Tom Browning's Schooldays

Tom Browning's Schooldays

By

Joel

Chapter ThirtyEight

My beloved Robin stared as I counted out twenty-five shining coins and put them to one side. I would have fewer in my own heap as I had dug into it to buy things from my reward.

"These are yours, dear Robin," I said as I indicated the bigger pile. "I have vowed we share. I have an old purse here somewhere and we must decide where you can keep these coins safely."

He was slowly shaking his head. "Tom, my sweet Tom, I could not accept such bounty. What have I done to deserve such a gift?"

I smiled at him. "Because you are my Robin and we are together. I want you to have this not as a gift but as a token of my sincere love."

I held out my arms and Robin joined me. We hugged then we undressed in front of the blazing fire. Naked, we kissed, then lay on the thick sheepskin and took each other in our favourite way. We shared each other's tokens of our love with tongues coated with those sweetest juices.

There were no more protests and we shared that love twice more that night. The fire had died somewhat when we were ready to clamber into our bed but our own internal flames for each other would never die, I knew.

We woke early and shared gentle caresses until we each spurted. "We had better put the money away before a certain inquisitive boy makes his entry," I whispered as we regained our breath. We climbed from the bed and while Robin noisily used the pot in the commode I put wood on the embers to warm us. That done, I placed his share in the purse I found in the drawer of the desk. Mine went back into the Long Melford my Uncle Digby had given me. I tucked the pair back into my box of potions and took out the small flask of Oil of Neroli. "When we are bathed I will try my skill and ease away any stiffness in your muscles," I said as I unstoppered the vial and sniffed the heavenly aroma.

Robin came over to me and put his arms round my neck from behind. "Only the stiffness in my muscles?"

Although we had only shed our seed minutes ago I felt his prong stiffen against the crack of my cheeks. He slid that hardness up and down which had an immediate effect on me. I stiffened in concert, but all we could do was to turn and share another kiss, for our faithful lackeys would be arriving soon with much needed hot water.

As we broke from that kiss we smiled at each other in the light of the kindling logs on the hearth. I had felt such a stirring between my legs as he pressed his sturdy rod against that crevice. I wondered if at sometime we would explore that game I had heard about which Natty had later described to me in detail. A loving game however, not using those wooden rammers but our own flesh and blood ones. I had not told Robin yet of my conversation with Natty. I did not know if he had heard such stories, too.

There was a stirring outside so we climbed back into bed as if we had never left it. I peered over the covers as Benjy opened the door quietly and entered with Eamonn very slowly for they were bearing two pitchers each. Our hip bath was filled promptly after which Eamonn departed without a sound or even a smile. Benjy came to the side of the bed where I was lying. There were tears in his eyes.

"Those poor boys," he murmured to us, "Their little brother died last night. The mite had some sort of fit and that was the end. To be born, just to die like that."

It had been in my mind to shout 'Boo!' and startle him as he came to me. I was glad I had not. I put out my arms and hugged him. "You are fond of those boys, eh?"

He nodded. "They are like brothers I never had. We are fond of each other, I think. Mrs Clements has said they should stay at home to comfort their mother and father. There may be many of them but they are very close. There was a sister, too, taken in that way some years ago though they did not know her for they were very young." I let go of him and as he stood away he continued. "It was provident your Uncle visited yesterday and baptised the babe at home as Mistress Benbow the mid-wife thought he was not thriving which means he can be buried with his sister in consecrated ground."

"When will that be?" asked Robin. "I must go and tell my father for he and Mr Lovell have worked together on many occasions."

Benjy thought it would be tomorrow, on Friday morning, as a message had gone to the gravedigger to prepare the site.

I turned to Robin. "We have to collect your violin from Mr Venables today. We could go to see him as soon as we have eaten our breakfast." Saying that I slid out of bed, then realised that neither I nor Robin had our nightshirts on and we must carry evidence of our earlier releases. Luckily Benjy had gone over to the tub to place washcloths and towels ready so I stepped into the very warm water and sat, our sins unobserved. My sliver of soap was barely enough to raise a lather but what remained washed away any aromas and residues of the night. I was out and being dried as Robin took my place. There was just a smear of soap left which would have to suffice until I located any more Jabez said he would pack for me.

