Tom Brownings Schooldays

Tom Browning's Schooldays

By

Joel

Chapter TwentyFive

As each item was produced from the hamper I wondered just what would come out next. First there were baggy white trousers fashioned from silk which Jabez and Mehmet pulled on slowly and carefully. These gathered at the ankles and were tied at the waist. The second items were then displayed. These were shiny red slippers with curled toes and they were placed on very clean feet bare of stockings. Fine white shirts were then donned, with smart red silk embroidered waistcoats slipped on over them. Finally, turbans of white, gold and red were brandished before being carefully placed on well-brushed heads.

"Lady Fanny says we'll be a sensation," Jabez said as he preened himself before the long glass. "We are the Genies of the Magic Lamp. Just rub the spout and we'll appear!"

I just sniggered. "I don't believe my Aunt would let you show your spout but it's certainly been rubbed enough!"

Poor Mehmet just shook his head. "That boy," he breathed, "He cannot be controlled. He is so rude. My father just laughs at him when he whispers things about the men my father or Serge has on the table. And you say things, too. I do not know."

"But their magic lamps are nothing like mine," the rogue said. "I will be serious, Tom, for his sake. First of all we have to hand the champagne and cordials out as the guests arrive and Antonio and Carlo will be our assistants."

"And what will they wear?" I asked, still staring at the muscled figure of Mehmet who filled out his shirt as he stood beside Jabez and wondered if his spout would like to be rubbed.

"They have costumes too, black and close fitting, but they also have Venetian masks and look like young cats," said Jabez. "I collected the masks from the shop this morning. I was told not to say anything but now you know. They have nice tails as well. Furry!" He sniggered this time. "Attached at the back in case you wondered."

Both Mehmet and I shook our heads at that. Jabez was incorrigible. But he looked so good in his costume, while Mehmet was simply superb.

"This is something new?" I asked.

"It will be the talk of the town, I'm sure," said Jabez, turning and looking back over his shoulder. "Mehmet, tuck my shirt in a little further. I mustn't show off my bum. Let me look at you. We can't have anyone stroking your fine rump if your shirt hangs out. He's a fine specimen isn't he Tom, worthy of the next Stamford Show. Prize Bull!"

As Mehmet looked at his own reflection Jabez came over and whispered to me, "Pity he doesn't match somewhere else."

I'm afraid I was rather annoyed. I glared at him. He took the hint and dropped his gaze. "Oh, Master Tom, I'm penitent. My tongue runs away and I'm truly sorry. He did not hear but I will make amends."

I smiled at him. I knew he was truly repentant. "You are just lucky," I said thinking of what I had witnessed attached to young Timmy. And that was not a furry tail and still had much time to grow! Jabez, you may have your comeuppance!

Time was getting on. They said they had better go and see that bottles and glasses were ready as after the entrance of guests they had to keep them supplied with any wine or cordial they wanted. Paolo with Mehmet's brother Karem were to be bottle openers and would be in full Wright livery for the first time. I found out that about twenty extra servants had been hired and the housekeeper of the naval captain who lived next door was in charge of many of them. I said I would be down at eight as I had to be with my Uncle to greet people.

I was still looking through my pile of books when the door burst open. I was startled but then so pleased. It was my eldest brother, Torquil. My, he did look smart in a Hussar Major's full dress uniform. He and I were very much alike in looks and I could see his son Robin's features in his. I wanted to rush up and hug him as I dropped my book but we just stood looking at each other. He did hug me and I almost got entangled in his aiguillettes and braid. The usual 'You've grown!' and a kiss on my cheek was just as I remembered from seeing him almost two years previously.

Questions and answers bobbed between us. 'How was I?', 'What did he do as an aide-de-camp?', 'How was Robin?', "Would Uncle Billy be attending?', and so on. I missed my big brother whom I rarely saw. Another commotion and Terence came in. He saluted his brother smartly and hugged me.

"Just seen Father. He even looks quite tidy this evening. Said I would be disinherited if I mentioned his waist. Mumbled something about St Albans and my baby brother earning good money which should have been his." He laughed. "He's just the same, eh?"

I extricated myself from his clutches. "He's muddled," I said, "I told Uncle Digby about a route for his railway and earned a few good guineas and it's nothing to do with St Albans." I'm afraid I let the cat out of the bag. "He's bought some land there and thinks he'll divide it into four..." I shut my mouth. Too late.

"Four?" queried Torquil. "Robin?"

I nodded. He smiled. "I feel I must do more. But...."

Here Terence gave a great snort of laughter. "...He's besotted!"

His brother gave him a light punch to the arm. "Captain Browning, I command you to keep silent!"

Terence did not take orders. Especially from his older brother. He winked at me. "She's quite lovely And Uncle Billy agrees so he's let the old dog off the leash for the night! He hasn't got to be sniffing around our Uncle, it leaves him free to sniff elsewhere!"

I expected the pair to have a tussle at that but being elderly, I mean older than me, and dressed so finely they just made faces at each other.

"Tell me more," I said, "Father says he hopes this one sticks and you'll be off his hands for good. He says he'd ask for a good dowry."

Terence guffawed as Torquil just looked at me. He puffed his cheeks. "I hope he doesn't say too much." He smiled at me. "I'm serious this time."

"For the ninety-fifth time I'm sure!" Terence sniggered. He became serious, too. "No, brother dear, I do believe it might be."

"Who?" I asked.

"Wait and see!" was the joint reply.

Terence added that I might know someone else attending but I had no chance to enquire further as I had to answer questions then, mainly about Robin. I did add in bits of other happenings in the village including the Irish lads and Luke Emmanuel. I said about Timmy and that Lord Harford's second son wanted to join the Regiment. Torquil nodded at that. He then said that Uncle Billy was agreeable if the lad was suitable. I said I thought he was about thirty so was hardly a lad but his younger brother had a hankering to join as well.

Torquil said there was a move to extend the numbers under the Colours and new officers would be needed. "And if young Terence here takes up other duties...."

He stopped as I saw a warning glance from Terence. What was that? I knew better than to ask. Watch and wait.

I said I hoped to go to France with cousin Lancelot. They laughed when I said about the head. I knew both were great friends of Lancelot but were rather in awe of his brother, Erasmus. I said I thought I might follow Lancelot and become a physician. I then told them about Black Jack and they became very serious.

"Don't meddle there, Tom," Torquil said, "I have heard strange tales of the father's dealings and the closure of the bank. Unfortunately two of our colleagues have lost money in unwise investments which they can ill-afford. If Father has paid for land I think that'll be swallowed up in the general debts, but you say he has the freehold now. I know Uncle Billy has checked on the two sides of the family and he's satisfied that our applicant is genuine."

I said if he was like his brother George who had suffered so much he would be a good officer. Torquil then asked me even more searching questions about Robin. I said he was my dearest and greatest friend and was quite a scholar. They had heard the story of the ruse and that it had all turned out to Robin's advantage.

"As long as no fool treats him as a jumped up servant all should be well," said Torquil. "If I hear of anything the culprit would wish he'd never lived!"

I said everyone so far had been highly amused and had accepted him for who he was, a schoolfellow, except for one and he had been put firmly in his place. I didn't mention Black Jack's comments.

I then heard that two detachments of new recruits would be camping in the village for two months about Easter time to learn rough riding. Both thought they would be deployed and Uncle Billy would make a visit, too. Torquil would be riding back with us so as to spy out the land and see the best places for the encampment. I asked about Caleb and the others from the village. Terence said he had listed them and they would be included. "Might get some more volunteers!" he added. Terence said Caleb was below in any case as he had brought him as his batman for the evening as he and Jabez met rarely.

Torquil looked at his fob watch and said it was almost eight o'clock - a quick piss was needed and he would be ready for the fray!

I told Terence while his brother was occupied in the jakes that Careby Hall was to be very modern soon. "That stinking privy and the pots no more," he said with a laugh.

Both he and I thought we had better drain ourselves, too, and after that three very smart brothers made their way down the back stairs to the ballroom where Uncle Digby was already presiding in his wheeled chair. He greeted us most affably and pointed at the entrance doors. Jabez and Mehmet were there in position carrying silver trays. By the side of each was a smaller figure. The young Bartolis in their own costumes. As no one was entering by the main door so the Genies and their Putti came the length of the room and handed us each a glass of champagne. The two youngsters bowed and miaowed and then giggled. Torquil tapped the taller on his backside with his officer's cane.

