question, ‘Just lock up when you are done, and do not forget to bring the key on the morrow. Do not keep me waiting. It is the only key I have.’ And without another word he stumped from the laboratory. Elizabeth stared after him, and heard the doorbell tinkle as he left the shop.
Elizabeth had never been alone at the apothecary before. Mayhap this newfound trust was a sign that the Professor was prepared to give Elizabeth greater responsibilities.
Several hours passed without any problems, and Elizabeth managed to complete a large amount of medicines. She found that she was much more relaxed when working alone, yet she was not sure she enjoyed the solitude very much. The model skeleton that was hanging in the corner of the laboratory seemed to be staring her down. Elizabeth gave herself a little shake and focused upon the powder she was sifting through a searce. Her attention waned, and her eyes burned with tiredness. Heaving a sigh, Elizabeth stood and stretched with a huge yawn. Perhaps tonight she would allow herself a small early mark. Usually she would leave at ten o’clock, but since the Professor was not around, she was sure he would not mind if she left a little early.
Packing away her supplies and instruments, Elizabeth cleaned her work surface, and put out the oil lamps. Grabbing her bonnet, and the key, Elizabeth left the apothecary, locking the door securely behind her. Often, Professor de Bard would walk Elizabeth to the intersection up the way, where their paths home went in opposite directions. She did prefer this, because the drunken men at the Inn were less likely to call out to her whilst she was with a gentleman.
Elizabeth walked swiftly up Eastmoreland place, and turned onto Baggot Street. Her heeled boots clicked and clacked noisily upon the pavement, and in the distance she heard the drunken laughter of rowdy men. Elizabeth always made sure she was on the opposite side of the road when passing the Inn. The glow of the pub loomed into view, and music reached her ears. The singing was indistinguishable, but Elizabeth recognized the tune as a popular drinking song. After a sideways glance Elizabeth noticed that the men inside were all wearing uniforms.
‘Sailors.’ Elizabeth muttered under her breath. Back from their stint at sea, she presumed. What a life, she thought mildly. They were allowed freedom once their work was done. Elizabeth however, would never be free because she was a woman, and lacked the liberty that came with being a man. She wondered if her mother would pester her this week about finding a man. Why bother, she thought savagely, I might as well be dead if I get married. She would lose what little rights she had left as a woman. No husband would allow her to work for it would be her duty to bear children, and maintain a household. Her mothers voice penetrated her thoughts. ‘It is not about rights, or love, Elizabeth. Marriage is about social status, benefits, and security!’
Elizabeth was roused from her thoughts by the sound of her name being called. She turned to face the Inn, which she had passed several steps ago, and saw the figure of a man crossing the road towards her.
‘Miss Searson!’ The man called, slowing to a walk as he reached her side of the pavement. He passed under a lamp, which illuminated his face, and Elizabeth was relieved to see that it was Captain Greenwood.
‘You do have a knack for frightening me, Captain.’ Elizabeth put a hand to her heart, ‘I thought you were a drunken sailor come to leer at me!’
‘Only a regular sailor.’ He gave a small bow of apology; ‘I have been keeping an eye out for you.’ He added.
Elizabeth pursed her lips, ‘for me? Why on earth for?’
The Captain’s cheeks reddened, or perhaps he was just rosy from the intake of alcohol, ‘I thought I might ask, well, if it was all right to walk you home?’
Elizabeth felt herself growing hot, ‘Oh, no, really.’ She waved a hand dismissively, ‘Do not trouble yourself.’
‘I insist,’ Captain Greenwood took another step towards her, ‘It is quite dangerous at this time of night. It really is no time for a lady to be out and about.’
‘Oh, well, thank you Captain. That is very kind of you.’ Elizabeth said turning on the spot as Captain Greenwood fell in step beside her.
He talked casually to her as they walked, his hands behind his back.