We were all rather quiet as the bathing was completed. Robin and I dressed in clean shirts and undergarments and then our riding clothes. There was to be no massage with that oil today. Benjy did say he thought the snow was melting fast as there was water in the runnels outside towards the dairy where he had been already to fetch milk and cream. He said he now must go to see my mother's parlour was warm. Here it was, just on seven in the morning, and the servants had been up preparing food, cleaning rooms and stoking fires for an least an hour. I knew I was little aware of all this, for it was something which went on constantly in the background of any well-run household.

Jackson was our server at breakfast as Eamonn and Benjy had been sent to the Lovell cottage with a basket of provisions. They would be visited by many today with condolences and some sustenance had to be offered in return. I knew this was a custom whenever a villager died, even at only a day old. It was something my mother had decreed after the Squire's wife had forgotten on at least two occasions it was her duty to provide such a comfort. Perhaps it wasn't Mrs Matthews' fault as most of her retainers were almost as old as she was and would have spent too much time deciding what to do. More need for Almshouses, I thought.

The snow was retreating. Bobby said it was still somewhat icy where the snow had been packed into ruts. He was quite solicitous and said we must take care as earlier a travelling coach had slid off the road in the village and almost overturned. The lady and gentleman inside were badly bruised and had been escorted to the Varley Arms where cousin Lancelot had been called in case there were other injuries. Bobby said the horses had been startled by a large dog which had rushed into the road barking loudly. Of course, no one owned up to having such a dog.

As usual Blaze and Silver were pleased to see their masters. I was amused that Blaze seemed to prefer a parsnip offered rather than a carrot. His master preferred carrots tenderly boiled and sliced with butter. Heeding Bobby's remarks we went only at a steady walk although the roadway to the main gate was quite clear. We acknowledged Mistress Parminter the lodgekeeper's wife who had opened the gates for us. It was Parminter's job to clear the driveway and he had been as diligent as usual. The main road was still quite icy and we rode carefully to Robin's old home. His mother hugged both of us and was quite tearful with the news of the young baby's death.

"It matters not how old or young, it's a life gone and we must be thankful we are still alive and well," she said. "I'll come with you to tell Steven." I noted she now said his Christian name in front of both of us. "He will be saddened as he thinks highly of Jacob's work and I have known Betty all my life. I will go to her this afternoon."

We made our way along the passageway to the big barn. It was a scene of industry. Large pieces of stone were being hefted into a row by the muscled figure of Jesse Flagge. Steven and Liam were sitting by a monument stone almost side by side. As Steven carved the letters so Liam was tidying the edges with careful taps of his hammer on a sharp chisel. James and his friend Billy Temple were smoothing out a large sheet of paper over another piece of stone. I could see that it had a neatly lettered inscription ready to be printed onto the stone by means of the blackened reverse side of the paper.

Steven looked up as the three of us entered. "What is it, my dear?" he asked his wife. He stood for a moment and he and I exchanged our usual head bow of greeting.

"Your friend's babe has died," she said quietly, "I must see Betty this afternoon. I will give your condolences."

Steven shook his head and puffed out his cheeks. "That's three young'uns since New Year," he observed, looking at Robin and me. "That one here and two in Carlby down the road. That's where Abel's gone as it's his cousin's family and the funeral is today."

Jenny was also shaking her head sadly and went and stood by the two younger boys who had stopped their task to listen. "The pair at Carlby had the quinsy and the mother thought she would cure it with a hot poultice to the chest. First she scalded them and then refused to call a doctor and their poor throats closed on them, so I've heard." She sounded very annoyed.

Steven held up the chisel in his hand. "That is what you have heard. Wait 'til Abel returns and hear what he has to say. I will walk across to see Jacob Lovell before luncheon." He looked at me. "He is to be in charge of the carpenters dealing with the new closets and panelling. It will be a lengthy job if I am to believe what that young son of mine tells me." He laughed then. "That boy amazes even me. He says he will make new drawings for the carving to be done as well."

I had noted an old sketch amongst the papers on Uncle Dodd's table which looked as if it might have been when the wooden panelling had been first set up.

"He is busy exploring other things as well," I said. "He seems to have discovered strange measurements."

Steven nodded. "That would be so in an old house such as the Hall. I told Philip I've seen three places in my travels where secret rooms have been found when new building has been done. They were constructed for hiding Romish priests in the old days."

"Have you told my Uncle Dodd this? He is of that opinion about what might be in Careby Hall."

