Tom Browning's Schooldays
By
Joel
Chapter EightyFour
We had by now become accustomed to the journey backwards and forwards to Ashbourne and it just seemed tedious. We had fine hot weather for this one back to Careby. Rowley Roberts, our coachman, was strangely quiet over most of the distance until the morning of the third day. We would be at Careby that afternoon. I was sitting with him on the box while Jemmy his assistant was riding Blaze. He turned to me and shrugged his shoulders.
"There is something I must confess," he said in a low tone. What was this? Had he got some wench with child? Was he a secret highwayman? Was he the one who was stealing bottles from Flaxman's cellar at the Varley Arms? No, it was none of these. "This railway," he said and grimaced. "My father has sent me to Grantham to find what employ there may be. I have been told I can be a station man or learn how to control the signals. It will be better payment than even being in the employ of so generous man as your father. I know not what to do."
What could I say? Would I be betraying my father by saying he should take whatever was on offer? I did not know who he could consult. There had been discussion both in and out of Mr Ridley's classes about the reputed proliferation of railway lines discussed in the newssheets and in families which had land where lines might be laid. Mr Ridley had smiled when he reported that the University at Cambridge had great reservations about the Railway Act just a year or so ago for constructing a railway line from London to Cambridge. He thought that the University of Oxford had had fewer qualms and the Great Western line had been laid and the station was in operation.
"Are there others?" I asked as I doubted if Mr Roberts would have recommended only Rowley to go to Grantham.
"There are others," he said. He sighed. "If I tell you they must not lose their places for they are all in employment with your father or the Squire."
"Why do you think my father would be so disposed?" I asked.
He shook his head. "I must tell you when in Grantham I met with one young man now in the railway employ whose father was told if another son left in the same way his cottage would be forfeit. The master is a hard man he said and does not make threats lightly."
"I am sure my father is not like that," I said with feeling. "There are those we know already who have left the village and no harm has come to anyone. Are you still concerned?"
He breathed out loudly. "That young man at Grantham put it clear and strong." He looked at me with no hint of expression and held up his left hand. "Tom, he said that too many of the gentry have their workers by the balls." He closed his fingers in a tight grip. I knew what he meant and winced having had my own ballocks squeezed unintentionally when swimming with my unruly classmates at Ashbourne.
I smiled. "You accuse my father of such actions, eh?"
He shook his head. "No, Tom, but I am afeared that if more go then life in Careby will change."
"You said there are others. Who?"
He nodded to where Jemmy was riding just behind Robin and Natty. "There's Jemmy and Johnnie Cummings and Zekiel Boot that I know of. They've all been enquiring of the railway man when he was at the Varley Arms. He said there would be good employment for willing youngsters. What do I do?"
"Do you want me to speak to my father?"
He nodded. Rowley was a real friend and I did not like my friends to be sad. I would try to lighten his concern.
"There is little we can do about the manners of the gentry," I said and screwed my nose up at him. "That is, even if I am amongst their number." He did manage a smile at that. "We have had discussion about these matters at school." His expression became one of surprise. "Yes, Rowley, even the gentry think there will be change. They may not think it will be for the better but they already know that many are moving away from their villages to the bigger towns."
Rowley nodded. "That is so. I have driven Dr Lancelot to see the Colonel several times and there are five already gone from that estate. 'Tis only the mill and the gravel which keep others from moving away. Three have gone to Cambridge for there is much building of new houses and roads about there."
"And when the railway comes I predict people will use that to move to new places." We reminisced about our journey to Dover and back and I told him of Robin's and my return to Ashbourne after Easter by means of the railway as far as Birmingham. I said we had been told that town was growing because of the opportunities for employment in the manufactories there. I think our conversation did ease his mind for we turned to more pleasant things. He said if he did change his employment and it was for the better he would make advances to Prudence Cutts for she had not demurred from being asked to dance several times with him at the New Year Ball. He wondered if Mrs Gray might soon be too old to make all the dishes she did in our kitchen. Both Prudence and her sister Mabel were now well trained and ready to take more responsibility. I said I doubted if Mrs Gray would ever be dismissed but my mother would make any decision at the appropriate time. I did not say but I knew Mrs Gray consulted my cousin Lancelot over a great soreness she had in her leg and hip. Perhaps Rowley had heard of that and anticipated an advancement in Prudence's status. He and Prudence would be a fine couple. I did not mention Mary Ann Clements for Rowley's attention was now elsewhere with Prudence Cutts. It was something to josh him about at another time!
