Death at the Wedding Feast by Deryn Lake Read Free Book Online

rigs.
    When he descended the stairs for his favourite meal, John found to his astonishment that Jacquetta and Gideon were already seated at table and had started to eat. They both looked up in some surprise.
    Gideon rose. ‘We knew you were going early but had no idea exactly when, Sir. Forgive me for not eating with the servants but Mrs Fortune and I have a great deal to discuss.’
    â€˜Of course. I think you should waive that rule, Gideon. I am delighted to see you both up and about at this hour.’
    It was five-thirty and John could not help but be pleased that the people in charge of his new business should be taking it so seriously. He turned to Jacquetta Fortune. ‘I hope these hours aren’t going to prove too much for you.’
    She laughed. ‘Because I am thin, do you mean? Don’t worry, Mr Rawlings, I shall soon put on weight with portions like this served up to me every day.’
    â€˜Excellent. That’s what I like to hear.’
    And John cut himself a large helping of ham and devoured it hungrily.
    He had asked Irish Tom to come round with the coach at six fifteen and so, between mouthfuls, explained to Gideon all about Fred and his deception, then how the real Robin Hazell had rushed in and the truth had been revealed.
    â€˜So you have ended up with two boys, Sir?’ his apprentice exclaimed.
    â€˜Yes, and I think they will both be useful. Now, Gideon, when Robin returns with his father and indentures are to be drawn up I want you to oversee everything up to the point where my signature is required. Explain to them that I will be back in four weeks but tell the boy that he can start work immediately. If he is agreeable then make the very best of him. I think he is level-headed and industrious. He should be extremely helpful to you during my absence. As for the other child I want you to watch him like a hawk. If his thieving habits return then turn him out and no questions asked. But if he does his duties well then reward him by raising his wages to a shilling a week.’
    â€˜Surely that is a little overgenerous, Sir.’
    â€˜A little, perhaps. But I believe the lad has potential and I want you to encourage that if possible.’
    â€˜I shall do as you ask, Mr Rawlings.’
    â€˜And I,’ chimed in Jacquetta, ‘shall launch your business with some attack, I promise you.’
    â€˜Then,’ said John, hastily swallowing a pickled herring, ‘I shall go away content.’
    It was his intention to get a flying coach to Devon. These were faster and more comfortable than the stage but cost a good deal more. However, money was not the point at issue, it was the fact of actually obtaining a place in one. The system was to get four passengers to share the cost, but if only three persons were interested then the fare would automatically rise. John’s fear that the places would already be taken was allayed by the fact that two postilions were standing by a rather highly polished vehicle drawn up by a sign which read, ‘The Exeter Fast Coach for the Safe and Reliable Conveyance of Passengers. Fare 5d a mile. Two stops for Dining. Horses changed regular.’ The cost was exorbitant but time was of the essence. Bidding farewell to Irish Tom, John booked himself a place and got inside.
    Staring out of the window he thought back to the last time he had made this journey, that time travelling on the public stage, and all the terrible events which had followed. But he threw off the memories. He was going to Devon to await the birth of his second child and see Elizabeth through what would undoubtedly be a difficult experience for a woman of her age. John set his jaw, then was immediately diverted by the entrance of a pretty woman of about thirty-five. She smiled, bowed her head in acknowledgement and went to sit at the back. But a few moments later she gave up her seat when a bashful young man, hand-in-hand with an equally bashful girl, entered