CHAPTER EIGHTEEN
Doctor Polidori sat with Master Aldridge before his parlor fireplace in 38 Great Pulteney Street. Aldridge, a resident of Bath, was a refined young man, Polidori had learned, known and pursued by the mothers of all the available daughters in Somerset County. He’d much to offer, and Polidori assumed a Somerset maiden might yet secure his fortune. But not the totality of his heart, of that he was certain. Both men puffed on cigars and picked at a tray of cold meats and well-larded bread. Officer Hamilton stood by the mantle with his ledger.
“Master Fairbank and I were first introduced at The Punchbowl late last year.”
“By whom?” Hamilton said.
“A mutual acquaintance, also a Fairbank in name. Possibly an elderly uncle, but other than the fact he plays poorly at cards I kn
