Death in the Peerless Pool Read Online Free PDF

unsuccessful attempt to rally. For haunting them all as they sat in that pleasant house, picking at a cold collation and sipping wine, was the thought of the suffering of the woman who had died a terrified death but a few yards away from where they all sat at leisure.
    It was well after midnight when John finally alighted from a hackney coach outside his home in Nassau Street, and looked up fondly at the house in which he had lived since Sir Gabriel Kent had taken himself and his mother off the streets of London where they had been begging for an existence. Though not a large building, it had once accommodated in comfort the Apothecary’s adopted father and his new family, together with their servants. But when Phyllida Kent, as John’s mother had honourably become, died in childbirth, the establishment had reverted to an all-male household, and the boy had been brought up by Sir Gabriel as if he were his own son. In fact the Apothecary thought of himself as such, and sometimes had to remind himself that he was in reality a bastard child of the house of Rawlings of Twickenham.
    Creeping indoors quietly so as not to disturb the grand old man, John was thoroughly startled to hear a further set of wheels draw up outside, followed by the neigh and stamp of mettlesome horses. As the footman on duty threw open the door, the Apothecary turned to see Sir Gabriel’s equipage just being driven round to the mews in which it was housed.
    â€˜Ah, my son,’ his father said, alighting and swirling off his white-lined black cloak with a flourish. ‘I take it you have just returned from the Peerless Pool. Nicholas told me the details of what happened there and I must say that it sounds a highly unpleasant and sordid affair.’
    John nodded, then smiled at Sir Gabriel’s arresting appearance. Clad as always in stark black and white, or black and silver for special occasions, tonight his father sported a top coat and breeches in dark silk velvet. The waistcoat that complemented this ensemble was made of contrasting ivory satin, however, profusely embroidered with a floral border pattern of silver silks, as was the coat. The total effect was stunning; a sight to behold with awe.
    â€˜You look very fine,’ said the Apothecary appreciatively. ‘Where have you been?’
    â€˜Playing whist with Lord and Lady Dysart, who are connected with the Hampshires. They’ve recently had a new town house built and wanted me to see it.’
    â€˜I wasn’t aware that you knew them.’
    â€˜To be frank with you, neither was I. But the other night at Marybone, whilst throwing dice, Anthony Dysart came up to me. It seems we were at school together and he recognised me, even after this passage of time.’
    John patted his father affectionately on the arm. ‘Nobody could ever forget you, that’s for certain.’
    Sir Gabriel’s golden eyes crinkled at the corners and he said. ‘Tush,’ though the Apothecary could tell that truly he was pleased.
    â€˜Would you care for a glass of port before you retire?’ the older man asked.
    â€˜I certainly would. Besides, I want to discuss this latest event with you.’
    They settled down comfortably in the library and John put more coal on the fire in order to avoid disturbing the servants, nearly all of whom had bedded down for the night. Then he told his father everything that had occurred since he and Samuel had taken a boat out on the Fish Pond.
    â€˜So you believe that someone employed by Mr Kemp must have given assistance to the killer?’
    â€˜Yes, I do. The woman was not dead, though grievously beaten, and must have been transported to the Peerless Pool in some kind of conveyance, even be it a wheelbarrow. It seems that the proprietor locks up securely enough, so it’s my theory that a gate was opened from within. Now think back to the various remarks that were made to me and see if you notice the same thing that I