The Grenadillo Box: A Novel Read Online Free PDF

master, and assured me that indeed she did have some stock of interest. A new consignment from the Indies had recently cleared customs and would be ready for delivery the next day. Should I return in three days’ time when the stores were reopened, she would gladly show them to me.
    “I shall certainly return,” I declared, struggling to retain an air of detachment. Discovering her thus in domestic surroundings seemed to have given me an advantage. I detected an unusual mellowness to her manner. Perhaps, after all, her reputation was exaggerated. Perhaps I should seize the opportunity to declare my interest? Before my indecision made a coward of me, I resolved to take my chances.
    “May I also make another request?”
    “Unless you make it I will not know its nature, therefore I can hardly refuse. What is it, Mr. Hopson?” she replied.
    I dithered, realizing even as I did so that this was no time for shillyshallying. “Why,” I replied, as coolly as I could manage, “you have spoiled your supper and I venture your brother is in need of nourishment. Allow me to invite you to the Fountain, where the cook is reputed to be exceedingly good.”
    Immediately, and I fancied rather hungrily, her brother looked up from his exercises. Alice meanwhile took a step backwards and inspected me suspiciously. “You are most solicitous, Mr. Hopson. But my brother may rest assured there are provisions enough in the pantry to satisfy him and these books must be completed tonight.”
    Her brother, now downcast, returned to his exercises, and my heart began to sink. Then somewhat to my surprise she continued, “I hope I do not seem ungracious in my refusal…. Perhaps you would care for a glass of wine?”
    As an expert in feminine ways, I needed no further signal to pursue my cause. I waited as she searched in the shadows of the room for a glass and decanter, and cleared a space for me on the settle by the fire. “Have you visited the playhouse of late, Miss Goodchild?” I asked, as she deposited sheafs of papers in a pile on the floor.
    “No, sir, I have much to keep me here as you see.”
    “Then would you, and your brother, do me the pleasure of accompanying me there on New Year’s Day?”
    Although her back was towards me, I could see her stiffen. She rose slowly and turned towards me with an expression of—what? Astonishment? Indifference? Indignation? Then, to my astonishment, for I had never seen her lose her composure, she reddened most becomingly.
    “I scarcely know how to respond, Mr. Hopson. We have never spoken before today. The speed of your invitations is remarkable.”
    “Forgive me,” I said, still unsure of her sentiment, “I did not mean to presume…”
    “I believe you did not, Mr. Hopson.” Her voice was softer than usual, girlish almost. She paused and scrutinized me again before granting me another wisp of a smile. “I’m only teasing you. But if you are sincere in your offer, we accept with great pleasure.”
    “Do not doubt the sincerity of the offer, I beg you. And as to the pleasure, madam, it is all mine, I assure you,” I replied, gallantly as any gentleman.
    Thus had I sipped my wine as slowly as I could, enjoying her conversation for those fleeting moments before taking leave. Thus had I returned to my workplace, after my brief diversion with Molly. (I could think of no other way to alleviate the anticipation of passion sweeping through my veins.) And thus, when Chippendale commanded me to Cambridge, had my hopes been extinguished.

Chapter Two
    A nd so I came to Cambridge, leaving Ludgate Hill on the six-fifteen coach, riding on top as I invariably choose to do whenever circumstances permit. That day I happened to share my precarious platform with two fellow travelers. The first was a lugubrious bonesetter, with a thriving business of mending broken limbs in Fetter Lane, who was journeying to Lincoln to visit a sister not seen in three years. The second was a young knife grinder’s