Death and the Black Pyramid by Deryn Lake Read Free Book Online Page A

trees were laden this year.’ She fixed a piercing glance on Elizabeth. ‘Was there another reason for your coming to see me? Or was it merely to announce that you were with child?’
    â€˜No, there was another reason, my dear Dorothy. My friend John travelled down in a stagecoach with two people whom you are currently employing. One was a dancing master, the other a milliner. You know of whom I speak?’
    â€˜Yes, I know them very well. One is Simms, getting on in years but none the less a fine master of the Terpsichorean art. The other is Lovell, a dark-complexioned girl but for all that something of a beauty. They are both currently under my roof.’ She turned to John, her tiny eyes gleaming with curiosity. ‘Why do you want to know?’
    The Apothecary hesitated, wondering whether or not to tell her about the murder of William Gorringe. He decided to be truthful only after another glance at her assured him that she would ferret the facts out of him one way or the other.
    â€˜Actually, a fellow passenger was murdered in the inn on the night before last. Jemima Lovell knew of it but Mr Simms did not. I wondered whether he should be informed before the Constable comes calling.’
    â€˜Will he come calling?’ Lady Sidmouth responded.
    â€˜He might well. The hunt is on to find the missing passengers.’
    â€˜Then go and talk to him, Mr Rawlings. He is teaching even while we speak. You will find him in the ballroom. Hopkins can show you where it is.’ And she rang the bell again.
    But as he mounted the stairs behind Hopkins’s stoutly stockinged legs the Apothecary thought that he had small need of directions. For from a room on the first floor there came a great deal of noise – cries of ‘No, no. Do it like this,’ followed by the strains of a frantic violin and a great deal of heavy-footed thumping. With a majestic gesture Hopkins threw open the door and John gazed within.
    Children of assorted ages and sizes – a dozen of them – were ranged in ranks before a red-faced Cuthbert Simms, who had the traditional violin tucked beneath his chin and was presently haranguing them about not getting a step correctly. Eager young virgins of seventeen languished at the back while in the front were younger sprigs, one in particular looking horribly like Robin Sidmouth, all pouting mouth and high heels.
    John stepped into the ballroom and every head turned in his direction. The dancing lesson ground to a halt.
    â€˜Mr Rawlings,’ said Cuthbert in tones of great surprise. ‘Whatever are you doing here?’
    â€˜I have come to speak to you, actually.’
    â€˜Very well. Ladies and gentlemen, you may take a short break during which you will practice the steps I have been endeavouring to teach you this morning.’
    There were various squeals of protest but Cuthbert looked firm and clapped his hands, after which there were one or two half-hearted attempts made to obey his instructions.
    â€˜Well, my dear Sir,’ he said, drawing John to one side. ‘This is most certainly a surprise.’
    â€˜Indeed it is, Sir. But truth to tell there was a fatality at The Half Moon which had not been discovered at the time you left. I thought it only fair to warn you that the Constable might come to interview you.’
    â€˜Me?’ exclaimed Cuthbert. ‘Whatever for? I know nothing about it. What fatality?’
    â€˜William Gorringe was murdered in his bed during the night,’ answered John, looking mild and honest – an expression he had been working on for some time.
    â€˜Gorringe, you say? Oh dear me, whoever could have done that I wonder?’
    He turned away, wiping his sweating face with a large handkerchief and John could see that even the back of Cuthbert’s neck had turned bright red.
    â€˜I’ve no idea. The matter is – as I said – in the hands of the Constable. We shall have to await