The Counterfeit Crank

Chapter Eight

Most people would protest if they found themselves suddenly interrupted on the Day of Rest, but Henry Cleaton could not have been more welcoming. The visitors were invited into his parlour and given refreshment. Cleaton was a man who did not always conform to the rules of his profession. His appearance set him completely apart from his fellow lawyers. With his shock of red hair and his rubicund cheeks, he might have been a farmer and he had a stocky frame that hinted at long years of manual labour. There was also a genial quality about him that flew in the face of the lawyer’s traditional caution. Meeting him again after a lapse of time, Nicholas Bracewell was reminded of the new landlord at the Queen’s Head. Henry Cleaton had the same willingness to please.

‘We are sorry to trouble you at home,’ said Nicholas, ‘but we need advice.’

‘Then you were wise to call here,’ said Cleaton, indicating the room. ‘It is far tidier than my office and much more comfortable. As for disturbing me, think no more of it. I am glad of your company. Since my wife died and my children moved away, it can be very lonely on a Sunday afternoon.’

‘We are not imposing, then?’

‘Not at all, Nicholas. The case interests me. When Owen called on me yesterday, my ears pricked up at the mention of Bridewell. You are trying to find a young man who was recently imprisoned there, I believe.’

‘We found him,’ said Elias. ‘On a slab at the morgue.’

‘Dear me! How did that come to pass?’

‘With your help, we mean to find out.’

‘Did he die a natural death?’

‘No,’ said Nicholas. ‘His skull had been cracked open. Thus it stands.’

He related the salient facts as swiftly and dispassionately as he could. Elias felt obliged to make comments from time to time but it was Nicholas who controlled the narrative. Cleaton was intrigued by all that he heard.

‘Murder, rape, mismanagement,’ he said. ‘These are serious charges.’

‘One can certainly be nailed to the door of Bridewell,’ asserted Nicholas, ‘and that’s the violation of Dorothea Tate. The girl is not given to lies.’

‘But she is, alas. Did you not tell me that she was the accomplice to a counterfeit crank? That’s blatant dishonesty. The first thing she told you was that she and this Hywel Rees were brother and sister. Forgive me, Nicholas,’ said Cleaton, ‘but this girl is plainly seasoned in deceit.’

‘She would not deceive us about a thing like this.’

‘How do you know?’

‘I’d stake every penny I have on it, Master Cleaton.’

‘Your loyalty is admirable and, since you’ve met Dorothea Tate, I’ll have to trust your judgement. No court would do so, however. Ralph Olgrave is an upright citizen. For a vagrant like this girl to accuse him of rape would be a waste of breath.’

Elias was roused. ‘Are you saying that he’s allowed to get off scot-free?’ he demanded. ‘That he can deflower any maid at will and face no consequence? That’s not justice, Master Cleaton.’

‘It’s the way the law functions and you must beware of that.’

‘In short,’ said Nicholas, ‘we need more evidence.’

‘Nothing less than a confession would satisfy a court, and I doubt that Master Olgrave will be minded to oblige you with one. Seek other ways to bring him down.’

‘Will you give us some guidance in the matter?’

‘I’ll do more than that. I’ll work with you to unmask these rogues.’

‘We’ve no proof that either was involved in the murder,’ Nicholas reminded him. ‘And even if they were, I doubt that they would have struck the fatal blows themselves. Confederates would have been hired.’

‘Yes,’ said Elias. ‘Alehouse ruffians that would kill their own mothers for a fee.’

Cleaton pondered. He had met both men when dealing with a case that concerned their friend, Frank Quilter. In the course of the investigation, the lawyer had got to know Nicholas particularly well and come to respect him highly. It was the reason he had admitted them to his home at such a time. Unless the matter was serious, Nicholas would never have ventured to disturb him like that.

‘Why are you doing this?’ he asked.

‘Does a lawyer need to be told that?’ said Nicholas with surprise. ‘Crimes have been committed. Rank injustice has occurred. Prompt action is required, Master Cleaton.’

