Tom Browning's Schooldays
By
Joel
Chapter FortyOne
When the clock struck four we ventured downstairs and were told by a very harassed Mr Clements there was but a dish of tea and two cakes each. We did peep down into the kitchen when that meagre offering had been consumed. The only calm and unhurried person there was Timmy, who was finishing peeling a great pot of potatoes. All around him were the scurrying figures of the remaining serving-girls with Mabel Cutts and Kate Benbow being ordered by Mrs Gray in various tasks. Yes, there was one other quietly engaged person and that was the boy whose hand had been healed, Paul. He was carefully turning the spit on which the haunch of venison was being roasted and was smiling as he did so.
Once more in our room we thought we had better dress in our Sunday suits and make ourselves clean and tidy. We giggled as we shaped our hair and tied it in bunches with pieces of twine or in topknots like the drawings in the books of native savages. We decided such adornments might not be met with approval so our usual more sedate straight locks were brushed into submission. I said it was a great pity that we could not appear as the other gentlemen in white cravat and tails as there was but one suit between us like that. No doubt at some time Robin would be similarly accoutred. He had tried my suit on and looked the most elegant young gentleman!
Well before time we made our way downstairs carrying our instrument cases and went to the Library to see the miniatures and the plate again. All had been brightly lit by many candles both in there and the drawing room. The Hogarth pictures were in the passage way and looked very fine but would need more light to be seen clearly. Benjy came looking for us. He was concerned as he had been to our bedroom and neither Robin nor I had been there and he would be found to be remiss in not helping us to dress. We stood and displayed ourselves and we all grinned at each other and he said he had better go and get his best livery on and make sure Eamonn and the twins were dressed properly, too.
I asked if the twins were over the death of that poor mite. He said he thought they were but seemed unwilling even to be parted from each other for a few moments. He thought the dinner tonight would be good for them as they would have other things to think about. He smiled as he said two of the grooms had been set the task of polishing boots and belts for my brother. I wondered how dear Torquil might be arrayed tonight! Benjy then said we were in the right place as all the family and guests were to assemble in the Library before dinner so they could see the treasures found. With nothing else to do we passed the time by looking at some of the old uninteresting books on the shelves. One I found was a puritan diatribe against games and pastimes and another were sermons preached by some divine at Oxford University in seventeen fifty! How they came to be on the shelves was a mystery.
Others of the family began to assemble having been led to the Library by Mr Clements. Aunt Matty and Uncle Dodd were first. She said two boxes of sweets had been left for us to pack. We thanked her most gratefully and, as we were still holding the volumes we had picked out, we questioned Uncle Dodd on the provenance of the books. He laughed as we showed him the particular pair. He said it was custom, even in the grandest households, to buy books to fill the shelves with no care to subject but just to the look of the binding. I said at least the red and gold did look quite splendid but wondered if anyone had ever read them. He laughed and said he expected only the holy authors had! Lancelot and Rass came in next with Rass looking most cheerful. His father whispered he was glad he had changed his interest as with that and beginning to eat more he was a new man. My aunt smiled at that sentiment.
Father came in with my mother on his arm. Both I and Robin went to her and received kisses after she had surveyed us and said we did look quite presentable. My father grunted and said he would present the pair of us to a raree show if we did not behave like gentlemen this evening. My mother tapped him on the arm with the fan she was carrying, while at the same time smiling at us. "Sam, you are quite aware the boys are too big for such a box as those mountebanks carry. They will look well and play well and you will then be full of praise for them!" He twitched his nose at that.
Miss Barnes was the next arrival. Her shawls and scarves seemed to increase in number and confusion each time I saw her. She was somewhat flustered herself and said Miss Gibbs had been taken ill and was now in bed. I think she was the one who should have rubbed her leg with ointment but she was more likely to have spooned it onto bread and eaten it. Lancelot said he would visit in the morning and make a decision. I heard Aunt Matty say something about Almshouses to my father and he murmured that things were in hand.
Benjy, now in full livery, came in with Jackson who was similarly attired. They had trays of glasses which they placed on a side table where there were decanters of fine sherry. Two of the younger housemaids in pretty long dresses and knitted shawls brought in two cake-stands each with small delicacies arrayed on them. Other guests were now arriving. Squire and Mrs Matthews entered with Mrs Matthews having her left arm held in a tied scarf and a bandage on her wrist. They were closely followed by Mr and Mrs Jefferson and their daughter Millicent. After they were warmly greeted I saw my mother anxiously looking at the door. My brother and Geoffrey were still absent. Being already in the house they should have taken their places to welcome the guests. My mother was not pleased when they eventually appeared laughing together, but they did stop in the doorway so that the assembled company could see them. Then they bowed. Geoffrey was in a well-cut evening coat and trousers. Dear Torquil was in shiny black boots, black velvet britches and a short red cloth jacket with silver buttons and gold frogging across from each button hole. Luckily he was not draped with gold braid or I would not have been able to stifle a laugh. Even so, he looked most grand. I saw Millicent appraising him but she had also smiled at Geoffrey as well.
