Page 40 of Hired by Pirates

There was a certain energy I had to channel sometimes with patients,when the doctor wasn’t in, and they were being unreasonable. Normally, I was naturally very quiet. But when people heard an authoritative tone in my voice, they tended to listen more attentively. I used that tone now.

Walking in slowly, I looked around at the lovely brass lamps, the beautiful furniture, and the thickly polished floors. This bookkeeper was certainly bringing in quite a bit of money, and didn’t mind showing that to the town.

“Good morning,” the lady at the desk said, turning to me with a bright smile.

Her dress was a dark wine color, and brought out the pink of her cheeks. Her hair was tied back in an elegant twist with a small silver pin.

“Good morning. I wondered if you could help me with a rather unusual question.”

The woman’s smile turned into a knowing look. “Trying to find a loved one?”

My smile turned sheepish. “I’m sorry, you must get that a lot around here.”

She nodded. “When the Town Hall charges a shilling just to speak to the record keeper, I understand.”

“Indeed.” I paused. “I used to work with a wonderful man named Dr. Grenville. He retired, but didn’t tell us where he moved. I just wondered if you knew if he had come here to Acreton.”

The woman stared out the window for a moment. “Grenville. It doesn’t quite ring a bell, but I see so many names. Just a minute, please.”

She turned to the giant wall of shelves, opening the glass door to the one marked “G”.

“So, you worked with a doctor?” she asked, flipping through the books. “That must be interesting.”

“Yes, I was his assistant.”

She looked up at me in shock. “You actually…helped with patients?”

“Every day. From babies to grandparents.”

“She’s a doctor now herself,” Woods added helpfully.

“My goodness,” the lady shook her head. “That is truly something.”

I felt that a topic change was in order immediately.

“Look, dear,” I said, taking Wood’s arm and pointing. Although his face appeared relatively calm, I could see the underlying prickling of nerves in his eyes. “Aren’t those cabinets the same wood as the shelves in Mother’s house?”

He realized what I was doing, and stepped closer for a better look.

“You’re right. I believe those are mahogany, with a lighter finishing oil.”

“Aren’t they lovely,” the woman beamed. “We moved offices just last year, and Mr. Enlow had them specially made.”

“Your cabinetmaker did a beautiful job,” Woods said appreciatively.

The woman finished searching, then turned to me with a frown. “I’m so sorry, ma’am. There’s no Grenville here at all.”

“A pity. Well, thank you so much for looking.”

“There’s always a chance that he was here, but he did his own books.”

I shook my head with a merry laugh. “Oh no, Dr. Grenville always said he had talented fingers for surgery, but not for numbers.”

We laughed together, then I gave her a nod. “Thank you so much for your help, and I hope that you’re able to leave soon to enjoy the festival.”

“Yes, we’re closing at noon specially.”

Woods nodded and smiled, as we hurried back to the street, then walked slowly toward the pier.

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