‘Yes, but why do you have to instigate it? These young people have been cruelly abused, but it is not your duty to fight on their behalf. Until a week or so ago, they were total strangers to you.’

‘Hywel is Welsh,’ said Elias. ‘That’s enough for me.’

‘What of the girl?’

‘She turned to us for help,’ replied Nicholas. ‘We’ll not disappoint her.’

‘Then you must realise that obstacles will face you at every turn. You are up against cunning men who occupy positions that are well nigh impregnable. Do not think to storm Bridewell.’

‘I could not even get through the door,’ confessed Elias.

‘Then work another way,’ suggested Cleaton. ‘Let me make enquiries. Joseph Beechcroft and Ralph Olgrave will both have apartments at the workhouse, but they will also have homes elsewhere. That’s the place to stalk them.’

‘Can you find out where they live?’ said Nicholas.

‘I think so.’

‘We would be very grateful.’

‘It might be safer if you accost them alone, Nicholas.’

Elias was piqued. ‘Why? I can ask as straight a question as Nick.’

‘But you’d do so in a voice that would remind them of Hywel Rees,’ argued Cleaton. ‘That would put them on their guard at once. If you wish to squeeze the truth out of them, they need to be treated with care. Accuse them of nothing. Simply make enquiries about the whereabouts of Hywel Rees.’

‘I will,’ said Nicholas. ‘I know how to tread softly.’

‘So do I,’ insisted Elias with a hint of belligerence. ‘I am softness itself.’

‘There’ll be work enough for you, Owen. Have no fear.’

‘I want to meet this Ralph Olgrave.’

‘So you shall, in the fullness of time. Let me talk to him first.’

‘Marry,’ said Cleaton, ‘that’s the eftest way. I’ll furnish you with addresses. If such heinous crimes did take place inside Bridewell, then they must be exposed or others will be at the mercy of those two men.’

Elias put a hand on his dagger. ‘I’d like to have the pair of them at my mercy!’ he said. ‘By the time that I’m done with him, Ralph Olgrave will never be able to force himself on a woman again.’

‘Take the law into your own hands like that,’ warned Nicholas, ‘and you’ll end up in prison. Leave these men to me, Owen. I’ll move more stealthily. And as we’ve learnt this afternoon from Master Cleaton,’ he continued, smiling at their host, ‘people are more at ease in their own houses. They can be taken unawares.’

Doctor Zander stood over him as he drank the medicine. Edmund Hoode shuddered.

‘It tastes foul,’ he said, pulling a face. ‘Can you not sweeten it in some way?’

‘That would reduce its potency, Master Hoode. If you would recover, you must endure the bitter taste. Eat a slice of apple when I’ve gone and that will please your palate a little more.’ He studied the patient, who was now back in bed again. ‘You seem much better today.’

‘This morning, I was able to get up and walk around. I even dressed myself for the first time. Lawrence noticed the difference in me at once.’

‘Lawrence?’

‘Lawrence Firethorn, the actor.’

‘Ah, yes,’ said the doctor. ‘Master Grammaticus has mentioned the name to me. He reveres the fellow. But, then,’ he added, ‘he idolises you as well, Master Hoode.’

‘How can anyone idolise a man in my condition?’

‘You’ll get well in time if you do not tax your strength.’

‘I cannot stay in bed all day, Doctor Zander.’

‘Oh, I agree. A little exercise is important. What worries me, however,’ said Zander, scratching an itch somewhere on his thigh, ‘is that you are too popular. You have too many friends who feel the need to call.’

‘They wish to know how I am.’

‘Then let your landlady tell them. Visitors tire you because you make such an effort while they are here. Ask them to come less often and your health will improve.’

‘But I like to see them,’ protested Hoode. ‘If I’m left alone, I have to fight off boredom. My friends bring me such cheer, doctor.’

‘And rightly so. All that I advise is moderation.’

