Death at Apothecaries' Hall Read Online Free PDF Page B

water be a little tame?’
    John’s uneven smile appeared. ‘Obviously, if you compare it with the rich mixture you’re imbibing now.’
    â€˜Perhaps if it could be made to sparkle it would become more interesting.’
    â€˜Now that,’ said the Apothecary thoughtfully, ‘is a very good idea indeed.’
    The carriage turned right, taking them along a tree-lined path which hugged one of the reservoir’s many man-made tributaries. This led, in its turn, to Chelsea Bridge which crossed the southern end of the reservoir close to the point where it was fed by the Thames. Looking back, John could see the Neat Houses, quaint dwellings deriving their name from the word neyte, more commonly called eyot or ait, meaning a small river island.
    Now came the most delightful part of the drive, down Strumbelo and Jews Row, passing both Ranelagh Gardens, the most fashionable and the most expensive of all London’s pleasure gardens, then the famous Chelsea College or Hospital. Built by Charles II to look after retired or wounded members of the royal bodyguard, it had been Christopher Wren who had created The Hospital of Maymed Soldiers, the first residents of which had been admitted in 1689. John stared with delight at its beautiful proportions as the carriage finally turned towards the river and the home of Master Josiah Alleyn.
    Approaching the house from the land and in daylight, the Apothecary was once more struck by the spaciousness of the place.
    â€˜A goodly dwelling,’ commented Sir Gabriel, reading his thoughts.
    â€˜I never knew apothecaries could become quite so wealthy.’
    â€˜I believe Master Alleyn owns several shops,’ answered John’s father. ‘Perhaps, my dear, you should emulate him and buy another when we get to Kensington.’
    â€˜It would stretch my resources to the limit.’
    â€˜I was hoping that you would allow me to have a share in the enterprise.’
    â€˜But you bought me Shug Lane.’
    â€˜That is beside the point. Ours is a family concern.’
    â€˜It seems you are resolute,’ said John, patting Sir Gabriel’s hand.
    â€˜Totally. Any further protest would be a waste of valuable breath.’
    â€˜I see.’
    They were drawing very near the house and it was now apparent that the front had been built to face the extensive grounds belonging to the pleasure gardens, the back to face the river. There was, John could see, gazing down the length of the estate, another barge beside Master Alleyn’s riding at the mooring jetty. And it was then that he noticed many of the curtains in the house had been drawn and that a swathe of black material had been hung round the door knocker. ‘Stop!’ he called to the coachman, sticking his head out of the window. ‘Stop here. I must get out.’
    Leaving his startled father to supervise the stabling arrangements, the Apothecary sprinted to the front door, his heart pounding. It was opened even before he knocked by a woman servant in a black dress.
    â€˜Master Alleyn?’ asked John, his voice full of fear.
    â€˜The Master is dead, Sir,’ she answered, and burst into tears.

Chapter Three
    As John Rawlings entered through the front door, following on the heels of the servant, the unmistakable sounds of a house in mourning rose to meet him. Voices speaking in hushed tones, the ordinary noises of everyday living unnaturally muted, distant sobbing coming from some room at the dwelling’s heart.
    He turned to the woman who had let him in. ‘When did the Master die?’
    She looked at him, her pale face damp with tears. ‘Early this morning, at first light. He slipped out of life as dawn broke.’
    â€˜Christ’s wounds!’ cursed John bitterly. ‘I could have sworn that he was out of danger.’
    â€˜Master Cruttenden said he had a relapse.’
    â€˜Master Cruttenden?’
    â€˜A very old friend of the family. He is an