Tom Browning's Schooldays
By
Joel
Chapter SixtyFive
As we drove out of the port of Calais so Lancelot and Mr Johnson fell into deep conversation and we boys whispered together. The Johnson twins were intrigued with Jabez and wanted to know who he was. Robin and I kept silent as Jabez informed them he was employed by my Uncle Digby as a messenger and clerk and he would be delivering and collecting documents especially in Paris. This was news to us and meant the dear lad would be questioned much further when he was alone with us! However, his answers satisfied Martin and Alain, and so they should for he was most neatly dressed in his black jacket and striped trousers as one would expect of a senior clerk.
I remarked that the coachman, Claude, had greeted us in English. Alain said he had been in the Johnson employ from the age of fourteen or so and he was now near thirty. He had been in charge of the boys when they were little and thus had picked up the English spoken in the home. Mr Johnson had encouraged him to learn more as he often had to drive English visitors to Paris or beyond. The younger lad, Pierre, was sixteen and was Claude's cousin and was being educated at a school run by clergy in Calais but was on vacation as we were. He was not there to be trained as a priest, Martin explained, but it was a school like Ashbourne though he did not board there but went daily from his parents' house in a hamlet some two miles nearer Calais.
I had not really noticed how the twins were dressed until we were seated in the coach. Both wore good shirts which were open at the neck and had loose sleeves. Since they had sat opposite me in the inn I had not noted their trousers. They were not such trousers as I had seen before except they resembled in some way those baggy pantaloons that Jabez and Mehmet had worn as Genies! The twins' trousers were not as loose as those but were of a light white material which I realised would be most comfortable in hot weather.
Martin saw me appraising his wear. He lifted a leg and showed he was also wearing light shoes though the sole was substantial enough. "We shall be travelling down inland and the temperature rises and so we will wear these; we call them pantalon which is the usual word for trousers. We put them on today as we needed to see whether they fitted us." Ah, I thought, so the French word is almost the same as ours for those loose garments the Genies wore.
His brother smiled and joined in. "We always know the English travellers for they take their coaches wearing their woollen suits and they will be in Italy in a week or so and will boil!"
I said we had linen suits in our baggage and they both nodded. "We will ask Papa to let us take you to Monsieur Georges to get you fitted with such as these as well."
I expressed concern over time but did not mention cost and was told that as the clothes were quite loose and, in fact, were pulled at the waist by a cord which was hidden by a belt, a visit to a tailor would take only a few minutes!
With the chatter I had not realised we were now well outside the town and although there was quite a stream of coaches, smaller closed carriages and open curricles we were progressing steadily on a well-made road. We turned onto a smaller lane which led to a manor house which was bigger than the Squire's house in Careby and looked almost as large as Careby Hall with its range of windows on at least three floors. As soon as we drew up several men and boys appeared and Mr Johnson gave orders in French for the coach to be taken and unloaded. A new coachman took Claude's place and I saw Claude and Rowley talking together as the latter was led off towards the rear of the mansion. We had no time to stand and stare for Mr Johnson escorted the rest of us, including Jabez, to the open main doors of the impressive edifice.
Mr Johnson led us into the entrance hall which was wide, long, tall and airy. We stopped inside the doorway where two servants stood bowing their heads. They took our hats and cloaks and as Mr Johnson turned to speak to Lancelot we walked further in. I did have a moment to stare at the walls adorned with portraits, crossed swords, animal heads and two large tapestries of arresting form and colour. Alain saw my interest and Robin was gazing, too. Alain pointed to the tapestry hanging on the left side, "That is Acis and Galatea," he said, then indicated the other, "This is my favourite. It is Dido and Aeneas."
Martin came up behind us. "They are both very fine but our Uncle Philippe has more in his h"tel in Paris."
Both Robin and I must have looked puzzled. Did his uncle own a hotel like the ones in London where travellers stayed?
The twins exchanged glances then both grinned and Alain nodded. "No, I know what you are thinking," Martin said, "The grand houses in Paris are called that." He laughed. "My father is always amused when English visitors passing through ask him if the H"tel de Ville in Paris is comfortable. He has to tell them that it is the same as the Town Hall in England but he thinks few believe him."
"Uncle Philippe has invited us all to stay with him when we are in Paris but I do not think my father has told your cousin this," said Alain.
A quandary. Lancelot was expecting us to stay with his friends in St Denis on the outskirts of the city. How long would we be in Paris?
"It is no matter," chimed in Martin, "We will have four days in Paris so Uncle Philippe can share us with your cousin's friends."
There was no time to discuss that as Mr Johnson beckoned us tardy ones. "My wife will be waiting in the salon," He smiled. "I must remember to say 'drawing-room'!"
Martin behind me said quite emphatically "Papa, they all speak French!"
"That may be so," his father said, "But I wish to practise my English." He turned to Lancelot and laughed. "I have lived in France so long I have to think carefully sometimes what a word might be. Only yesterday I was looking at something wielded by the farrier and could not think what the English word was for marteau."
He laughed again as he caught Robin's whispered 'hammer'. "C'est vrai, mon gar‡on!" he said holding up a hand and pointing towards an ornately carved door towards the end of the hall.
The door was opened by one of the servants. I noted they were dressed in a light cloth livery. Something to enquire about before we returned home. We were greeted by a very stately lady seated with a greyhound dog at her feet.
"My dear, our guests have arrived," Mr Johnson announced. Madame Johnson rose from her seat and I could she was most elegantly dressed. Was it because she was French that she resembled my mother both in height and features? She had a welcoming smile as her husband took Lancelot to her and he was introduced. He took her gloved hand and kissed her fingers. I heard a low murmur in French but she replied in English with barely an accent.
"My dear Doctor Dodd, please speak in English. I need good conversation and those sons of mine talk of nothing but shooting birds and fishing and something outrageous called football." Lancelot bowed his head and stepped back.
Martin took my arm. "Maman, may I introduce a good friend, Master Tom Browning, and he speaks good English."
He gave me a nudge and I forgave him - for the moment. I could see the twinkle in his mother's eye as she smiled at me.
"Madame, it is my pleasure to be here," I said as I had heard that said by visitors to my mother and to my aunts. "I will try to speak with good grammar and syntax though I have heard Martin say 'different to' and his brother did correct him." I got another nudge, a smile from Madame Johnson and as I stepped back I made sure I gave Martin my own nudge with an elbow. It was now Alain's turn.
"Maman, Master Robin Goodhew is a fellow pupil in Mr Martin's class and he is more than a good friend for he has helped me with that fellow Euclid!" he said most clearly. Robin was led forward and bowed as Madame Johnson held out a hand and he touched her fingers.
"Madame, it is my pleasure to be here as well and both Alain and Martin have vaulted over the Asses' Bridge and its consequences with little help," he pronounced as he, too, bowed and stepped back.
There was more laughter and Madame Johnson whispered she did not know asses had difficulty getting over bridges. There was one other to be introduced. I did not know what would come. Lancelot led Jabez forward.
"Madame, Mr Bottom is accompanying us as my Uncle's confidential clerk." he said. Nothing more was said as Jabez also bowed and touched fingers with Madame Johnson.
"Mr Bottom, you are most welcome," she said and I could see that was said with sincerity.
'Mister' Bottom would be questioned even further!
Madame held up a finger and one of the servants left the room. "We shall take tea in the English way in thirty minutes which will give time for you all to be shown your rooms." She said it with that captivating smile which had come down a generation to her sons. We all bowed our heads and followed Mr Johnson and the boys into the entrance hall. Two of the servants were commanded to take Lancelot and Jabez to their rooms while Martin and Alain guided Robin and me behind them up the wide staircase to the upper floor. Alain explained that we would be in the bedroom next to theirs if we did not mind sharing. We agreed and were shown to a large room with a great bed in it and most enormous furniture around the walls.
Martin said that the furniture came from their mother's family home when her parents had died but he did not know where or when. "There is only Maman and Uncle Philippe," he concluded, "And us," added Alain, wrinkling his nose.
They showed us that an ornate armoire hid the commode and another opened with a pretty washbowl under the lid. They pulled the bell-rope and two lads were summoned to bring hot water. As we washed our travelling bags and chests were brought up. I had asked Martin what we should wear for dinner and he said they would just have a black jacket with their trousers. He had also said to come along to their room once we had washed.
The boys' room did not have all that heavy furniture. They grinned and said it had been relegated to the attics and they hoped the ceilings would not fall because of its weight. They had colourful smaller tapestries showing hunting scenes on two of the walls. Alain said their Uncle Philippe had given these to them for their tenth birthday. They also showed us their fishing rods, most finely made, and two fowling pieces used for hunting birds.
"We haven't hunted boar yet but Monsieur Cordevoir says he will take us when we arrive back at Christmas," Martin said as he held up a tusk which was among a mountain of debris on a side table. "We had this fellow for our Christmas lunch one year!"
We heard then that Monsieur Cordevoir was a local landowner and a friend of their father's who did good business with him as he bought quantities of wine. Apparently he had a large family of six sons and three daughters who, though mostly grown, still lived at home. We were told we would, no doubt, meet Paul and Jean-Claude, the two youngest sons, for they often came to dinner as they amused their mother with the gossip of the village.
A gong was heard and we filed down to find Madame Johnson presiding over a perfect English tea in the parlour with Lancelot and Jabez already there. She said her husband was sorry but he had been called away, though he would be back soon. The parlour was another large room also adorned with tapestries but with numerous side tables and padded chairs. As we supped it became clear that Madame Johnson had been born in England of French parents and had spent much of her girlhood in a place called Broadstairs on the coast. She told us she had met her husband at a ball in London and Lancelot remarked it would seem a common occurrence as that was how his parents had met as well. It was also clear that Mr Johnson was somewhat older than Madame and had spent much time in France after the defeat of Napoleon.
Of course, the reasons for our journey had to be rehearsed again. The boys were smiling when Lancelot began the story of the poor Duc du Clermond especially when he remarked he had been a military man. He said there was some story that he had been embroiled in some plot against the leaders of the Revolutionaries. The boys' expressions changed when Lancelot went on to say he had been arrested with others and put to death by guillotine. A friend had risked his own arrest by rescuing the head and had it preserved and escaped to England with it. He became a Fellow of St Mark's College and the head had remained in the College's keeping since his own death. Lancelot did not dwell on any details of how the head was preserved nor of its appearance but merely stated that his task was to return the head to a suitable resting-place. The boys looked quite bewildered then.
"Is there no grave?" enquired Martin.
Lancelot shook his head. "There will not be one for him but there may be a family monument though I fear that might be ruined. I would hope at least to find a church where his last remains can be interred with due solemnity."
Madame Johnson had listened intently to this but merely said her husband would be of any assistance he could offer in such a sad task. She did say then it was fortunate her own forbears had escaped or the same fate might have befallen them though they were innocent of any crime other than being members of the aristocracy.
The boys looked most solemn themselves but brightened when Lancelot said another task was to find sources for several plants needed for the distillation of the College liquor. He explained the receipt had been left to the College by the Frenchman who had escaped being arrested. "Father will be able to assist there," said Alain, "We have visited where they distil a fine liquor from pears."
"That is a fine liquor but father says the best are those which the monks made from many different plants," added Martin.
Lancelot was nodding. "I would say that is the form of the liquor we have at St Mark's. I have a list of near fifteen plants and herbs but no real knowledge of where they may be found. The keeper of the Botanic Garden in Cambridge has given me suggestions which I must discuss with your father."
Jabez had been silent so far but now looked at me and smiled. "Dr Lancelot has two other tasks as well," he said. Lancelot laughed and held up his cup which a servant took to Madame Johnson and she refilled it. When that was completed Lancelot looked at me and then at Robin.
"Those other tasks are to find relatives of my cousins, Tom and Robin," he said indicating us with his cup. He took a sip. "First, we have intelligence that there has been a recent marriage, perhaps in Paris, and then, when travelling down before we reach Clermont, there may be others in a village called Riom."
I then had to say my piece about how my Grandmama had come from France some fifty years ago and had married my Grandfather Crossley. Madame Johnson was delighted with this. "I hope your quest is successful," she said, "There is no one left of our family except my brother and myself." She looked at her sons. "But I forget there are these vagabonds!"
There was a joint 'Maman!" and more laughter.
Our tea was now finished and Madame instructed her sons to see we were not neglected until dinner at eight o'clock. Lancelot and Jabez went off together discussing some weighty matter, no doubt. However, it did not seem that Jabez was forward in making that statement about the other tasks. Madame and the boys had accepted him as more than a mere servant. He had spoken out without hesitation and had not been reprimanded by Lancelot. Our Jabez was rising in our society! I knew we could not josh him on this but... ...Questions!
With the boys we toured the outside of 'le propri‚t‚', the estate as I understood it. Behind the house there were some fields, one fenced with sheep in it, and then woodland. They explained the woodland adjoined Monsieur Cordevoir's much larger domain but they kept away as there were traps set for poachers and thieves. We were shown a horrific- looking mantrap hanging inside one of their barns similar to those which were kept ready at Careby Hall.
Later in our bedroom as we prepared ourselves for dinner Robin remarked how he found Martin and Alain to be most friendly and was looking forward to whatever might befall us in their company. He asked if I had noted that for each sentence or question from Martin the next would be from Alain. "They are twins so must think alike," I said.
We tidied ourselves and put on our black trousers and jackets hoping not to be too formal. The brothers rapped on our door and grinned when they saw us. Alain bowed. "Voil... les deux milords anglaises!" We laughed and then sneered at them for that compliment!
Madame Johnson was the only lady present at dinner. Lancelot was placed on her right hand and I on the left. Mr Johnson at the other end of the table had Robin and Jabez as his companions with the twins either side in the centre. Aunt Fanny had warned us that the French had their own way of serving meals and to watch our neighbours. There was no difference, I thought, when a huge tureen of a flavoursome soup was brought in and distributed except there was more of that delectable bread we had experienced at luncheon. A big difference occurred when the main course was brought in. Two large lamb cutlets were placed on each platter and a buttery sauce was added. I noted that the plates were of fine decorated porcelain but were cold whereas food such as this at Careby or at Ashbourne was served on hot plates, though not as ornate. The cutlets were eaten before a platter of two sorts of vegetables was brought in. One was of long thin beans and the other a green vegetable I had never seen before but found most tasty. Then there was a cheese course. A choice of four; all of which looked quite different from any I had experienced at home in England. Another red wine was served to accompany these. Finally, there was an apple dish with what seemed like small sponge cakes surrounding it and to our delight that went round twice! No one left the table as platters were removed and we each then had a small glass of liqueur, which if it resembled St Mark's Fire I could hardly wait to enter College!
Plans were then made for us to visit the tailor in Calais to be fitted with light pantalons. We were advised also to buy a broad-brimmed hat each to keep the sun off our eyes and that Rowley would need the broadest-brimmed for driving the coach in full sunlight. Mr Johnson said we must make sure we had flasks of good water in the coach because we would become faint otherwise with the heat as we travelled southwards. He advised that we only took water from streams coming down from heights rather than from rivers. He did not know why but he always took care to do this and never to drink water in any inn, only beer or, better still, cider or wine. Lancelot was nodding sagely at this and, no doubt, he would acquaint us with possible reasons. I conjectured that the rivers would flow off fields where cattle or sheep had pissed or shat and who would want a mouthful of that! Seeing turds floating in our river at home made us glad of the pool by the side where we could swim without soiling ourselves. Of course, there was the even dirtier River Thames!
There was still some light when we were accompanied by a young servant to our room. Although he spoke French with an accent I could understand him especially when he advised us not to have the windows open because of the flying insects. That was no worry as the room was high and airy and the evening sun was on the other side of the house. Of course, as we settled in bed we had to rehearse even again the journey on the train, the sea- crossing and the good welcome we had received. As a final comment before we fell to a contemplation of our love for each other Robin whispered "Jabez the gossip-monger as confidential clerk? Wait until I have him by himself!" I whispered back that we would have to tread carefully there for our Jabez was a coming man. Robin was smiling as he kissed my cheek and Jabez was then forgot.
The sun was shining brightly through our windows when I woke in the morning. Robin was already awake and was lying with his head up looking down at me.
"Tom," he whispered my name, "You are just like the Italian boy in that book Uncle Digby gave us." I smiled both at him naming Uncle Digby for him as well as me but most of all because we had both gazed at the depiction of that long-dead youth and had wondered what had become of him as he grew to manhood. We had decided he had become an artist like the painter who so faithfully had shown that expression on his face.
I leaned up as well and kissed his forehead. "Robin, you and I are almost twins in years and all say we are alike in our looks so you, too, are like that boy. I think we are alike in other ways and my dearest wish is that we may continue to grow up together..."
My little speech was interrupted in the most loving way. With no more words we bussed each other and, as the night before, shared each other's most willingly offered seed and then lay quiet in stillness which no words could describe.
That reverie was disturbed by noises in the outer passageway. We moved apart as a knock was heard on the door. Robin called out 'Enter!' and then remembering where he was added 'Entrez-vous!'. The two lads who had brought us hot water the afternoon before brought in their pitchers. We watched as they opened the lid of the washstand and poured some of the water into the bowl. They bowed their heads and went from the room quickly and silently. "A well-ordered house," Robin said with a grin as he slid out of the bed. I was no slug and joined him. I saw there was new soap and clean washcloths laid by the side of the bowl.
He was almost dancing from one foot to the other. "I need the commode most urgently," he said and was trying to raise the lid. It was a moment or two before we found there was almost a secret catch and the poor boy near missed the pot. We did open the window then as both of us needed to clear our bowels and the sweet-smelling soap was not enough to banish our stench. As at home I noted there was a bunch of lavender in a pot. At Careby we had but glazed earthenware but this was a finely crafted porcelain vase with two handles and rustic scenes delineated in roundels on the sides. Indeed, I was sure even my Aunt Fanny had nothing as fine as this ornamenting her bedroom!
Once clean we had to decide on our clothing. We would wear the trousers, shirts and jackets we had travelled in. We found the shirts and stockings we had worn and discarded were missing so washing of our clothes was being done. Others were found in our chests so we were soon ready for our breakfast and ventured along the passageway to the twins' bedroom. Our knock was responded to immediately as the door was opened and both were already dressed. They were laughing as we found their plan was to creep in on us expecting we would still be abed. We then learned that the usual greeting in France whenever you met a friend or an acquaintance was to shake hands. "It is our etiquette," said Martin.
They led us downstairs to the breakfast room which adjoined a large kitchen. Both Lancelot and Jabez were already sitting there talking with Mr Johnson who had a map spread on the table in front of him. We showed our new-found etiquette and much to Mr Johnson's amusement we each shook hands around as they stood but I did manage to give Jabez's hand quite a squeeze.
Breakfast was more of those long white loaves, which we learned were called 'baguettes', with creamy butter and a further selection of cheeses together with thinly sliced cold meats called saucissons. I would have to find out more about these as they were most tasty. Alain said they were cut from specially prepared long sausages even larger than those we purchased at Mr Thacker's shop. They were also different in that they were not freshly made but cured with spices and hung in a cool place until required like our hams. To quench our thirst there were jugs of sweet cider and beakers of hot 'tisane' which Martin explained was like English tea but made from an infusion of herbs. I saw Lancelot look at him on hearing this. We needed to find where certain herbs were grown and here we were sampling this most aromatic brew.
Decisions were made that we would be taken to Calais to be fitted with our pantalons and make any other purchases needed before we reached Paris. Neither Lancelot nor Jabez wanted these extra garments. They were assured the linen suits would be cool enough but Robin and I wanted to be dressed like the twins. We left Lancelot and Jabez still talking to Mr Johnson and Jabez was making notes I assumed about the route we would be taking.
On arrival in Calais Alain told the coachman we would walk and he should wait for us. I noted he gave the young man a couple of coins. 'Pour un boisson' he said, then smiled realising he was speaking to us in French. I knew the word for 'drink'! The centre of the town was full of small dark houses though there were some large houses and the H"tel de Ville in one wider street. Any shops we saw were small and some had stalls on the pavement. I was captivated by one selling mainly fruits which were laid out so artistically in punnets and small wicker baskets and one could smell them as we passed. We did not dally as the boys wanted to get to the tailor's shop which had only a small window in which was a bare notice of his trade and three pairs of gloves. Inside it was quite different. There were two rooms and two tailors sitting cross-legged on low tables and busy stitching. An elderly gentleman was fitting a boy with a jacket so we stood back and waited until he was satisfied that the jacket was correct. I did not understand much of his conversation as he spoke to the lad but I heard him say that he should wait until his mother, votre maman, should return.
We let Alain explain what we wanted and Robin and I were soon measured and four pairs of pantalons were displayed and we were shown two curtained-off little rooms where we could try their fit. All four needed the legs to be shorted a little as they were made that way so Alain said. We would return in an hour and they would be ready. We had been given some francs by Lancelot which we passed to Martin who paid for them. With that time to wait we would be able to find the hatter's which Martin knew was on a corner. The twins said the best were made of a very fine straw and could be folded. These were more expensive than the ordinary straw hats but we had money to spend!
We then wandered almost to the dockside and saw a sailing boat which had just arrived. There were few passengers and Alain said there would be goods in the hold and if it was the 'Esmeralda' then his father was expecting a consignment of cottons from the London docks. These would have been landed there from India. Martin ran forward and returned with the news that it was that very ship so he would be able to report the knowledge to their father.
Our clothes were ready and waiting and both Robin and I thanked Monsieur Georges in French and he smiled and bowed his head. Of course, we then needed suitable belts and the twins took us to a saddler's where two were bought in a trice. I remarked that I was quite aware that when boys were taken to shops their choices did not take long for Branscombe complained he was always kept waiting when accompanying his sisters. "We must be thankful we are not encumbered by such creatures," said Martin with a smile.
As we passed that fruiterers again Alain was looking at a basket of strawberries. "Our mother is most fond of these," he said. I stepped forward and gave him sufficient coins to buy them as a gift. I know they were only a centime or so but when we presented Madame Johnson with them she was delighted.
There was more of the house and barns to explore after luncheon. We were taken down into large cellars which took up all the space below the house where many barrels of wine were kept ready for their contents to be shipped to England. This resolved the puzzle why the kitchen was not below as in the big houses in England. The twins explained their father was a keen businessman and trusted so he traded back and forth between here and England having many orders for goods from Paris as well as London. This was made most clear as the barns were more like warehouses and contained boxes and crates of many different articles from silks and satins to ornamental lamps and sets of delicate porcelain plates and tea things.
Even as we watched so two wagons from Calais came to the back of the barns but we did not see the contents for we were called to take tea again.
We heard that evening at dinner we would be leaving in the morning for our journey to Paris. Lancelot had already sent a letter by the fast mail coach to warn his friends of our approach and Madame Johnson said we were to visit her brother on Monday at his house, l'h"tel Roanne, in the Rue de Varenne. It was then we found her brother had a title. He was 'Monsieur le comte de Roanne'. Madame was laughing as she told us this and the twins were grinning. "It is nothing," she said, "We had land and forests some hundred or so years ago but I have never been to Roanne and my brother made the journey once. He said there are ruins and a hideous memorial in a church but that is all."
"But, my dear," Mr Johnson said, "You are 'Madame la comtesse' and I believe these two can claim to be 'Monsieurs le comte' in their turn."
There was much explanation then about the Revolution and, how to escape the slaughter, aristocrats fled the country as did the Frenchman who had been at St Mark's. Madame said her great-grandparents and grandparents had gone to Switzerland and then to England. That was how she was born there and brought up in that seaside place as others had joined them. "We were not poor as they were able to take all their money and jewellery with them though their houses and property were confiscated and much destroyed. It was only after Napoleon was proclaimed Emperor we returned. My father had connections with the Army and the property in Paris and some woodlands near Roanne were returned and my brother and I inherited all that when our parents died."
We found then that inheritance laws in France were different than in England. All the children shared the inheritance equally so Madame also owned half the house in Paris and the country property which would pass through her to Alain and Martin. In fact, her brother had never married so had no children which meant the twins would inherit his share as well.
As they escorted us upstairs at bedtime Martin said he was not interested in titles but his uncle had to play his part in Society in Paris and they liked to visit him as he was a great collector. We found out no more as each of us was yawning and we had two and a half days journey to make starting at eight o'clock in the morning.
At breakfast there were two other lads present already eating heartily. Both were older than us about seventeen and eighteen I guessed. Martin and Alain rushed forward and handshakes were given and received. These were the two Cordevoir boys we had heard about. Both were short and stocky and dressed in britches and short smocks. The elder, Paul, had a black patch over one eye and the younger one, Jean-Claude, had the top of a finger missing on his left hand. They had no English and quite strong accents so some tale of a hunt was just about lost on us. However, they were lively lads and the twins said they were great friends to have though they lived dangerously! They were most impressed when Martin talked of our proposed journey. Both had been as far as Paris on one of Mr Johnston's carts but that was enough for them. From their expressions and the way they waved their arms about I knew they felt the same about city folk as did their fellow country lads in England. "Les grands voleurs" was one repeated phrase we understood. "Thieves and vagabonds" was the cry we knew!
Having had our fill at breakfast the six of us assembled on the steps down to where the large coach waited for us. Dear Rowley was sitting on the box with Claude and the younger lad, Pierre, was standing on the back step. All three had whipped off their matching wide-brimmed hats as we appeared. Mr Johnson solemnly shook hands with each of us and gave his sons a hug as well. He was laughing as we clambered into the coach and as we set off called out "Bon voyage!"
We soon joined an excellent well-paved road which Lancelot said was one of the good things which Napoleon had done for France. We would find the roads superior to most in England. Most would travel along for distances as straight as possible and shaded by trees. Napoleon had them designed for the rapid movement of troops. Martin said this was true about the better roads as they always felt much more shaken when travelling in England. Robin said they could now take a train from Dover to London so time was spent describing that experience.
We stopped at inns at eleven and again at three and the plan was to reach a recommended 'auberge' in a village called Nouville before a town named Abbeville to stay the night. This we did reach easily by just after six o'clock. We strolled around the village to ease our limbs but again it was not possible to get Jabez on his own to question him. We could not do that on the coach as it would appear rude and impertinent and Lancelot and Jabez now seemed almost joined at the hip! Still there was time!
Dinner that night was 'rustique' as Alain said with a grin. However, it was most substantial being a main course of roasted rabbit with cheese to follow, all washed down with strong cider. This cider was indeed strong for we went to our beds soon after yawning and rubbing our eyes. Robin and I shared with the twins and were almost lost in a feather bed which caused howls of laughter for Martin complained he felt he was drowning. It was interesting that Jabez shared a room with Lancelot.
Our second day took us to the city of Amiens where we stayed for an hour or so and took luncheon. The old cathedral looked quite ruinous though it and the abbey must have looked most grand in times past. Each of us took time either on the box with the coachmen or on the seat at the back with our postillion but if in the coach we dozed or played at backgammon with anyone not sleepy. Another stop was made at Beauvais and it was decided we might reach Beaumont and Le Grand Cerf for our overnight stay. We reached there nigh on eight in the evening and though the inn seemed quite crowded we were accommodated readily by the mention of Mr Johnson's name! Another roast, this time a capon, and two glasses of red wine and another with the cheese set us ready for our beds. This inn was most superior and Alain remarked it was the one they always stayed at on their visits to Paris.
Our journey the next day was quite short, some thirty miles by Lancelot's calculation and we arrived just on midday at a substantial house in St Denis which had a sign by the front door 'Dr Armand Duvallier, M‚decine'. Lancelot was first off the coach as we stopped. The front door opened and Lancelot was enveloped in a great hug by a man of his age who must be his friend. We were all quickly off the coach and introduced to Dr Duvallier who merely shook hands with us but with a most welcoming smile.
We found Dr Duvallier had little English but his French was clear and neither Robin nor I had too much difficulty in understanding him. The twins took charge of Jabez and we heard them giving a translation of what Armand, as we were instructed to call him, was saying.