"Yes, he says he is sure that is what is to be found. He will borrow Jesse here as there is much lumber to be moved in those cellars. From what Philip says I doubt anyone has been down there for fifty years or more."

I looked at Robin and mouthed 'buried treasure'. He sneered back then mouthed 'violin'.

Steven hadn't finished. He stood up again and stretched himself and went over to look at the ordered array of stone to which Jesse had just added the last lump.

"There has been a collapse in that old church outside Thurlby. No repairs have been done since some storm in seventeen hundred and something and an arch has fallen in a side chapel. The parish clerk was here two days ago with a request from the Rector to repair it as quickly as possible before more falls down. The man did have sense to send some measures and I may just have enough stone to start. I need Abel back to help but he is leaving by the end of February, so I will be off to Thurlby for a few days next week to get things ready. I'll take Liam with me and he can learn firsthand the difficulties of being a mason." He pointed at James who was staring at his father. "And you, my boy, will be in charge of any new business that comes in. You must bow and scrape to any likely customer whoever it may be."

Jenny was laughing. "Leave the boy alone. He can letter that piece. He has a neat hand as you well know, and I will help."

It was time for us to go. At least the family were more cheerful now. We said our goodbyes and Robin explained he was fetching his new violin from Mr Venables. He promised he would bring it and play as soon as he had practised.

We hurried off to get to our mounts. We rode carefully again but there was quite a thaw underway now. We passed the coach which had slid. Two wheelwrights were busy replacing a wheel and a very angry coachman was standing near them and we could hear him swearing vengeance on some 'damned dog!'. We touched our caps as we passed him which seemed to mollify him somewhat. We were soon at Mr Venables' shop and tethered our horses. He was repairing a boot as we entered. We doffed our caps and said our greetings. He held his hammer up and smiled.

"Good morning young masters," he said when acknowledging us. "I will be with you in a moment or Mr Peters will have to wait longer for his boots."

There was a snort from a seated figure in the corner of the room. It was Old Man Peters' groom, Brumby: a rather downtrodden man in most people's opinion. Not only did he work for an old curmudgeon but he had a shrewish wife and two most ugly and bad- tempered daughters. Of course, Isaac Barker had said on more than one occasion that no right-minded man would ever think of angling one with his pizzle unless it was as bent as a shepherd's crook.

"That's all I do these days, wait," Brumby said in a hoarse voice. "Mr Peters prefers to drive hisself betimes. I'm left listening to that sister of his who came to keep house after his poor wife died. I do beg your pardon young sirs but it is a torment, and she's a-grumbling 'cos the fires ain't lit nor the house kept clean. She can't keep a good servant more'an a week and there ain't no one in't village who would work for 'im, either."

Robin was more forthcoming than me. I'd never spoken to the old fellow before. "You can't go because of the cottage, I wager?" enquired Robin.

"'Tis so," Brumby said and nodded. "'Tis loike a good few around."

I knew tied-cottages went with much of the employment in the village for we had several as did the Squire. I had realised from discussion in Mr Ridley's classes that the custom must be prevalent in most towns and villages, especially where there was much agriculture and trades associated with it and the landowners placed their workers in estate cottages.

"At least you have a position," Robin said rather tartly, "And could not your daughters be employed by Miss Peters in the house?"

This was a sore point. I knew the pair had been under Aunt Matty's wing for a time but she had had no luck in placing them anywhere for more than a week or two. She had told my mother more than once that they never seemed to realise that they must keep a civil tongue in their heads when dealing with senior servants. My mother had shaken her head and said she would not employ them, taking the hint they were trouble-makers.

"That would be more than I could desire but them's lazy wenches and deaf to what I might say. Ain't that roight, Mr Venables?"

Mr Venables gave the boot a couple of thwacks and took a polishing rag to it. "You are correct, Amos. My wife has had dealings with that pair and you know full well they left here with a besom at their backsides." He held up the pair of boots. "Here, take them and tell your master he could do with something new, and I have a size for him." He looked at us and winked. "I'll have ten pence off Mr Peters for this work so get going and empty his purse for him!"

Brumby lumbered up and took the boots and went out of the shop with no word of farewell.

"I feel sorry for him. I hear he used to be quite a jolly fellow until that wife of his snared him." He laughed. "You watch it, my lads, there's many a good'un been caught by the wiles of a wicked woman."

