Tom Browning's Schooldays

Tom Browning's Schooldays

By

Joel

Chapter SeventyFour

What could I do but stand and stare. Of course, six senior pupils had left Ridley House to follow their various routes into life. Five had been our Praepostors and appeared arrayed as George and Theo on Sundays for Chapel services. That is, three of them attended School Chapel arrayed like that. Prots and Frob, as converted Dissenters, were allowed to attend their strict Dissenting chapel in Ashbourne and forswore the wearing of such garments for they must be of Papist origin in their opinion. I had listened to them holding forth on this presumption to Winstanley who had mildly retorted that such articles were just symbols. He had been told firmly that these were symbols of an authority which had no place in God's true kingdom. There was no need for gowns, surplices or other fripperies which could only come between man and his maker and their preacher arrayed in a plain frock coat was of an equal with his congregation.

What could a poor fag do then? I prostrated myself at the threshold of our room and hit my forehead three times on the wooden floor. I had heard this was the way the Chinese paid their respects to their Emperor. There was laughter behind me and I received an unwelcome kick to my posterior.

"Up, vassal, and bow to your superiors here as well!" It was Cedric Branscombe.

I scrambled to my feet and saw that both Branscombe and Maitland were similarly arrayed as George and Theo. Four Praepostors! A laughing Robin was standing with them as I acknowledged their authority with a courtly bow.

Of course, the noise of laughter from all of them attracted others who had already arrived and there was much joshing as well as congratulations on their appointments. I found there were two others, Farquar and Lawson, who were still on their way to Ashbourne, so there would be six Praepostors in Ridley House for there were ten new Pups and Whelps against the six Sixth Formers who had left. Claridge was the only one who had not been a Praepostor and he would be at Oxford in October. Our room was soon crowded and though it was near four in the afternoon tankards of ale were immediately in evidence as a toast to the new guardians of School Rules and Regulations. I heard that each had received a letter from Mr Ridley appointing them and their formal induction would occur on Sunday morning in Chapel.

The next news was that Pullen had been placed in an Almshouse in Ashbourne and there was a new Usher installed. A retired naval man named Sharpin. There was much speculation about his provenance but Collett said he had heard he had been a guard at the naval barracks in Greenwich and had been recommended to Mr Pretyman by a chaplain there. "Anyone would be better than Pullen," averred Collett, "That drunkard made many lives miserable. I saw the weals on Henderson's arse after he got twelve cuts for no reason." There was a whisper from someone asking why was Collett inspecting Henderson's backside, Luckily, Collett did not hear that but there were sniggers as well. Of course, they did not know I had inspected and anointed poor Laidlaw's bum after he had had twelve cuts as well.

Talk then turned to the new urinals, or Vespasians. I had noted through the open doors that there was a pair side by side in each of the small rooms. Maidment said there were instructions above each. This caused more laughter and a medley of suggestions: 'Remove peg from britches before pissing', 'Point your pizzle towards the back', 'Small boys should stand on tiptoe', 'Shake well when finished so no drips on floor'. This last caused some unseemly comments about how many shakes might be allowed. Although no one mentioned it I was quite aware that all knew what more shakes than necessary would produce!

While all this was happening so servants were bringing up trunks and bags with mine included. With chests to open the gathering diminished until just George and Theo were left in the room with me. I found that both George and Theo had arrived this morning. Theo had been visiting a relation whose young son was joining Ashbourne as a twelve-year-old Whelp. He had delivered the youngster safely into Matron's care. "I do hope Daniel settles as he was blubbing the last part of the journey," he said as he helped me place books on the shelf above the desk.

"Blubbing," George said as he divested himself of his gown and board and laid stretched out on the bed his trunk untouched with two bags on top of it. "He did no more than I did when I came here first. Has he never been away from home before?"

Theo shook his head. "No, he has been tutored at home and his father is strict with him. It did not help when his father told him that he was sure he would feel the Usher's rod if he did not succeed with his studies. He is no stranger to his father's cane as I know he feels it most days."

"His father beats him?" I asked. "Why?"

Theo was clearly upset. "He believes in 'spare the rod' and the boy must obey all the time. If his tutor says he has not paid attention then he lays the cane across his backside."

"Does not the tutor see the boy's distress?" I inquired.

"I do not like the tutor. He has a smirk on his face and I am sure takes pleasure in seeing the boy punished. There is a younger brother who will now receive a double dose I fear."

"What relation is he?" George asked.

"The father is a cousin of my mother," Theo replied. "I did not know the family who live at Southwell where the father is at the Minster there."

"Where is that?" George sat up and wriggled his shoulders.

"Some way off Newark and we travelled from there to Nottingham and had two more coaches to arrive here."

"Not so far as I had to travel," George said, "And there was a coach full again. I am bruised and battered." He held onto his left shoulder rubbed it vigorously. "I had to let young Radcliffe ride Barbary for he had the shits and we wanted none of that inside or have to keep stopping to allow him to lower his britches." He harumphed. "He missed lowering them at least twice so my saddle will need a good scouring and oiling." I laughed to myself as I knew Robin had that promissory note from Geoffrey for a new saddle. I wanted to see George's face when he received it.

However, we did not inquire more about Radcliffe and the misery caused to himself and to the saddle. Theo was more concerned about this boy Daniel.

"I must talk with Mr Pretyman or I fear the boy may try to run away," he said as I placed the two hams in their canvas bags on the desk. This made George sit up more.

"Go and talk with him now and I will inspect what more this lad has secreted in this chest of his," George said and hopped off the bed. "Do I see more parcels under there?"

Theo could not pass as George was bending over my chest. Theo was not a violent person but he did slap George's backside. "Leave the boy alone and let me pass. I will go immediately." George dropped the package which he had picked up. It contained a cherry- red neckerchief from France which I was going to present to him to wear when he was playing football. That could wait!

George sat up on the bed again allowing Theo room to pass.

"May I suggest you ask Mr Pretyman if Freddy Neville and young Lawson might be mentors for this Daniel," I said, "We have seen how well they treated the Pups when we swam with them last term. He may be a Whelp but he is new and needs good friends."

