The Apothecary’s Apprentice 47
The Apothecary's Apprentice
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- 1. The Apothecary’s Apprentice 47
At the shop on the square, Jennet was beside herself with concern.
Where was Thomas? He had been gone hours.
Closing time had come, and she sat in the garden watching dusk draw down, willing Thomas to come.
Hearing his step at last, she sprang to greet him and saw that this was a different Thomas entirely.
Buoyant, more confident, a curious gleam in his eyes.
“Where have you been?” she demanded. “I’ve been out of my mind waiting.”
“Time ran away with me. Jennet, so much has happened I scarcely know where to begin!”
She allowed him to hustle her back to the arbour and struggled to contain her patience while he settled down beside her, seeming to gather his wits together.
He looked at her.
“Tell me, should a penniless scruff of a fellow have the effrontery to ask you to throw in your lot with him, what would your answer be?”
“What?” It was unlike Thomas to play games and she blinked. “Thomas, be serious. Did you speak with Reynard Venables?”
“Aye, and you’ll never believe the outcome. I can scarcely countenance it myself.”
“You’ve never discovered the cause of your downfall?”
“I have, though that is but part of it. What do you say to be addressing a fellow of adequate means, who can comfortably make his way forwards?”
She listened, wide-eyed, as he related all that happened.
“It is beyond belief, Jennet,” Thomas gushed.
“To wake in the morning with nothing, and in the space of a few hours find everything turned on its head.
“There are legalities to be sorted, naturally. I am to bide with Venables whilst matters are finalised, and then . . .
“Well, Ludlow is a fair town, and as to the house – I was shown a painting of it. A fine dwelling, I should say. My inheritance, Jennet.”
He paused, shaking his head.
“Thomas, I’m so happy for you.” Jennet smiled broadly. “All has come right in the end.”
“Not quite all. Jennet, I was not in a position before to speak out, and I appreciate that you have ambitions of your own.”
He hesitated, seeking words.
“The air where the house lies is fresh and sweet. There are grounds. You might like Ludlow.
“It has apothecaries where an apprenticeship could be completed. Opportunities for setting up in business.”
“Thomas, are you trying to sell me something?” Jennet enquired, her heart pounding chaotically.
“I’m trying to ask you to wed me!” he declared.
“Ah, Thomas!”
“Is that yes? You’d not mind leaving here? Abandoning the goodwifery practice your grandmama started?”
“No, I’ll not mind,” she told him truthfully. “For wedding you is everything.”
She felt Thomas’s arms steal around her.
“A kiss, then happen we should speak to your papa,” he murmured in her ear. “Uprooting will be no odds to your mama, but Ned?
“Ludlow is but half a day’s journey away. No hardship there for keeping in touch with one’s fellows.”
“Thomas, you have covered everything,” Jennet told him proudly.
“Except for saying how deeply I love you.”
Their kiss was tender.
They broke apart, and as they headed for the lodgings the Parrys would shortly be vacating, Jennet seemed to hear a well-loved voice in her head.
“Didn’t I say fate had a way of sorting matters out, cariad?” Eira Parry’s voice was clear.
Dearest Grandmother. How wise she had been.