I liked Mr Venables. He had always treated me as one of the boys in the village, not the son of a landowner. There were rumours that he had gentry in his background many years back. I had learned from gossip that he had been born here but had joined the military as a boy and had learned his music and his shoe-making there. He was now pensioned and had been in the village again some fifteen years or so.

He straightened up from sitting at his last. "You didn't come here to listen to the likes of him. Come through to the parlour as I have that violin all ready for you, young Robin."

We followed him through the door which led directly into a warm and comfortable- looking room. On the table was the violin, now complete with four strings and shining brightly in the firelight. Mr Venables picked it up and flicked the strings to check their tuning. He selected a bow from a stand and began to play. The sounds he drew from the instrument were rich and sonorous. I recognised the melody. It was an aria from Mr Handel's Messiah:- 'I know that my Redeemer liveth. The beautiful cadences rose and fell and Mr Venables held the last note and let it fade away with such skilful bowing.

"There, Master Robin, it is a true violin," he said as he held out the instrument to him. "It is not a village band fiddle to scrape a country dance on. I counsel you not to take it to that school of yours. This was made by a true craftsman and should be treasured. Now, let me hear you play."

Robin took the violin and tucked it under his chin. The proffered bow was drawn lightly across the strings. The sound even then was splendid. "I will try my best," he said, "Mr Handel again." Gently at first he began playing 'Where'er You Walk...' and then, as he became more accustomed to the power and the splendour which he found he could produce, he increased the volume. I listened quite spellbound as he seemed to take the beauty of that instrument into his playing which was faultless. I wondered if he had been practising on his old fiddle while I was away?

He came to the end of that beautiful melody and we were all smiles. He held the violin up and shook his head slowly. "I did not know I could play so well," he said with great feeling.

Mr Venables held up a finger. "Robin my boy, that is a perfect instrument and brings out the best in a good and sensitive player. You know I will miss you in our band, but I do beg you not to put that violin in any danger. Keep it at home safe and sound but practice and play on the fiddle you have. See, I distinguish again between 'violin' and 'fiddle', and I know you are aware of what I mean."

"Mr Venables, I will take heed of your advice," Robin replied, "This is too precious even to my eyes and ears to take to the school." He smiled at me. "Though I doubt if our fellows would kick it around the football field." He looked rather solemn then. "There must be some history to the maker. If Miss Barnes is correct it must have been made at least early in the seventeen hundreds...," He smiled. "...And it has been left mouldering in her dusty cupboard for many years."

Mr Venables laughed. "Miss Barnes is not quite as old as that but you say it was in her father's possession before? I know that he had been in the East India service."

Robin nodded. "That is what she told us, too. He bought it in one of the Italian states to the north." He looked at me and then remembered. "I think a place called Cremona." Mr Venables smiled but said nothing. Robin was looking again at the violin and turning it to contemplate the back as well as the front. "I must play again if it not an inconvenience to you, Mr Venables," he continued in a quiet but feeling voice.

"Work can wait when music is in the air," the old shoemaker replied and waved his hands.

Robin set off with another of Mr Handel's pieces which I had also tried on my flute though written for the violin. It was a most tuneful Gavotte. While he was playing the door to the kitchen opened and Mrs Venables came in smiling.

There was a moment's silence when he finished. Mrs Venables spoke first. "Oh, Master Robin, that was delightful. Venables said that was a violin to treasure and you make it sound so well."

"Ma'am, it is the violin that makes the sound, I can only help it out," Robin said with a laugh. "I could never have wished for a better gift and I shall surely treasure it." He held the violin towards Mr Venables. "What do I owe you for the strings and for cleaning this magnificent instrument?"

Mr Venables waved a hand. "There is no charge. My recompense has been in playing it and hearing you as well." He smiled. "In fact I have a gift for you." He moved over to the dresser and picked up a small box. "You must keep your other instrument in tune so you need this." He opened the box and took out a tuning-fork. I had seen one before but Mr Venables usually had a pitch-pipe to try to keep the players in the band in tune. "It is the Philharmonic Society pitch for A. Let me show you how to use it." He held it up and tapped the side of his head with it then placed the rounded end against the table top. A clear sweet note was heard. "Do not hit it on anything hard as it would damage it," he said.

"But Robin's head is hard," I said as Robin took the fork from Mr Venables.

