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“Two coats and breeches,” Nicole corrected as she cast Oliver a sidelong glance “Don’t think for a e”
The hackney jerked to a stop in Swan Walk, outside the tall gates leading to the Chelsea Physic Garden Rose climbed down to the pave the ribbons and charging off in search of his next fare
She tugged on the cravat, tied so tightly she had e fros padded the hessian boots to account for theth of rope tied around her waist worked to keep her breeches up
There were few houses in this part of town, and although the quiet street was untouched by the hustle and bustle of city life, the stench of the river hung in the air as a constant reminder
“Ere, sir” A boy pushed away fro over, his faded top hat balanced precariously on his head “Would you be the gent looking for a cure to end all sickness?” He waved his walking cane at the iron gate like the men who stand outside tents at the fair and lure you in with a proht from the Orient
Rose cast hie know about it?” Oh, heavens, her voice sounded croaky rather than manly
“I know if you’ve had the pox for a month likely it won’t kill you I know not to eat stew froernails”
Despite the grave nature of her situation, Rose couldn’t help but sarden is a treasure-trove for an apothecary eager to learn more about medicinal plants”
“It is if you’ve got the key” The boy winked
Rose peered through the iron bars at the e not the slightest interest insex, she’d had no cause to venture to the garden before
“The apothecaries and their apprentices have been and done their daily scribbling” The boy pushed the rim of his shabby hat up with the tip of his cane “Soot the funds and the curator’s got ga debts to pay”
“I see” A sense of trepidation washed over her
The boy stepped forward and unlocked the gate “I’m to see the book before I let you inside Master’s orders”
Rose reached into the pocket of her coat and ren to say he wanted to look inside She showed hies of names, and he nodded as if it were an entrance ticket to a one-time show
“Do you always do what your master tells you?” Loyalty was often decided by whoever offered the biggest bribe