"You are a good fellow, too," George said from his perch, "That is a capital idea." He lay back on the bed as Theo left the room. I busied myself removed clean shirts, stockings and underclouts from the chest and placing them on the shelves assigned me in the wardrobe. I was about to ask, quite disrespectfully, if his chest and bags were to be opened before Christmas when he spoke again. "You were squeaking on about some journey to France before we all departed at the end of term," he said. "Did you go?"

I had forgotten he would have heard any conversation I had with Robin. I had not said more for I was sure it would have been seen as boasting. I thought I might make a story of it.

"Yes, we went and buried a Duke's head and were almost held up by highwaymen," I said grinning inwardly as George sat upright again openmouthed. "We were well looked after in the Palace of Fontainebleau and Robin and I were in the Comte de Roanne's mansion in Paris as well. Oh, and I assisted my cousin when he treated a Minister d'tat at Fontainebleau who was most grateful and we have an invitation to visit him when next in Paris." I managed all that without the grin escaping.

"I hope you are not making mock of me," he said, then relaxed. "I believe you but you must tell all. A Duke's head?"

I held up my good jacket I would wear on Sunday. "That is so, but could we wait until Theo is here and I will tell the whole tale. It would be even better with Robin here as well."

He nodded. "But first it will be our evening meal. After that." He lay back on the bed. I wondered if I might try a little of the art of massage I had learned from questioning Mehmet as he showed me how he found the tight muscles and sinews when he was dealing with Robin.

"It should not be long now," I said thinking that a tankard of ale on an empty stomach was making me somewhat lethargic and needing a piss. However I finished with my chest and had just my travelling bag with the three days of soiled linen and a bespattered nightshirt which Robin had caused. I grinned again to myself. His was in the same condition with two night's effusions against one night's worth of mine. I had slept naked for the last two nights!

George was getting restless and was moving his shoulders again against the bed. "George, I have learned a little about massage," I said tentatively, "I have watched and been instructed." My bladder was full and emptying that became urgent. "Excuse me a moment and when I return I think I will be able to ease your aches and pains."

Without waiting for a reply I dashed along the passageway to the small room at the top of the stairs unbuttoning my britches as I went. Luckily there was no one there to hinder me so with a quick rummage I had my peg in my hand and was pissing mightily. As I did so I was aware of the notice above the contrivance. "IT IS FORBIDDEN TO MAKE WATER ABOVE THE LINE" I could not help but laugh. A careful straight line of red paint had been drawn two inches below that notice along the back of the metal rim of the bowl. A second notice was above the first. "ON COMPLETION USE ONE SCOOP OF WATER" My concern completed I looked around. On the floor was a keg of fresh water with a metal scoop in it. I did as instructed and swilled the water around and watched it disappear with the remains of my own effusion down a pipe. Being inquisitive I squatted down and saw that, as at Careby, a careful bend had been placed to prevent any unwholesome smell to rise. I remembered this had been on those careful drawings made by young Philp Goodhew.

I was still examining the construction when Travis Maitland came into the room. As we had both pissed into the bushes or had swum naked he was not troubled by my presence as his own peg was extracted and his own stream was directed down into the vessel. He laughed as he read the notice. "I have obeyed that," he said as he shook the last drops from his thick stem. "'Tis an improvement on those stinking pots though it was a joy when those two prigs got their soaking." He, too, obeyed the second notice and joined me in inspecting the construction. As had been suggested metal feeding bowls had been shaped and pipes added. These led into wooden casings so no hint of where they ran after that could be discerned.

"We must find out what goes on below," I said.

He waved a dismissive hand. "'Tis gone and good riddance to the pots though I see they remain if needed." I had not noticed that. We were then disturbed by two others desirous of ridding themselves of excess water. "We must gather later to hear your tale," he said and clapped me on the back as we left the room. "Young Robin says you had quite an adventure. Is that so?" I said we had and he poked his head into our room where George was still supine and arrangements were made to meet after our evening meal.

"What is this you can do to ease my aches?" George asked as I closed the door behind me. "Not liniment, eh?"

I explained about the massages I had received and witnessed and that I had been instructed as well.

"I trust you, young sir, but..."

I ignored that and told him to remove his shirt and vest and lie face down. My fingers soon found the knots in his shoulders and he was soon grunting most contentedly. I did not dare to go down further than his shoulder blades but this was enough as when I finished and he sat up he was smiling.

"That is most easeful," he said. He wriggled his shoulders again. "My boy, that is a new trick up your sleeve and I will ask for that if I may whenever I am afflicted."

He had just donned his vest and shirt when Theo returned. He was happier, too. Mr Pretyman had listened attentively and agreed the boy needed good and careful treatment. Freddy Neville had not yet arrived back at school as he was in London still. Young Lawson was called for and had been instructed to acquaint Daniel Stevenson with the intricacies of school life. He had already been allotted to a shared bed in that pair's room for two of the older Whelps were now to be fags in our part of Ridley House. Theo laughed as he recounted this for young Lawson was most taken with the trust Mr Pretyman was placing in him and looked delighted. I wondered if young Daniel would be a willing participant in the tableaux Freddy had planned!

George was now rubbing his belly again. I forbore from opening one of my packets of sweetmeats as the whole lot would disappear down George's gullet and then he would complain he was not ready to eat once we were in the dining hall. At last the clock chimed the three-quarters so we joined the steady stream of hungry hunters to the dining hall. As we passed the Usher's den there was still no sign of Sharpin. There were shrugs of shoulders as no one had yet seen him. As we entered there were a few quiet cat-calls as the new Praepostors went to their separate table. Oh dear! Would we be bereft of George's supply of brown sugar in the future?

Of course there were many cheery greetings and Collett gathered up the two new fags whose masters included Radcliffe, Laidlaw and Branson who had been Claridge's fag. They joined us and kept peering down at the assembled Whelps and Pups whose company they had now left. They were both well-built lads who would do well in a football scrummage. They had been eyed by the older players and this was now the topic of conversation. The pots of boiled fowl disappeared down hungry throats as plans and stratagems to beat the other Houses at football and Hare and Hounds were discussed. I knew I would prefer to be a Hare so made sure that Collett who seemed to be collecting names and desires knew what I wanted. There was the usual announcement of a Sing-Song in Great Hall on Saturday. That meant Robin and I would be busy.

