An Unlamented Death: A Mystery Set in Georgian England (Mysteries of Georgian Norfolk Book 1) by William Savage Page B

your acquaintance. Perhaps a few lessons from a man such as you may even train him in a greater degree of politeness to his servants.’
    It slowly dawned on Adam that both were having fun at his expense, though he had to own that he deserved it. ‘I will speak to Molly myself later and endeavour to convince her that I mean her no harm. To be fair, I was deep in a most interesting letter when she came in and was thinking only of what it contained. Still, I own my fault and am ready to make amends. The compliments from our good friend here should go far to smooth ruffled feathers. Later, I will also submit meekly to your scolding, Mrs. Brigstone, as indeed I should. But let us not burden Capt. Mimms with my deficiencies as a master, many though they be. Will you take supper with us, sir? Better still, will you stay here tonight and continue to Holt in the morning?’
    ‘I will take supper with you gladly, for I hope thus to know you better,’ Capt. Mimms replied. ‘Yet I am not so lacking in decency as to descend unannounced and expect to find a bed prepared. No, my good sir, I will stay tonight at The Black Boys Inn in the Market Place. Indeed, I have already left my chaise and horse with the stableboy there. I have also taken the precaution of securing a room.’
    He turn once more to Mrs. Brigstone. ‘Thank you for bringing me refreshment, Mrs. Brigstone. You also reveal the robust good sense of Norfolk people, mixed with the kindness I have always received from them.’
    Mrs. Brigstone blushed at his words. ‘I see you know how to charm, sir,’ she said. ‘When you were a mariner, I am sure you lacked for no female company in any port of the world.’
    ‘Ah,’ Capt. Mimms said, ‘that was long ago, when I was a strapping lad out to taste whatever pleasures the world might offer me. Then I found a true and loving wife in Antwerp, brought her to Yarmouth, and forgot my roving ways. Alas, she is dead these ten years and I miss her as sorely as I ever did. But come, doctor, let us speak of happier things, for I came here for more than the pleasure of your company. I bring you news that has much bearing on the death of the Archdeacon of Norwich.’
    ‘Then I will leave you to talk of that, masters.’ Mrs. Brigstone said. And, with that, she left them.
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    A dam was usually the most patient of listeners. Today though his excitement at having someone before him to whom he could relate the taking of the smugglers at Gressington and the arrest of Garnet was too much for him. Before Capt. Mimms could open his mouth to relay his news, Adam began to explain what he had heard of the events of May. His guest smiled and held up a hand to stop him. ‘Nay, sir. I know all about that news. Even now, Garnet is held in the castle at Norwich, awaiting transfer to London and trial before a judge at the Old Bailey. His passenger on that night is not with him though. None that I have spoken with are sure where he may be, but I do not doubt he too is held securely somewhere. War with France is coming again, I fear, which will be a sad blow for our trade.’
    ‘Will Constable Garnet hang, do you think?’ Adam asked.
    ‘Most assuredly,’ Capt. Mimms replied. ‘You do not kill an officer of the crown – one victim is dead, another sore wounded – and walk away from the noose. Death may indeed come as a relief to the wretch, for I fear the authorities will have pressed him hard for as much information as they can. Now, my friend, let us speak no more of what is old news, for you will not have heard what I have to tell you.
    ‘Since we met last, I have made it my business to visit many of my friends, acquaintances and business contacts in Yarmouth. It is no hardship, for most keep an excellent table and wine cellar. Besides, I assure myself that maintaining such acquaintance is sound business. I try to refrain from interfering in the way my sons manage our trade, but I can see no harm in helping them where I can. As you will