‘I’d not be able to stop Lawrence coming here, if I tried. The same goes for Owen Elias and Nick Bracewell. They visit me every day.’

Zander made a dismissive gesture. ‘I’ll say no more. If you would let them prolong your illness, be it on your own head. Do not blame me for a tardy recovery.’ He picked up his satchel. ‘I’ll away, Master Hoode.’

‘When will you call again?’

‘In two or three days’ time. I look to find you much improved.’

‘You will, you will,’ said Hoode. He raised a hand. ‘Before you go, doctor, there is a matter I must discuss. It has bothered me from the start.’

‘Oh? And what is that?’

‘You never ask me for payment.’

‘Master Grammaticus takes care of all the bills.’

‘But it’s wrong for him to do so. I put too much strain on his purse.’

‘He hates to see you in such a state,’ explained Zander, ‘and will pay anything to find a cure. Do not worry about his purse, Master Hoode. He is never short of money and he tells me he has sold a new play.’

‘Yes,’ said Hoode with a grin. ‘The Siege of Troy. I hear wondrous reports of it. Michael has come of age as an author.’ The grin faded. ‘But I would not have him bear the cost of my doctoring. Send the next bill to me.’

‘It has already been paid by Master Grammaticus.’

‘He takes too much upon himself.’

‘No, Master Hoode,’ said Zander, moving to the door. ‘He loves you for what you did to inspire him. No price can be set on that. Try as you may, you will not pay a penny for any treatment that I give you. I am contracted to work for Master Grammaticus alone in this matter.’ He opened the door. ‘Get some sleep, sir. Farewell.’

When he called in at the Queen’s Head late that afternoon, Nicholas was just in time to intercept Lawrence Firethorn. The actor was about to mount his horse in the yard. When he saw the book holder, he removed his foot from the stirrup.

‘Nick, dear heart!’ he boomed. ‘You come upon your cue.’

‘I hoped to catch you here.’

‘And I was equally hopeful of being caught. I’ve good news for you. Edmund is starting to rally at last. He’ll soon be chasing the landlady’s daughter around his room.’

‘I rejoice at these tidings,’ said Nicholas. ‘I’ve been too busy to call on him so far but mean to go there now. He’s well, you say?’

‘Well enough to walk around the room. Best of all,’ said Firethorn, happily, ‘that clouded mind of his begins to clear at last. He even talked of working on A Way to Content All Women.’

‘His new comedy? Then he is truly recovered.’

‘Not enough to complete it himself, alas. He needs help from a co-author.’

‘Whom did he suggest?’

‘That’s the rub. It was Michael Grammaticus.’

Nicholas was amazed. ‘But comedy requires lightness of touch,’ he said, ‘and Michael does not have that. At least, I’ve seen no evidence of it. There are scenes in his tragedies that have a comical edge to them, but they have nothing of Edmund’s deftness. What made him name Michael as his co-author?’

‘I had the feeling that the idea came from our new playwright himself.’

‘He’s certainly eager to please.’

‘But will he please an audience?’ asked Firethorn. ‘If three mirthful acts by Edmund Hoode are followed by two solemn dirges by Michael Grammaticus, we’ll content nobody, let alone the women in the title. The notion appals me.’

‘Yet the offer would not have been made without due thought. Michael must believe that he can catch Edmund’s voice, or he’d not put himself forward. There’s an easy solution here,’ said Nicholas. ‘Let him read what there is of the play and write two or three new scenes for us. We’ll soon know if he has a comic gift.’

‘Set it in motion, Nick. Though I still think his ambition outruns his talent.’

‘He deserves the chance to prove us both wrong.’ He glanced at the inn. ‘Did you manage to speak to Master Lavery? I know that it was in your mind to do so.’

‘Yes,’ said Firethorn, ‘I bearded him in his den. What a peculiar fellow he is! Have you ever known a card player who reads the Bible on a Sunday? That’s what he was doing when I called upon him. He looked more like a saint than a sinner.’