There were still stragglers arriving so as soon as the meal was over George collected us and the six from the two rooms gathered in ours. Robin was smiling as he was bearing a bottle. I recognised it as one from Careby containing some of the wine from Riom. He whispered that Mr Clements had insisted he brought it to Ashbourne and I wondered if it had travelled well again. I need not have worried. We settled with beakers of that delectable potion and Robin and I were commanded to tell our tale. There was much amusement as George and Cedric Branscombe were presented with the red neckerchiefs as we told of the Johnson twins giving us ours. To accompany the telling of the Fontainebleau episode Maitland had a pair of dark green stockings to wear for the Hare and Hounds. He was told it was because we had noted the returning hunters wore such as those. Theo was left until last but there was great merriment when he received a package containing a blue smoking cap like the one I had presented to my father. We were still describing the scene at the mausoleum when George announced his duty this night as Praepostor was to see that lights were extinguished. He displayed a new acquisition. He said his father had been surprised , astonished and so pleased at his promotion he had presented him with a fob watch. The old useless turnip had been forsaken.

"It is near ten so this gathering must end but we will resume tomorrow evening to hear whatever these poor souls endured over the remainder of their invasion of that strange place." He laughed. "I am mighty envious of that journey so far. A railway, a steamship, good roads and good food." He shook his head. "If you are minded to go again I would willingly accompany you."

I made some comment that he would have to learn French and as he left the room got a good-natured cuff to my head. "Do not brag, whipper-snapper, or my stave will meet your arse!"

Both Theo and I had used the new urinal and were in our beds when he returned. He seemed full of praise for the new Usher. He thought him to be a man of some forty years, most neatly dressed and sporting a full black beard. "I saw he had a Bible by his side and no pint pot!" George said as he was undressing. No more was said as Theo intoned our goodnight prayers and the last candle was extinguished. I lay for a moment contemplating that my second year at Ashbourne was beginning and what might the year bring. It began as last year with three lads quietly releasing their day's juices and I was sad I was not sharing those moments with my Robin.

I was awake and ready for George to hustle us to the privy. This was so and that was the pattern for all our days. There was no let up in our schoolwork either. One of the newcomers who had joined us from the Whelps was assigned to Mr Martin's room. He was a studious lad named Peter Manners and was a kin of the Duke of Rutland, but somewhat removed, he laughingly said. With Frobisher and Porter leaving so Laidlaw now roomed with Radcliffe and Manners became their fag. As Laidlaw and Radcliffe were not inclined to study so he soon joined our group of Theo, Aubrey Bayes, the Johnson twins, Pederson and myself for we tended to work together. He and Robin vied with Aubrey over their understanding of mathematics and he, though just fourteen, made a trio with them for the extra lessons with Mr Dimbleby. As Mr Martin had announced Mr Dimbleby also taught us all mathematics for three lessons a week. I enjoyed his teaching immensely. Even Pettigrew, who was best at Greek, said he could understand now what all those x's and y's meant.

Mr Martin continued his teaching of British history and the class were most interested when Robin and I described the finding of the Priest's Hole, or set of rooms at Careby Hall. Mr Martin was even more intrigued when we told him that the lad who had discovered the discrepancy in the plans of the house also draw the design for the new Vespasians in Ridley House and was now at the Royal Schools at thirteen and was Robin's half-brother. Our studies in Greek now included the reading of the New Testament in that language. This was followed with great interest as Mr Martin showed us the various ways in which particular Greek words had been translated but also that one word in English might have different constructions in the Greek. For example 'know' could be 'epistamai', to understand, 'ginosko' to perceive, or, 'eideo', to be acquainted with. Each of the Greek words having a different shade of meaning.

Peter Manners also became a member of Mr Ridley's class on Fridays. Again the discussions here were most instructive. We were sad Winstanley had left us but Aubrey Byers had been allowed to bring a vacuum pump and demonstrated Magdeburg hemispheres with the story of the test of these when horses could not separate them. He had also brought a new microscope and though we did not inspect certain fluids we all collected various others from ponds and streams as well as looking at the structures of flies' wings and bee's antennae as well as other innocuous things. My contribution was to deal with the change of ideas from the Ancient Greeks who believed we saw things from emanations outwards from our eyes to the study of lenses such as in the eye where reflected light from the world around was focussed. I had cajoled the school's carpenter to make me a box so that I could place a lens at the front with a thin membrane at the back. When this was viewed from under a covering cloth an image could be made to come into focus. There was some surprise when I demonstrated that the image from the lens was upside-down and that was what appeared on our retinas at the back of our eyes. I had also been to Mr Thacker's butcher's shop and he had given me three bull's eyes which I had carefully dissected to show the lens and the retina in each. This caused quite a stir for other than Robin and Aubrey no one else in the class had seen such a dissection. I had drawn on paper the lens with the rays of light passing through and crossing to where they focussed to show the image. I could not show what happened within the brain! Of course, Megson disputed the facts and said he was sure I was wrong. Luckily, Mr Ridley had a telescope which I was able to dismantle and showed Megson that if he looked through it with just one lens in it then the image he saw was inverted just like the image from my box. This was like his eyes I repeated and, disrespectfully, I said even his brain had to make sense of that image when on his retina.

What with lessons, games, chases and Sing-Songs so the term rapidly passed. Our lessons with Mr Skrimshire continued and on several mornings Robin and I accompanied the singing of the hymns or played before or after the morning services. We laughed and said playing in the Comte's orchestra was almost as scary! I was also instructed to take young Freddy to the lessons he had with Mrs Dimbleby. I found he had not returned until the second week of term as he had been taken to London by his father to see Mr Sterndale Bennett again at the music academy this time to discuss his future. He said that his mother having received the letters from Mrs Dimbleby and my Aunt Fanny had relented and let him play her fortepiano. His father having heard him play was told of his meeting with Mr Bennett when he was at my Aunt Fanny's house in London. I think his father was rather angry at his mother's attitude and had written immediately to my Aunt to find out more. She had said Freddy should play to Mr Bennett again which he did. Mr Bennett said he had improved so much he was minded to accept him as a pupil at the academy next year. Freddy also told Mrs Dimbleby that Mr Bennett had commended him on some music he had written. When he played it to us I was quite amazed. It sounded so tuneful and the harmonies were most attractive. He said he had many other pieces in his head and he was commanded to write something every day. He was also becoming most adept on the flute and I was instructed to give him lessons as well. He joined Robin and me at the second Sing-Song onwards and helped to accompany the songs.