Lastly Mr and Westrup were announced and all were now present. As sherry was handed round with the twins in ordinary grey livery carrying the small cake-stands so conversation bubbled. Mrs Westrup was introduced to Robin as a member of the family. I was sure she knew his relationship to my brother but this was not mentioned.
Millicent Jefferson was most chatty and I knew from her eagerness she wanted answers about her brother. As Robin and I were explaining to her about the plate and since others were not near she interrupted us with a raised finger and a smile. She said she wished to know what had happened to her brother after the last visit. I said quite plainly he had tormented one of the servants who was distressed and we had decided he needed some sort of retribution. He had taken more drink and did not know what was happening so we had painted designs on him. When he woke he had caused a disturbance and had been seen by the housemaids who were much amused. Millicent was amused, too.
"I wished I had witnessed that," she said laughing, "You were very brave to do it. Algernon has a fearful temper, as I have witnessed many times. Father forbade him to come tonight but he said he was not concerned as he had to study for his return to Cambridge." She grinned. "I know that is untrue. I doubt if he has opened a book for the last six months even while there."
I asked if she had attended any other Hunts but she shook her head. "The weather has not been good enough though father has had two shoots with little result."
We were joined by Geoffrey and introduced him. We left them smiling and chatting together but Robin shook his head when I looked at him. He did not think they would be a pair.
Aunt Matty was talking to old Miss Barnes so we went to them and as ever Miss Barnes smiled at us most sweetly. Aunt Matty stood aside as Robin thanked Miss Barnes again for the violin and I did the same for the flute and said we would be playing both tonight and in the church band in the morning.
"I am sorry I cannot invite you to visit me before you return to school," she said, "I do not know which way to turn as servants are sick and I am making do with little help."
Aunt Matty said she would arrange for some younger help within a day or so. Miss Barnes looked happier at that promise. I didn't say it but a visit was not possible in any case as we would be on our way by nine o'clock on Monday morning.
Dinner was announced. Robin led Miss Barnes into the diningroom followed by me with Aunt Matty and everyone else in their pairs led to their places by Mr Clements. All was quite superb. I noted three new candelabra to light the table. They shone brightly and reflected the four tall candles set in each. All the other silver sparkled as well. I think Mr and Mrs Westrup would be quite impressed especially with the four footmen in full livery and the twins in good grey. The dinner was quite a grand affair with courses following courses from two soups to fish, then meats, including the most tender venison, and puddings of several kinds. Mrs Gray and her band of helpers had surpassed themselves again. Of course, there were wines, too, and I sampled both a delicious white with the fish and a smooth but strong claret with the meats. Small glasses of a golden sweet wine were served with the puddings and I was beginning to feel quite light-headed though I still had to perform!
Of course, during the dinner, Torquil was able to announce that permission had been granted by the Dean for his marriage to take place in St Paul's. I could see that both my father and mother looked on Torquil with great pride and all congratulated him on that most signal honour.
As soon as the final platters were removed the ladies withdrew and the gentlemen, other than Robin and me, lit their usual pipes though father did sport a cigar that evening. Neither Robin or I dared have any of the port. We went to the Library to get our instruments prepared for our recital when we saw the gentlemen were almost ready to rejoin the ladies. As soon as we heard the others on the move we took ourselves as well to the drawing-room. Our music stand was in place and we waited until my mother nodded her head at us before I placed the book of pieces on the stand and said very carefully that the instruments we had were the gift of Miss Barnes and in grateful recognition we would play four duets.
I think we acquitted ourselves well as the rich sounds of Robin's violin mingled and complimented the clear, sweet sound of my new flute. There was general approbation when we finished and I could see tears of joy in my mother's eyes. Her son and grandson had crowned her day.
We did not tarry too long after this. Miss Barnes had to go as her carriage was ready at the door and she was tired. Mr and Mrs Westrup had a fair journey to make and departed with grateful thanks for such a splendid evening. The Jeffersons were staying overnight and father and Mr Jefferson with Torquil and Geoffrey settled by the fire for more convivial conversation. Rass was off to his house in the next village as he had to preach in the morning. The other Dodds bade us goodnight and I heard Uncle Dodd say he had to do the same, as he shook a finger at Robin.
Benjy guided the pair of us to our room. He said he was more than tired but would be up before the lark in the morning and, having carefully put our clothes away, left us alone. We were tired, too, but that did not mean we couldn't show our love for each other in our most favourite way. Then we slept.
Sunday morning came all too soon. Benjy and Eamonn appeared with our hot water before the church clock struck seven. Two sleepy young men roused themselves and as the lads left to carry hot water to the others we were awake enough to pursue those acts of love which we had enjoyed the night before.
We decided we had better bath before the water cooled too much and surveyed our unclothed selves spattered with our morning effusions. Robin drew a finger down my stomach where the evidence was quite copious as both of us had spent our seed on me. "Poor Algernon is missing having his pizzle painted or his belly decorated but I can make practice for next time with this." He managed to make two small swirls. "There, I have made an R and a T. Our efforts are signed like Mr Hogarth signed his."
"Fool!" I said, "I cannot keep this to show to all and especially those girls who witnessed Algernon's little predicament."
Robin laughed. "It was little and not through coldness. I had to tug on it to get enough length to put those rings around it. It was warm but even though much older than us I warrant we could match him or even best him on that dimension."
I reached down and held his now soft peg. "That is not something we could make a discussion about if you join Mr Ridley's extra class. I fear Megson would not approve if asked if his no doubt proud possession exceeds that of Stewart our classmate." I had spied Stewart's good length after a run when we had shared my towel as he had forgotten his but Megson coyly did not show his dangler by keeping his underdrawers tied tightly about him. I had also concluded that Robin and I would share Mr Martin's erudition and most probably join that extra class.
We bathed and made ourselves sweet-smelling with that good soap. All evidence of our pleasuring was eliminated as we surveyed each other. We were an equal pair and we smiled and had to have a kiss. We dressed in our Sunday suits and went to the breakfast room where Eamonn was ready to serve any who appeared. We were first. He said that neither my brother Torquil nor our guest Geoffrey Lascelles were awake though he and Benjy had left plenty of hot water for them. We had hardly settled with good filled platters when Mr and Mrs Jefferson appeared at the door led by Benjy. We were greeted most affably and complimented again on our playing. There was much chat about school, our plans for after that and we heard a little about Mr Jefferson's life in law in London. We did not ask if Algernon planned to follow in his footsteps as Millicent appeared saying she was very hungry and took a great plate of ham and eggs for sustenance.
We had almost finished when a haggard pair appeared. I think both Torquil and Geoffrey had taken a deal more port and probably brandy after we left. My father arrived and confirmed this. He made both younger men redden when he asked if they would have attacked Boney's cellars with such abandon if they had been involved in his downfall. I knew Torquil had a liking for strong liquor and this rather embarrassed poor Geoffrey, but father made a jest of it as they could see, so the moment passed.
The Jeffersons were invited to stay for luncheon and they readily agreed though father said they would have to endure the squealing, honking and squawking of a dozen or so fine swine accompanying the hymns in the gallery when they attended church beforehand. I made a quiet comment that was nothing like the lowing and grunting from certain pews which father heard and did not answer though Torquil gave me a smile.
As the weather was fine and the driveway clear of snow it was decided all would walk to church. I explained to Millicent that as the Hall was built on what had been land belonging to the church in the long past our parish church was within our grounds so we were closer to it than my uncle in his rectory.
I did not say that much of this was a bone of contention with the Squire, who considered himself the highest figure in the village. My father as Lord of the Manor and patron of the benefice, both of which passed to him on the death of my grandfather, was somewhat higher in rank in most opinion. Of course, in time, these titles and duties would pass to Torquil as eldest son.
We were quite a gathering when assembled to make that short journey. The family and guests led the way with a good number of the servants following. Only those who would be preparing the luncheon would remain. Eamonn carried my flute case and Benjy proudly bore the fine case containing Robin's new violin.
At the church Robin and I quickly divested ourselves of cloaks and hats and joined the others in the band. We noted the first hymn was to be to the 'Old Hundredth' tune which was sung regularly here and at Ashbourne. Old man Jenkins's son was instructing his father he would need his crook in G for his horn for this tune. Uncle Dodd was in fine form and his sermon was not overlong so there was no restlessness within the congregation. Robin and Kate Benbow were laughing together at the end. When we assembled again outside he whispered that Lemuel had been back in the village for a day and had seen the babe which we all knew was his and not Constable Rogers'. "Red hair and all," said Robin with a grin.
Luncheon was most convivial. The Jeffersons were invited to attend the London wedding if they wished. From their glances between themselves I surmised they would. When I spoke to my mother later she said she was setting a list of those who could be invited but would have to consult with Aunt Fanny over the Society in London who might attend.
We bade good-day to the Jeffersons soon after luncheon and then we had to prepare for Colonel Neville and Freddy to arrive. It was nearly three o'clock when the carriage appeared. It was rather old and decrepit and the coachman had not dared to drive the eight or so miles at more than a good walking-pace we thought. I could see Freddy was most anxious and to his relief his grandfather was invited to stay the night.
Freddy's chest and other bags were placed in our bedroom ready to be taken down to the coach in the morning. While his grandfather talked with my father Robin and I took Freddy to the Hall stable where his new mount had been groomed and saddled for him. It was one of the six which father had bought recently and one that did not have the mange. Freddy looked overjoyed at having his own steed as he said the pony his grandfather had let him ride was quite old and rather fractious at times. We let Bobby take him for a short ride, with Bobby on Tarquin. It was getting dark so it was just to let him find that the gelding was most obedient to the rein and had been well-schooled. I said a name had to be found for him. "He is my Prince," Freddy said as we helped him down from the saddle and he stroked the horse's muzzle. The horse gave a soft whinny so we knew master and steed were united.
Because his grandfather would have the room and bed he would have occupied for his overnight stay I suggested Freddy might share with us. My bed would accommodate three not-fully-grown youngsters. I said this before consulting Robin and then regretted it in case he was offended. He just looked at me and grinned and I think Freddy was again relieved, this time by not having to sleep in a strange bed by himself.
We took him to our room and he was most envious of the way we lived even if part of the panelling was down. He said Moss Hall was quite damp as the roof was decayed in places and his grandfather said he could not afford to pay the prices the workmen from the nearest town were demanding. He said that he had enjoyed staying with his grandfather as he had learned many things about Africa and he wondered if he might be a soldier himself and volunteer to serve there. "But my mother would forbid it I am sure," he said resignedly. Robin asked quietly if he missed being at home in Cavendish with his parents. He nodded. "I miss my father most. He wants me to take Holy Orders, though, like him but I do not feel I would be happy. I would like to explore and dig up old things as he does. He sent me two Roman pennies at Christmas but said I could not spend them now. I have them in my bag and will show you if you wish. They are for Emperor Claudius."
I felt in Freddy we had another lad of twelve with a keen mind. He did not seem too unhappy not seeing his parents all over Christmas. He was more concerned about his grandfather living in damp and dingy conditions. I thought I would talk to my father before we left to see if he would be able to arrange anything for his friend the Colonel. Moss Hall was in a smaller village than ours, no more than a hamlet really, but we had plenty of skilled labour in our village who could be deployed and quartered there while they worked.
We took Freddy down to the parlour to see if tea was being served. There was no sign of Torquil or Geoffrey and Benjy said he thought they had gone riding out with Caleb and Mark Dawson to see where a camp might be settled for the troops after Easter. That seemed strange for a Sunday ride and as it was quite dark now they would find any journey back difficult.
Still, tea was served and father and Colonel Neville joined us. He was a most kindly gentleman and his grandson was obviously the apple of his eye. While they were chatting with Robin father got up as he must have wanted to relieve himself. I followed him into the passageway and he realised I wished to speak with him. I told him of Freddy's remark about the dampness and decrepitude of Moss Hall. My father said he was not surprised as he had seen the state of the place when he had ridden to Hunts there and wondered if the Colonel could really afford to have many repairs made.
"I know his late wife came with a good settlement and she has been gone some fifteen years and he probably just has any interest to live on as his own family did not have much land for all he has extended it." He shook his head and smiled. "My boy, you will learn that much show on the surface does not mean there is good substance underneath. I will make careful enquiries and if all is not well I will do all to help an old friend. I had noted the condition of his coach and the poor nature of the pair pulling it. I will make certain repairs are made before he returns and he can stay until all that is remedied." He patted me on the shoulder. "I am glad you have a kind and concerning heart. You must keep an eye on that boy, too. He has a wistful nature though I would say he can be quite mischievous as well."
I smiled at my father and nodded. I did not say I had seen Freddy being chastised and my judgement, too, was that he could be somewhat unruly at times from other things which I had heard. It was interesting that my father had also judged him to be wistful. He was of an age, as I had been, when one begins to think less of childish things and realises there is a different world around. I knew I could become very fond of Freddy and, I hoped, be a good friend. I was also heartened that my father would try his best for the old Colonel.
