Free An Unlamented Death: A Mystery Set in Georgian England (Mysteries of Georgian Norfolk Book 1) by William Savage Page A

own schools, so that our children may learn to read and reckon. We offer apprenticeships, so that useful knowledge can be passed on. Sometimes our members attend the Dissenting Academies in search of the higher levels of learning. Mostly, we focus our energies where the law allows us to earn our bread. I trade in grain, malt and, now, timber. Others excel in all the harmless trades. Some are iron-masters or brewers. Others engage in manufacturing and the production of food and medicines. There are even those who now devote most of their wealth to banking.
    ‘We believe in the truth and in integrity in all aspects of life,’ he went on. ‘What we promise, we undertake, needing no oaths to bind us. The price we ask is the one the customer must give, since haggling is possible only if the first price men state is not the true one. As I told thee, I have just purchased a half share in a fine ship. The man from whom I bought it is one of our community. He asked a fair price, which, since it was one I could afford, I paid without artifice or attempts to drive him lower. Is that not the right way to do business, friend? For we were both happy with the outcome and will remain as good friends in the future as ever we were in the past.’
    ‘An admirable way,’ Adam agreed. ‘So, in that same spirit of plain speaking, let me tell you this. You must spare yourself as much as you can in your journey to your home. Nor must you by any means over-exert yourself for some weeks to come. I mean what I say, sir. You are no longer a young man. Even the old may heal, though somewhat more slowly than those still blessed with the resilience of youth. I will send you on your way with enough medicine for your journey. Also some receipts you must take to a reputable apothecary or chemist to have prepared for you.’
    ‘For this, as for all else thou hast done for me, thou hast my deepest thanks,’ Jempson said. ‘I will not insult the hospitality of thy house by offering to pay for my bed and board. Yet I charge thee to tell me honestly the extent of your fee and the cost of the medicines thou hast given me.’
    ‘There is no fee,’ Adam said. ‘I did not offer my help in any mercenary spirit, nor were you in any position to choose whether or not to accept. As for the medicines, five shillings will cover the cost in full.’
    ‘Thou art a fine physician, friend, and, what is still more valuable, a good man. If I cannot offer thee of my goods, thou shalt have most freely of my esteem and friendship. Now I must depart indeed, for thou hast thine own business to look to, I am sure, as I have mine.’
    Adam called to Hannah to tell William get Mr. Jempson’s horse ready, while he prepared the medicines he promised and wrote out the receipts. It did not take long. When William stood at the door, Adam told him to go with Mr. Jempson, both to help him along his way and to lead his horse to its temporary home. Adam and Jempson now shook hands warmly and Mrs. Brigstone was called to add her own farewells and good wishes for a speedy recovery.
    Mr. Jempson smiled down at her and praised both her housekeeping and her kindness to a stranger, which made her blush somewhat. ‘My dear friends. Farewell again. When I am come to live in this town, I hope you will make as free of my poor dwelling as you have made me of yours.’
    And with that, he took William’s arm to support himself and departed.
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    I f Adam had thought that he might be free in the following days to mull over what he had learned about the archdeacon’s death, he was disappointed. The number of patients swelled. Mr. Jempson had been prompt in sending some of his friends in the local Quaker community Adam’s way. He was thus busier than he had been since coming to Aylsham. The days had slipped past without leisure to solve any but medical puzzles. Then one morning he received two letters. They rekindled the whole affair of the archdeacon’s death.
    What was most baffling was that