I heard also that Mrs Matthews was now employing two girls to act as parlourmaids. He said that I was not to tell but he had heard it was at my Aunt Matty's instigation for she was concerned at the poor upkeep in the house. I grinned for it was always said that dust lay inches deep there, though I had not noticed it when I had visited the Squire in his study. Rowley went on to say that Miss Barnes' old house was now being put in good order ready for whenever my Aunt Fanny might be in residence. He said that had provided some good employment for carpenters, bricklayers and seamstresses over the past few months when the weather had been too bad for outside work. I did ask what seamstresses did outside and got a nudge which nearly toppled me off the box. Rowley would get a touch of whip if he was not careful!
All was peace and quiet when we arrived at Careby Hall. Our chests and bags were unloaded and even before making ourselves more presentable with a wash and a comb Robin and I went along to greet my mother. Although pleased to see us she told us to get clean and tidy and come back for a dish of tea and hear the news.
Eamonn and the twins brought us hot water and we changed from britches and jerkins to jackets and trousers after we washed. Although we had taken care while at school when wearing our various suits they did seem a little worn and grubby now. Still we had chosen darker colours on being advised to by the tailor for we had noted those in the Senior School who wore white or cream trousers needed to have them washed frequently for they showed green stains from the grass and dark stains from unknown other sources. They also tended to shrink, though the wearers attributed the shortness in sleeves or legs of trousers as being due to their own rapid growth. We did not think we looked too dishevelled when we made our way downstairs again where Lancelot was now sitting with my mother.
There was much news, mainly from Cambridge. Lancelot had visited there twice and found the choristers to be well-settled and happy. Timmy had made his mark with the apothecary and his dark visage was reputed to bring in more customers as well as his confident demeanour. He was learning quickly but had no hesitation in making his own judgements over prescribing for common ailments. His youthfulness and that of Jeremy the apothecary's son had appeal for students, for they would confide in someone near their own age rather than in the father figure of the older man. We did not enquire what ailments they might have for Lancelot put his finger against his lips after he had said that.
Lancelot was undecided whether to make the journey to America to visit his cousin Nicholas and his friend Cornelius Button for they were adamant he should not delay too long.
He said he would decide within the next year for there were many places and things he wished to see and experience. It would mean the village and its surrounds would not have the pleasure of a resident physician and it did cause some amusement when I said that with the coming of the railway a doctor could be summoned easily from Grantham or Peterborough!
Then, of course, my Aunt Matty and her entourage would be coming to Careby after the London Season ended. My mother had been in charge of the internal refurbishment of Miss Barnes' old house but it would not be quite ready for my aunt to move in. Much of the old furniture was of very good quality and a good number of pieces had been sent by carrier to Torquil and Elizabeth in Charles' Street to furnish their house there. There had been some hilarity over three of the beds, which were riddled with woodworm and had to be burned, though Uncle Dodd and Mr Venables had said at least two were old enough to have been carved in Queen Elizabeth's time. No 'second-best beds' travelled to London.
After having a fill of tea and cakes Robin and I excused ourselves and took ourselves off to visit Steven and Jenny Goodhew. The workroom was visited first where the clink of steel against stone was very evident. Both Steven and Liam were busy with Steven incising letters on a gravestone and Liam shaping an edge to another one. There was a third busy person polishing the gleaming white stone of yet another gravestone. It was the lad Truman to whom Steven had said he would most likely offer an apprenticeship.
We were again greeted warmly and were rather amused that the three gravestones were not for our churchyard but to go to Swinstead where the rector of the parish had insisted the Squire there should commemorate his father and two uncles more properly than with the now decayed wooden rails which had beforetime been put round their graves. Steven did say that when we went to our own church we would find not only the new base for the font but also the memorial plaque to our own Squire's father. Young Truman looked pleased when we greeted him. He was dressed as the others in his grey smock and paper hat. Steven said the finish on a stone was as important as anything else and a smooth and careful polish showed off the work to its best advantage. Steven patted the boy on his back as he said this.
