Death in the West Wind Read Online Free Page A

mound of ham and eggs, indicated that his mouth was full and that he could not speak for a moment or two. Then he said, “Down at the harbour some old sea dog told me that a spell of unseasonably hot weather is coming.”
    “I thought it felt rather cold.”
    “So it does, but he explained all that. He said the wind had changed to the north but that it was about to veer westward again, bringing warm weather from the Scilly Isles which, according to him, have been baking hot for the last few days.”
    “He was romancing.”
    “On the contrary. He seemed to know exactly what he was talking about. The Daisy had just come in from Tresco and the crew had told him all about it. He said they were practically black with tan. So, my darling, in view of this I would like to take the opportunity to swim in the sea, it now being the consensus that sea water is as beneficial to the health as that of a spa.”
    “You’re interested in the properties of water, aren’t you?”
    “Did I tell you that?”
    “No, Samuel did. He said you experiment with putting bubbles into drinking water.”
    “I have done in the past, though I still can’t get it right. I thought I might build myself a little laboratory in Kensington and try again.” Emilia smiled. “I can just see you surrounded by gurgling alembics like a magician of ancient legend.”
    “Merlin, perhaps?”
    She considered. “Grow a beard and one could hardly tell the difference.”
    “You are a very rude young woman. Now, can you swim?”
    “Yes. My brothers threw me into the river when I was very young. It was that or drowning.”
    “Then we shall take to the ocean together.” Emilia shivered. “Not if it’s as cold as this.”
    “Wait and see. These old salts always know what’s going to happen.”
    “I hope so. I wouldn’t like to see you die of a chill.”
    “I wouldn’t relish it much either, come to that.”
    For some reason John had decided not to tell Emilia about his early morning encounter with Juliana and Richard. Despite the girl’s sarcastic manner, he felt that the Dutchman’s daughter bore a secret and was perhaps involved in something she could not control, so should be pitied rather than disliked. But aware of his bride’s antipathy, the Apothecary chose to keep the latest news to himself and was glad that the present conversation was merely banter. He decided to continue it that way, at least for the time being.
    “So where are we going?” Emilia was asking.
    “The sea dog told me that Sidmouth was a fine place for bathing and had recently started to become popular with genteel folk.”
    “Well that won’t suit you,” his wife commented, roaring with laughter.
    “What do you mean?”
    “That never in my entire life have I ever met anyone less genteel than yourself.”
    “I shall take that as the greatest compliment you have ever paid me,” John replied with dignity. “Now, my dear, hurry up and pack your things. I want to see this miracle of the changing weather for myself.”And so they did, proceeding out of the city on one of the coaching roads to the West, passing a hostelry named the Half Way House, supposedly because it was halfway between London and Falmouth, then travelling several miles further on before they turned down a somewhat evil track and headed towards the sea.
    “There,” said John, “I told you.”
    “What?”
    “The wind’s changed, can’t you feel it?”
    “Yes,” said Emilia, “I can. Oh let’s get out for a moment, John. I’d love my first glimpse of the sea to be on foot.”
    The Apothecary thumped on the coach’s roof with his great stick. “Stop a minute, Tom. We’re going to walk for a while.”
    So it was that they rounded a bend in the track, strolling hand in hand, and saw, gleaming like silver in the sun, a distant dazzling flash of argent.
    “It’s glittering,” said Emilia.
    “Wait till you get closer,” her husband answered, putting his arm round her shoulders.
    They proceeded