"You look just like the old cat who follows our cook around in camp. We say he tastes all our food and as long as he doesn't die we can eat it safely. Is that your task?"

"Please sir," he said, "We have been told we must not touch the food but I am willing to taste for you. It all looks so good."

"It should be," said Torquil laughing, "Your grandfather is the finest cook I know."

Uncle Digby said something to the boy in Italian and he laughed. "Sir Digby says I must not let anyone look under my mask. We must be hidden - he says 'incognito'."

Just as the clock downstairs struck eight so the strains of music came from the gallery above. It was an old English dance tune I knew very well. It was only played through once and the rhythm changed and a quite different sort of tune started. As it was in three time I assumed it was a waltz. We played such tunes rarely as our village-folk preferred the older dances. Uncle was nodding in time with the pulse. "Your Aunt has chosen a good set of players tonight. There are a number of Balls tonight and a scramble to get the best and she has succeeded. Signor Bartoli is a great help as he knows all the Italian bands and as long as they don't get at the wine all should be well."

I couldn't ask what might happen except I knew if old man Jenkins had a drop too much his horn playing stopped. People were beginning to arrive. Aunt Fanny and Rosamund had swept in first and sat at the table nearest to the open doors. I hardly had time to notice the ever-so-elegant dresses they were wearing before the first guests were announced. Mr Tolliver was on duty again and called out the names with quite a stentorian voice. Among the first half-dozen or so were the MP and his wife, the Plummeridges and my parents with my sister and her clergyman husband. Father did look smart in what looked like a new frock coat and my mother looked so beautiful in her tight-waisted dress and a row of pearls about her neck I hadn't seen before. Each in turn came down to us to greet Uncle Digby. My sister was greeted most warmly and had to tell him about the boys, Paul and Philemon. My brother-in-law, James, was as affable as ever and said the boys were asking when Uncle Tom would be seeing them again. I said I hoped I might be allowed to take them in the chaise for a ride and I saw my sister nodding.

In the end as more guests were announced Uncle Digby asked Torquil to wheel him to the table where Aunt Fanny was sitting. Being nosy I followed and listened as Major this and the Honourable that and their wives were announced. A Captain Bemrose was not accompanied and turned out to be an officer in Uncle Billy's regiment and was arrayed just like dear Terence. Oh, I remembered he had been mentioned! There were several Sirs and Ladies and even two Lords and Ladies. I was much amused as the old Duchess was announced and noted she had a silver ear trumpet tonight. There was much chatter now, almost drowning out the orchestra, and the lads were kept busy handing out the flutes of champagne and cordials.

I had moved to the side to keep watch but not to be constantly shaking hands and it was then I was startled. Mr Tolliver was being kept very busy as there was a steady flow of arriving guests. He then announced 'Captain Arthur Branscombe and the Honourable Mrs Constance Branscombe, the Misses Elizabeth and Arabella Branscombe and Master Cedric Branscombe'. I stared. The Captain was in full Naval dress uniform with a very haughty- looking lady on his arm. The two daughters were nothing like mother. They were very pretty and had smiling faces and looked over to where the military trio were standing behind my Aunt. But then there was Cedric. Of course I knew him but I had never heard his first name. He must have seen me and the rather worried look on his face disappeared and he smiled, too. He, too, was in a tail suit, but, I think mine was smarter!

Torquil and Captain Bemrose went over to the two young ladies as they reached my Aunt's table. So this was the possible 'sticker'! From the way they greeted each other I could see from the smiles and nods they were well-acquainted. My Father had also been observing, as well as talking to the horsey MP. They parted and he came and stood by me. "Some good fish in the pond, I see!" he whispered, "Hope the rod's strong enough to reel that one in."

I almost sniggered. Did my Father use 'rod' just in the fishing sense or did he also have in mind another rather more earthy use of the word? I had better not ask or he might have to disown a prurient son. I saw that Torquil was now talking to the first one, Elizabeth, and was taking her over to where my Mother was sitting at the next table. The way Elizabeth was looking at him as he guided her I guessed this one would stick!

She curtsied to my Mother who immediately stood, held her and kissed her cheek. I think she met with my Mother's approval! Father left my side and ambled over and was soon chatting to the young lady. My contemplation was broken by a dig in the ribs. "Young Tom Browning it must be," came a young man's gravelly whisper, "And if I hear Cedric mentioned at you-know-where..."

"...It's better than Ivanhoe, though," I said without turning round, "And it could have been Hildebrand or even worse, Rashleigh, if your father preferred Sir Walter's Rob Roy."

Another dig. "George Lascelles said you were always a cheeky hound, but I'm glad to see you."

I turned round and we shook hands formally then grinned at each other.

"I was dreading this," Cedric Branscombe said, "My mother dragged me here saying it was time I was introduced to higher society than we have in dear old Canterbury." He wrinkled his nose. "Are you higher society?"

"I don't think so, just a country lad with good relations." I managed to give him a retaliatory dig. "But I think my brother is thinking of deepening our relationship."

"Yes, that's your brother," he nodded, "Elizabeth hasn't stopped talking about coming to London as she missed her marvellous officer. And who's the other one with Bella?"

I shook my head. "His name's Bemrose but I've never met him before."

"Same. I haven't either. He seems a decent fellow." He snickered. "I'm not saying your brother isn't, though he's kept poor Lizzie dangling for nigh on a year. He's a bit older than her but the sooner the better if there's a match as I'd hate to have three old maids as sisters. She's twenty-seven now and Bella's twenty-five."

"You said three. Where is your other sister?"

"Oh, that's Jane, she's twenty-one and she's gone as a companion to one of my Mother's sisters. She hates it and keeps writing to ask if she can come home. My Aunt lives near Plymouth and is trying to get Janie married off to some Navy chaplain." He grunted. "Our dear Aunt Polly is more than a bit religious. She thinks having a parson in the family is a good insurance!"

"Is it?" I asked, "If so I must be well-insured. I've an uncle, a cousin and a brother- in-law in orders. He's the one over there."

He laughed. "But tell me about your brother, it's Torquil I think. Would you approve?"

First, I didn't know Branscombe's sister at all although the way Torquil had reacted both in my room and here must mean something. But, secondly, and it was a big but! I couldn't remember if Robin's true father had been mentioned. I had better not say anything but Robin was going to be Branscombe's fag when we went back to Ashbourne. Another dig.

"I forgot. Is he Robin's father?"

How was I to answer this? Would there be a fuss? A commotion? A falling-out? I need not have worried. Without stopping for an answer he went on.

"If he can produce a lad like that there's no concern." He came closer. "I've got a half-brother who's a paymaster at Chatham in the Navy there. Mother never mentions him but I know my father corresponds." He liked giving digs to ribs. Another one, "It happens in the best-regulated families!"

So there was no concern. I felt quite relieved. He asked if Robin was in London and I explained he had already been with one of his half-brothers. I didn't say he hadn't stayed at this house. Branscombe said he was looking forward to having a fag, especially one who could construe all that blasted Latin and Greek! "Won't need much of that in the Navy," he said, "Would be much better to learn flag signals and semaphore and how to navigate!"

But to the present. The room was filling and people were sitting and drinking while keeping up their conversations. My Uncle Billy was announced, but no female companion. I knew Uncle wasn't married. His story was he was always too busy. My father said it was because he could never make up his mind. Anyway he was followed in by four young officers, all dressed like my brother Terence. They made a bee-line both for the drink being handed out and the young single ladies looking around shyly and chaperoned by their watchful mothers. Of course I received yet another mighty thump to my back as an avuncular greeting and before I was questioned again I was rescued by my father who greeted his brother with his own slap to his back. I think Branscombe wondered who Uncle Billy was as he was most soberly dressed in a plain civilian frock coat with no sign of his Major- General's rank. Terence had told me that Uncle Billy was averse to all the trumpery and decoration of the uniforms which he had to wear on military occasions but said it was much better for younger officers who needed to show off their wares. Anyway Uncle Billy had said he would speak to me later as he walked off with father.

Naturally I had to explain to Branscombe who he was. I think he was suitably impressed and followed his retreating figure with his eye. I was amused.

Suddenly there was a roll of drums from above and a red-coated figure appeared carrying an ornamental staff. He rapped on the floor.

"Please take your partners for the first dance. A waltz to be led by Major Torquil Browning and Miss Elizabeth Branscombe."