As the work needed not to be interrupted we went to see Robin's mother who was sitting in the shade by the back door of the house and busy with some embroidery. "This keeps my fingers nimble," she said after greeting us with a hug and a kiss each. We sat and had a beaker of cordial while watching her needle dipping in and out and adding the colour to the design on the fabric below. We had to report on our progress next. As usual, letters had already arrived telling of Robin's accomplishment in mathematics especially. She smiled when she said that he had also been praised as an upholder of discipline. "I will admit that did amuse me when I think of the scrapes you and Master Thomas Browning got into before going to school!" She gave me a wink as she said this. Jenny had rescued us more than once when escaping from the wrath of Old Mother Caudle or Goodman Phipps after being seen stuffing apples or pears into our pockets taken from the trees in their holdings. Our defence was they would only rot on the ground or be fed to the pigs for there were so many. As I generally had my cap pulled down low on my head they did not always recognise one of the naughty lads as the Master's youngest son!
She had more of Philip's drawings and a couple of the watercolours which she showed us when we went inside the house. Though his early drawings had seemed perfect it was now evident he was learning more and more and there was now a mastery which was most apparent even to my unpractised eye. There was another pile of paper which we found were more stories young James had written. My Aunt Matty had enlisted him as a helper in the Dame School setting him the task of seeing that the younger ones were forming the letters correctly on their slates and hearing them read simple stories some of which were his own work.
We returned to the Hall and rested, then we readied ourselves for dinner. Benjy had informed us there would be several attending, for my father had been visited by three gentlemen from York who had heard of the good bloodstock of his hunters and was desirous of increasing their own lines. They were staying at the Varley Arms but it was politeness to welcome them to our table before they left on the morrow for their ride back home. Of course, politeness also meant Squire Matthews and Mrs Matthews would be attending, for in his opinion he ranked higher in station than my father. As it was he and my father were good friends and in my opinion it was only Mrs Matthews who made the distinction. What would turn her head a little more would be that one of the guests was a baronet.
Robin and I were a little apprehensive when we heard this from Benjy. He had found two of the three were the baronet and his younger brother and the third was their cousin. As it so happened all three were plain, good countrymen though their accents and dialect took a little understanding. The Dodds were present, too, and Uncle Dodd knew an uncle of theirs who had been at Cambridge and was now the rector of the town next to the estate the baronet and his brother had inherited on the death of their father. The cousin was a man in his early thirties who had recently returned from India and had saved an Indian potentate there from a tiger attack by shooting it. He had been rewarded with a number of precious stones which he had found had quite an immense value far beyond what he had imagined. His cousins said he was a good rider, on an elephant! It was a most convivial dinner and I did enquire quietly about Henderson who came from their area. Near York The younger brother knew the family well and said Henderson was the only son with three sisters and he would have no prospects of marriage for, and here the man shrugged his shoulders, "a dolt for a husband is not an attraction even with money and there is little of that in the offing". We did hear some two years later Henderson had taken a fall when descending a steep bank and had perished after his horse fell on him.
My father was very pleased for the men were ready to purchase at least a dozen or so stallions and mares over the next year and discussion turned once again to bloodlines and character. Spartacus and Invictus would be in full demand at stud for these. That set me thinking. I had seen both in action more than once covering mares and had witnessed the withdrawal of their mighty organs dripping with that white cream which was their counterpart of what I produced in my nightly issues. If I had a microscope of my own I could visit the stable and scoop a drop or two from the straw under their feet and compare with my own more meagre outpourings! Perhaps I might use a portion of the income from my next St Albans rents or the interest from the Consols to purchase that instrument I desired? What differences might I see? I was brought back from my reverie by my glass being filled once again. It was a late night for the men seemed quite unwilling to forgo another pipe or glass and take the waiting carriage back to the Varley Arms. My father's face was a picture when at last we bid them adieu. "It is now near midnight and I was in the stable at six this morning," was his complaint.
Uncle Dodd looked equally tired. "But, Sam, think of the golden shekels raining down like manna even though from York and not Heaven!"
Both I and Robin were tired as well and I did confess to him my thoughts about the stallions and the microscope as we lay in bed. He just laughed and said he was willing to let me compare him as well. I made sure he was capable, as he did me, before we fell into deep and contented sleep.