‘What did you say to him?’

‘What I planned to do, Nick. I told him that he was distracting our fellows and causing a deal of misery. His answer was that they came to his table of their own accord, and that he had no power to stop them.’

‘He said as much to me.’

‘Did you know that James Ingram won a lot of money last night?’ Nicholas shook his head. ‘It convinced me that the man was no rogue. Philomen Lavery can lose as easily as he can win, it appears.’

‘He’s no real threat to us,’ said Nicholas. ‘He’ll be quitting the city later this week so he’ll not be able to inflict much more harm.’

‘That’s why I drew back from condemning him too harshly.’

‘We’ll soon forget all about him.’

Firethorn was wistful. ‘Yes, I suppose that we will.’ His mind wandered for a moment, then he became aware of Nicholas again. ‘But why were you so anxious to catch me today?’

‘To ask a favour of you.’

‘You know that I would never refuse you.’

‘This is a big favour,’ said Nicholas. ‘I may need to absent myself for a while.’

‘But how can you do that when we rely on you so much?’

‘Hear me out. We do not play here tomorrow, and on Tuesday we present Love and Fortune. George Dart can hold the book for that with his eyes closed.’

‘George does everything with his eyes closed,’ growled Firethorn. ‘That’s why he keeps bumping into things and breaking them. But why do you need to leave us, Nick? You must have a reason.’

‘A pressing one. In brief, I must help to solve a murder.’

He gave Firethorn a concise account of what had happened and explained how he and Elias had become involved. The actor showed some compassion but he was not persuaded that his book holder should be spared to take part in an investigation.

‘This is not your quarrel, Nick,’ he argued. ‘Keep out of it. Westfield’s Men must come first. Let officers of the law look into these matters.’

‘They would not bother to do so. Who cares about the death of a vagrant? Whether from disease, starvation or violent assault, beggars like Hywel Rees end up in the morgue all the time. Murder a wealthy man,’ said Nicholas, ‘and a hue and cry is set up. Kill a poor one and he vanishes into oblivion.’

‘My fear is that you and Owen will vanish into oblivion.’

‘You lose me alone. Owen will be here to play in Love and Fortune.’

‘But Edmund will not,’ said Firethorn. ‘That means we shall have to rehearse someone else in his part. I want you there to do that, Nicholas.’

‘A moment ago, you said you’d grant me any favour.’

‘To my dear friend, I’d grant as many favours as he sought. But I’ve no obligation to a street girl who was arrested for begging. This favour is for Dorothea Tate, let’s be clear about that.’

‘Are you not moved by her plight?’

‘Why, yes,’ said Firethorn, defensively. ‘I’m moved by the plight of any vagrant. I often toss them a coin as I pass them by. That’s Christian charity. But I’d not turn my back on the company in order to help one of them arraign a man for stealing her virginity. The wonder is that she kept it so long.’

Nicholas was annoyed. ‘Can you treat murder and rape so lightly?’

‘No, Nick. Both are dreadful crimes. Those that commit them should be punished. But I still do not see that you should take it upon yourself to find the malefactors. To put it more plainly,’ he said, ‘why do you bother?’

‘Because I gave my word.’

‘And is that more important than your duty to Westfield’s Men?’

‘Yes,’ said Nicholas, firmly. ‘It is.’

Dorothea Tate had been so shocked to hear of the murder of Hywel Rees that she had been unable to speak for a long time. Sobbing quietly, she rocked to and fro on her seat as she contemplated a future without her dearest friend. Anne Hendrik sat beside her with a consoling arm around the girl’s shoulders. Sharing her sorrow, she tried to offer words of comfort but Dorothea did not even hear them. She was consumed by her grief. At length, the girl sat up and made an effort to pull herself together. She used a hand to brush away the tears that had coursed down her face.

‘I want to see him,’ she announced. ‘I want to see Hywel.’

‘No, Dorothea.’

‘It may not be him. Nicholas said that he could not be certain.’

