Free Death at Apothecaries' Hall by Deryn Lake Page B

age as they were. ‘How is the Comtesse, did her servant say?’
    â€˜Very well, despite being close to the end of her term. But then the Comtesse would never allow being
enceinte
to bother her, would she Sir?’
    â€˜No, wonderful woman that she is.’
    Nicholas looked thoughtful. ‘Comte Louis is utterly devoted to her.’
    â€˜He wasn’t always, you know.’
    The Muscovite looked genuinely shocked. ‘You do surprise me. To me she appears the ideal wife: beautiful, witty, clever, wise.’
    â€˜You do not mention being a good housekeeper amongst her attributes.’
    â€˜That would be the least of my considerations.’
    â€˜My God, times are changing indeed,’ said John with feeling.
    Opening his beloved friend’s letter he felt even more certain that modern manners were hurtling out of control. Despite being only a few weeks away from delivery of her second child, Serafina de Vignolles was giving a supper party for friends to which he was most cordially invited.
    â€˜Is it I who am growing staid?’ John asked himself in bewilderment.
    He spent the next hour compounding various requests for medicines that had been handed into the shop during his absence, taking particular care with a potion of Delphinium Staphisagria or Staves-Acre. A small number of the crushed seeds, but not too many, were effective in the treatment of clap. This particular request had come from a noble house situated not far from Shug Lane, John was somewhat amused to see. It would seem that young Lord Delamere had been sowing his oats just a little too wildly.
    The work done, John put on his cloak. ‘Nicholas, I’m off to Apothecaries’ Hall.’
    â€˜So there
was
arsenic in the flour! Why did you not tell me before?’
    â€˜It is enough for one of us to be involved in solving murders, let alone two.’
    The Muscovite looked hang-dog. ‘I suppose you’re right.’
    â€˜But I promise to keep you abreast of developments and to ask your advice from time to time.’
    Nicholas brightened again. ‘I shall look forward to that, Master.’
    â€˜And now I’m off to seek out Mr Swann in his brand new premises close to St Andrew-by-the-Wardrobe.’
    â€˜Do give him my kindest regards, Sir.’
    â€˜And from there I’ll make my way to the Hall.’
    â€˜I wish you good luck, Master.’
    â€˜I shall need every bit of it, you can be assured of that,’ John answered as he went out of the door.

Chapter Six
    As it transpired, John’s visit to Samuel Swann, his large and exuberant friend who considered himself a sharp wit when it came to helping the Apothecary solve a crime but whose line in questioning invariably made things worse, was curtailed. Samuel was out, calling on an important client, so his apprentice informed the visitor.
    â€˜But I am sure the Master would like you to see the new premises, Sir. Do you have a moment?’
    Knowing that if he were to refuse, Samuel’s feelings might be greatly wounded, John agreed, and was indeed impressed by the scope of the Goldsmith’s new workshop and emporium.
    The apprentice, a strangely ugly young man with the beautiful hands of a fine craftsman, beamed expansively as the Apothecary enthused.
    â€˜I shall tell the Master of your comments on his return, Sir. But I know he will be sorry to have missed you. May I say when you will be coming back?’
    â€˜Later this evening. I might even beg a bed for the night. You can tell him that there is much to discuss.’
    The apprentice’s button eyes, dark as chestnuts and quite out of keeping with his somewhat florid face, gleamed in anticipation.
    â€˜I shall pass your message on, Mr Rawlings.’
    â€˜Thank you, Ezekial.’
    Ezekial Semple. As if his ungainly appearance weren’t enough to contend with the poor youth even had an unfortunate name.
    Having left Samuel’s shop, which was situated