Passing as Elias Read Free Page A

from a stint at sea, he comes to the apothecary the very next day?”
    “Of course,” she scoffed, “to stock up on supplies for his crew.”
    “Aye,” the Professor nodded, “among other things.”
    “What is that supposed to mean, Professor?” she asked as she eyed him shrewdly.
    Professor de Bard threw his hands in the air defensively,  “I suspect the Captain is, uh, searching for a reason to stay on land.” He looked at her meaningfully, his thick white eyebrows raised so high they were in danger of being lost in his flyaway hair.
    “Please, Professor,” Elizabeth rolled her eyes and chortled, “Captain Greenwood has his pick of the litter, I can assure you of that.”
    “But who better to pick?” Professor de Bard exclaimed with a clap.
    Elizabeth sighed, “Regardless of his intentions, Professor, I dare say escorting me to a dank Inn full of drunken idiots is no way to charm a lady. I assure you, the Captain is searching for the company of a woman to last him only one night. I dare say he will find what he is looking for among the other wenches at the Inn,” she finished rather heatedly. Professor de Bard did not bring the topic of Captain Greenwood up for the rest of the afternoon.
    When the sixth hour came to pass, Elizabeth found herself up to her neck in work. The Professor had said that he had important business to attend to at home, and left her the keys to the apothecary. He had never done this before, and Elizabeth found it quite daunting.
    “Are you not you going to check the potion once I am done, sir?”
    “I am sure it will be fine, Betty,” Professor de Bard said as he pulled on his coat, “I really must attend to the business I have at home.”
    “But … but you always check,” Elizabeth said looking down at the mortar and pestle she was currently using to crush herbs.
    “You have the medical books in front of you, do you not?”
    “Well, yes.” Elizabeth frowned at the medical book propped open before her, “But what if I need your help?”
    He looked at Elizabeth in exasperation,  “I am sure you will manage for one night,” he said as he grabbed her hand and pressed the keys into her palm. Elizabeth closed her fingers around the heavy brass key, and looked up at him.
    “What do you need to do that is so important?” Elizabeth enquired.
    Professor de Bard ignored this question, “Just lock up when you are done, and do not forget to bring the key on the morrow. Do not keep me waiting. It is the only key I have.” And without another word he stomped from the laboratory. Elizabeth stared after him, and heard the doorbell tinkle as he left the shop.
    Elizabeth had never been alone at the apothecary before. Mayhap this newfound trust was a sign that the Professor was prepared to give Elizabeth greater responsibilities. 
    Several hours passed without any problems, and Elizabeth managed to complete a large amount of medicines. She found that she was much more relaxed when working alone, yet she was not sure she enjoyed the solitude very much. The model skeleton that was hanging in the corner of the laboratory seemed to be staring her down. Elizabeth gave herself a little shake and focused on the powder she was sifting through, a searce. Her attention waned, and her eyes burned with fatigue. Heaving a sigh, Elizabeth stood and stretched, with a huge yawn. Perhaps tonight she would allow herself a small early mark. Usually she would leave at ten o’clock, but since the Professor was not around, she was sure he would not mind if she left a little early.
    Packing away her supplies and instruments, Elizabeth cleaned her work surface, and put out the oil lamps. Grabbing her bonnet and the key, Elizabeth left the apothecary, locking the door securely behind her.  Often, Professor de Bard would walk Elizabeth to the intersection up the way, where their paths home went in opposite directions. She did prefer this, because the drunken men at the Inn were less likely to call out to