The Apothecary’s Apprentice 23
The Apothecary's Apprentice
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- 1. The Apothecary’s Apprentice 23
Presently, there was a tap on the door and Anthony entered.
He brought with him the smells of rain-damp air, leather and horses.
It struck Venables that his son was not looking his usual self, but put it down to the merrymaking of the previous night.
“Papa? You sent for me?”
“Aye. Um, was the horse you saw any good?”
Anthony grimaced.
“The brute nearly had me off. Even Honoria could find little to commend it. Was there something else?”
“Aye. What are your views on Jane Woodward? She’s a pretty miss and her background is impeccable. There’ll be a decent dowry there.
“The Woodwards are in shipping. Transporting wool and other cargoes to distant lands. Cannot go wrong there.”
“Indeed. And I am quite taken with Jane.” Anthony nodded.
“Enough to bid for her? Her papa will be particular. You will need to mend your ways. Bid farewell to the latest lady friend, whosoever she might be.”
An unaccustomed trace of self-reproach crossed his son’s face, then was swiftly gone.
“Understood, Papa. Marriage is a serious step. Have I your leave to dwell on the matter?”
“You have. Do not be too long about it. An heiress of Jane’s calibre could soon be snapped up.”
Anthony made some suitable remark and left. The room was very quiet.
Venables turned his attention to the papers on the desk.
In the shop on the square, Henry Gryce viewed his apprentice covetously from under shaggy eyebrows.
He could not cast those violet eyes of hers from his mind, even though they could flash with disdain at his marketing ploys, which his dear late wife had termed shenanigans.
He missed her. She had been his prop and stay, a diligent housekeeper, skilled stillroom assistant and excellent with the customers.
As would Jennet be, with the added asset of class – breeding always told – and the mother could be put to some use as well.
Play his cards right, and this move could benefit him in every way.
He approached the girl with a smile.
“My dear, forgive my impertinence, but four days have passed since you had your ill-gotten tidings.
“Have you found another place to live?”
Jennet shook her head.
Her big violet eyes were shadowed and her face pale.
“No, master. We have not.”
“Then I have a proposition to make. The living quarters above the shop are big enough for a family, and I am lonesome since the loss of my Dorothea.
“What if I were to offer you all a place here? There would be conditions.
“Female members would be expected to deal with the domestic requirements.
“I daresay your mother would not object to being housekeeper, given that your sire would have adequate consideration and a sound rooftree?”
The pale face became, if possible, even paler, and took on a look of bewilderment and indecision.
Henry sensed a refusal coming and did his best to calm any fears.
“Come, my dear,” he said. “There is no cause for alarm. I am merely trying to help by offering you all a home.
“So, what say you?”