Another roll of drums and the orchestra began the tune. I assumed as Uncle Digby was not able to dance so my brother was his deputy. Something else as they came out onto the floor was the ripple of quiet applause. A recognition of something? I was fascinated as they moved so well together. It all looked so well-practised. Gradually the other couples joined the dance until the floor was a sea of coloured frocks set off by the mainly black and white of the gentlemen's attire other than the red, blue and gold of the various military young men.

Uncle Digby had turned his chair and saw Branscombe and me standing there behind him. "Come here, Tom, and introduce me."

I said that Master Branscombe was a fellow pupil in Mr Ridley's House. I think Uncle Digby was quite taken with Cedric's - I mean Branscombe's - open manner and they chatted on and I heard, as before, that his goal was a Naval commission to follow in his father's and grandfather's footsteps. I did mention that Torquil was dancing with his sister.

While listening I then realised Aunt Fanny was also dancing. Her companion was another young officer. A different uniform. I found afterwards he was a Guard's Officer and the son of one of the Honourables present. When that dance ended there was a pause before the red-coated Master of Ceremonies announced the next dance which was a Quadrille. This was new to me but was a square dance like one or two of our old dances. I did know the next as that was a Scotch Reel and there were two kilted officers who swept along the rows of ladies changing partners with much abandon and a good deal of merriment. That was followed by a much quieter waltz again. People would finish a dance and then come to talk to Uncle. Often I and Branscombe would be included so were cross-questioned by many inquisitive ladies and a good few gentlemen who always looked more the worse for wear than their companions.

So the evening went on, a succession of dances including one I had never heard of called a Mazurka. Another was a Polka which I was told by Rosamund was beginning to be very popular. I saw that the Genies were kept fully occupied and their Kittens were stroked and patted as they scampered about carrying new bottles to keep the glasses filled. I thought I had better not abandon the Duchess who had smiled most benignly when she came up to my Uncle when I was standing next to him. I took Branscombe with me as I also wanted him to meet my Mother and I had seen that she and the Duchess had been sitting at the same table. Mother was dancing again but the Duchess was sitting alone waving her ear trumpet in time to the music. She smiled even more when she saw me and patted the seat next to her. First, though, I introduced Branscombe and, of course, a discussion about families ensued with the finding that Branscombe's aunt by marriage was a cousin once removed of the Duchess's brother's wife. I think that was the gist of the conversation. Still, she wanted to know what I had been doing. I said I had been out buying clothes and books at which I heard Branscombe snigger. I did point out the clothes were for use in sports and I hoped that took the smile off his face. We were rewarded by three wrapped sweetmeats each and instructed to send the two young boys over so she could inspect their cat faces.

"I have seen many good examples of such masks when I was in Venice," she said, "I did not stay long there, though. Too much water and the place smelled even worse than London. That reminds me. Do see if you can procure another small cigar for me. The last one was excellent."

There was a look of wonderment on Branscombe's face at that, as well as the conversation with such a grand person. As we bowed and walked away she was waving her ear trumpet again.

I went up to Jabez, who had no customers at the moment, and whispered the Duchess's requests. He nodded solemnly. Then smiled. "I've just heard Caleb's below. I hope I can see him during the Supper." The two young boys walked demurely over to the Duchess when Jabez delivered that request to them.

Branscombe and I returned to our posts by Uncle Digby. He said he would retire once Supper was served and my father could be his deputy. As father was busy dancing with a very pretty lady I said he might need a Bath chair later if Uncle had one spare after all the effort he was putting into the evening. Uncle Digby laughed and said his brother-in-law still had a lot of life in him.

I think it was just before midnight that Supper was announced. That was quite a spread. There were two or three soups, pigeon pie, fricassees of chicken in various guises, slices of roast pork in a lovely sauce, a second course of game pie, pheasant breasts and two other dishes I didn't try, all followed by pots of trifles, jellies and creams. Branscombe and I ate our fill, then even more. We sat with my brothers and his sisters and put up with much ribbing and joshing.

Even after all that food and drink the dancers were ready for more exercise. I saw my Uncle Billy was alone and being served a flute of champagne by Jabez so I went up to him followed by Branscombe and introduced my friend to him. Uncle said he had met his father once before and he hoped Branscombe and the family were enjoying the evening. He said he was glad to talk to us as he needed a rest. Two widowed ladies had been at his heels all evening demanding dances. "My boys," he said and bent his head towards us conspiratorially, "Always beware of ladies of an uncertain age especially if they are widows as well. Any man without a partner is fair game. I must say I have successfully avoided being snared so far but even with advancing years there are numerous unattached ladies who would take delight, I am sure, in making me a slave to their wants and wishes."

