I felt I was riding well.

The inn we found was well set up and we managed some game pie and a flagon of good ale before we set off again. As the road was quieter Natty and I rode either side of Caleb as father and Torquil were still deep in conversation. Caleb told us something about his life as a trooper. He said that he was kept very busy not only with the training and the schooling of the horses but also as personal servant or valet to Torquil. I knew the military word for that was 'batman'. He laughed and said as long as he had the correct clothing and equipment always ready he had no trouble except when Torquil in his absent-minded way forget which parade he was supposed to be at. He said he had made few mistakes as my mother had warned him of Torquil's forgetful ways before he took the Queen's shilling.

He said he had served five years now and was very happy with his life as he had made a number of good friends. He said the discipline was strict. Drunkenness and gambling were frowned upon though some of his fellows seemed to get away with having a skinful, as he put it, on a Saturday evening. He said he was hopeful of rising in the ranks because with Torquil's promotion it was in keeping that he should have a Corporal of Horse as his batman. He said he didn't see his brother Jabez very much but he seemed settled.

"Jabez is most content," I said, "He has told me many things about his position and I think my Uncle Digby thinks quite highly of him"

"I am thankful of that," said Caleb with some intensity, "My mother was getting more than a little worried about what might become of him at Careby." He laughed. "He is too big for life in a village, isn't he? My mother confided in your mother and she suggested he might be well-placed in London."

That was something else I didn't know. Jabez was certainly flourishing and I hoped he might keep out of danger. We chatted on and Natty went over his visit to the Museum again much to Caleb's amusement as he repeated two or three times about the mummified cats. Caleb said if any cats were missing in the village from now on he expected Natty would have tried to preserve them for another two thousand years. I don't think Natty really appreciated his leg being pulled. He made it plain he was too fond of his mother's cats to harm them.

I was intrigued by his descriptions of the excavations which had been done in Babylon and Nineveh as both places were mentioned in the Bible. Natty said that because the Museum was still being built only some of the things found could be on display but he wanted to go again especially to see more things from Roman times. That reminded me that young Freddy Neville's father dug up Roman coins and other relics near where he lived in Suffolk. I would have to ask him if he had any his father had found.

We were tiring as the afternoon progressed and went more slowly as the road was icy. Talking came to an end. It was just a cold ride now, and we were a thankful crew as we entered the village of Sandy and the welcoming inn there with food and beds. The horses were taken to the stables and father checked carefully that all were well. The head ostler was very impressed with the horse that Torquil was riding and I heard it explained that it was being kept at stud at our stables until the encampment was over. Judging the size and power of that mount I guessed any of it's progeny would be valuable and in demand.

There was a substantial stew with boiled potatoes as our hot meal, with mulled ale to drink. Then I was ready for bed. As Torquil said father snored he should sleep alone and I could share with him as long as I didn't snore as well. I gave him the usual brotherly sneer. Caleb and Natty were not cast out to the stables but were to be accommodated in another room. The room we had was well-appointed with a roaring fire and a good feather bed. I sank into that and was asleep within moments, not even having time to ask Torquil what he and our father had been talking about for so long.

A serving-lad woke us in the morning with a tankard of a hot posset which was very tasty. He said he would bring hot water for our wash within a few minutes. The good thing was that there had been no snow in the night though he could not say if the road was better than the day before. As soon as the water arrived we washed and dressed quickly as we knew father wanted to get as far as possible in the daylight. It would take more than the hours of daylight today to reach home and with the early winter darkness we would have to stop again and have the final miles to ride on Sunday.

A breakfast of bacon and hot bread filled us and we were off again soon after seven o'clock. I had noted I wasn't too sore the previous night and my arse wasn't aching very much this morning so I was getting used to my new saddle. We found the road to be quite good in most places but it did show signs of heavy use around St Neots and Brampton some way further on. We had a reasonable luncheon and then pressed on keeping our eyes skinned in case of deep ruts which, when full of ice, could cause a horse to slip. Darkness began to fall and my father said we would stop at the next inn which looked clean. He rejected the one we saw at Norman Cross for good reason. There had been a wedding that afternoon and the two families were in the main room sitting on opposite sides. They were well into drink and already in a mood for a fight.

I was standing by the door waiting with Torquil and heard one stout fellow call across that he'd heard the bridegroom was wanting in length like the rest of his brothers. An even bigger fellow stood and advanced on him shouting that he hoped her quinny was big enough to house the monster which would make her squeal like the fat sow she was! Father strode out, even before approaching the landlord. He was followed by his two laughing sons and we set off again. Luckily a good house was found not far on at Haddon by the river.

I was not so tired as the previous night so after the evening meal and preparing for bed I was able to talk at some length with Torquil.

I asked him about his mount. I found that Uncle Billy had acquired it from a German princeling who was short of ready money having gambled rather recklessly on his way to England. The horse had a German name but Uncle Billy called it Phinn, which Torquil carefully said was spelled with a 'Ph' at the beginning. This made me laugh at a memory so I asked Torquil if this was short for Phineas, who had been King of Thrace.

"How do I know such things, brother dear, for all I expect you do," said Torquil as he swatted me with his shirt he had just taken off.

I asked if he had learned nothing at Ashbourne and got another swat.

"I think it is a jest," I said, "Phineas was captured and bound. He was then set food which he could not reach as a punishment. The Harpies flew down and stole it from him. Uncle Billy said at the Ball that he was pursued by ladies of an uncertain age and I would say he thought of those as Harpies."

Torquil breathed out as if sighing, but he nodded. "Of course, he complains all the time that he is invited to dinners and balls and there is always someone ready to pounce, as he says. I think there is one who might ensnare him. She is a widow of a Colonel who died some two years ago. She is over her mourning as he was rather a wastrel and I have met her and she is a most agreeable lady. She has a place at Court and is very close to Her Majesty as she is much older and quite sensible, not like some of the flibbertigibbets who are pushed forward by scheming mothers. No, I am being unkind, she would not ensnare him but he has to make up his mind."

"Is that the lady who danced with him several times at the Ball?" I asked.

He nodded. "You are an observant young lad. Lady Mary Cornwallis is her name so watch what you say as mother knows her."

I was in a chatty mood and Torquil seemed wide awake, too. Having donned our nightshirts we sat together in bed and drank a beaker of hot rum and water each for which Torquil had called down the stairs. I had much to ask him and started by questioning him about his long conversations with our father.

"Father says I must think of my future," he said with a grimace. "I am to be married and will need somewhere to live. If the regiment returns finally to Canterbury it would mean finding a suitable house there. I will tell you bluntly that Elizabeth does not want to live near her mother and that is something you are not to discuss with that rather handsome brother of hers." He patted my arm. "You and he got on well I noted. He is adored by Elizabeth so I think it is good you are friends." I said I found him to be good company. "Yes, and Robin will be lodged in with him and the other lad."

"Maitland is a fine fellow, too," I said. "Robin knows him as we have ridden out together and he should be a good mentor to Robin." I laughed. "If I know Robin and his ways both Branscombe and Maitland will have to work at their studies much harder."

Torquil nodded. "The more I hear about my son the more he sounds like our father."

That was the first time I had heard Torquil say 'my son'. He had said before that he would act if Robin was not treated correctly but he said 'my son' and that meant so much more.

It was true that in character Robin was like his grandfather. He was upright, true to friends and to all he met and had a droll side to him as well. He was tenacious in all that he thought was right and treated all as being worthy of attention if they were of like mind.

I said that Robin and I had sworn eternal friendship. I was wary of saying of our great love for each other and felt this was a first step to get our families to understand.

"Mother has told me of that friendship and it is something I can only approve of. I must try to show my love as a real and proper father to him. I know that Steven Goodhew could not have been a better father in raising him and I must not interfere but I have much to do to make amends for all the time I have been away."

I said that no doubt Robin would be with me most of the time before we left for school on Monday week. Perhaps we could ride, or even hunt together, so Robin and he could make some progress in taking stock of each other.

"I was only a boy when he was made," Torquil said quietly, "I was sent to the military almost as a punishment I always thought. On the way here father said it wasn't to be thought of as a punishment but a way of making me realise I had a deal of learning still to do if I was to be a proper heir to his estate. I have learned much. How to command and how to take orders. I know how to be a man amongst men, not only as an officer but as someone who can inspire trust. That is more important than anything else. Our Uncle Billy would never have countenanced any action on my part which might have broken the trust my men have in me or I in them." He laughed. "Caleb trusts me enough to tell me when he does not quite approve of something I might do. Our mother's hand was in his enlistment I'm sure. She knew that Margery Bottom was unsure of what path he might take so took advice from Uncle Billy. Caleb has flourished and is the best of men."

I said that Jabez must be like him. That seeming rapscallion in the village was now relied on to take on errands and tasks for our uncle which required courage, cunning and discipline. I did not say I knew of his latest task but, no doubt, Torquil would find out before I did of any outcome.

"I have observed Jabez at a distance when visiting Charles Street," he said, "I know the work Uncle Digby does requires men who have a head for making careful decisions and judgements. I think Jabez will prosper from discussions I have had with Uncle Digby who would not have him there five minutes if he thought him wanting."

"Discussions with Uncle Digby?" I asked, "Are you thinking of joining in his enterprise?"

Torquil gave me a strange look. I assumed it was as he wondered 'what does this boy know?'.

"I know little," I said, "But I have fathomed out that Uncle Digby is engaged in some sort of secret service for the government which in the past has left him crippled but determined to work on."

Torquil gave a snort. "There are some things one does not talk about and one of them is what dealings Uncle has with the government and our friends and enemies amongst the nations. You have observed certain things and have come to correct conclusions but, in the main, my discussions with him are about things military. Uncle Digby has a grasp of military history and strategy which in my experience is unmatched. If he wasn't crippled he would at least match Uncle Billy in rank in any branch of the Army in which he cared to serve. Even so, he is consulted by those whose interests are for the country and not for themselves. That may sound strange but we are ill-served by many who hold a rank above their capabilities or concern."

I hoped I could make proper sense of this. "You mean there are many in command who should not be?"

Torquil grinned at me. "That is correct. I ask you not to discuss these things but, as you know, commissions are bought and sold and many young men are put to a military life even though not suited. They rise in rank and cause havoc." He laughed. "I have heard many stories of how sergeants and corporals have rescued their officers from disasters of their own making either through their stupidity or overweening opinions of themselves, or both! At least Uncle Billy accepts no one for a commission without careful appraisal. One or two may slip through but they do not last."

"My friend George's brother..." I began.

"...The Honourable Geoffrey Lascelles has been scrutinised even more carefully than father will scrutinise Phineas for any defect of body or temperament," Torquil said with a laugh. "If you tell young George what I am telling you then... ...I cannot think what might be done to you."

"As long as I am not circumcised like poor Mehmet and his brother..." Oh, dear, why does my tongue run away at times? I felt my face reddening.

Torquil's chest was heaving. "A just punishment I would say. You must tell me more another time, but you understand about secrecy, don't you?"

I nodded.

"Again, our mother has been involved," he went on, trying to keep a straight face and I knew I would be questioned further, "Uncle Billy asked her to contact our relatives on the Crossley side who know of the Lascelles. Of course, there is a family connection there, too."

I said George had mentioned that on our first meeting but I had never pursued it.

"That connection has been useful as the intelligence came back saying that the Honourable Geoffrey Lascelles was an admirable man. He has served in the local militia and has made his mark as being dedicated to his tasks there and also in the village and on the estate. Uncle Billy has trusted those judgments and Geoffrey will be offered the chance of a commission as Cornet of Horse. He is older than most for that rank but if he takes it willingly and learns his duties and responsibilities like his fellow officers he will be accepted and should gain promotion quite quickly. Uncle Billy will not tolerate a slacker, nor will our Colonels."

I knew little of the regiment but had heard of Colonel Fitzpatrick, whom father had talked about as a good steeplechase rider who always needed good mounts. I had no knowledge of any other Colonel, but I wanted to enquire more about other matters.

"Will Terence join with Uncle Digby?" I asked rather tentatively. I got bolder. "Uncle Digby said I should observe the little things and..."

Torquil was laughing again. "...and my little brother has picked up a hint or two. I do not know. Terence is his own man and would be most suited to be of assistance in whatever concern Uncle Digby might need him. I too have picked up hints but, again, it is something not to be discussed."

I thought I had better leave these rather interesting topics. "What decisions might be made about where you will live?" I asked.

He breathed in and out deeply. "The sooner we are married the better. I have kept Elizabeth waiting too long. I think some solution of accommodation will be the connections Uncle Billy now has with the Palace and those in government. There are plans for two detachments to be stationed permanently at barracks which are being built in Kensington. If so, I should be an officer in charge there as well as aide to Uncle. There are new houses being built around that district so one of those would be suitable. Our main barracks would still be near Canterbury but troopers would serve for periods there and in London."

"But that is not to be discussed either?" I asked.

He nudged me. "Lips are sealed." I think I could keep that secret. "Of course, father then said about the expense. You know about St Albans?"

I said I had visited the part of the estate which father had bought and thought it was good land.

"Yes, and it is to be divided into four as he told you. My portion should provide for household staff but he has other plans, too. He said I should tell you and Terence that he has been offered first refusal on land which the railway company would have bought if they could not find that straighter route. It is another case of a family being rather profligate and not being able to survive with these last few bad harvests as well. They wish to dispose of their entails and emigrate to the Antipodes where land is cheap." He laughed. "Father kept on about some fellow called Grindcobbe who seems to have a finger in every transaction."

I said I had met Mr Grindcobbe who was our lawyer and he was the one who had taken Robin and Philip Goodhew to London.

"That's the fellow. Father wrote to say I should not contact Robin as there was a motive in that journey." I kept silent as another thing fell into place. "That gives me an idea," he said and I got another nudge. What with Branscombe's digs to my ribs and him with his nudges I might be black and blue before I reached home! "That estate is out near South Witham west of Castle Bytham," he continued, "Father says it is a strange place and he thinks it's history goes back to around the Crusades. He said he has hunted around there in the past and there are ruins of old buildings and stories of secret tunnels. He made it sound rather exciting so perhaps we might explore there next week. You, Robin and me!"

That sounded a capital plan and I agreed as I knew the name as it was on the road we took to get to Ashbourne and was less than a day's ride from Careby. I was yawning. I was tired now and we had finished our beakers. I think the rum was helping to make me drowsy, too. Torquil took my beaker from me and said it was time to sleep. If we set out at a reasonable hour in the morning we should be home in the early afternoon.

Sleep I did. Soundly and perfectly. I was quite rested when the serving-lad woke us in the morning. A quick wash was all that was required before we joined my father for breakfast. We were told the fat hog from which the bacon came had been reared in the sty behind the inn. I did not ask if it was related to the bride described at that other inn! However, whether or not that would have made it special was no matter as it was crisp and delectable and, even on a Sunday morning, there was fresh warm bread to mop up the juices.

Our party reassembled. Natty was more lively, as I was today. It had been a long ride yesterday and we had all tired of conversation, except for father! As we set out I thought again of Sir Walter Scott - 'The way was long, the wind was cold'. It was, too. An icy blast was blowing from the East and, though we had stopped at an inn for hot sustenance just before midday, it was with weather-beaten faces and cold hands and feet we arrived at last at Careby Hall.

There was quite a welcome. We parted company with Natty and Caleb as our mounts were led off to the stables and they would be going to their homes. Father said it was good to be back home and Torquil and I followed him into the Hall. Our footmen were around and after we were divested of our outerwear Mr Clements said dinner was arranged for seven o'clock. However, in the mean time he would arrange for good hot drinks and some food for us to be brought to the drawing room. This was strange but when we entered the room there were already three people ensconced before the roaring fire with Benjy and Timmy serving them tea and pastries. Two were Lancelot and Robin, the third an older version of my good friend George. This must be his older brother, Geoffrey.

To be continued: