Date: Sun, 20 May 2012 09:44:36 +0000
From: Jo Vincent <joad130@hotmail.com>
Subject: Tom Browning's Schooldays 37

			 Tom Browning's Schooldays

				    By

				   Joel

			    Chapter ThirtySeven



Landed gentry!  Robin and I were congratulated most sincerely by the Dodds.
Lancelot did say that being the son of a poor parson and being a physician
with few well-paying patients he couldn't buy a cottage with a garden let
alone one hundred good acres of farmland.  My Robin was quite overcome with
all this and was quite tearful before Aunt Matty set down her knife and
fork and came over to him and hugged him and kissed his cheek.

     "Robin, you are part of our family," she said as she smiled at him,
"Take no notice of my son. He wants for nothing and knows it full well..."

     Lancelot was contrite.  "...Robin, I apologise I was making a rather
poor jest.  I must admit to having a parcel of land and all being well the
railway company will want some of it."

     My father peered at him.  "And where is that, nephew?  I was not aware
of any land not under contract with the company."

     "It is across the road at Essendine.  A patient sold me twenty acres
cheaply as part payment for his treatment."

     My father laughed.  "That was old man Higgs I wager.  And it's in
Rutland, too."

     Lancelot nodded.  "That is so.  I took the offer quickly as I had
heard he was an old skinflint and slow in paying his debts."

     Father harumphed. "That is very true.  I never let him have a mount
until there was paper or good guineas in my hand."

     Robin looked comforted by Aunt Matty's attention and smiled at her as
she went back to her place.

     As she sat Uncle Dodd asked Lancelot how long he had had the land.

     "It is two years now since I had title to it and I think Higgs will
regret selling it for I have been approached by the company as they are not
excavating towards Stamford but wish to take the line direct to
Peterborough."

     Father nodded.  "Such is what I have heard.  Good for you, my boy, if
that comes to pass."  He laughed.  "These railway companies are spreading
in all directions and good land is being bought here, there and everywhere.
I fear there might be another Bubble but Digby assures me this line is a
safe investment and they are paying me."  He paused.  "So straight to
Peterborough, you say?  That means Stamford may be somewhat isolated."

     "The representatives told me but there are plans for another line
northward which would pass through Stamford on the way," said Lancelot,
"But they were not sure, for there was much to negotiate."

     Uncle Dodd was shaking his head.  "I have heard there is to be a line
to Cambridge from London but the Colleges are against it."

     Aunt Matty sniffed.  "Before all this gets out of hand they might
think about repairing our roads.  We are surrounded by cart tracks and
nothing fit for a good coach to travel safely.  There are ruts inches deep
even on the metalled road into the village."

     Father laughed.  "Try telling that to the Squire.  Now we do not have
a toll gate any money has to be cajoled from us landowners.  Squire
Matthews owns most of the village and should be responsible for the roads.
He asks why should he pay as everyone uses them!"

     I looked at Robin who grimaced.  This was not an entertaining evening
though the two dishes of prime cuts we had been served had kept me happy
and the fine puddings had made me beam with their delicacy and
sweetness. No sooner had we finished than Mr Clements announced that Mr
Mead had arrived.  Father excused himself and disappeared off with Uncle
Dodd, followed by Mr Clements, to sign and be witnessed.

     Aunt Matty smiled at the three of us left at table as Jackson and
Benjy began to remove the used plates.  "Come, we can go to the parlour.
If Jackson can find any of that good sweet wine I would prefer that though
you may indulge in a glass of port."  This was not only directed at her son
but to Robin and me as well.  "I would rather you boys had any wine at
table and port afterwards in good company than be inquisitive to see why so
many drink to excess and addle their wits."

     I did not enlighten her that I had often witnessed fellows from
Pratt's House at Ashbourne who were well-gone with strong liquor. I
certainly did not describe the spectacle of Jack Lascelles being found
half-dead in a stupor.  I had no wish to emulate their over-indulgence but
I did favour a little wine which complimented the food accompanying it.

     Lancelot smiled at his mother's statement and held up his glass.  "I
say amen to that.  I have seen too many who know not when to stop.  I hope
I do..."  He grinned at Robin and me.  "...and you as well, I'm sure."

     Of course, we both nodded as Jackson poured a little port for us with
just a hint of his own smile.  He carried Aunt Matty's glass with her son,
Robin and me processing behind her bearing our own glasses to the comfort
of the parlour.

     Father's business with the documents took a little time so I made Aunt
Matty laugh again with my account of the appearance of Jabez and Mehmet in
their Genie costumes with their attendant cats.  When I had finished she
nodded.  "I am more than pleased that Jabez has settled so satisfactorily
in my sister's household.  She has written to say he has earned your
Uncle's confidence with his competence and eagerness to learn.  That should
augur well for his future."

     I wondered how much Aunt Matty knew of Uncle Digby's occupation.  I
hoped that Jabez would not be placed in any danger.

     We slowly savoured our drink until father and Uncle Dodd reappeared
with father looking most satisfied.  "I will have to send another messenger
to Grindcobbe in the morning," he said and looked at Robin and me sitting
with our less than half-filled glasses of port in front of us, "And an
order to Rowe for a dozen bottles of best brandy to keep these two happy."

     "Father," I said raising my glass, "I could want for no more than this
most delightful completion to an excellent repast."

     "Words, words, words," he said shaking his head.  He smiled though as
he turned to his brother-in-law. "Doctor Dodd, I think we should partake of
some port as well before it all disappears down their throats."  He held a
finger up and Jackson went out to return with a tray on which were two
glasses and the decanter.  Conversation resumed once the port was poured
and the three gentlemen lit their pipes.  Aunt Matty said at one point that
it was becoming urgent that further almshouses be built in the village or
else some of the old people would have to be taken to the Union in Stamford
which would be a calamity.  She said she had spoken to Mrs Matthews who had
agreed.  She thought the Squire might give a piece of land towards the end
of the village next to the old Almshouses.  The smile on father's face
meant that Aunt Matty had exercised her usual talent of persuasion and the
deed would be done.

     "How many?" he asked.

     "I think six, each with two rooms," Aunt Matty immediately replied.
We all knew it would be done as soon as the money was raised.  That was
next.  "I think the Squire will provide some funds from his sale of land
for that railway."  Oh!!  Father was in the firing line!  "Others will no
doubt wish to be commemorated as well...," she left the statement in the
air.  Father remained silent.  He didn't have to say anything, or agree to
subscribe.  I looked at him and he looked at me with an impassive face but
his lips twitched.  His sister had decided where some of his money would
go, too.

     Lancelot was nodding.  "We need those Almshouses urgently," he
affirmed, "Miss Barnes has at least two servants who should not be employed
longer."

     Father grunted "Another donor?", but was ignored.

     Uncle Dodd was enjoying himself listening to the interchange between
brother and sister.  "May I announce the scheme from the pulpit on Sunday?"
he asked, as a coil of smoke wreathed around his head.

     "No you may not!" Aunt Matty said sharply, "I have others I wish to
speak to."

     "Oh, so the full expense will not fall on the Squire and me together?"
my father enquired.

     "I am sure others will want to contribute and if there is enough
interest we might increase the number of dwellings," my aunt retorted.
"Leave the matter to me."

     There was no more to be said.  As Aunt Matty sipped her wine so the
men and boys around the fire exchanged grins of various sorts, whether
knowing or rueful.  I wondered if Lancelot would be charged to make a
contribution from his railway money, too.  My father held up his emptied
glass and Jackson was at his elbow immediately, "A little, my good fellow,
I might not afford another case."  Luckily my aunt did not hear that! Or,
perhaps she ignored it!

     Father said he was looking forward to my mother's return but he
forbore from mentioning, as he usually did, the expense of any of my
mother's visits to London.  I also wanted to see her, as well as the
contents of my hamper and bags. The conversation turned to the proposed
dinner on Saturday.  Time was flowing fast. I shot a look at Robin and he
nodded back.

     Jackson rang for Benjy as soon as I said we would ask to be excused
since I thought we were both tired.  He appeared with a sconce and we said
our goodnights and were both kissed by Aunt Matty who screwed her eyes up
at us.  She knew we had realised her stratagems were in train, like the
railways!

     We followed Benjy up the stairs and on the way he told us he was busy
cleaning the silver for Saturday as Mrs Clements wanted everything ready
for inspection by my mother on her return.  He left us to our own devices
and as soon as he went from the room Robin turned and hugged me tightly.

     I realised he was rather upset even after such a happy evening.  This
was not like my Robin.  I hugged him back.  "Oh, Robin, why are you so out
of countenance?" I asked.

     He sniffled and wiped a hand across his eyes.  "It all seems too much
for me," he murmured, "I was a poor boy, but happy in my family, now in
such a short time I am to be a pupil at a famous school and have just
learned I have land which is riches far beyond anything I could ever
hope..."

     I stroked his head. "...But you have a loving family still and you are
in your rightful place in an even bigger loving family.  Oh, Robin, you
have me, I love you so deeply, I could not be parted from you."  I moved my
head down and kissed his cheek.  There was still the faint aroma of my
Aunt's perfume where she had bussed him, too.  "Robin, let us prepare for
bed and we can relive all the things which have happened in the past
weeks."

     Gently we parted and he smiled at me.  "I need you, Tom," he
whispered.

     We undressed swiftly and after blowing out the candles I joined him in
the wide bed and drew the hangings so we were safe together.  We talked
quietly for a long time and he admitted he was still somewhat fearful about
his future at the school.  I said he already had those among our fellow
pupils who would support and guide him and they would be, I was sure, good
friends.  As we spoke together so our love manifested itself in its usual
manner and twice before we slept we showered each other with our boyish
blessings.

     I woke first in the morning and kissed his cheek tenderly and as he
woke we again made our love fully known to each other.  "I warrant you have
grown a full inch there in the past two months," he whispered as he set his
hand against my still erect peg, "You will soon match that carving I would
say."

     His pizzle was still in my hand and that had not softened either.  "I
would say we match on this as well as our height.  We shall both be fifteen
years in but three months time so let us put that carpenter's rule against
our lengths now, and again when we return from School at Eastertide."

     We stood by the bed as each measured the other.  We matched at the
five and a half inch mark and wondered how much more we would grow.  "And
do not mention Jabez," Robin whispered as he placed the measuring rod back
on the floor.

     As there was no hot water yet, we lay side by side again and recounted
to each other my Aunt Matty's machinations.  We could imagine the Squire's
wife being either wheedled, or perhaps more correctly, instructed to inform
the Squire of his duty to provide for the poor of the village.  We laughed
together as Robin reminded me I had profited from the railway as well.  "I
had better offer a guinea," I said, "I will then have my name carved large
in stone to be placed above the main door."  I squeezed his arm. "For a
second guinea I will have your name added as well."

     "Thank you, kind sir," he said. "And then when we are old we can
inhabit a room and grumble when there is no kindling for the fire."  We
both knew this was a constant complaint of the old whether in the
Almshouses or living with their families.

     A clatter outside told us that hot water was arriving.  We needed it
as both of us smelt strongly of our boyish pleasures of the night before
and again this morning.  Benjy led the twins in, each with a steaming metal
pitcher.  "We can't stay," he announced.  I was singled out. "Your mother
should be back today and Mrs Clements is making sure all is clean and
tidy."  He sneered.  "And that means you as well.  I suppose that also
includes him."  This directed at Robin.  The twins stopped grinning at such
forwardness.  I expect the announcement of our land at St Albans was now
common knowledge in the Servants' Hall as any conversation above stairs
would be heard by domestics present and relayed there immediately. Now,
here was a servant speaking somewhat disrespectfully to two young Masters,
newly-endowed landowners.  I put a hand on Robin's arm to prevent him
jumping out of bed and tackling Benjy as we had done the day before.

     "That is understandable," I said as sternly as possible.  "My mother
will expect Careby Hall and all its inhabitants to be clean and most tidy.
In fact, I will ask her not only to inspect your hands, Benjy, but also to
see if you have washed behind your ears and scraped the grime off your
elbows.  We don't want you to be a bad example to any of the other young
servants."

     Poor Benjy looked most downcast.  I saw one of the twins look at Robin
who was trying very hard not to laugh and the lad's grin was there again.
It vanished as Benjy sniffed.  He was close to tears.  'Was I angry with
him?' must have been his thought.  A young man, now independently wealthy,
might not tolerate any rudeness or insubordination from those of a lower
class.  Benjy bowed his head and I thought I saw a tear on his cheek.
"Benjy, come here," I whispered and as he came to the side of the bed I
held his arm.  "Look at me.  I'm not angry.  I wager there has been
discussion about my father's gift to us."  He nodded.  "It makes us no
different but you should watch what you say when the boys are here."  They
might gossip, I thought, and things that Benjy said would not be thought
proper by Mr Clements or Mrs Gray.

     Robin spoke up as he beckoned to the two lads.  "What we say together
here does not go beyond this room."  Both the twins nodded.

     "Please, Master Robin, is it true you are very rich now?" one asked.

     "No, Barty," Robin said shaking his head.  "Tom's father has given us
some land and the rents will be kept for us until we are twentyone though
we may have any interest on the money.  It doesn't make us rich but we are
very grateful for the gift."

     I wondered if that answer would satisfy the lad.  Of course, none of
the villagers owned land of any consequence.  A few had inherited a cottage
and a patch of land from gifts of landowners in times past and so were
freeholders or yeomen, but most were in cottages tied to their employment
or rented from their earnings.  There were also smallholders, like those
cast out by Mr Cavendish, who rented some acres and tried to make a living,
which I had heard my father say was precarious at the best of times.  I
knew Mr Barker owned the forge and cottage next to it which had been his
father's before him.  Steven Goodhew had put together his earnings as a
master mason and had persuaded the Squire to sell him the house and barn
which was his workplace now. From what I had overheard, Aunt Matty was the
one who had done the persuading!  So, as far as the other servants at the
Hall, or most villagers, were concerned we must have riches.  I, of course
did have the further advantage of monies invested as inheritances from my
Grandfather Crossley and on behalf of my other grandfather long dead before
I was born.

     Both boys nodded and Benjy looked a little happier.  I hoped we might
be able to do something for such a good lad whose lot would be bound to the
service of the family otherwise. But that would be something for the
future.

     We had work to do if we were to satisfy Uncle Dodd's demands to
construe and to learn.  As soon as our substantial breakfasts were over we
went back to my bedroom and settled to work.  As I went through my Greek
adjectives I also chose 'wise', 'strange', 'thin', 'true' and 'quiet'.  Of
course, I thumbed through the lexicon and noted that the first four of my
list followed the rule for 'sweet' which was one of the words given me by
Uncle Dodd.  I changed 'strange' to 'swift' and that made my ten to learn.
Actually, it was eleven as the other one was clear, or clearer, or clearest
to me!

     I looked over to see what Robin was writing and we discussed the next
page or so of the 'History'.  We noted that Croesus had two sons and bodily
misfortune was present also in those days as one son was both deaf and
dumb.  The idiot boy we had seen didn't seem to be deaf but he could not
speak clearly.  The other son of Croesus was hale and hearty but as we read
further on it was said he would die by an iron weapon.  I think we were
both tired of Greek by then especially as there was a long passage about a
man needing purification for a grave sin.

     As we shared our morning's accomplishments we realised how well we
worked together, I said even more so than when I had shared thoughts and
ideas with Theo Davis.  I remembered then that Mr Martin had set a further
page or two of calculations which I found crumpled in a book of exercises
also unlooked at.  I would have been very chastened if I had returned to
school without attempting them or the three sets in the exercise book.  We
both took paper and set to and succeeded in dealing with them all and
getting the same answers.  There was I who had worked many examples with Mr
Martin's instruction, or after on my own, and here was Robin able to
accomplish the same as me in the same time with far less assistance.

     He laughed when I asked him how he knew how to deal with long division
and the consequences of the Theorem of Pythagoras.  "Don't forget, your
Uncle Dodd supplied me with books to work with when I had spare moments
from my labours in the stables.  I found discarded books and exercises as
well so had plenty to keep me busy.  I like calculating and I hope I may be
able to learn much more."

     That statement was true for he had calculated that the School had been
cheated over many months, or even years, by the man who supplied feed for
the horses.  I didn't quite struggle with the examples set but he was just
as quick, or even quicker, with the harder ones just as he had achieved
when he had been disguised as me at school.

     We went downstairs when the maids came to change our bed linen and the
other boys came to clean the grate and take the ashes away.  Our first call
was to the kitchen.  We didn't linger as Mrs Gray was in a pother over what
might happen on my mother's return and all was not planned for Saturday.  I
forbore from pointing out that there were meals to be readied before then.
Needless to say there was plenty prepared in the cold room so Benjy said as
we waited in the breakfast room for our luncheon.

     He said he had heard the two lads who had been beaten had been sent
back to their fathers in Pickworth.  We wondered what would become of them.
I was still rather bothered about my father's decision but no doubt we
would hear of any further trouble within that village. Food was needed and
we were well satisfied with two platters of cold cuts and sliced potatoes
fried in the fat still remaining from the Christmas goose.  All we had to
do now was wait to see if my mother returned today.

     We went to the parlour as the fire there heated the room most
adequately.  I think we were both restless.  I was worried in case the
roads were still icy and the horses might slip and slide and upset the
coach.  I knew Rowley was a careful driver and he had Peters with him to
check the state of the roads.  Luckily there were few hills or inclines but
horses could tire easily when the roads were rutted through the weather.
Robin sensed my worry and came and sat by me on the wide sofa.

     "They will be home soon, quite safe and sound, I am sure," he said as
he held my hand and squeezed it.  "You say there is a hamper full of
treasures you have purchased..."

     I grinned at him.  "...There might even be something for you."  There
was a-plenty.  I would not enlighten him until the contents of the coach
were emptied and my portion taken to our room.  Yes, I now thought of it as
'our' room.

     We settled and found some cards and played a game of 'Snap'.  Then
Robin suggested 'Noughts and Crosses'. I was always rather wary of playing
that game with Robin as he invariably won when it was his turn to draw the
first symbol.  I was truly astounded when he showed me it was not a
coincidence but there was a method one could use to force a win.  We
grinned at each other when I said he would enjoy playing that game with
Theo who always wanted to play when he was tired of study.

     Close on four o'clock there was a commotion.  I heard Mr Clements
telling Jackson and Benjy to get themselves tidy as my mother's coach had
been sighted at the end of the drive.  Both Robin and I peered out from the
parlour having cleared our mess of papers some of which we had put to blaze
on the hearth.  More candles were being lit in the sconces along the
hallway from the front door and there was the sound of scurrying as the
boys and maids put more wood on fires.  We went back in and collected the
books we had been using and took them to our bedroom.  There we brushed
each other's hair and straightened our jackets.  We checked there were no
buttons left undone after using the commode pot.  We looked at each other
and nodded.  We were tidy!

     Downstairs again we waited nearer the main door as two maids went to
the parlour to make it ready for my mother's entry to the house.  I knew
that her first desire would be a dish of tea then a discussion with Mrs
Clements our housekeeper so it was better that two boys were not lolling
around.  At last we heard the coach approach.  Jackson opened the big
double door as Mr Clements went to the top step carrying a shining lantern.

     All was hub-bub for a while.  Mr Clements greeted my mother as she
came up the steps with Marie just behind her carrying her reticule and a
cloth bag. After acknowledging Mr Clements she turned and thanked Rowley
and Peters, who were standing by the coach, for their sterling work. They
bowed and walked to a side entrance where they would be entertained in the
kitchen.  Two grooms had appeared and they drove the coach and its
tired-looking horses to the back of the Hall for it to be unloaded.

     My mother spotted me and Robin lurking.  She smiled and held up her
arms.  "I'm home!" she declared as we went towards her.  I stepped forward
first and was hugged and kissed although I was a big boy now and quite my
mother's height.  I was released and Robin was beckoned forward.  He went
rather shyly and received the same.  "Dear Robin," she said as he was
released as well.  She turned to the three liveried servants who were now
lined up.  "Mr Clements, I need tea."  He turned to Jackson and Benjy and
held up a finger.  They nodded and disappeared.  I had to greet Marie who
had her usual smile for me.

     "You are well?" I asked, not daring to put the question in French.

     "I am, but tired," she replied in English and showed the tip of her
tongue.  She looked past me.  "Robin, mon precieux!"  He bowed his head and
I think there was a hint of a blush.

     I took my mother's arm and led her into the parlour.  She breathed out
as she lowered herself into her usual comfortable chair.  "You arrived back
safely?" she asked, "And your father and Torquil?"

     As I was explaining that we had had a reasonable journey so the tea
things arrived.  There was a good array of cups and plates so Robin and I
joined in and helped to diminish the mound of tasty small cakes on my
mother's instruction.

     When Mrs Clements appeared my mother said she would speak to her later
but needed now to rest a while in her room.  She went off with Marie and I
gathered from the French exchange that she needed the commode rather
urgently.  Not the sort of thing to say in Mrs Clements' hearing in
English!

     There was little to do but wait for dinner.  I wondered if the Dodds
would attend and hoped my mother would not be too tired to enjoy their
company.  Robin and I went back to my bedroom and I tried out his method
with Noughts and Crosses.  He showed me there was more chances of winning
if you were able to start by putting the first X in a corner or in the
middle. But if your opponent was first and put the X in a corner then you
should put the first O in the opposite corner.  I asked him who had shown
him these stratagems and he just laughed and said he had found them
himself.

     My mother seemed quite rested when we assembled for dinner.  I had to
smile as my father had put on a good suit in compliment to my mother - or,
at least in an effort to prevent her making comments.  Aunt Matty and Uncle
Alfred were there too.  Lancelot was missing.  A child had swallowed
something he shouldn't have and was in need of Lancelot's attention.  He
eventually came in to the diningroom after we had finished the first course
of soup and I saw his mother purse her lips as if to tell him not to
mention what he had been dealing with.  He was in his everyday suit so made
my father look even smarter!

     Mrs Gray had worked hard for the rest of the meal was quite as
delicious.  A second course of fine trout was followed by two dishes of
thin pork cutlets and a rack of rabbit, both in tasty sauces.  The puddings
started with a fruit sorbet and there were fruit tarts and a thick frumenty
flavoured with rum which was a favourite of my father.

     Even though we were busy eating there was conversation as well.  My
mother said the journey was better than she had anticipated and a good
start had been made in that they reached St Albans easily the first day.
The Peahen had been full so the White Hart just down the hill had been
chosen.  It was judged to be clean and comfortable and from what my mother
opined the company there was of good quality with several of the county
staying overnight as well.  She had been recognised by a lady, the widow of
a Captain Dobbins, who had been at Aunt Fanny's At Home and was invited to
visit and stay with her at her residence outside Brampton for the second
night of the journey.  The two coaches had travelled together and Mrs
Dobbins had sat with mother and chatted the whole way.  From my mother's
expression I think she had found it rather wearing.  Nevertheless, she had
been entertained that evening free of any thought of finding a good inn and
by setting out early, I thought to lessen the time for talk, the rest of
the journey home had been accomplished in good time.

     The parlour rather than the drawing-room was chosen for after dinner.
Pipes were lit and Jackson appeared with a new bottle of the sweet wine as
well as the decanter of port.  By keeping quiet both Robin and I were
served with a glass of port but Aunt Matty had noted this and wagged a
finger at us.  Talk turned to our absent visitor, Geoffrey Lascelles and my
brother, Torquil.  My mother said that Geoffrey was invited to stay with my
aunt and uncle at Charles Street until his commission had been approved and
sealed and he was given accommodation at the barracks with the other young
officers.  Lancelot praised him and said he was most agreeable and there
was no doubt he would prove acceptable to Uncle Billy.  Father then asked
how much had the visit to London cost him as he had returned with little
baggage.  He looked at me then.  Was I counted as 'baggage'?  My mother
just laughed and said it would take some time for the coach to be unloaded
as she and Aunt Fanny had been to various emporia after we had left on
Saturday to come home.  They had been too tired after that to take up the
box at the St James Theatre which was booked for them so Rosamund and her
dear escort had gone instead.  That meant a deal of shopping had been done!
And was that dear Marmaduke?