George and Theo were now real friends for me. Both of us helped George in his school work. He seemed much more settled as Black Jack was never referred to. My Uncle Digby had cautioned Robin and me from making any mention of his whereabouts or of his possible connection with that evil trade or that man dismissed from the school. George revelled in playing football and Robin joined him in many games. His devoted followers were Radcliffe and Laidlaw. Laidlaw praised him especially for freeing him from the strictures of Prots and Frobs over the playing of football. There also seemed to be a contest to see who became most muddied in those games and as I preferred the Chases I would manage to get to the washroom before they appeared. There was always much merriment as they stripped off their soiled garments and George took delight in pouring pans of hot water over his bedraggled acolytes with Radcliffe wantonly wriggling his arse to make his lengthening peg wave from side to side. Young Manners was a willing participant in these games and he, I thought, was usually the most mired as he seemed quite fearless in diving into any scrimmage. Early in the term Mr Pretyman asked if I and Collett would keep a watchful eyes on the Pups and Whelps when they had their own Hare and Hounds. Collett unthawed a deal and I found him to be another staunch friend. He became a great favourite of the young lads as he always had rewards of sweetmeats in his pockets even for those who lagged behind.

Of course, George was more than delighted when presented with the promissory note to purchase a new saddle. He also had the note from my father and used that amount to match his saddle with two sets of harness and two feeds of Mr Thacker's sausages! We rode out on numerous occasions and the sight of sometimes up to a dozen young riders was most pleasing as none took advantage of their steeds by overzealous displays of horsemanship. We did have poles set up to practice low jumps and no falls were experienced. Young Freddy and Lawson Minor were allowed to accompany us on occasion and amused us with tales of their playacting.

Falls, bruises and cuts were another matter when it came to football. My services were called upon many times and my apothecary's box was quite depleted when the end of term came. I made a new friend through my ministrations. Villiers Major had left to take a place at Trinity in Cambridge. His younger brother, Villiers Minor, or just Villiers now, was my age and an ardent football player like his brother. He suffered the same predicament as his brother in a more than vicious match and, like him, was lying in bed moaning when I was sent for by one of his roommates. His ballocks were red and quite swollen so the lad who had summoned me was instructed to place a cold compress on them and I would return after our evening meal. I heard that the compress had been changed eight times and there was still a fearful aching. All I could advise was more repetitions but I did give him some drops of poppy juice in a glass of wine as I had noted two bottles of claret on a shelf. The next day being Sunday I was waylaid on the way to Chapel by a most grateful Villiers who said he had slept most soundly and the ache was almost gone. I was singled out most weeks for a conversation and a slab of cake or a pastry and I tended to his bruises with arnica on two later occasions. His praise meant I was painting arnica on thighs, arms and backsides for others than those in Ridley House and Lancelot's Balm was called for on four occasions as well.

George was allowed to leave school to attend his brother's wedding. He was away ten days and travelled both ways in a very neat hired carriage with one of the senior grooms from Ashbourne on the box as well. 'To see he came to no harm' as Theo said. He returned laden with gifts for us all and even more determined to join his brother in the regiment. He was much taken with his new sister-in-law and was certain that Captain the Honourable Geoffrey and Mrs Rosamund Lascelles-Wright would have a happy marriage. The joining of the two names was at the suggestion of Geoffrey and was agreed to by both families.

Great excitement occurred when it was announced that the new master, Mr Greatorex, would be responsible for a play to be acted in the last week of term. Some thought it might be by William Shakespeare, others by Mr Sheridan and some wag said by Euripides and to be acted in Greek. I was very pleased when it was announced that it would be 'As You Like It' by Shakespeare as I remembered it was the play in which my father had been Charles the Wrestler and Uncle Billy had been Rosalind. I did not put myself forward for a part but Robin was chosen to be Charles the Wrestler which caused his grandfather to send him a letter praising the 'wise choice of the master' as he put it! Collett was the Duke and a less than bashful Radcliffe was Rosalind with Laidlaw as Celia. The pair made the most of appearing in long gowns supplied by Mrs Dimbleby who was much amused at their antics when being fitted for them. I and young Freddy were dressed in doublet and hose as musicians and played our flutes with Lawson Minor playing the tabor which did little to hide the jutting codpiece the young rogue had formed with a large apple. So with two performances of that play and a Sing-Song term ended.

The journey home to Careby was miserable. Rowley Roberts and Peters had been sent to fetch us in a new coach which my mother had insisted we needed as the two at Careby were quite ancient. The weather was cold and the heavens opened soon after we left the Ashbourne road so we were glad of the comfort though poor Natty had to ride Kerry and lead Blaze and Silver through the downpour. There was no letup and though Natty had a good riding cloak he was quite soaked through when we reached the inn that evening. I ordered a better room for him and Rowley and suggested he had a hot bath with two tots of rum before his evening meal. As Rowley said he was no less wet though he had a leather cape over his shoulders he had to be treated the same. We heard the serving boys toiling up the stairs with pitchers of hot water and their somewhat ribald comments that there was some big fellow, meaning Rowley, without a stitch on a-scrubbing some little fellow, 'end 'e do hev a foine stalk on he'. Whether they meant Rowley or Natty we did not find out!

There was more rain the next day and Natty was ordered another bath at the next stop. He seemed a little reluctant but I insisted as I said he would catch cold and be a nuisance to his mother. Rowley was grinning at this and held up his forefinger behind Natty's back so we knew what effect the hot water and the scrubbing had had. Was Natty becoming a little prudish I wondered. Robin found the answer later as Rowley told him that Natty had a raw patch on his peg and that could only be... Robin made the appropriate hand movements. We laughed together about his predicament in bed that night and I suggested to Robin that I could cure that with an application of the salve in my box. He demonstrated then the application of his own warm salve which he said prevented me from having any unsightly tears of my skin. I had to copy him saying an apothecary should always be willing to be taught new receipts. He retorted that perhaps there was a connection between saliva and salve and wondered which of us had the better receipt and whether it should be bottled. A second testing convinced us that both of us produced most efficacious safeguards against damage.