‘He and Owen were as certain as they could be.’

‘But they might have made a mistake.’

‘For your sake,’ said Anne, ‘I hope that they did. In that case, Hywel is still alive and he’ll come looking for you. But you must prepare yourself for the worst.’

‘That’s what I’ve been doing.’ She straightened her back. ‘I’m ready for anything now, Anne. I want to visit the morgue. I want to see his face.’

‘You heard what Nicholas said. He’d been in the water for days. That distorts the body horribly and changes the face.’

‘I’d know him anywhere.’

‘Spare yourself the horror.’

‘It’s my right,’ insisted Dorothea. ‘Hywel was my friend.’

‘Then ask yourself this. Would he have wanted you to see him in that condition?’

The question made her pause. Doubts began to form in her mind. The girl brought a hand to her mouth as she searched for an answer. It was minutes before she turned back to Anne. There was a pleading note in her voice.

‘I have to know the truth.’

‘I fear that you already do,’ said Anne, gently.

‘What if it is not Hywel?’

‘How many young men have that scar on the nose that Nicholas described? He recognised it at once. We know that Hywel was discharged from Bridewell. There’s a record of that. Where did he go?’

‘If only I knew!’ exclaimed Dorothea.

‘From what you’ve told me about him, Hywel was loyal and loving.’

‘He was like a brother that I never had.’

‘Then he would never dream of leaving you,’ said Anne. ‘However long it took, he would have waited until you were let out as well. Is that not so?’

‘Yes. He swore he’d look after me.’

‘Only one thing would stop him from doing that, Dorothea.’

The girl stared unseeingly ahead of her as she tried to fend off the truth of what she had just heard. She clung to the hope that Hywel might still be alive but her grasp was slowly weakening. In the end, after a long interval, her body sagged as she accepted the fact that her friend must be dead. She turned to Anne.

‘I think that I’m ready to sleep now,’ she murmured.

Edmund Hoode was also ready to sleep but the arrival of Nicholas Bracewell helped him to shake off his drowsiness at once. He sat up in the bed with a smile of relief.

‘I feared that you’d forgotten me today.’

‘I could never do that,’ said Nicholas, lowering himself on to a chair beside the bed. ‘I remembered you in my prayers at church and I came as soon as I could.’

‘You must have had a busy day, then.’

‘It has kept me occupied, Edmund.’

Nicholas gave no details. Hoode was a sick man who should not be burdened with additional anxieties. If he told his friend about the investigation on which he had embarked, Nicholas knew that the softhearted playwright would worry incessantly about what became of Dorothea Tate. He was not strong enough to cope with such tidings.

‘Lawrence tells me that you were up and about this morning,’ said Nicholas.

‘Yes, Nick. I felt better than I had for a week or more.’

‘And now?’

‘I was fading badly when you came,’ said Hoode. ‘Doctor Zander warned me that the disease would ebb and flow like the sea.’ He laughed grimly. ‘Perhaps that is why I feel seasick most of the time.’

‘I think the time may have come to seek another opinion on your health.’

‘But that’s already been done. Doctor Rime examined me and was able to identify the malady. Two doctors are in agreement here, Nick. How many more do we need?’

‘Did either of them tell you how you first caught the disease?’

‘That remains a mystery, though Doctor Rime felt that it must have been caused by something that I ate. The poison got into my blood.’ His gaze switched to the papers on his table. ‘Did Lawrence talk to you about A Way to Content All Women?’

‘Yes,’ said Nicholas. ‘He mentioned that you might consider a co-author.’

‘Not willingly, I admit. I have my pride and would not easily share the credit for a play of mine with someone else. But these are unusual times,’ he went on. ‘Illness keeps me from lifting my pen and I know how much a new comedy is needed. That being the case, I listened to Michael’s offer.’

‘The notion came from him, then?’

