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‘The archdeacon was an important man in the church. Did his death not warrant the fullest possible investigation?’
    ‘Indeed it did, sir,’ Capt. Mimms said. ‘Yet someone with authority and power was able to make things otherwise. It was not our Mr. Harmsworthy, you can be sure. He was under orders like the rest. Indeed, I would venture that someone noted your curiosity and told him to quiet you forthwith. I wonder…’
    For several moments the old man was silent. Adam was moved by the way he offered his support, without suggesting Adam might need it. He was soon to be amazed at the man’s sharpness of eye and wit.
    ‘I believe that I pointed the bishop’s chaplain out to you, Dr. Bascom,’ Capt. Mimms said. Adam nodded in agreement.
    ‘There was a gentleman close by his side, I observed. A well-dressed man of some breeding and substance. Yet he is not from these parts, for I know every person of quality this side of Norwich by sight, and not a few from much further afield. Nor was he a churchman, by the fashionable cut of his clothes. No…he came from London in my view.’
    ‘Then he must have come in uncommon haste,’ Adam said. ‘This inquest has been held but one day beyond the time specified by law. That might easily be explained by the need to move it to a neighbouring town where more people could be accommodated.’
    ‘Yet was that the sole reason?’ Capt. Mimms said. ‘The room at The White Lion was full enough, I give you, but not packed out. What if that was but a convenient excuse to allow someone to arrive from London to observe – even to direct – the proceedings?’
    ‘Perhaps we are allowing our imaginings too much freedom, sir,’ Adam said. ‘I own that I felt the inquest was conducted in a superficial manner. I was also annoyed that my curiosity on certain matters was so brusquely dismissed. Still, I have never attended a coroner’s hearing before and may well be expecting what would not be usual.’
    ‘No, sir,’ Capt. Mimms said. ‘I have attended more than one such – old men have time on their hands. Many say I have also more curiosity about what goes on around me than is perhaps becoming. I tell you it was rigged…rigged most firmly. By why – and by whom – I can scarce even guess.’
    ‘Nor I,’ Adam said, but his host continued as if he had not spoken.
    ‘Now, my friend, set your mind at rest. George Mimms is not to be trifled with in this way. He is not a fool, even if some think it so. They see only an old man and do not consider what it took to rise from cabin boy to captain, then a ship-owner and finally a successful merchant. I shall find the truth. Like you, I am filled with curiosity about this event. I will not rest easy until I have answers in place of questions.’ He paused and grinned at Adam. ‘Henry Harmsworthy, J.P. might have warned you off, sir, but nothing has been said to me on that score. Ah, here is food. Eat, my friend, eat, for you have a weary journey ahead. Do not let your mind be troubled, for I shall have my answers – and you shall know them too. Return to your surgery and your practice and leave all to me. Only, I pray you, be so good in return to apprise me of anything else that may come to your ears. For I hope to see you in my house again, sir, and that I may count you a friend, as you may indeed count me.’
    ‘A friend indeed,’ Adam said, ‘and one much in your debt for both food and company. You have restored my spirits most wonderfully. You have my promise that I will keep you abreast of whatever further information comes my way. Besides, I will certainly visit you again, when it is convenient to us both.’
    With that, they went to an excellent table, to which they both did ample justice. Thus it was that when Adam set out on his way home, he found he had eaten far more than was comfortable for a man on horseback.

6
    Peter Lassimer, Apothecary
Thursday, 20 April 1792, Aylsham, Norfolk
    A dam had spent the past few days