‘Where would you get the yarn? I hear there’s a shortage.’
Amos was surprised that Will was so well informed. ‘I have a special source,’ he said. It was almost the truth: the spinning jenny would be delivered any day now.
‘What source?’
‘I can’t reveal that.’
A waiter brought the beer and stood waiting. Will looked at Amos, and Amos realized he was expected to pay. He took some coins from his purse and gave them to the man.
Will took a long draught of the dark beer, sighed with satisfaction, and said: ‘Suppose the militia needed a hundred sergeants’ uniforms.’
‘You’d need two hundred yards of lac-dyed broadcloth at oneshilling and three pence, so that would cost you twelve pounds and ten shillings. If you place the order with me right now you could have it for twelve pounds flat. I’m giving away far too much, but I know you’ll be so happy with the cloth that you’ll order more.’ Amos sipped his beer to hide his tension.
‘That sounds good,’ Will said.
‘I’m glad.’ Amos was surprised as well as pleased. He had not expected it to be so easy to sell to Will. And although this was not a huge order, it could be just the beginning. ‘I’ll go home and write an invoice now and bring it to you to sign in a few minutes’ time.’
‘All right.’
‘Thank you,’ said Amos. He lifted his tankard and held it for Will to clink, a gesture that symbolized an agreement. They both drank.
‘One more thing,’ said Will. ‘Make out the invoice for fourteen pounds.’
Amos did not understand. ‘But the price is twelve.’
‘And twelve is what I’ll pay you.’
‘So how can I invoice you for fourteen?’
‘It’s the way we do things in the army.’
Suddenly Amos understood. ‘You’ll tell the army the price was fourteen pounds, you’ll pay me twelve, and you’ll keep two for yourself.’
Will did not deny it.
Amos said indignantly: ‘It’s a bribe!’
‘Keep your voice down!’ Will looked around, but there was no one nearby. ‘Use your discretion, you fool.’
‘But this is dishonesty!’
‘What’s the matter with you? It’s how business is done. How naive can you be?’
For a moment Amos wondered whether Will was telling the truth, and all such deals involved bribery. Perhaps this was one of the things his father had not told him. Then he recalled how many Kingsbridgeclothiers were Methodists, and he felt sure they would not be guilty of corruption. He said: ‘I will not issue a false invoice.’
‘In that case you don’t get the order.’
‘You think you’ll find a clothier willing to bribe you?’
‘I know I will.’
Amos shook his head. ‘Well, it’s not how Methodists do business.’
‘More fool you,’ Will said, and he emptied his tankard.
10
WILLRIDDICK RETURNED TOBadford the day before Kit’s six-week confinement in bed came to an end.