There was such a twinkle in his eye I knew he must be jesting. "Does that mean there is someone who might fill that empty role of Aunt for me?" I asked, "There was one lady who I saw you dancing with at least three times and you seemed quite at home in her company. Isn't that so, Branscombe? I said my Uncle was plainly enjoying that polka." Poor Branscombe muttered something, no doubt astounded at my free talk with such an elevated gentleman as a Major-General, even if he was my Uncle. But that would also pay him back for some of those digs to my ribs! Uncle Billy just laughed.

"Your father said you were an observant creature and tended to speak your mind." He nodded. "Maybe, and that's all I will say. Now, orders." He held up a finger. "You will attend on me with my great-nephews at two-thirty on Wednesday on the parade ground as your sister has laid down" He turned to Branscombe. "Will you be able to accompany the throng? The barracks is military rather than naval. I understand you wish to follow your father in that service?"

Branscombe had recovered his composure. He gave an apologetic bow. "Sir, that would have given me the greatest pleasure, but we return to Canterbury tomorrow. Sadly I must decline the invitation." That was a great pity as I was sure we would see quite a spectacle with all the mounted troops. However, from the haughty look on his mother's face I felt it would be no use enquiring if he could stay.

Uncle Billy nodded and said he had better take his place by the floor as no doubt some lady would pounce on him. Even Branscombe managed a smile at that and there was an even bigger smile when he saw my Uncle handing his mother through the steps of another dance a little later. Uncle's charm must have worked because Branscombe was summoned later to his parents' table. He returned to my side with a huge grin. "I can stay. It's just got to be sorted out in the morning. My father says I can go back to Canterbury by the Dover stage on Thursday evening."

I was tired even though just watching and talking but my brothers and all the others had set off for another complete set of dances from waltz, to cotillion, to another new one called a polonaise until a final waltz was announced and then carriages were called at what must have been at least three o'clock.

All were most happy as everyone bid farewell to my Aunt as Uncle had retired much earlier. My Father was next to her and was shaking hands with everyone and chatting to quite a few of the gentlemen as if he knew them well before they departed. Even the Duchess had lasted, though she hadn't danced but, if anything like me at my young age, even she must have been tired. I noted Jabez handing her a small package which she tucked into her reticule. He bowed as she gave him several small packets in return.

Branscombe said he'd enjoyed himself and he supposed he had better start to learn to dance if he was to entice any young ladies. I just said I preferred playing my flute for the Village dances which meant I did not have to state any other preferences. I found that the Branscombe family were staying at the Black Bull Hotel on Holborn Hill as they didn't have a London residence. Would Cedric be able to stay on there? I would have to ask my Aunt if there was a spare room here. Anyway, I did get a farewell kiss from both his sisters. His father said I should visit Canterbury. By this time Branscombe's mother did regard me, I believed, a little less frostily.

Like Mr Pepys it was 'so to bed'. A very tired boy was accompanied up the stairs by an even wearier Jabez. He was pleased, though, as he had seen his brother and hoped he could be with me when I visited the barracks. I mentioned Branscombe had also been invited but needed accommodation and Jabez said there were two vacant bedrooms. So I was primed.

He said Mehmet had gone to their room completely exhausted and the two youngsters had run themselves to a standstill and their equally tired older brothers or cousins had carried the pair off to their beds. As we stripped ready for my bed I said he and the others had been commented on by everyone I had spoken to. We agreed that tonight's Ball would be talked about all over Town from what we had both heard being discussed.

"Your Aunt deserves it," he said, "She does many good works. She's just like your other Aunt at Careby." He laughed. "And I think we may be hearing wedding bells soon and you and Robin will be attending the bride in your pretty frocks! I warrant your Mama has kept that last one you wore before you were breeched!"

I was too tired to give Jabez the drubbing he deserved. That would have to wait until morning which was almost here and the Harrison boys were due to visit at eleven. My head touched the pillow and I was asleep.

To be continued: