Chapter 2Later that week, Mistress Cecily asked Gregory to call into the spice merchant’s for almonds, green ginger, and sultanas to add to the household stores. It was with a sense of pleasant expectation that he entered the fragrant surroundings, expecting to encounter the usual dismissive nod of the merchant before encountering the charms of his assistant.
But today Master Crossley was preoccupied. He was facing the apprentice’s table, blocking Gregory’s view, talking quietly and sternly. He only turned when Gregory approached him, and his expression was uncharacteristically harried.
When Gregory asked for the supplies, he expected the merchant to direct his assistant to deal with him as usual. Instead, Master Crossley glanced over his shoulder before snapping, “Not like that!”
As he