‘Oh, yes. I’d not have thought of him at first. Other playwrights are much more well versed in the rules of comedy than Michael. But he was so persuasive, Nick. He said it would be an honour to work with me.’ Hoode chuckled quietly. ‘How the fellow has changed! When he first came to us, Michael Grammaticus was so shy that he could not even look us in the eye.’

‘Success has emboldened him, Edmund.’

‘I’ve half a mind to accept his offer.’

‘Hear my device first,’ suggested Nicholas. ‘Lawrence has given it his blessing so it needs only your approval. Before we engage Michael to finish the play, let him see what you have already written before adding a couple of new scenes to show us what he can do. That way, we do not commit ourselves too far too soon.’

‘I’ll happily agree to that,’ said Hoode, ‘on one condition.’

‘What’s that?’

‘My plays are my progeny, Nick. I do not like to let them out of my sight. If Michael would read the new comedy, he must do so here where I can watch him. Do not tell him to take it away with him.’

‘Nor will I,’ said Nicholas, crossing to the table and picking up the sheets of parchment. ‘You are right to guard your new child like a watchful parent.’ He looked down at the Prologue, written in Hoode’s neat hand. ‘You give advice that every man longs to hear — A Way to Content All Women.’

‘Lawrence boasted that he had already mastered the art.’

‘I beg leave to doubt that. I’ve seen him enrage Margery a dozen times.’

‘She’s a choleric woman, Nick, and it is not easy to calm her when she’s roused.’

‘Then the secret is not to rouse her in the first place.’

Hoode laughed. ‘You’ve hit the mark, Nick,’ he said. ‘That’s the very moral of my new comedy. Why do I need Michael Grammaticus? You should be my co-author.’

The first two people to enter the room that evening were Frank Quilter and James Ingram, the first hoping to repair his losses while the second intended to exploit his good fortune. Philomen Lavery gave them a warm welcome and poured each a glass of wine. The cards were waiting on the table but there was no sign of the Bible now. While the visitors took their seats, Adam Crowmere ambled into the room.

‘Do you come to join us?’ asked Lavery.

‘I’ll watch a little before I play,’ said the landlord. ‘After bearing such losses last night, I’ll be more cautious today. I want to study the cards first.’

‘A sensible decision.’

‘Do we play with the same pack as yesterday?’ said Ingram.

‘The very same.’

‘Then I do not need to hesitate. I know that my luck will hold.’

‘I pray that mine changes,’ said Quilter, feeling his purse.

‘You must not be allowed to rob us all again tonight, James. It’s my turn to play the pickpocket.’

‘Everyone at the table has the same chance to win,’ said Lavery, sitting opposite the two actors. ‘That’s the beauty of the game. It makes us all equal.’

‘Deal the cards,’ urged Ingram. ‘I want to savour another victory.’

‘And I,’ said Quilter, ruefully, ‘to get my revenge.’

The cards were dealt and the game began. Before it was over, however, there was a tap on the door and it opened to reveal another player. As the man walked slowly into the room, Lavery looked up in astonishment.

‘Come in, come in, sir!’ he said with delight. ‘This is a pleasant surprise!’

Henry Cleaton’s office was small, musty and filled with books, documents and piles of papers. His desk was covered with so much clutter that it was impossible to see a square inch of the wooden top. Before his visitor could sit down, Cleaton had to move some writs off the chair for him. He grinned at Nicholas Bracewell.

‘Take a weight off your feet,’ he said. ‘It’s a long walk from Bankside.’

‘I came to see if you’ve any news for me.’

‘Then you come upon your hour. I’ve been a true bloodhound, Nicholas.’

‘What have you learnt?’

‘Where both of the men live,’ he explained. ‘When I put my mind to it, I soon saw how easily it could be done. Joseph Beechcroft is a weaver and Ralph Olgrave a tailor. I sent my clerk to enquire at the Weaver’s Hall and he was given the address at once. The Merchant Tailors’ Hall likewise supplied Olgrave’s house and street.’

‘Did they surrender the information so willingly?’ asked Nicholas.

