The Apothecary’s Apprentice 29
The Apothecary's Apprentice
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- 1. The Apothecary’s Apprentice 29
Jennet seemed hesitant.
“Sir, it is a kind thought, but I cannot accept these. My parents would not approve.”
“Tell them it is to do with your training. Do not deprive me of the pleasure of giving.”
She hesitated for so long that Gryce thought his endeavour had failed. Then she seemed to make up her mind.
“Well, having it for work is different. Thank you, master,” she allowed.
Quietly satisfied, he took his leave, aware of her sitting in the arbour, the book and quills in her hand.
Jennet ran a fingertip over the elegant gold tooling of the leather.
She had not expected this when the master had claimed her attention, and she felt she had dealt badly with the episode.
Henry was not one to part so readily with his money. There was an ulterior motive here.
What was his intention? He was wooing her, she was certain of it.
The sound of pounding footsteps broke through her scrambled thoughts.
There was a hammering on the garden door that gave off on to a grassy back lane.
It was not unusual for the services of the apothecary to be required urgently, and Jennet’s mind flew to her grandmother, out there attending the sick of the town.
She was in failing health herself. Had she been taken ill and required aid?
Her heart thumping, Jennet pushed the items aside and hastened to answer the summons.
It was Thomas who stood there. His face was ashen, his eyes wild, and he was out of breath.
“Thomas, what is it?”
“Ill tidings, Jennet.”
“Best you come in and tell me.”
She led him to the arbour and, removing the objects that lay there, indicated for him to sit.
Thomas remained standing.
“Jennet, I have been summoned to attend the council of the league of herb gatherers when they assemble here at the end of the month.
“I am charged with illicit peddling of goods. Someone has reported me for selling apothecary needs for my own pocket.”
“What? But you would never do such a thing!” Jennet exclaimed.
“That’s what I said to Amos. ’Twas he who brought me the news. I would never countenance such an act.”
“Who could have made such an absurd claim?”
“The name was not disclosed,” Thomas replied.
“There is no knowing who was behind it – though I have my suspicions.”
“Humphrey Maynard? Didn’t you once cross swords with him over Mother’s payment for the lace?”
Agnetta’s name also crossed Jennet’s mind.
Jealousy could emerge in strange ways, but would Agnetta go to such lengths?
Thomas shrugged.
“It could have been Maynard. Your grandmama warned me to watch out for him – the rogue!
“Amos and Cecily are beside themselves,” he went on.
“I am suspended from all duties until the hearing. I have three weeks in which to clear my name.”
He shook his head.
The herb gatherers’ policy was based on trust and goodwill.
Flaunt the rules and all faith was destroyed.
“It cannot come to that, Thomas!” Jennet cried.
They stared at each other in growing fear.
Some person had dealt Thomas a bitter hand, and bringing that unknown body to justice was his sole chance of reprieve.
Otherwise, it meant only one thing – banishment!
To be continued…