We had not stopped for sustenance since leaving Beaumont just after eight in the morning. No worries! We were led into a room with doors open onto a large garden where a cold repast was served to us. We were introduced to an older man, Armand's father, who was also a doctor and was a teacher in the medical faculty of the Sorbonne so had the title Professeur. He was so pleased to see Lancelot again who had been a student with his own son. Without any more ado Lancelot asked him a question. Our first quest was almost over. Yes, he knew of a student whose name was Jacques Fontane. Yes, he was married to a most charming English young lady. Yes, he knew there was a son and he was almost sure there would be no problem in meeting the family. Jacques had already gained his Licence and would complete his Doctorat de M‚decine later this year so he said. He was sure they lived near the rue des Ecoles where the medical faculty had its lecture and dissecting rooms. A messenger would be sent to the College to find the address. Lancelot explained that as Jacques had his Licence he could take patients. He had also obtained a Licence here as well as at Leiden but his own Doctor of Medicine degree had been granted finally by the University of Edinburgh.
On this fine afternoon we boys took a stroll into the town leaving Lancelot and Armand talking together and Jabez being shown a large aviary of colourful birds by the elder doctor. Another chance to question our 'senior clerk' was missed.
In the town we found a busy market in front of the huge church of St Denis which also seemed to be in as ruinous a state as others we had encountered on our way. We were told by a young man selling sweetmeats that the church was the burial place of kings and queens of France though none still remained in their tombs since the Revolution. I did not know if he was sad or happy that all had been desecrated as he seemed much more interested in the coins passed to him for some of his goods by Martin. An older man with a stall with cages of live chickens said it now being restored and the 'Emperor' had decreed it should be rebuilt and there had been some more recent burials. A man by his side said something about France had a king nowadays and we left them as they set to arguing who or which was better.
We could not enter the edifice but there was much scaffolding and stone ready for the masons. Robin said it was a type of limestone most probably from this area and looked of good quality. Martin and Alain had learned of Robin's upbringing after that wonderful jape where he had impersonated me in Mr Martin's class. They had accepted him for who he was and now he was able to display his knowledge of stone and its properties to which we all paid close attention. He also commented on the building work already done and said, to his eye, it did not follow a symmetrical pattern as at St Paul's in London. Of course, the wedding then had to be described once again!
As the Professor's wife had died and Armand was not married they had a housekeeper to keep their residence in order. She was quite short and stout and bustled around making sure the servants kept us supplied with cool glasses of lemonade when we returned from our viewing of the town and the church. Neither Lancelot nor Jabez were present until dinner was served and we learned we boys would be taken into Paris in the morning to be given a tour of the city with Lancelot as our guide. It would be Sunday so we would not be able to visit any of the monuments or galleries for they would be closed but there was much to see and we would be ready to return on Monday for a closer inspection.
It was that night for the four of us were to share a bed that our greater friendship with Martin and Alain was sealed. As in the inns we had stripped off all our clothes to ready ourselves to wash then don our nightgowns. Again, there was much barging and pushing when getting to the bowls of water. Alain had already pissed rather noisily into the chamberpot and his brother had called out he should make sure he shook his 'carotte' so he did not stain his nightshirt with the drips: 'ne laisser tombez pas les gouttes'. Both Robin and I must have thought of a different shaking and staining as Robin snickered and said I most often starched my nightshirt. As he was naked I turned and held him round the chest and got him to the bed where I set to tickling him. The twins were laughing at this and thinking I was punishing Robin for divulging my misdemeanour Alain held up Martin's nightgown where there was clear evidence of his own self-pollution. Martin had Alain beside Robin in a trice and was making him squeal and squirm until four of us were rolling on the bed with hands and fingers fully employed on whosoever's body was nearest. We were laughing as we finally stood each displaying our erect young manhoods. Although they were older, both Robin's and mine matched those of the twins in all dimensions. It was with just a moment's hesitation that I with Alain and Robin with Martin soon brought our companions to spurting, gushing conclusions. With arms then around shoulders we bussed each other on the cheeks, then on the lips and held each other until 'after a breather', as Martin said later, we exchanged partners and in that circle a second offering of full friendship joined the first.
As our laboured breathing returned to normal we, with no heed to cleaning spattered torsos and legs, clambered into bed still naked and holding each other we bussed again and slept. We woke almost together, I and Robin between the outer pair. Alain was singing quietly. I did not know the words but when he finished he said it was an old French chanson which told of undying love between friends, of Roland and Oliver. Martin then said they had both wondered of our companionship and confessed that he and Alain had enjoyed their joint pleasuring from even before they had spurted their first young juices. We heard that the Cordevoir pair had shown them their own prowess so that when they had joined Ashbourne as Whelps of twelve they were well versed in boyish pleasures but had only shared with another pair who now also occupied their room in their House.
We were quite truthful with them and said there had been no others at Ashbourne than ourselves though we had found a quiet place to be together which amused them. They knew that in Ridley House the sleeping arrangements were different from those in other Houses in that two older boys had their fag sleeping in the same room. We also acknowledged that, like them, we had learned from those older, but we did not say that one who was our most-trusted mentor had been Jabez! Martin was quite open in his admitting that they had hoped we would not be puritanical like Megson who was in their House and was also our classmate in Mr Martin's room. Robin said he had been surprised how silent he was with Mr Martin whereas he was always most vehement in his opinions in Mr Ridley's discussions. They said they suffered as Megson made a point of calling them as fags when he required something. 'Two are better than one' he always told them. It was then I found they were all in Prior's House and that Megson was always exhorting them to pray to keep themselves from the Devil's urges. We laughed together at that and chatted together until two of the younger servants brought us hot water.
Armand, Lancelot and Jabez were already in the room opening onto the garden and eating their breakfast. We were twitted as being late risers but Martin said we only slept late to preserve our beauty. This had to be translated for Armand who remarked 'la beaut‚ c'est ... fleur de peau', but did say ours probably went even deeper and we had many years before we lost it.
Madame Durand, the housekeeper came in muttering and carrying two long loaves. Apparently the baker's oven had been faulty so the hot, new bread had only just been fetched by the kitchen-boy. It was strange that even on Sunday the baker's shop was open for fresh just-baked bread. Bread was always bought new, sometimes twice a day, but old bread was never wasted. It was used in many ways so Armand said. Lancelot added that he knew it could thicken soups or be made into croutons to place in soup as we had experienced at the Johnson house.
When we finished our repast I saw our coachman, Claude, come into the garden. Jabez stood and excused himself and, picking up a small leather valise, went out and followed Claude, I assumed, to the stable-yard. Before either Robin or I could ask anything Lancelot held up an admonitory finger which we knew meant we had to be silent. The others did not make any comment and our conversation went on.
We had to listen carefully as Armand and Lancelot discussed where the coachman should take us. Martin and Alain were to be in charge as Lancelot said he had much to discuss with Armand and would not be accompanying us as we had thought. A list of directions in Paris was quickly drawn up and the twins nodded and said they knew all the places mentioned. We would take roads through the villages of St Ouen, Clichy, Levallois and Neuilly so that we entered Paris by the Porte Maillot. This meant we could stop and inspect the Arc de Triomphe before traversing the Avenue de Champs-Elys‚es to the Place de la Concorde. We could then drive along the quais bordering the River Seine towards the Ile de la Cit‚, with the cathedral of Notre Dame in sight, then cross the river at the Pont Neuf. Our journey back would be along the Seine again to the bridge leading to the Place de la Concorde and on to the church called La Madeleine which would take us to the road passing through the Porte de St Ouen and the road back here. Leaving by nine o'clock we should return by two in the afternoon for luncheon and after pour faire jouer de volant! Battledore and shuttlecock!
The twins were as excited as we were when we entered the Professor's coach. His coachman seemed quite elderly to us with his grey beard but one of the younger servants was also on the box with him. This must have been a familiar journey for him as we lost no time in taking the country roads. It seemed that new building was taking place in all directions. Alain said that the Revolution and the wars that followed had caused the destruction of so much. It was only after King Louis-Philippe had taken the throne that all was now being repaired and many new houses built. The old villages would disappear into the growing suburbs for this was also happening in London and other great cities. Alain thought he would like to train as an architect after his time at university as he knew that was a worthwhile occupation. Martin said he was undecided what he might do but might join Alain and do the same.
As it was a Sunday there was no heavy traffic such as carts carrying goods so our progress was swift. We reached the Porte Maillot and Alain said that Paris was surrounded by some thirty-seven or so gates which had been the guarded entry points for the city. As we passed this site so a long straight road stretched before us with a white marble arch in the near distance. This was the Arc de Triomphe and though Napoleon has planned its construction it had only been completed under the present monarch. Our coachman stopped as we reached the arch and said we should look carefully at the sculptures which adorned its sides. We found it was also possible to walk inside the structure though it was dark and not lit. However, an old crone, for the reward of a centime or two, recited the names of battles and victories portrayed which meant nothing to me. What was most pleasing was the sight of that straight road with many new houses and fine buildings still being constructed to the west of the great arch. As we drove along there were numerous small restaurants with people sitting outside around tables enjoying a glass of wine or a dish of tea. Alain corrected me when I remarked on this and said the preferred drink was coffee and perhaps we would like to sample some as he was thirsty. This was my first experience of that beverage though I knew of the coffee-houses in London and thought it somewhat preferable to that strange tea we had placed before us at my Aunt Fanny's.
We only tarried a short while as Martin wished to continue or we would be late for our return. However, it was as we gathered pace towards the Place de la Concorde my attention was drawn to another restaurant and I recognised two familiar figures. One, in his fine black jacket and striped trousers was no less than our Mr Jabez Bottom, the other, in a similar garb, was that absentee from London, Mr Mysterious Tuckwell!
To be continued:
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