Our journey home continued with better weather though it was cold and Robin and I rode our steeds for the last few miles. As we approached Careby during the afternoon the road took us past where the new almshouses were being built and these were almost completed. We stopped and were told there were to be eight as more money had been collected. I surmised my Aunt Matty had charmed or cajoled more of the gentry and farmers to contribute. Robin looked at me and frowned. We still had a good amount each from my reward about the ownership of the land wanted for the railway and neither of us had donated a brass farthing yet though we had discussed it. As we rode on we whispered together and decided on five guineas each. That was a tidy sum and should match others we felt.

We were glad to reach the warmth and comfort of Careby Hall. Natty was sent home with a bag of coals to make sure his mother's cottage was snug and Mr Clements said he would see that there was more sent as Mrs Dyer was being employed as a seamstress but working at home. There were welcoming fires in all the grates as we followed Benjy to our room. He told us it was predicted to be a harsh winter for all the holly bushes were red with berries and the swallows and swifts had departed early. He said my father was pleased as it had been the best harvest for beets for many years so none of the cattle or horses would go hungry. I said there were two hungry hunters here now and once we had changed we would be down to the breakfast room to be fed and watered. He screwed his nose up and said that was no change. A cheeky servant should be chastised but I was aware that even in those few months we had been away Benjy had grown taller and had lost his belly.

Once changed and downstairs there was food aplenty. We had to greet Mrs Gray in the kitchen first of all and she remarked we had grown. This was true as both Robin and I were almost three inches taller according to the marks I had made over the years on the wall in the bedroom. No wonder we needed new clothes every few months. We heard that my Aunt Fanny was so pleased with the attention she had received while at Careby Hall she had ordered new dresses for all the female servants and new frock coats for the male indoor servants and hats and capes for the grooms and coachmen. I expected to hear comments on this from my father. We did but it was made clear that Robin and I had been an expense as he had received a bill for the linen suits we had been fitted for in London.

My father and mother and the Dodds had been to London for Geoffrey and Rosamund's wedding. Although other clergy were present the Venerable Dr Dodd had pronounced the wedding vows as he had done for my brother and Elizabeth Branscombe. But he and my father had also travelled to Kent for my Uncle Billy's wedding to Lady Cornwallis. Again Uncle Dodd had dealt with the marriage vows while my father stood by his brother as he assented to them. We also heard my sister Peg had been delivered of a second son, Hamish, in November, so I was an uncle again. Robin had to be content in being a first cousin. Nicholas Wright and his friend had visited but had left for a Grand Tour of England! They were thought now to be at Arundel Castle and other grand houses in that direction until Christmas when they would return to London. He was then to examine a number of buildings designed by an architect named Pugin who had been employed on the construction and decoration of the new Houses of Parliament. His travels would take him north but he and his companion would not be returning to America until May next year. There was a chance I would meet him as my mother had been quite enchanted by him and Mr Button and had invited them back to stay.

Lancelot had travelled to Chester taking the portrait of Agnes de Ferreur to my grandmother. He had not ventured further north to Scotland as his services were called on for an outbreak of typhoid fever had occurred in a village near my grandmother's house. Lancelot had noted that just before this occurred a large quantity of night soil had been spread on fields belonging to the estate owner. In Chester later he had been speaking with an apothecary when replenishing his medicine case who said there had also been an outbreak in another village. On inquiry he found that this had followed the spreading of night soil as well. The local physicians had asserted the disease was due to the miasma which accompanied the rotting faeces. Once again Lancelot was puzzled that smells could carry different diseases. I was made aware that he was sure there was some other cause. I did learn that he had great success with a number of the sufferers by making them drink cold boiled water with an infusion of cloves, peppermint and honey which helped not only to abate their fever but to replace the fluid they lost through their sweating and their watery stools. I learned also the signs of the disease: the fever, the rose-red spots, the swollen liver when palpating the stomach, the green watery stools and often a delirium and clenching and unclenching of the hands. It sounded all most frightening but I was ready to study more.

Although he had not got to Edinburgh his friend had sent him frequent news. He said the boy, James, was well but Marie gave signs of a weakening chest. I was hopeful I might visit Scotland and Lancelot promised we could travel on the railway!

Time then passed quickly towards Christmas. Again there was a dinner for the village with special entertainment by jugglers and acrobats who were travelling around but were more or less stranded in the village because of the increasing bad weather. Their tents had been abandoned and two of the older uninhabited cottages had been made available to them. In recompense they were providing not only this entertainment but were teaching several of the children how to perform some of their routines. We heard there were problems with the work for our railway, as my father called it, for there were heavy falls of snow which prevented the digging of the next stretch planned. There was trouble as the navigators were idle and spent their time drinking in beerhouses around Grantham and the militia had to be called out when there was near riot over lack of money for more drink. Father said again he was glad he did not rely on wheat for his income as the harvest for that had been bad. In fact he had decided not to pursue the purchase of the Templar farm. He said things could only get worse as the potato harvest in Ireland had once again almost failed. What did cheer him was that the year and a day for Cobblers Farm passed without anyone coming forward with any claims and his decision to grow more beets had been vindicated. Mr Johnson was now the tenant and Eamonn's mother was employed there as the housekeeper with his eldest sister as a parlourmaid. Mr and Mrs Johnson were also rising in the social hierarchy!

Our own Christmas party at Careby Hall was a most happy affair. All the Dodds were present and Erasmus was happy with his Fellowship if not with many of his students who he said neither wanted to learn Hebrew nor to study the Old Testament in greater detail even though they were destined for Holy Orders. He said he was even more interested in the age of our planet as he had had the opportunity to attend some lectures describing fossils found in Germany and in Africa. There were indications of great changes having taken place in more recent years as he had also seen remains of what appeared to be the bones, tusks and skin of huge animals found in the melting ice in Russia. These had been described at the end of the last century by a Monsieur Cuvier who declared them to be mammoths, a species of elephant now extinct. Erasmus was unsure how old they might be though ancient stone weapons had been found as well. He only wished he could explore such places but they were wild in the extreme. Both Robin and I wished we were at Cambridge even now to experience such findings and new knowledge.

The journey back to Ashbourne was dire. We had to contend with icy roads so we took almost four days to return. This did not matter as a majority were delayed, too. It was also a matter of trying to keep warm in school. There were warnings about heaping too many coals or wood on fires and the Praepostors were kept busy checking each room to prevent any disasters. There were colds and coughs aplenty. Luckily Lancelot had foreseen this and had supplied me with several efficacious remedies for sore throats though a cold only responded to a warm bed kept to for several days. This bad weather did not abate until almost in March and lessons were almost abandoned at times. There were no outside games but we had many a merry time with Sing-Songs to kept everyone lively and happy.

There was one happening which Robin and I heard of when we went to the warmth of the stables soon after the beginning of term for him to help Mr Darlow with his accounts and me to see my Blaze. The grooms were chatting and I heard there had been a commotion at the Hat and Feathers just before we had arrived back. A man had been to Mr Darlow to seek employment as a groom. He had not convinced Mr Darlow of his competence and had been rejected and he had lost his temper and sworn at him. He had been ordered to leave the stables and returned to the inn where he proceeded to get drunk and remained in his room for two days. He had then had an argument with someone from the village and had drawn a knife from his boot. The Constable had been called who was attacked and his cape slashed. The fellow was now sent to Derby gaol to await trial. My ears were flapping as I heard the name 'Cratchit' mentioned. I had to find more so feigning ignorance I asked what was the crime this fellow, 'what's-his-name', had committed. I then had confirmation of his name in the re-telling of the tale. Robin confirmed the report for Mr Darlow asked him to read through what he had written of his refusal to hire the man and Mr Ridley did not wish the school to become involved. I wrote a letter that evening to Uncle Digby Wright in London to say that I was sure this fellow was in Black Jack's employment. His reply said that was so and I was a good fellow for writing to him. I was not to tell George Lascelles nor discuss the matter with anyone else except Robin and I must burn this letter! Robin said it was Providence the fellow had lost his temper and was not now spying on the School.

Again we were learning more in Mr Ridley's class. Aubrey Bayes had taken on Winstanley's mantle with his demonstrations in natural philosophy. He amused us by showing that heat was transmitted in different ways. Most knew that hot air rose but he showed that the air above burning candles could rotate a small wooden windmill. He had also brought in some six metal rods which he said were of zinc, brass, copper, iron, tin and lead. Each was of the same length and diameter but were quite distinguishable by their weights. He then made six of us hold our rod in the flame from a row of six candles. Megson had been given the copper rod and was asking what stupidity we were to hear. What we heard was a loud 'Damn!' as he dropped his rod and set us to laughter and Mr Ridley to a most stern face which even he could not maintain. Megson had learned that copper conducted heat the fastest and Farquar that lead began to droop because it melted at a low temperature. As we left Robin whispered that certain rods got harder when heated even with the warmth of a hand. We found our little room and we demonstrated that most expertly!

My contribution to the discussions was to describe what Dr Harvey had found about the circulation of the blood. To show the action of the heart Mr Thacker had let me have two newly slaughtered ox hearts. With Aubrey's help I had attached some hollow glass rods to one and by squeezing the heart showed how the blood went down into two chambers and out again. I had dissected the other and laid it out to show the chambers to make this clear. Even Megson was impressed with this though Dennison remarked it was rather a waste of two good hearts as he was fond of them roasted or sliced in a stew. I presented him with the dissected one and said it was still fresh and he might see if the cook in his House might prepare it for him.

As term drew to a close there were two pieces of news. First, George became most animated. His brother Geoffrey wrote to him saying he should arrange to visit London for he wanted to join the regiment in the summer when he left Ashbourne. His father, Lord Harford, had promised to buy him a commission if he was accepted but it would be better if he presented himself first to be 'inspected' by his prospective brother officers. There was no question that he would not be accepted though we joshed him that he would have to give orders in German when on duty at the Queen's House as Prince Albert was German. He had stayed at the Duke of Cambridge's mansion in Piccadilly when his brother married so was unsure if it might be true or not as the old man had often lapsed into German when he was tired. As I wanted to visit London again I suggested he should break his journey and visit Careby Hall and I and Robin could accompany him to London so he didn't feel lonely or get lost. As I was growing fast and as tall as him now I was almost sixteen he could not punish me for my rudeness by the old method of pushing me over the bed and tickling me so he readily agreed. I wrote both to my mother and to Aunt Fanny to arrange his accommodation. Naturally, my ploy worked and Aunt Fanny replied inviting Robin and me to stay at Charles Street as well.

The second piece of news was even more momentous. In that week came letters for Branscombe and me. Mrs Torquil Browning had been safely delivered of a daughter. Amelia Elizabeth Browning was my parent's first granddaughter and the first grandchild of Captain and the Hon. Mrs Branscombe.. We had to celebrate so two bottles of champagne were broached on the Friday evening bought by two happy uncles and shared with our roommates. More potions were bought as well and I woke with quite a headache that Saturday morning

That Saturday was the last game of football of the term and George's exuberance did get the better of him for he kicked the heavy wet ball so hard he sprained his ankle badly. I had recovered sufficiently from those generous libations of the night before so was able to bandage it tightly as Lancelot had shown me and though George, swearing loudly, limped over the weekend there seemed to be no dreadful damage. It was decided he would not ride Barbary to Careby but to rest his ankle in the comfort of the carriage as we left on Tuesday. His temper was not improved as Robin and I referred to him as 'Poor old Granddad' as we rode our steeds beside the coach on the first day of our journey. I did receive a cut to my arse from the walking cane he carried when we arrived at our staging post outside Melton Mowbray.

His ankle was much better by that morning and I graciously allowed him to ride Blaze while I sat with Rowley Roberts on the box. Young Peters was our postillion and had a bugle which he blew as we approached any village and caused us to be stared at by children attracted by the noise. I lost count of the halfpence and pennies I threw to them much to their delight. Somewhere about four in the afternoon we stopped to view the new almshouses which were now finished and were told they were to be blessed by the Rector on Easter Sunday and six would have inhabitants the week after. As we started again I said to George we had but another half-hour's journey and there would be food awaiting us I was sure. George said he was happy to hear this as he was sure he was so empty his belly button was tapping on his backbone. This after he had outdone the rest of us at luncheon in the inn we had stopped at. Two portions of a game pie with hunks of buttered bread, cheese and two flagons of their best ale! We were happy though as he did pay the goodwife for that meal for all of us and commended her on the quality of the pie.

There seemed to be some commotion when we arrived at Careby Hall. On the forecourt were my father, Mr Jarvis, Mr Clements, Mr Bottom and Mr Barker the new Constable. There were also three or four grooms and others standing back at a respectful distance. Whatever discussion taking place stopped as the carriage drew up and the passengers descended and the riders dismounted. Of course, George as a Viscount's son had to be welcomed with due ceremony. My father had already met him on the occasion of his brother's wedding so there was little introduction to be made. I knew Geoffrey had no side to him as he had been most affable to all when he had been at Careby and George was exactly the same. After my father had greeted him formally and George had responded with due gravity we then found what the unusual gathering was about. Timmy was missing!

Mr Bottom was asked to go over what had happened. Mr Bottom might have been employed as a gardener but I knew him to be a well-read and well-respected elder in the Methodist Church. Very clearly and with no deference he said that the previous day he had set Timmy and the boy Paul with tasks in the greenhouses at seven in the morning for he was to spend the day at Miss Barnes's overseeing more planting in her garden. When he returned at six in the evening he found his wife most concerned. Neither of the boys had appeared for their luncheon and she had called out for them but they did not come. She had assumed they might have had to run some errand to the village but by four in the afternoon she was concerned and went to the Hall and found they had not been sent anywhere. She knew they would not absent themselves without reason and had gone to Parminter the gatekeeper but they had not been seen going to the village.

Mr Bottom had then gone into the gardens to see what he could find. He had discovered the unfinished potting they had been set to do and while in the greenhouse heard a boy calling out. He knew the cries came from the wooden shed containing the stove which heated the greenhouses in the winter. In there was Paul with his arms and legs tied together with a rope. The boy told him a big man had come through the field gate and had struck Timmy a blow which dazed him. He had tied Paul with the ropes and shut the door and locked it and had carried off Timmy. Timmy had been kidnapped.

There was then a hue and cry in the village and houses were visited to find if anyone had seen or heard anything. A very angry Mr Flaxman at the Varley Arms said he had been cheated by two men who had stayed the night before and had driven off without paying their dues. The stableman heard them say they were heading North but knew no more. A thorough search had been organised by Mr Jarvis for today of the fields, stables, barns and houses but no Timmy had been found. We had arrived just as the searchers had re-assembled to give that news to my father.

Just at that moment two other grooms came up the drive more or less dragging a well- known ne'er-do-well named Billy Roberts. He was Rowley's cousin and there was no love lost between the two families. Though well in his twenties he still lived with his slattern of a mother. His father had disappeared some years ago and Billy did as little work as a roadman as possible and spent his time and what money he ever earned in the tap room of the Varley Arms. Rowley was not daunted by either my father's or George's presence. He went straight up to Billy and caught him by the throat.

"Where's the boy?" he shouted.

My father stepped forward and caught him by the sleeve. "Let us hear what these others have to say."

The pair bobbed their heads and one spoke up. "This varmint do know what 'appened and he lied to us last night."

I thought Rowley was about to attack Billy again but Billy sunk to his knees though still held firmly.

"I beg, sir, I meant no 'arm. One 'o they fellas at th'Arms said he was 'Merican and did 'unt for 'scaped slaves in that country. He said they were black fellas and all I said we had one o' they 'ere. He jist laughed and said he didn't believe me." Billy, old as he was, began to sob.

The other of the pair took over the tale. "Then he told 'em young Timmy worked in the gardens 'ere at th'Hall and t'other began to smile and nod. They'd a-finished their vittles and went to their room but he got a shilling when they went up."

"We'd asked all in'thArms last night but he'd a-spent that shilling and was well in drink and said he'd never seen no one," said the first one. "That pair were up and away for sure and Timmy with them." He pulled at Billy's coat. "That potboy Jed said today he'd a- seen 'im talking to them fellas and they were gone all quick in't'morning and no owings paid."

I had to say to my father what I knew must have taken place. I clutched at his sleeve. "Father, I know what has happened and there is much to tell. Uncle Digby must be told," I said slowly and carefully. George looked at me and opened his mouth as if to say something. I held up a finger.

My words had the desired effect. My father beckoned the three of us and we stood away from the others. Quickly I said that I was sure Timmy had been kidnapped on the orders of George's cousin. I knew George had realised that, too, and he took up the tale. He said that his cousin had made threats against his family and the School and anyone connected with it. Timmy had been his servant and so was included. George stared at me when I then said Uncle Digby had cautioned me to keep a watchful eye on anything and anyone strange at Ashbourne. I had reported the incident with the man Crachit and had heard he was indeed one of Jack's retainers. George was aghast at this and whispered 'You never told me'. I had to apologise and say I was under orders from my Uncle and Robin confirmed this. I said I was sure the men had not driven North but were on their way to London.

My father listened carefully and said nothing until we had finished. "I believe you," he said. He turned to George. "Master Lascelles, do not be affronted, but Sir Digby told me of many things when I was in London last. I think we should make immediate plans for messages to reach my brother-in-law and if in his hands we should make progress. There is little we can do this night." He went to the group of senior men and I heard him say he was sure the boy had been taken to London and his brother-in-law would be informed. There were nods for all knew Aunt Fanny and her injured husband. Stories must have circulated, whether true or just conjecture, for servants would have gossipped about him.

The men dispersed and I saw my father speak to Mr Barker and indicate the still quivering figure of Billy Roberts. I surmised a word and a coin would pass to the grooms and Billy would receive a thrashing to remind him not to lie in future.

George was silent as Robin and I led him through to the breakfast-room. He sat looking quite dejected and shaking his head. I nodded at Benjy who, without speaking, passed him a beaker of tea and then served us. He drank it slowly and then took a deep breath. Benjy excused himself. He must have witnessed our arrival and what was said and realised this was an occasion when servants should not hover.

"I have much to think about," George said. "Is there more you know but have not been able to divulge? I cannot blame you for you have shown such firm friendship and I realise things have not been said for my protection."

"George, we must be open with you," I said quietly. "I learned many things on our journey to France and when we returned. What I know is due to the confidence my Uncle Digby has in me and in Robin. All I can say is that my Uncle Digby is involved for he is in some way in the employment of the government." I paused. "Did you know of the collapse of the bank and where your uncle is?"

He nodded. "My father has been much concerned but he has had nothing to do with my uncle's dealings with that bank. It was fortunate he had no money invested there for what had happened in the past. I heard him tell my brother Augustus he didn't even know where Uncle Philip was."

I took a breath. "You uncle is in a hospital in Berlin and your cousin resides there and is ill himself so my uncle said."

He stared at me then gave a ghost of a smile. "Your uncle confides in you?" It wasn't a question. "I can but assume my uncle's illness is the result of his past. The pox?" I nodded for I was sure the description given me was of that disease. "It has been known for some time he was afflicted. But what of my cousin?"

I said all I knew was that Black Jack was in Berlin and was taking quantities of laudanum and other potions. I took a deep breath and then related all I had been told of the evil trade he was most probably embroiled in and there was also some connection between his cousin and the man dismissed from Ashbourne.

I think all these disclosures were coming so thick and fast that George was no longer astounded. All he said was "That blackguard Fortescue! I am not surprised. That man lived in Pratt's House and there were rumours enough about him before I was the witness of his depravity."

I had now heard the name. I had more to tell. I related that Jack had been confined to the house in James' Street when he had been removed from Ashbourne. George said he did not know that for as far as his own family were concerned it was good riddance. I could not say about the true ownership which would have to come from Uncle Digby and the lawyers in due time. I said there was evidence the place had been used to house girls and their guardians before being taken across the Channel to France and the suspicion was that either Jack or his father was involved in that trade.

I looked at George and saw he was silently weeping. Robin had seen that, too, and went to his side and embraced him. There was nothing more for me to say. I waited as he held Robin tightly. He sniffed. "I am glad I have friends such as you. I suffered much at the hands of that foul creature." He found a handkerchief and wiped his eyes. "I am sure he has that poor boy at his mercy now. What can we do?"

Robin's quick wits had been working. "Tom, grandfather has a curricle does he not? London is some hundred miles and with changes of horses we could get there in some twelve to fourteen hours. The roads are dry at present so with luck we should not be delayed."

I noted he had said 'we'! It was a plan to consider. It was timely, too, for my father appeared at the door. "My boys, I have been with Tom's mother for she is most upset." He singled me out. "I have sent for your aunt to help comfort her..."

He said no more as I stood beside George and Robin who were still seated and interrupted him most rudely. "...Father, we have a plan. We can drive a curricle to London within a full day and could go immediately."

My father looked at me intently. "A curricle." He nodded. "But not overnight, it is too dangerous." He looked at me with lowered brows. "You said 'we'?"

I pointed at George and Robin. "We could be ready in no time. I have driven the curricle from the stables many times."

George spoke up. "Sir, I have driven the one at Garthorpe and know how to handle it at a good speed."

"Are you sure? Robin, what is your opinion?"

"Grandfather, it was I who proposed it. Tom has ridden that road many times and a good pair could be had at any of the post-houses on the way. I have little skill at driving but would play my part in keeping the balance when going fast."

My father laughed. "My boys, I am proud of you. We must do as you say. I was thinking of employing a post-boy but that would mean a journey to Stamford first. You will not travel overnight but start no later than six in the morning." He stood at the door and roared "Benjamin!" Benjy was there immediately as he must have been lurking nearby. He was given instructions to fetch Bobby Brewer and left three dumbstruck boys as he strode off. There were no reservations. We were to make the journey!

Eamonn appeared and more tea was poured and the array of cakes and pastries were soon consumed. Further plans had to be made. Robin said we should travel light and rely on changes of clothing when we reached London. We would have to ask my father for sufficient money to pay for the hire of the horses as we made each change. I knew I had a map which showed our usual route and we surmised we would probably need some ten or so changes of horses. With post-houses being some four to five miles apart there should be no difficulties. We had to make sure the changes could be made smoothly so we would have to assist the ostlers if necessary.

My mother had to be greeted then. She was in the parlour and was shaking her head as we knocked and entered. She had met George in London on the occasion of his brother's wedding to Rosamund. We were all rather excited about our impending journey and my mother had to wave her hand at us to stop us gabbling as we told of the plan. "That boy is very precious," she said quietly when we were hushed. "You must make every effort to rescue him. You have my blessing as I trust you all."

I knew my mother had been impressed by Timmy and his gentle manners and his knowledge of herbs and plants but here she showed her tender heart for that once-abandoned boy. Robin went and knelt by her side. "We will spare nothing to bring him back. I count him as a dear friend and it hurts me to think what might befall him."

My mother stroked her grandson's head and lifted him up and kissed him.

George bowed his head. "Ma'am, I, too, will strive my hardest to see no harm comes to him. I do not know what we may find but we will be ready."

My mother smiled at him. "You are three brave boys. May the dear Lord be with you."

We excused ourselves and we took George to our room. Our chests and bags were already there so we sorted out clean changes of linen and stockings and a suit of clothes each to take with us. Whatever else we needed could be supplied in London. George spent a time composing a letter to his father. Both Robin and I were impressed by his forthrightness and the expression of his determination to see that all would be done to find Timmy. We knew it was his father's misjudgement of his brother Philip which had set all the succeeding events in train but George was circumspect and only said he hoped the family would help further in times to come.

Benjy came to the door and said my father had requested our presence in his study. Here he told us that the curricle and the first two horses would be at the door at six in the morning. He passed over a purse with several sovereigns and other coins in it together with a number of his cards with a curt instruction for each post-house and his signature. Those would be enough to ensure our safe and speedy passage.

Dinner that night was a quiet affair. Both my Aunt Fanny and Uncle Dodd were there though Lancelot was absent having been sent for by an ailing patient. Little was said about our mission but there were nods of agreement when my father said he had every trust in us to make the journey.

George shared our bed that night and as we settled prayed that we should be successful in finding where Timmy was. There were heartfelt Amens to that.

To be continued:

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