"But perfect for this," Robin said as he struck his own head, perhaps a little too forcefully, and the note sounded again as he placed it against the wood. He turned to Mr Venables. "I must thank you wholeheartedly. I have received so much in the last few days from so many. I hope I may be able to live up to the expectations my friends have of me."

"You will that," chimed in Mrs Venables, "There's nothing a lad like you can't do if you sets your mind to it, I'm sure." She looked at her husband. "You are losing one of your fine players but you are gaining another, I warrant. I've just been to Margery Bottom's and heard some sweet sounds there. That swarthy boy is making good progress and I told him to come for more tuition this evening if he is not wanted at the Hall."

"I will enjoy that," Mr Venables responded, "Young Timmy is a most willing learner and I'll have him in the band for Easter I'm sure." He looked at me. "That's a fine flute he has and I wager the one Miss Barnes presented to you is of the same quality."

I was a little unhappy with myself. I hadn't played it other than when I arrived back home with it. True, it had a richer sound than my old flute. I must decide if I should take it to Ashbourne. If it was of a quality with Robin's violin I thought I should not. I was perplexed. How did one compare a flute and a violin in its value? I would ask Mr Venables that some other time as we heard the shop door open and a customer called out.

Mr Venables went out immediately and I waited until Robin had placed the violin in its case with the bow. I picked up the small box with the tuning-fork in it and we bid good day to Mrs Venables who almost curtsied as we left.

Mr Venables was talking to Butters, one of the bricklayers, about a new pair of stout boots as we said our goodbyes to him. As we got outside and reached our mounts Robin was smiling broadly. "I must keep this so very carefully and safely." He turned and the smile quirked into a grin. "Do I imagine it, but have I risen in the world? Dear Mrs Venables nearly fell when we left. She curtsied to both of us as if we were High Society."

I grinned back. "I think we are here. Word spreads quickly in Careby Magna but news of our ennoblement will take a few days to reach Stamford, Peterborough and North Britain!"

We were laughing as we set off back to Careby Hall. On the way we called in at the back entrance to the Varley Arms. Mr Flaxman was busy still dealing with the injured pair. His son Jesse was there, though, and said he didn't think they were that badly hurt other than a bruise or two. My cousin had examined them and had gone on to the Hall as there was a scalding there in the kitchen. We didn't ask if Mary Ann had inspected Jesse's bent pizzle yet but there was another grin on Robin's face as we left. Any laughs dried when we left our steeds with a solemn-looking Bobby. He informed us he was to drive the small hearse with the baby's coffin to the lychgate in the morning. On arrival indoors we shed our outer clothes but did not peer down into the kitchen as there were sounds of crying and remonstrations there. We carried the violin case and the tuning-fork to our bedroom but were aware that some business was being carried out along the corridor. As inquisitive as ever we emerged from our room and crept to the corner.

As we peered round we could hear laughter further along the passageway. We sauntered down as if we were just taking exercise and found it was my mother and Marie together with a grinning Philip Goodhew and my Uncle Dodd.

Uncle Dodd saw us and beckoned us. "I was just saying to my dear sister-in-law that I hoped she wouldn't be discommoded when her room is reordered."

We laughed, too, at his play on words. Yes, my mother would also have her commode moved when the panelling was removed and her room was readied for the additions.

He went on, "My friend here was rather concerned at how he might be received as he explained the plans." His 'friend' the young Philip bowed his head at that. "In fact," my uncle continued, "I think they are mainly his plans, eh Philip?"

"Oh, Uncle," he said, "I have only copied my father's workings." He smiled. "I am his clerk of works, he says." This made my mother laugh again.

"So I have heard. And now you want to banish me while you clear out all my possessions. Where shall I go?"

"Ma'am, you are not to be banished," Philip said with a straight face but his lips were twitching, "I must ask your permission for the carpenter and two labourers to enter sometime to move certain items...," I noted he did not say 'commode'. "...also to remove part of the panelling, and to be there until the work is done. We wish to do the same for Mistress Maria's room as well. After that, ma'am, I will need to enter again to mark the measurements on the wall where the panelling has been. You will have to move elsewhere, I fear, while the new closet room is constructed and placed, and while the wall is dealt with for the pipes."

"And when will this be?" my mother asked.

"We can deal with the panelling and the measurements on Monday for both yourself and Mistress Marie if I may be permitted to enter and make some notes beforehand. The construction will have to wait until my father has instructed the carpenters and bricklayers and we have all the pipes and other fitments to hand." Young Philip had said this most confidently.

My mother sighed dramatically then turned to Marie and said in French they would be homeless waifs but she would take the Green Room and Marie could have the room next to it. As I assumed the lad would not have understood what my mother had said I whispered it to him in English.

"I think it will be several weeks until we can make much progress," he said even more confidently, "Perhaps we should arrange for 'la Chambre Vert et la chambre trŠs voisin de lui' to be prepared first."

I was astounded. I did not realise he had understood. Uncle Dodd just laughed.

"Marie, my dear, your lessons have born fruit." He clapped Philip on the back. "You are an attentive pupil I can see, or rather, hear. I think that would be an admirable plan, Louisa. Any of the waifs can be accommodated likewise while their own rooms are dealt with." He laughed even louder. "My dear, I cannot wait to hear what Sam has to say about being called a waif!"

"That is nothing to what I shall call him if all these plans comes to naught!"

Poor Philip looked woe-begone. Uncle Dodd caught his humbled countenance. "I can assure you that these plans and the works will make Careby Hall the envy of all our neighbours. If I could find the means I would propose the same for the Rectory. We must wait and see," he said and put his hand reassuringly on Philip's shoulder

I considered that once Aunt Matty had experienced the comfort of the jakes, and the lessened labour for the servants, means would be found!

As Robin and I wandered back down the corridor we heard Philip arrange with my mother to inspect both the rooms that afternoon after luncheon. I heard her also say he and Uncle Dodd should stay and keep her son and grandson from eating all in sight. We arrived back at the bedroom grinning at each other over those exchanges. Philip had again shown his most superior talents. In the bedroom we unpacked both the violin and my new flute and set up a book of pieces I had chosen in the stationer's shop in London. It was easily found in the pile of books already stacked there. We surmised that no more of the hamper and cases had been unpacked for me because of the turmoil following the baby's death.

We played over several pieces as there were numerous solos and duets in the book. We marvelled at the new richer sounds we could produce and it was as if the two fine instruments aided us in our playing. We were quite engrossed in the music we were producing and must have played together or singly for near an hour.

"My belly tells me it must be near time for luncheon," I said as we came to the end of an arrangement of a concerto by Johann Sebastian Bach.

"If music be the food of love, play on," quoted Robin.

I laughed and said we could hardly take our instruments into bed where we usually besported ourselves. Robin said I had an evil mind but perhaps we might sing while enjoying each other. I riposted that might be difficult if mouths were full. He groaned at my weak jest. We packed our instruments away and placed them on shelves in my tall chest.

"Although I say it myself," Robin said as I shut the door of the chest, "I think we both play well. We must practice more and I hope we may have opportunity at Ashbourne."

Practice! I had determined to play the organ in the church before I returned to school. If we went to the graveside tomorrow we could then go into the church and while one played the other could pump: not so warming as pumping the bellows at the forge but we had both had good practice at that. Still, I expected the Squire's pew would have its fire lit as it helped to keep the church from being too bitterly cold when Uncle Dodd held his morning services. I mentioned playing the organ and Robin said he had gone with his father and Abel Munnings to check on a loose window which had blown from its fixing in the stonework. While they were dealing with it he had persuaded Jesse Flagge to pump the bellows for him. He said he had difficulty in making Jesse understand that he shouldn't pump too hard and to watch the mouse which went up and down depending on how much air was being used. Yes, he would relish another chance to play.

We did not know the exact time as we had not heard the church clock chime while we were playing. We knew Mr Clements wouldn't hit the gong just for us, so decided to explore to find if food was ready and, if not, sit and wait in the warm breakfast-room.

We found it was gone half past twelve by our unreliable grandfather clock. We peeked in the breakfast-room but there was no sign of any food and but a dismal fire. We would have to wait until at least one o'clock we thought so went to the Library instead and found a warm room and a blazing fire.

Robin was scanning the shelves and pointed to several which were empty. "You won't take all your new books to Ashbourne, will you? There is plenty of room here."

"I had contemplated asking for a bookcase in the bedroom. I have a shelf but it only has those primers I used when I was learning to read and calculate. If we are to share the room we must make a decision." I emphasised the 'we'.

"I have few books," he said, "I have those given to me by Uncle Dodd and ones I have found discarded at Ashbourne." He smiled. "I have left those with Shem and told him he might exercise his wits by applying himself to a little arithmetic or even a mite of Latin. I made a mistake there as he quoted without error the opening of the Aeneid. 'Arma virumque cano, Troiae qui primus ab oris Italiam fato profugus Lavinaque venit litora'. He said he'd watched me reading my Latin texts but dared not confess he had been taught by his uncle who is a Dissenting minister. His uncle had attended an academy up North somewhere for preachers such as he." Robin gave a laugh. "Shem said it was his Uncle Noah who was the minister and that's why his father had named him and his brothers as if they were in the Ark! As a young boy he had lived with the uncle and aunt as his mother was not well after Ham was born. When he returned to the village, a master at Ashbourne gave him more lessons but he sadly died some four years ago. You see, I have all the gossip."

"That's not gossip," I said, "So Shem has a light hidden under a bushel, eh? And what about now? Does he still study?"

"I think Mr Dimbleby has continued what the other man started. Shem said he would be going to his house to work during the holiday as there would be little to do in the stables with most horses away."

"What will he do with his learning? Does he want to remain a groom?" I was curious, thinking of what might have befallen Robin if certain machinations had not taken place.

Robin shook his head. "From what he said I think he would like to follow in his uncle's footsteps and take a place in that academy first of all. I know he is quite devout as he goes to that small Chapel just outside Ashbourne village at least twice each Sunday when he can. He does not like the other grooms to swear and blaspheme and tells them it upsets the horses. I have also noted that although he plays cards he does not let too much money pass and no one comes off too poor. Mr Darlow thinks highly of him and it was said he would have him as head groom now that other fellow has gone." I knew Robin was referring to the man who had been privy to the cheating over the feedstuffs. "I said to him I hoped I could remain a friend and we shook hands before I left."

I was learning more and more about other people. I only knew Shem as a lad from the stable who was good with horses. His brothers, Ham and Japhet, were cheerful boys and always had a smile on their faces, even when dealing with the most menial tasks such as removing the pots. I knew George had a soft spot for them and they responded to his good nature, but never overstepped the mark of servant and a master of very high station.

"You must continue your friendship," I said, "And I would be a friend, too, if that did not overwhelm him or mark him out from the others who are with him."

Robin came over to me and put his arm over my shoulder and kissed my cheek. "Friendship comes in many guises," he said, "Just be yourself, dear Tom. I know you would not wish to do anyone any harm and even before the change in my position Shem had said how you treated everyone fairly and squarely not like certain others he would not deign to mention."

Yes, I'd heard some young gentlemen, not worthy of that appellation, speaking very roughly and coarsely to stablelads and other servants at Ashbourne. One in particular still haunted my thoughts at times. That sort of treatment of servants was not anything I was used to in my life at Careby. I doubted if my father would have counted as friends any of the gentry who treated their underlings to oaths and curses as I had heard in just those few weeks at Ashbourne so that was all a new experience for me.

I grinned at Robin as he took his arm away. "I have had to learn to obey my elders, if not betters, in those weeks so far at Ashbourne," I said and nodded my head like a booby. "I think George and Theo, though, are friends and I am sure you will find the same with Branscombe and Maitland. You will score highly with Aubrey Bayes and with the fiddle you will be in great demand especially if you practice a Scotch reel or two." I turned and held him and kissed his sweet lips fully. "And I will be there as always."

We parted and smiled, suddenly and unaccountably shy with each other. I had that immediate hungry urge deep within which I had experienced before. But that would have to wait until our time in bed before I could answer its call. At that moment we heard laughter again. It was Philip in the passageway and I went to the door. He was carrying a small box and following him were Uncle Dodd and Lancelot both looking decidedly dusty. They had slightly larger boxes. Uncle Dodd spied me peering out.

"It was a great pity you didn't join us," he said as he arrived at the door of the Library. "We have been down into the cellar on the side of the Hall where Philip went the other day. It was most dark and gloomy but we had two lanterns and a candle but there is so much lumber we couldn't get to the corner. As I had suspected no one has been down there for many years. Mr Clements says he wouldn't venture down there for all the tea in China but I think we may have found some interesting things." Robin had joined me at the door. "Show them your treasure, Philip."

Philip opened his box and took out what looked like an earthenware plate. I could see it was very old. There was a picture on it which in the half light of he passageway was not very clear.

"What is it?" asked Robin.

"Take it to the window in there," Uncle Dodd said, "We can then all see it more clearly."

To be continued:

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