Passing as Elias - By Kate Bloomfield Page 0,1

Professor de Bard.’ The man said, stepping over the threshold, and allowing the door to swing shut behind him, with another tinkle of the bell. ‘I trust you are in good health?’

‘Naturally, naturally.’ Bernard said, patting his round protruding belly with a smile, ‘Nothing ails me that a quick brew will not fix.’

‘Most excellent.’ Master Larson took a step toward the counter and laid his eyes upon Elizabeth. He seemed to recognize her as the one who had showered him in pebbles not minutes before. ‘But I do not believe we have been introduced.’ He removed his hat and gave a nod in Elizabeth’s direction.

‘Ah, this is Elizabeth Searson, my apprentice.’ Professor de Bard explained quickly, waving a hand in Elizabeth’s direction. Elizabeth smiled politely.

‘Do you not mean assistant, Professor?’ Said Master Larson without a hint of a greeting towards Elizabeth.

‘No, Master Larson.’ Elizabeth piped up, ‘I have been studying under the Professor for three years, Sir. Another two years and I shall be a qualified Apothecary.’ She smiled toothily, hoping to receive one in return.

‘A woman?’ Master Larson narrowed his eyes and turned his attention back to Professor de Bard, ‘A female become a qualified apothecary? Nonsense Professor.’ He gave a chortle, ‘You can not expect someone of the female gender to fully comprehend the science of medicine, surely.’

Elizabeth’s smile faltered momentarily, but she recovered swiftly, ‘Some would believe a woman’s brain is as large as a man’s, Master Larson.’ She folded her arms across her chest.

Professor de Bard cleared his throat loudly, and put a hand upon Elizabeth’s shoulder, ‘I have had many apprentices in my time, Master Larson.’ He said with a small squeeze to her shoulder, ‘I think you will find Miss Searson as capable as any man, I assure you. She is one of the most skilled apprentices I have had the pleasure of teaching. She has demonstrated her skills well, I think you will find, in the elixir you have commissioned from us.’

‘I do apologize, Professor de Bard, but I was under the impression that a professional would be handling the matters I put forth to your business, and not a woman who fancies herself as clever as a man.’ Larson said coldly. ‘Never mind the fact that I expressly forbade anyone knowing of this purchase, apart from you and I. If I were so careless as to who knew of my commissions, then I would not have come to collect my elixir personally. I might have had a servant collect it for me.’

‘Your potion will not disappoint you, Master Larson, I guarantee it.’ Elizabeth said hurriedly, ‘and I will not tell anyone, Sir. Honest.’

‘We shall see.’ Larson said taking another step towards the counter and rummaging in his pockets, ‘however, do not expect me to pay full price for the work of a woman who speaks so commonly. You will receive a fraction of the payment you requested Professor, and not a penny more.’ He shook some silver pieces onto his palm and dropped them onto the counter.

Elizabeth looked down upon the coins, and spoke not a word more. Her heart thudded angrily upon her rib cage, yet she dare not speak rudely to Master Larson for he was a very rich, and powerful man.

Professor de Bard handed Larson a small leather pouch, which chinked merrily. It contained six tiny vials, each containing a liquid of different colour.

‘Now, please, Master Larson, the instructions are inside the pouch. You must mix each component in the correct order.’

‘Yes, yes. ‘ Larson did not bother to inspect the quality of the elixirs, but snatched it from Professor de Bard. ‘I will return if I am not satisfied. If you do not hear from me until the month is over, count yourself lucky. Or perhaps her concoction has killed me.’ And he swept from the room, his cloak whipping through the doorway.

As Larson marched up the street, Elizabeth closed her eyes and prayed for control over her temper.

‘Do not fret, my dear.’ The Professor said as he stacked the papers upon the counter, ‘He shall not be back until he is due for his next dose within a months time.’

‘What if he returns to spite me?’ Elizabeth grumbled, picking at a loose thread.

‘He shall not. Your concoction was of excellent quality. He would not be able to tell the difference if I brewed it myself.’

Elizabeth smiled at the compliment and looked upon her Professor, ‘What will I do when I complete my apprenticeship, Professor?’

‘What do you mean?