The next week or so before the visitors from London would descend on us was filled with such things as swimming in the pool by the river and rides out to see the rails now almost completely laid for the railway. The platform for the halt with a sheltered room behind was being constructed by carpenters from the village. We found there had to be exact measurements for the distance between the side of the railway carriage and the edge of the platform. We heard that damage had been done elsewhere where carelessness had occurred. A small stable was also planned beside the side rails and the railway engineer told us how a system of points and levers would be installed to change the direction of the engine and carriages to and from those side rails. What were called 'signal boxes' were also being constructed wherever there was a station or halt. Wires to take a current of electricity between them were to be installed with a telegraph apparatus in each to receive and send messages. I wondered if these could be used privately to send messages between, say, our halt and the main London station where the result could be delivered quickly to Uncle Digby. If messages could be sent over such distances by electricity what might become of the mail? That was something to discuss with Aubrey Bayes and in Mr Ridley's classes again. I remembered Megson's dismissal of such ideas after Winstanley's demonstration but it seemed to be more than possible now.
As my father had spoken of the building of the halt one night at dinner I mentioned that workers would be needed to man the station and operate the mechanisms for setting the rails. He said he knew that several of the younger men would desire such employment and it would be no different from those who had left farms or the stables, like the Barker brothers for the Army, for there were always other youngsters who needed work as they grew to age. As far as he was concerned if a family ceased employment with him their cottage would not be forfeit if they paid a just rent. I told Rowley of this and he was much relieved and within a six-month had become the proud master of the halt with uniform and cap and two lads to assist him.
So the day approached when the visitors would arrive. My mother said she was not sure of the numbers but beds had been prepared to accommodate a horde. There were three carriages as before with a smaller conveyance bringing up the rear. One, as usual, had just my Aunt Fanny and her maid, the other two, as well as laden with chests and baskets held Jabez and Mehmet, Paolo and Karem and Antonio and Carlo. The small conveyance was the curricle driven by Jacobson with Philip Goodhew and John Harrison in colourful attire laughing and waving quite unnecessary riding crops. My father was waiting with us as the caravanserai reached the forecourt of the Hall and the six lads descended and stood in a row with Philip and John still sitting looking quite smug. I wondered what his greeting would be this time. We had had the ladies' tea party and a quiet 'Are you hungry?'. I did not know but he was holding a handbell behind his back. Before even the door of my aunt's carriage was open he held up the bell and rang it. "Farewell, farewell!" he called out. "I hope your journey back to London will be pleasant and speedy!"
My aunt's head appeared from the window of the door of her coach. "Sam Browning, do be quiet!" she called out. "Come and help me, my skirt is caught on the handle of a basket!"
My father had been bested! There were heaving chests all round as my father went and disentangled my aunt and kissed her as he handed her down. "I suppose you must all stay now," he said. My aunt led him towards the line and as one the six bowed their heads and that set my father laughing. Philip and John had hopped down from their seats and stood and bowed. "Sir, I have something for you from Sir Digby," Philip said and held up a wrapped parcel. "He said you should enjoy at least one a day." My father took the gift from him and unwrapped it carefully. We saw it was a box of fifty of the finest cigars from some far-off land. "Please Sir, my father has added to that," said John Harrison. He went back to the curricle and came back with another wicker basket. That was opened and two flagons of the best French liqueurs were disclosed. "There are other things for Madam," he added. I was present when the basket for my mother was opened and a display of the most exotic sweetmeats was revealed.
Though it would provide more gossip Jabez and Mehmet were not accommodated with Jabez's father and mother but had a room here in Careby Hall though Philip and John went to the Goodhews. The other four also had rooms in the Hall. Karem and Paolo were together in one with Antonio and Carlo in a second. As before, meals would be in the breakfast room for them unless specially invited to the diningroom.
The youngsters were somewhat disconcerted that Jacob and Daniel were not here, nor was Timmy. We said there were plans to visit Cambridge and they would be reunited there.
There was much news that evening at a dinner which the Dodds also attended. We heard from Aunt Fanny of the infants belonging to the family, Amelia Elizabeth was growing fast and young Arthur Lascelles-Wright was thriving. Uncle Digby had promised that as soon as the railway was complete he would make the journey to Careby. There was great news of Freddy Neville. He was lodged at the moment with Mr Bennett for he was taking the lad to Birmingham at the end of August. Dr Mendelssohn would be there for the Music Festival where he would be conducting his new oratorio Elijah. It was promised that Freddy would meet the illustrious composer and had learned several of his compositions to play if asked. We were told that George was a constant visitor to Charles Street and amused all with his tales of making mistakes in giving orders and having to rely on Caleb Bottom to put things right. My Uncle Billy was in much demand at the Palace for ceremonial duties and my new aunt, Mary, was called on constantly as a Lady-in-Waiting to assist the Queen who was much engaged with her young children.
After such a miserable winter and spring the summer proved to be mainly hot and sunny. With so many in residence at Careby a carriage took some whenever we made an excursion while the rest had mounts. The pool by the river proved to be very popular again and pink bodies turned brown in the sun as we swam and lazed. It was most noticeable that all the boys were growing fast. Carlo and Antonio darkened easily and their luxuriant curly locks topped sturdy bodies with Carlo displaying an uncurled snail which hardened whenever he was held and ducked in the pool. He had the beginnings of the black bush his brother Paolo sported above his thick peg. Dear Jabez had finished his growth and had to take care his lengthy weapon did not stiffen or, as Robin remarked, someone would have their eye poked out!
I did manage to corner Jabez when he was alone for Philip had asked Mehmet if he might draw him sitting by the river. I was quite straightforward and told Jabez of the overheard conversation between Cawston and his friend. He said he knew of the club which was frequented by a number of the men who visited the Baths. It was next door to a well- known establishment known as a 'Molly House'. What went on there was highly illegal and others like it had been raided by the constables with many arrested. He thought this had not occurred so far for this place as it was reputed to be the haunt of members of the nobility and even of royalty. I was rather aghast at this. I dare not ask more for he said it was regularly under surveillance for at least two of the habitu‚es had been blackmailed over their attendance there and Uncle Digby's expertise had been called upon to apprehend those involved in the threats. He did laugh after I mentioned the description of the prodigious appendage on one of the participants in the tableau. He said he probably matched that but he could assure me he was not involved in such displays! He was interested when I said that young soldiers and post boys were involved. He nodded when I said that. "That is so, two of the troopers were recently dismissed." He smiled and leaned toward me. "They were sent to the surgeon for a certain complaint behind and he said it was not through riding their proper mounts but for being mounted improperly." He shook his head. "I cannot blame them. They have little pay but it is better than what they would obtain as horsemen on a farm." He sniggered. "I hear they are employed fully at that place now and eat standing up."
I admit I smiled at that and wondered silently if it might be Robin's and my fate. I mean the standing up, not the employment!
I was even bolder then and asked of his journey to France. He was quite open and said he and Mr Purrett had delivered documents and arrests had been made. He made a slicing movement against the back of his neck and I winced. I did not ask more about that for he then went on to say they had visited the Comte who had welcomed them most warmly. Lancelot had sent a letter of introduction for them but it was not needed. The Comte had immediately sent for them when they had made themselves known at the H"tel de Roanne. They had been wined and dined and there were at least three more footmen who with the others entertained them after their dinner with good music. "If your father was so minded and did the same I would learn the kettle-drum and beat it soundly." My response was that he was well-practised in beating something soundly and it wasn't a kettle-drum. His response was most unkind and not the behaviour of a good servant as I was held firmly, turned over and my arse was played like the drum! I might be seventeen and growing but Jabez had been given instruction by Mehmet with the weights he used for exercise and had more muscles than me! I was not hurt: neither my arse nor my pride. In fact, Jabez complimented me on my growth for that stinging slap or two on my rear had a most definite effect on my front! Perhaps I should visit that place again and experience a beating! No!! I also heard that on both the journey to Paris and on the way back they had stayed with the Johnsons at Coquelles.
Plans were made for the visit to Cambridge. Lancelot was determined to accompany us and was put in charge of all the arrangements. Though he would be accommodated in St Mark's the rest of us would be in the rooming-house as before. Two carriages were made ready, for it was decided none of us would be riding there. It was an easy journey and after passing through Peterborough we stayed at a commodious inn, the George, at Ramsey for the night before arriving in Cambridge the next day. There was much to gape at and we had three days at our disposal. Jabez was in charge of all the youngsters as he had visited the town once before and averred he would not get lost! First though we had to see Timmy and the choristers. Mr Mead was most amused when all arrived at the apothecary's establishment near the market place. It was arranged that as the next day was Wednesday and the shop closed for the afternoon Timmy and Jeremy would join us by the river Cam where we would try our hands at punting. I had a letter for Mr Mead from his brother in Careby so was able to talk to him privately. He was full of praise for the facility with which Timmy was learning the art. He said he was already quite adept in mixing potions and preparing pills under his instruction. He forecast a good future for the boy. At the end of his apprenticeship Timmy could study more and obtain the Licentiateship of the Society of Apothecary's. Mr Mead explained that all those who were in that profession were required by law to acquire that qualification, which he had done. He said it was equivalent to being a general practitioner of medicine and some styled themselves with the honorary title of Doctor. He said he was often consulted by Doctors such as Lancelot about materia medica, that is the herbs and mixtures which the doctors prescribed but often did not know how to prepare them.
Our next visit was to meet Lancelot at St Mark's. There was much screeching and hugging when the imps spied their friends Jacob and Daniel now in neat black tailcoats, short gowns and top hats. They would be staying in the Choir School during the vacation with four others for there was always a demand for singing boys in the grand houses round about. These were two more boys who were destined for an assured life, as their master told Lancelot. He was certain with their present attention to their studies they would be ready to matriculate at an appropriate age and join the College as full students. There would be Exhibitions and Scholarships available to pay for their keep and tuition, together with what the Government had promised them!
With Lancelot and Jabez in charge of the youngsters and desirous of seeing the river, Robin and I went to the Chapel to meet Dr Powis again. Robin said he would apply to become the Servant of the Chapel and this decision was met with smiles. "I think there will be no problem with that application," he said. "I am not breaking any confidences when I say we will be well rid of the present incumbent, for he thinks one service a day is sufficient as any more would interfere with his enjoyment of hunting with the Beagles and shooting at ducks on the fens." Robin assured him he was not interested in either of those two activities.
I was asked again if I would consider helping by playing the organ at times. I agreed that I would and, as Doctor Powis was to take tea with the Master, we went with him to the Lodge. I would never have believed the stench in that fine house when the front door was opened to us by a liveried servant. Dr Powis turned to us as we entered. "It is better in the kitchen!" he whispered. We saw that not only were there cages with ferrets, at least six of these, and one with a badger, but an assortment of dead fowl, pheasants, partridges, rooks, pigeons and duck all in various stages of decay hanging from hooks along the wall interspersed by fine engravings in frames. We had to step carefully as there were dog turds ingrained or scattered on the carpet leading from the door. Two terriers came scampering along when a door at the end of the passage way opened. "Knott, catch those two little buggers!" came a most imperious shout. The servant must have been well-accustomed to 'catching little buggers' for he bent down and scooped up both but not before one had lifted its leg against a wooden chest and squirted a small stream of yellow piss.
Dr Powis preceded us into a most impressive room. The stench followed us and was not much better in here. We were beckoned in by a corpulent man of medium height arrayed in an old-fashioned suit which had once been of good black cloth but was now worn and frayed at the cuffs and lacked buttons. Over this he had a scholar's gown which must have been black in its youth but was now almost green with age. He had a clergyman's bands at his throat for I knew that to be a Master of a College, or even a Fellow, Holy Orders had to be taken.
The door closed behind us and three more terriers scampered about and were joined by the two now set down by the servant. The corpulent man surveyed us.
"Master," Dr Powis said, "May I present two prospective students, Master Thomas Browning and Master Robin Goodhew. Master Goodhew is desirous of being the next Servant of the Chapel..."
"...Better than the rascal we have now, eh?" the Master interjected before Dr Powis could continue. "Thinks himself a fine sportsman, eh? We'll have Davis ordain him and send him off to the Colonies if I have my way!" He laughed and looked at Robin over the top of the spectacles he was wearing perched on his snub nose. "You have your eye on a Bishopric I suppose?" I think both Robin and I had detected a twinkle in his eyes.
"No, Sir, I do not aspire to that but perhaps to follow in the footsteps of Sir Isaac Newton in that fine picture there." Robin pointed to the depiction of Newton with compasses painted by Mr Blake. It was displayed over the very ornamented mantle of the fireplace.
"A mathematician, eh? Never got a grip on that past Pythagoras myself." He looked at Robin then at the picture. "Blake, eh? Quite mad!" He turned to Robin again. "Do you row?"
"No, sir, but I have heard from Dr Dodd it is of considerable importance in the College."
The Master nodded. His brow furrowed. "Dodd..., is that Alfred Dodd?" he asked.
Robin nodded. "Sir, that is his name."
There was a rumble of laughter from the Master. "We rowed together and he was a Fellow here and now we have his son."
"Dr Dodd is my uncle and Erasmus Dodd is my cousin," I said, then realised I had been most rude in interrupting.
The Master turned and looked at me. "And you are not twins?" He had seen the likeness between us and both of us were wearing our same-coloured brown suits.
I thought it had better be said. "No, sir, I am his uncle."
There was another rumble of laughter and I heard a snort from Dr Powis.
The Master held up his hand. "Enough said. Young Dodd told me some tale of his cousin and nephew wishing to come to this College." His attention was now turned to me. "And what would you wish to read?"
"I would wish to become a physician," I said quietly.
"Excellent. We have a new Fellow in Medicine." Another burst of laughter. "Dr Quick and I do not wish to hear that jest again."
I looked at Robin and he was trying hard not to laugh. A doctor with that name. The quick and the dead! Poor man!
The Master turned to Dr Powis. "I think we might allow these fellows into our hallowed walls, eh?" Dr Powis was nodding. "Shan't find out what you know today but if my friend Alfred recommends you, young uncle and nephew, you shall have places here." He looked over at the liveried servant and held up a finger. "Knott, take them to the kitchen and see what Cook may have hiding in that pantry of his."
We bowed our heads both to him and Dr Powis, whose lips were twitching, and followed Knott from the room. The dogs did not attempt to follow us but gathered round the Master's feet.
As the door closed behind us Knott breathed out. "Have to hold my breath in there," he said. Both Robin and I sniggered. "It can only get worse," Knott said, "There are four more pups in the outhouse." We could not comment as he led us into a commodious and very clean kitchen. A delicious smell of freshly baked bread and pastries was in the air. "George!" he called out, "Master's orders. Two to be fed!" He turned to us and grinned. "Do not take it amiss if I do not bow and scrape. High or low, I've seen them all and I judge you're not partial to great ceremony." He looked towards an open door. "George! Where are you?"
A small quite ancient man wearing a voluminous white apron came out of the room beyond the door. He was carrying a metal tray of most appetising-looking pastries. "Heard you the first time, young Knott." He peered at us. "You ain't with us yet?" We shook our heads. He sniffed. "No dog-shit on your feet?" We held our feet up for inspection. All were clean. He held the tray out to us. "Take your pick and never bring dogs nor dog-shit into my kitchen!"
We thanked him and tried the most delectable pastries. I think they surpassed Mrs Gray's best and were equal to those produced by Signor Bartoli. Would we be fed like this as students? No doubt we would find the answer to that when we arrived here. While we were eating Robin explained who we were to the amusement of both. Knott knew Lancelot for he had been his gyp, or servant, when Lancelot was a student. Knott said he had seen him arrive today but had not spoken to him. He had been fifteen when Lancelot first came as a student and was now thirty-three. From his remarks I knew there was a friendship there. I also realised College servants were not to be bandied with! High or low made no difference! They nodded when we said the Reverend Erasmus Dodd was our relation, too. He must have been acceptable to them for no disparaging remarks were made though we heard that another Fellow was complaining about the standard of the port at High Table. There was a sotto voce 'Stupid old bugger' from George as Knott related that.
We had to excuse ourselves for we had abandoned Dr Powis and we had to find the rest of our group. Knott said not to worry as he would tell Dr Powis for he and the Master would be talking together for the next hour with tea being served. We had told the pair about the choirboys and George said he often baked a special batch of pastries for all of them, some sixteen we gathered, for his own son had been in the choir and was now a teacher of music in Bury St Edmunds. He wrapped several of those left on the tray in paper and said we should give them to the boys. As we left them he raised a finger and smiled. "Remember, no dogs or..." He left the rest unsaid.
We found Lancelot and the others sitting on the bank of the river watching two punts being manoeuvred past each other much too close to the other bank. Luckily there was not a mishap though there were shouts between the two young men with the poles. The pastries were distributed and I said to Lancelot that we had met someone called Knott who knew him.
"That must be William." He laughed. "We did not dare call him Billy or Will, even though he was younger than us." Lancelot pointed to the punts. "I do not think we will venture on those today. I see there are mischievous lads who delight in grabbing at the poles when unwary punters are passing under that bridge and I think there will be a calamity in a moment or two." We watched as the punts separated and the young men with the poles tried to beat each other in speed towards the bridge. There was a splash, then another. Both young men had landed in the water when their poles were grasped by laughing hobble-de- hoys who rushed away. Our boys were both amused and concerned. Both the bedraggled punters gained the bank and we heard their shouts calling down all manner of retribution on the miscreants. I hoped our lads would not repeat such curses as 'I'll cut your bloody ballocks off!' or 'You'll get this fucking pole shoved up your shitty arse!'. Luckily by then Lancelot was ready to gather us all up to make our way back to the Choir School for the boys were engaged for that evening to sing at a house on the Trumpington Road.
Our stay in Cambridge was made even more delightful for the next day we were all taken in the carriages to Ely. Both Timmy and Jeremy Mead joined us for they were allowed a complete day off from work. Lancelot knew one of the clergy who had been a student at St Mark's with him and he showed us the inside of the vast cathedral and the ruined cloisters outside. This was another place where the Puritans had destroyed much. Angel heads had been knocked off the bodies as being idolatrous and it was only bravery on the part of the clergy that stained glass had not been broken. We saw the Bishop's Palace opposite the main door and Jabez said it would be a suitable residence for me if I was minded to be a clergyman instead of a physician and he would not mind being a butler in charge. There was a fine inn by the river where we had a pleasant and substantial late luncheon before we returned to Cambridge where Lancelot had arranged an evening meal for us in an eating-house. We all felt well-fed and contented that day!
We bid farewell to Timmy and the choirboys after spending the next day exploring other Colleges and the market-place where more sweetmeats were purchased for the boys being left behind. Lancelot asked Robin and me if we could see ourselves as students at St Mark's for our three years. We both nodded and I said the quietness of the place impressed me. He laughed and said I had seen it without the multitude of students around. Wait and see!
Our summer holiday soon came to an end and the visitors from London would be departing for that place soon after we left for our final year at Ashbourne. Mr Corsham the tailor from Stamford had visited and measured us for our final new suits for School. He had been most complimentary on the tailoring of the ones we had made for us in London and took note of details such as numbers and style of buttons and slopes of pocket flaps. Thus we were ready packed if not quite raring to go!
Our arrival at Ashbourne was just as we had experienced before except for one thing. There were letters awaiting us from Mr Ridley requesting our presence as soon as possible. Were we to be stripped of our positions of Praepostors? Had we committed some grave errors of judgement or of discipline? We knew from Mr Pretyman's remarks after the night of celebration that he had heard some extra fine singing of 'Hearts of Oak' well after his charges had been put to bed and they were kept awake. Nothing for it. We went down quickly to the washroom and got rid of the dust and smell of the journey with the hot water simmering in the copper. On returning to our room, just with towels wrapped round us, we found our chests had been brought up. These were opened and we donned our new suits and retrieved our gowns and our mortar-boards from the cupboard where we had left them. Now, would they be demanded back?
It was near five o'clock when we approached the front door of Mr Ridley's house. Barney must have been keeping a watchful eye for the door was opened before we even knocked. He bowed his head. "Sirs, follow me, please. Mr Ridley is in his study." We were announced and stood before him as he sat in his chair behind his desk.
He looked up from the book he had in front of him. "Why the doleful looks. Are you not pleased to have returned here?"
I think we both smiled then. He looked at us keenly.
"I have to ask a great favour of you both..." What was this? Did he want our Spartan garb returned? "...There has been discussion between members of the staff and it has been decided..." Who had we crossed? Mr Martin must have reported back that neither of us wished to take Holy Orders. Had I transgressed at the end of a service when I had forgotten to bring the piece I meant to play and let my fingers stray over the keys with an invention that was too near "Sweet Polly Oliver"? I know Mr Skrimshire had smiled but the Reverend Trevelyan had screwed up his face. My attention returned. "...Yes, it has been decided to ask you to share the position of Head Praepostor for the School." We both stared at him as he smiled. "It was decided that it would be too difficult for anyone to distinguish between you. Do you accept?" We glanced at each other. "Do you?" the question came again.
"Sir," we said together, no distinguishing there. "It is a great honour," again said almost simultaneously. "Yes, Sir," we managed that together.
He stood and came round to us bearing the light blue ribands with the Head Praepostor's badge of office hanging from them. He handed them to us.
"You may crown yourselves as the Emperor Napoleon did. It would be invidious of me to choose one before the other!" He laughed as we turned and we each placed the ribands about the other's neck. We both smiled. A smile of love for each other having this great accolade of trust placed on us.
"Now then, my wife expects you for tea!"
Our reverie was broken!
Barney led us to the parlour. As he opened the door and before we could be announced the parrot hopped about on its perch. "Look at the pretty boys! Tan their arses! Tan their arses!"
To be continued:
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