Torquil and Geoffrey reappeared when it was quite dark. We found they had ridden to Hornby to confer with cousin Rass over suitable riding for the troopers. His opinion was there would be little opposition from the main landowner as his second son had been a lieutenant of infantry but had wed an heiress and lived in Sussex now. A letter from Uncle Billy would be quite sufficient even for a camp to be made. They settled down for dishes of tea and cake with the Colonel and father and the three of us went up to the bedroom.
Freddy wanted to know why the room was somewhat in disarray. I explained about the installation of the jakes and he said his father had arranged that for their house in Suffolk two years ago. He dreaded the privies at school though the Pups and Whelps in Mr Ridley's house had separate ones from us older pupils. I said he would have to use the commode tonight and in the morning and he twitched his nose at that. He kept staring at the African carving so we had to tell him the story of it. He had seen Timmy in the stable at Ashbourne but we did not tell him details of Black Jack's actions. He knew that there had been trouble and a pupil had been expelled but it was not for us to spread stories which would become gossip and rumour. Like all inquisitive boys he stared at the pizzle on the statue but said nothing though I and Robin exchanged glances over his head.
He was allowed to join us at dinner and again we could see how affectionate his grandfather was of him. I said we would see him safely to school and he had inspected his own steed. Father asked if he had named him yet and the lad said rather shyly he would like it to be 'Prince'. My father said that was a most suitable name for an obedient horse and it was good he had not named him 'Albert'. I looked at Robin and we grinned as we did not know if the Queen's husband would have approved, especially with being obedient. I noted that Torquil and Geoffrey also exchanged glances but did not say anything or Torquil might be accused of lese-majesty by saying the Prince was no gelding either!
I think my mother also took to Freddy as she kissed his cheek most fondly when he said goodnight to her and thanked her very gracefully. In the bedroom we sat by the fire for a while and chatted about things that had happened at the school. He had been at Ashbourne from when he was ten years old so knew even more of the ways of our schoolfellows than I did. He said he hoped he would do well at his studies but some of his fellows were rather lazy and some quite ill-mannered. I said we saw little of the younger ones except when they joined us for our meals. "We are well-behaved then," he said with a smile, "Or we would not be fed."
We found that Lawson, the younger brother of the Lawson in the next room to Branscombe and Maitland and thus to be Robin's neighbour, was Freddy's greatest friend. "We work well together though he is the one who got us chastised," he confessed. "He is quite adventurous and last summer went exploring some caves on the fells and almost got lost." I said I knew his elder brother who was a good runner and had almost won the last Chase. "Charles says he is the best brother he could ever have." He shook his head. "I wish I had a brother instead of that silly sister."
Robin said that was unkind and Freddy looked most upset and said he felt his mother only wanted the sister and was always forbidding him to do anything he wanted. "I have no one at Cavendish to be friends with," he said almost tearfully. "Mama won't even let me be friends with our curate's son. He is my age and like me is lonely in the holiday time. Mama says his mother is no more than a parlourmaid but I know she was governess to a good family as my father told me that. I am only happy when my father takes me to see the places where the Romans lived."
He explained that there had been a Roman settlement at Eye and was most eloquent about it as he had been there the last three summers with his father and the diggers. I said the groom we would be taking to Ashbourne had seen some Roman and Egyptian things in the British Museum in London. I think he was most impressed that a groom had been to a place like that and said that was somewhere he wanted to visit. "I warrant Natty will tell you of all his adventures in London," I said, "He has seen more than I have as the Museum is a place I wish to go to as well."
He asked if we would like to see one of the coins his father had sent to him. We both said yes and he took a small cloth pouch from his bag and unwrapped a strange coin. "This is a denarius," he said proudly. "It is a silver coin of the time of the Emperor Claudius." Robin said he had heard of him but asked when he had reigned. "My father said the coin was made about forty-two Anno Domini so he must have been Emperor then," Freddy said with a great smile.
As he held the coin out on the cloth we could see the imperious head of the Emperor. He turned it over carefully without touching the silver and there quite clearly was a naked youth with wings carrying an ornate rod with a serpent at his feet. "My father says the boy is Nemesis and that is the rod of Hermes. He told me the meaning of the Latin words around but I have forgotten them. I am sure Mr Pretyman will know."
I wondered if he should take valuable coins like that to school but he said he would ask Mr Pretyman to look after them as he had promised to teach them about the Romans in Britain and Claudius had been here after Britain had been conquered. I said he was a very lucky boy to have such precious things and he said his father had many other objects he had found when digging.
He replaced the coin in its pouch and put it into his bag. He looked up and smiled. "My father says the Romans have been long gone but they have left their footprints all over our land. He says our long straight roads are old Roman marching roads and many of our towns have Roman names like Colchester, Rochester and Winchester. They were named after the camps the Romans built for their soldiers, so he told me."
Robin was nodding. "I have heard that, too. Their name for a camp was castra which our forebears have changed but it is still recognisable."
"It is a pity we do not continue that," I said. "When my Centurion brother and his milites have left us after their camp perhaps we should rename our village Careby-chester. Even Careby-chester Magna as we have that Latin already!"
"Those Romans have left us other things, too," Robin remarked, ignoring my inventive suggestion with just a twitch of his nostrils. "That coin is a denarius and we have the 'd' from denarius as the symbol for our penny, don't we?"
Freddy was delighted at that. "Yes, and that curly 'L' we have for the pound sterling is from the Latin libra so father said!"
We laughed together over our erudition especially as I then found a copy of Virgil's Georgics among the books Uncle Digby Wright had given me which I presented to Freddy. "If you do not follow in your father's footsteps as a finder of Roman things you could become a farmer!" I said. He shook his head but said he would value my gift.
It was getting late and Benjy appeared with a pitcher of hot water for us to rinse our hands and faces before bedtime. I think this unusual show of good manners was either pure inquisitiveness on Benjy's part, or Mr Clements had decided we should not be considered uncivilized savages as the Colonel had said after dinner about tribes he had seen in Africa. I concluded it was the first of these as Benjy hovered until I said we would see ourselves to bed.
As was our usual habit both Robin and I stripped off all our clothes before searching for our nightshirts. Usually when by ourselves we slept naked if possible but with Freddy in the bed as well it would not be seemly to be unclothed. Robin also decided to place more logs on the fire to keep the room warm so was parading around displaying himself before having a rather noisy piss in the pot in the commode. He had left his best suit rather untidily so I placed it neatly on his school chest which was closed but not strapped. I was therefore also in the same state as Adam in the Garden of Eden and had a piss myself when Robin finished.
I looked round having done those good and necessary deeds and saw that Freddy was still in his vest and underdrawers but was staring at our naked selves. "Come on, Freddy," I said, "You need to strip off completely, use the pot and then put your nightshirt on." I held mine up and slipped it over my head and let it drape down over me. He did do as he was told but turned away just showing his back view and the neatest young body as he managed to piss quite quietly. Of course, being ordered to strip he had forgotten his nightshirt was still in his bag. A decision had to be made. He had seen two boys with well-formed pizzles and a good tuft of hair above. The brave lad walked to his bag and pulled out the garment. He turned holding it in front of him but as he, too, slipped it over his head he revealed his own attributes which were just like mine and Robin's at his age. His young peg was still no more than a thick snail and his ballocks were beginning to sag in their sac. His hair was sparse but would soon be abundant. At twelve and a half he was a real growing boy.
As Freddy's nightshirt descended and hid those objects from view Robin winked at me and, rude boy that he was, waggled his hips so his good-sized prong swung from side to side. He was not quick enough to stand still again so Freddy witnessed the last flourish and did grin.
"I must not be ashamed of myself," he said, "I have been instructed by my father's friend our doctor about how boys grow. Lawson is quite open about what his brother has told him and we are very alike and I have seen the other ones in our dormitory and some are not as forward as Lawson or me."
Robin picked up his own nightshirt but did not put it on. "That brother of mine you met at the Hunt is nearly thirteen and is like you, growing fast." He waggled his hips again. "And I think we are still growing, too, eh Tom?"
I just laughed and said I hoped so.
Robin donned his nightshirt and said we should get into the bed. It was then a decision had to be made. Would Freddy sleep on the edge or be placed between us? He made the decision for us. Robin climbed in, then he followed, leaving me to be on the outside. We continued our chat and found there were eight in his dormitory with four of the youngest ones in a wide bed with two other beds shared two by two. He was with Lawson and they were the two oldest and in charge of the younger ones. He said Lawson was well-liked by the others and he thought he was, too. I said I hoped he didn't lead them into mischief and he confessed the smoking was his only major misdemeanour. He was inquisitive about the duties of the fags and I said I did not find them onerous as long as I remembered to collect extra wood and coal, make sure the clean clothes were put away neatly and did not burn the toast or sausages.
Very hesitantly he asked about Robin and his brothers. We were also quite open. He was rather amused when I said that Robin was my nephew and Freddy said he really thought we were brothers. He was even more amused when I told him Robin would have two uncles to keep him in order when Branscombe's sister married my brother Torquil. I had realised he had been most impressed with my brother who had been most kind towards him during dinner and ruffled his hair when we had said goodnight. As he knew George Lascelles he had not been at all overawed by the Honourable Geoffrey and said he liked the way he had smiled at him. By this time he was getting sleepy and snuggled down and Robin put his arm round him as he nodded off.
There was no way in which we could make our love known towards each other with that sleeping boy between us. I did, however, reach out and place a finger against my Robin's lips after I had touched my own with it.
The three of us slept soundly, though when I woke I had Freddy's arms around me. So he would not feel embarrassed I gently moved them away and he did not stir. I needed the pot not only to water so eased myself as quietly as possible and wiped myself clean before stoking the embers of the fire. Robin woke next and he relieved himself as well and we then sat side by side on the padded settle and kissed long and deeply.
We recited to each other all the items we needed or had packed and I found a book amongst those from Uncle Digby explaining Euclid's propositions which I placed to be taken for Aubrey Bayes.
Just as the church clock struck seven so Benjy, Eamonn and the twins came in with pitchers of hot water. Benjy looked to see where Freddy was and he was almost hidden by the thick coverlet.
"I thought you had put him to bed elsewhere as he snored," he said quietly. "You have not been disturbed?" We both shook our heads and said we would bathe first and then wake him so one full pitcher was left on the hearth for him. "There are other things to bring before your travelling chests are strapped," Benjy whispered. "We must take water to the others before we do that." I thought I knew what else we might have and winked at Robin. More things for boys' bellies other than the sweetmeats already stowed away.
We bathed separately and quietly with me taking the first place. As we laved each other in turn we could not help but hold each others' rampant stalks. Then standing side by side we each soon reached that joyous consummation which, though quietly accomplished was, perhaps, even more intense than usual. Our seed spurted freely into the bath and we smiled at each other. Freddy slept through this, we knew, as there was just a gentle susurration during those delightful minutes.
We were dried and but not dressed before he began to stir. Being mischievous ourselves we bundled him out of the bed and stripped him of his nightshirt and carried him to the bath giggling with his young peg rampant and stiff as it would no doubt be on any morning in the future. Our own larger adornments, having had their release, were now soft. As we bathed him, with his hot water added to the soapy mix already there, Robin remarked that he must match that black boy statue for sure as there was no waning in the stiffness. He was a proud boy and not disconcerted by that remark. "I wake each morning like this but do not know why. Lawson says it is like him and his brother and then he laughs but tells me no more. He said we would learn to frig later but I do not know that word."
A dilemma! Should we enlighten him? No! We had looked at each other and Robin had shook his head a little. He would learn soon enough and it should be with a boy of his own age, like his friend. Robin quietly said it was a word much used by boys as they grew older and he should wait. Freddy must have recognised Robin's authority and asked no more.
We dressed in our riding britches, thick socks, vests and good wool shirts against the cold. We surveyed each other and agreed we were a handsome trio. Robin then said except for our hair, so with many flourishes and giggles we helped to brush each other's locks. Young Freddy had had his hair cut quite short as his grandfather told him he should be military rather than naval and not have hair ready for a pigtail. As both Robin's and mine flowed to our shoulders we just laughed and said we had forgotten to have ours trimmed.
We were ready for our breakfasts and prepared to go downstairs just as Benjy and Eamonn reappeared bearing five wrapped parcels. There were two each for Robin and me and one for Freddy. From their shape and weight I knew we would be enjoying fine slices of ham as I and my roommates had last term. Freddy looked so pleased and I said no doubt my mother had decreed he should be supplied as well. These were placed in our chests and mine fitted well on either side of my flute case ready for the straps to be pulled tight. Benjy said that Colonel Neville would be breakfasting in his bedroom and that Freddy should go there first before proceeding downstairs. He was not long and came back with a great smile and showed us the two half sovereigns he had been given for his spending money. Robin said he should be careful he didn't get in a muddle and try to spend a denarius instead in Mrs Williams' shop. The cheeky boy said he did know the difference between gold and silver but gave Robin the sweetest smile.
There was quite a reception in the breakfast-room. My father, Torquil and Geoffrey were already there and remarks were made about the tardiness of youths. They were up early not so much to bid us farewell but were joining a small hunt later as two foxes had been laying waste to a neighbouring farmer's fowls and good sport was forecast with the snow almost gone. My father had a smile on his face when he said his friend Wagstaffe would be attending and bringing two couple of hounds. I forbore from asking if he might bring his horn as well as Torquil gave me a look as he knew what had caused our brother Terence's predicament. As he and Geoffrey finished before us they went out but Torquil gave his son and me the most loving hugs. He did say he could find a sharp knife if I didn't mind my sharp tongue. As he tapped me on my front as he said this I knew he was aware of what Mehmet had lost, but he had said it with a laugh. He slapped Freddy on his back and said he hoped he would do well at school and better than when he was there.
We fed well and copiously and were getting excited as the time for our departure grew nearer. My mother was already in the parlour giving Mrs Clements her orders for the day so we filed in to be kissed and urged to be good scholars and not to misbehave. There was quite a twinkle in her eye as she said this and I felt a coin being pressed into my hand as she bussed me. Another half-sovereign to add to my purse. Father had already been asked to take care of our money boxes so they would be kept safe. Marie, mother's maid, was there, too, and I kissed her cheek as did Robin and both of us were wished well in French. Young Freddy bowed his head most gracefully. Marie said he was un beau gar‡on - a handsome young man - and touched her lips and smiled.
As we left the parlour we heard the noise of tramping feet on the back stairs as our chests and bags were hefted down by three or four grooms. Mr Clements and Jackson must have been supervising that as Benjy and his helpers were waiting in the passageway towards the front door. No leaving by the backdoor for us!
My father appeared and after giving Robin and me great hugs as well he shook young Freddy heartily by the hand and more coins passed.. We stood ready and waiting until Mr Clements came along with Jackson who ceremoniously opened the heavy door. The coach was there with Rowley and Peters on the box with our own three steeds being controlled by Bobby Brewer. Natty was a picture in a fine new riding cape and cocked hat standing by his Kerry and holding the reins of the two we would lead. I felt very proud as I walked down the steps and took Blaze's reins from Bobby ready to mount. Freddy was so proud as he went up to Prince and spoke to him quietly before taking his reins from Bobby. Robin stepped forward and assisted him to mount.
Father came to see us off and asked Natty if he knew the way. Natty said Rowley had a map but he also had a copy which Philip Goodhew had made for him. Father laughed and asked if that was so he could find his way home if we mistreated him? Poor Natty hung his head until my father touched him on the shoulder. "Natty, my boy," he said, "I am sure you will do well and will make your mother even prouder of you." There was a clinking sound as coins were dropped into his jacket pocket.
Both Rowley and Peters were given the same treatment. Of course they knew my father's ways and smiled as he told them not to drive too quickly as we were certain to lose our way through gawping at every midden as if it were a wondrous pile of precious jewels. I said perhaps we should take a shovel or two and fill the coach in case this were true and a magical transformation might occur. He just shook his head and more coins were heard to jingle.
Rowley said we would be striking first for Witham and Melton Mowbray as the road that way was good. Father said it was a pity we were not starting northwards as on passing Belvoir Rowley could ask his Grace the Duke if he might need a few more old nags and attendant grooms, looking meaningfully at me in particular. I smiled sweetly back and said nothing.
We were away before the church clock struck nine. Blaze and Silver wanted to take off at a good pace but had to slow as Robin and I were leading the steeds for Mr Dimbleby and George. As we rode to the village down the driveway we kept our eyes on young Freddy but he was riding most confidently. Natty rode beside him and they were soon chatting together.
We waved to people in the village street as we passed and there on the corner were Robin's family. We stopped and Robin and I dismounted and gave our reins to boys who always appeared like magic. Both Robin and I hugged his mother who was crying. Not sadly, but so pleased her son was on his way to a new life. Steven hugged his foster-son and said he would think of him every day. I think Robin had a tear in his eye then as both his young brothers wanted to be hugged, too. Liam stood behind but I made sure I shook his hand, too. We remounted after rewarding the village boys with a penny each and waved our farewells. We would be back for Easter and there was much for all to do.
As we passed Mr Venables' shop he was at the door and we touched our caps in greeting and he waved a finger as if giving the beat to the village band. Natty's mother was standing along from the shop so she was greeted as well and as we rode on I turned and saw she was wiping her eyes with a large white kerchief with her son blowing kisses to her.
I think Freddy was rather bemused by all this leave-taking. When we took the road towards Witham Natty took the leading rein of George's horse and I rode beside Freddy. He said he didn't think he had ever been happier than with this Christmas and now with his own steed. "I do like school as well," he said, with rather an impish grin. I said to myself that I did, too, and hoped that my dear Robin would take to this new life. So our journey for my second term and Robin's first began.
To be continued:
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