‘We had to put bait on the hook. My clerk pretended that each man had been mentioned in a will and was due an inheritance. That quickly loosened tongues.’

‘May I have the addresses?’

‘As soon as I can find them,’ said Cleaton, searching under the mounds of paper on his desk. ‘I wrote them down and put them somewhere safe.’

Nicholas was amused. ‘There’s nowhere safer, Master Cleaton. You are the only man in the world who could find what you wanted in here.’ Cleaton retrieved a few scrolls that fell from the desk and put them back again. ‘I’ll start with Joseph Beechcroft.’

‘He lives in Basinghall Street, not far from the Weaver’s Hall. Did you know that they are the oldest livery company in London? They received their first charter in 1155 and have a distinguished history.’

‘It’s a pity that Master Beechcroft did not uphold their high standards.’

‘Ah,’ said Cleaton, pulling out a scrap of parchment. ‘Here it is, Nicholas.’ He handed it over. ‘Be wary of the fellow. If he can talk his way into such an advantageous position in Bridewell, he’ll have a smooth tongue and a quick brain.’

‘All that I mean to do at this point is to sound him out.’

‘You’ll do that better without Owen Elias beside you. He tends to be bellicose.’

‘Celtic blood runs hot in his veins,’ said Nicholas with an affectionate smile. ‘Owen always prefers action over talk. The time will come when I need his strong arm and short temper.’

‘Let me know how you get on.’

‘I will, Master Cleaton. And thank you for all that you’ve done.’

‘You’ll need a lawyer again before you’ve finished, I daresay.’

‘I’ll know where to come.’

‘Meantime, I’ll make some more enquiries about Bridewell and see what I can find. I sniff a pungent scent here,’ said Cleaton, beaming. ‘My tail begins to wag.’

‘I’m glad to hear that you are sanguine.’

‘My optimism is tempered with hard fact. Hounds do not always catch the fox.’

‘Oh, we’ll catch this one,’ said Nicholas with quiet determination. ‘And his accomplice.’

Joseph Beechcroft was preening himself in a mirror when the servant brought him news of his visitor. Hearing that Nicholas Bracewell had come in the hope of discussing some aspect of Bridewell, the weaver agreed to see him. They met in the parlour, introduced themselves then weighed each other up. Nicholas was not invited to sit.

‘What business brings you here?’ asked Beechcroft. ‘I was just about to set off for Bridewell. If you’ve an interest in the place, you should have sought me there.’

‘I tried to do so,’ lied Nicholas, ‘but could not get past the gatekeeper.’

‘We discourage random visitors.’

‘I do not come by accident, Master Beechcroft. I have a purpose.’

‘Tell me what it is.’

For a man who had started as a humble weaver, Beechcroft had a lordly air. He wore a gaudy doublet of blue and red with gold thread looped across the breast. In his buff jerkin and plain hose, Nicholas presented a sharp contrast.

‘Well, sir,’ nudged Beechcroft, irritably. ‘I do not have all day.’

‘How many people do you have inside Bridewell?’ said Nicholas.

‘That’s private information.’

‘I wondered if you had so many that you did not know who they all were.’

‘I know the name of each and every one,’ asserted Beechcroft. ‘When someone works for me, I learn everything I can about them so that I can get the best out of them.’

‘You assign the labour inside Bridewell, then?’

‘What is it to you?’

‘I wondered if you or Master Olgrave was in charge.’

‘If you must know, we share the responsibility. Ralph and I are partners.’

‘I’m told that you run the place with some efficiency,’ said Nicholas with feigned admiration. ‘It was not always the case under your predecessors. They often failed. You must be good administrators.’

‘We are,’ boasted the other. ‘We know how to turn a profit. Is that why you’ve come to me, Master Bracewell? You wish to do some business with us?’

‘That depends on how good your word is.’

‘It’s my bond, sir.’

‘Tell me about one Hywel Rees,’ said Nicholas, watching him carefully.

Beechcroft started. ‘Who?’

‘One of the inmates at Bridewell.’

‘The name is unfamiliar to me.’

‘A minute ago, you claimed to know everyone inside the institution.’

‘Yes,’ said Beechcroft, recovering his composure. ‘And it’s true. We did have a young man by the name of Hywel Rees with us but we discharged him days ago.’

‘May I know the reason?’

‘No, sir. You may not.’

‘But I need to track him down,’ said Nicholas, recalling the ruse that was used by Henry Cleaton’s clerk. ‘I’ve news that will mend his fortunes. Hywel Rees — if he be the man I seek — has been left some money by an uncle back in Wales.’

‘Some money?’

‘A substantial sum. I’m not at liberty to reveal the amount but it would buy the young man out of Bridewell or out of any debtor’s prison. I heard that he had fallen on hard times and was convicted of vagrancy. There’s a record of that, and of the fact that he was sent to you for correction.’

‘No man was more in need of it!’ said Beechcroft under his breath.

‘What happened to him when he left your care?’

‘He disappeared into the crowd.’

‘I find that hard to believe, Master Beechcroft.’

‘Why is that?’

‘Because I understand that he was imprisoned with a friend,’ said Nicholas. ‘The two were arrested together and both were sent to you. Her name was Dorothea Tate. Do you remember her as well?’

‘Yes,’ replied Beechcroft. ‘She, too, was discharged recently.’

‘That seems odd, sir. When vagrants are committed to the workhouse, they expect to stay for some time. That’s what the court enjoins. Do you have the power to override a judicial decision and dispatch any inmate you choose?’

Beechcroft scowled. ‘Bridewell was not the right place for either of them.’

‘So you sent them on their way?’

‘Yes.’

‘Do you have any idea where Dorothea Tate may have gone?’

‘Back to the streets, I expect.’

‘That means you discharged a beggar so that she could return to begging. What is the point of that, Master Beechcroft?’

‘I’ll not be criticised in my own house,’ exploded the other, rounding on him. ‘Why have you come here and what do you really want?’

‘To learn the whereabouts of Hywel Rees. If you do not know where he is, it is possible that this girl does. Find her and we find the beneficiary of the will.’

‘You are wasting your time, sir.’

‘Am I?’

‘I do not know exactly where he went,’ said Beechcroft, ‘but I can tell you this about Hywel Rees. He’s not in London. Search as much as you like, you’ll not catch sight of him again. He went back to Wales and we were glad to see the back of him.’

‘I can see that you remember him very well.’

‘He was a rebel. A stubborn, awkward, noisy fellow. A thorn in our sides. My partner and I can usually break the spirit of such rogues but he was too wilful for his own good. Hywel Rees had to go.’

‘Back to Wales?’

‘That’s where he said that he was heading.’

‘Without his closest friend, Dorothea Tate?’

‘For all I know, the girl went with him. Good riddance to both of them!’

‘Was she another rebel?’

‘To some degree. Strict obedience is the rule inside Bridewell.’

‘That depends on what people are asked to obey,’ said Nicholas, levelly. ‘Why did she flout your authority, Master Beechcroft? Can you answer that?’

‘No!’ retorted the other, crossing to open the door. ‘I’ve answered too many of your questions, as it is. Hywel Rees is no longer in London, I can assure you of that, so you look in vain.’ He pointed to the door. ‘Good day to you!’

‘Thank you for your help,’ said Nicholas with the faintest hint of sarcasm. ‘You’ve explained a lot to me. And as you say, your word is your bond. I can see now why Bridewell is in such safe hands.’ He crossed to the door. ‘Oh,’ he added, pausing beside the man. ‘You tell me that Hywel Rees went back to Wales.’

‘I’m certain of it.’

‘How would he get there? Do you think he might try to swim?’

Joseph Beechcroft turned pale and his mouth fell open. Nicholas had what he wanted. Before the other man could even speak, the visitor swept out of the house and left him in turmoil.