     In the end my mother excused herself and said she needed her bed.
Robin and I stayed a few minutes longer but, as conversation then turned to
exchanges between my father and Uncle Dodd about our Parliamentary
representatives, I and Robin also excused ourselves and went to our room.
Benjy looked rather hot and bothered as he led us up the stairs with the
usual lighted sconce.

     "You will find most of your new possessions in your room," he said as
I walked up beside him, "The coach was well-laden and there are still two
or three cases to be unstrapped from the roof and two parcels of books in
the hallway.  Mr Clements says they will wait until the morning.  He said
he had never seen so much brought back after one of your mother's
visits..."  He stopped and made a face. "...Better not say more."

     I had to laugh.  I remembered one journey back from London when I was
younger where I had to almost lie on top of boxes which were stacked in
front of the seats my mother and Marie were sitting on.  My mother enjoyed
her outings to the capital city!

     "Are the books mine?" I asked.

     "I think some may be," Benjy replied, "But there is a paper tied in
one bundle which has a list and I saw Philip Goodhew is named on it."

     I turned to Robin as we had reached the landing.  "I wager they are
books of drawings which I saw on my Uncle's desk.  He was most
complimentary about the drawing Philip had made of John Harrison."

     "Philip always has a pencil in his hand..." Robin said and stopped and
nudged me.  I was aware of the allusion.

     Even if Benjy heard that he made no comment but opened the bedroom
door and lit more candles.  "There!" he announced and pointed at two neat
stacks of books with my hamper and two cases by the side.  Further on were
three boxes which were tied in sacking to protect them.  I thought these
might contain the clothes and footwear my aunt had bought for us.  Even so
they must contain more as the rest of my purchases would not amount to
three boxes that size.

     "May I leave you?" Benjy asked politely, "The twins have been sent
home to see their new brother who was born this morning.  They will be back
tomorrow evening, no doubt."

     Both Robin and I started at this news.  "I did not know Mistress
Lovell was with child again," Robin said.  He was counting on his fingers.
"That must be six children now in that cottage without the twins who are
here."

     Benjy nodded.  "It is a large family but two have gone to the
grandmother in Hornby who has an unwed daughter there, too.  I hear your
Aunt is pleased with the arrangement."

     Aunt Matty would have been involved I was sure.  I had heard her many
times saying that families were too large and, with little money about,
children were often not well-nourished.  The Lovells were a most decent
family in any case.  Mr Lovell was a carpenter and was always in work
because of his skill.  I had been told that my tall chest in the room had
been made by his grandfather as each generation had carpenters in turn and
the twins' elder brother of sixteen was apprenticed now to his father.

     With Benjy gone we explored my 'possessions'.  Robin was grinning as
he untied the bundles of books and looked at titles.  "You have chosen many
useful books," he said as I saw him open the precious copy of Samuel Pepys'
Diary.

     "There are more useful books than that," I said archly, "At least my
Uncle Digby would say as there are several from him for study at school.
They are our books now to be shared between us.  I chose some for Philip
and James as well and there must be more for them downstairs."

     I was busy untying the straps around my hamper.  Somewhere in this or
in one of the cases was my apothecary's box and inside that was my purse of
good guineas.  The hamper was full of clothes and under these were all the
sweetmeats I had purchased.  I picked out the new running and football togs
and gave Robin his share.  He was quite overwhelmed and insisted on
stripping off his suit and shirt and arraying himself in a striped shirt
and white drawers with long socks and boots which fitted him perfectly.  I
did say he would be the pride of Ashbourne football.  I showed him the
striped shirt I had bought for George Lascelles and said I must choose two
or three of the books to give to Theo Davis.

     I had forgotten that my box and money were in one of the leather cases
for greater protection.  As Robin pranced around kicking imaginary
footballs I managed to unstrap the first case and found the key for the
hinged locks on a shelf in my tall chest.  At least I had remembered not to
lose the keys!  My box was wrapped in a thick towel and was quite safe.
All the bottles were unbroken including the flask of Oil of Neroli.  My
purse was there, too.  With a flamboyant gesture I undid the string at the
top of the purse and slid the coins out onto the surface of my desk.

     The look on Robin's face was incredulous.  "Is that all yours?" he
asked open-mouthed.

     "No, Robin mine, they're ours!" I declared spreading the coins.


To be continued: