Death and the Black Pyramid by Deryn Lake Page A

his clothes.
    Having breakfasted alone he went back to the bedroom to find the Marchesa awake but looking slightly pale.
    â€˜How are you today, Madam?’ he asked, and kissed her hand.
    â€˜To be perfectly honest I feel a little unwell. I think I shall stay here awhile.’
    â€˜I told you yesterday you looked tired.’
    â€˜And I told you that I will not be nursemaided.’
    John looked at Elizabeth very seriously. ‘You do want to carry this baby to term, don’t you?’
    She gave him a beautiful smile and instantly seemed young and fresh again. ‘Of course I do. I longed for another child when my son died and now to have one by an attractive and clever man is more than I could have hoped for.’
    â€˜Then take the pregnancy with care, sweetheart. Allow me to go to an apothecary in Exeter and get you some physic.’
    She took his hand. ‘I am sorry if I sounded ungracious just now – and yesterday as well. It is just that I cannot bear fuss. But you are right. I am old indeed to be having a child and I must take that into consideration. I will do as you say, Apothecary, and rest.’
    John thought that he had never known her so compliant and decided to utilize his advantage. Leaning over, he kissed her.
    â€˜I will order the servants to bring you your breakfast in bed. And I shall go into Exeter if I may borrow one of your horses.’
    She burst out laughing. ‘I knew there was method in your madness. Choose any beast you like. By the way your hired mount has been returned by one of my grooms.’
    â€˜Thank you for that. I won’t be long,’ he said, heading for the door.
    â€˜And you ought to pay your respects to Sir Clovelly Lovell while you are in town.’
    â€˜I shall make a point of it.’
    â€˜And you are to give him my kindest regards.’
    â€˜Of course.’
    A quarter of an hour later and he was in the saddle and heading for Exeter at a brisk trot, wondering just how best to organize what seemed like a very busy time ahead. He decided to leave his visit to Sir Clovelly till last and to make his pursuit of the Constable his first priority. But as fate would have it his entire plan had to be shelved because on entering Exeter one of the first things John saw was a hand bill advertising a prizefight between Gentleman Jack McAra and the Black Pyramid. Fascinated, he drew nearer and saw that the bout was to take place that very afternoon. Knowing instantly who would love to accompany him, John turned his horse in the direction of The Close and the home of that dear little fat man of whom the Apothecary had grown extremely fond over the years.
    He found Sir Clovelly at home, sitting in his garden in the September sunshine and partaking of a little cordial and some sweetmeats. He looked up as John was shown in by a servant, his face registering anger at being disturbed, followed by a quick rush of recognition and joy.
    â€˜My dear boy,’ he said, attempting to struggle to his feet, an attempt that John quickly stopped. ‘I cannot believe my eyes. What are you doing here? What an incredibly pleasant surprise.’
    John bowed with deference. ‘As it is for me, Sir. And to answer your question, I am here visting the Marchesa but made it one of my first priorities to call on you.’
    â€˜And how delighted I am that you did so. Sit down, John, and have a sherry, do. I do not receive company as often as I once used.’
    The apothecary’s heart bled for him as he saw a lonely old man peering out of his fat, jolly face.
    â€˜I was wondering if you would accompany me to a prizefight this afternoon, Sir,’ he said, making his voice sound excessively cheerful. ‘Truth to tell I am on my own and would be honoured if you would consider accompanying me.’
    Sir Clovelly visibly perked up. ‘A fight, eh? I love a good mill. When is it to take place?’
    â€˜At two o’clock.’
    â€˜Ah, just