‘I happened to hear something that would interest you and I thought I would pass it on, as you have so kindly loaned me the money to extend my dairy.’
‘Very well. What did you hear?’
‘David Shoveller, the one they call Spade, is setting up a Kingsbridge branch of the London Corresponding Society.’
That really was interesting information. ‘Is he, by the devil!’
Hornbeam hated Spade. He had frustrated Hornbeam’s long-cherished plan to take over the business owned by ObadiahBarrowfield and inherited by Amos. The loan Spade had organized for Amos had thwarted Hornbeam and his work had been wasted.
Nash went on: ‘And you being the chairman of the Reeves Society...’
‘Yes, of course.’ The Reeves Societies had been set up by the government in opposition to the London Corresponding Society. The Kingsbridge Reeves Society had held a few lacklustre meetings and petered out, but Hornbeam still had a useful list of right-thinking men who opposed radicalism. ‘Who else is involved in this new group?’
‘Jarge Box, a weaver. Also Sal Clitheroe, who operates a spinning jenny for Amos Barrowfield. Even though she’s only a woman they listen to her.’
Such people maddened Hornbeam. ‘They just want to drag us all down into the gutter with them,’ he said bitterly. ‘We’ll stamp out these troublemakers like the vermin they are. Spade will be hanged for treason.’
Nash looked taken aback by Hornbeam’s vehemence. He said: ‘But they were saying that the London men were found not guilty.’
‘Weakness, weakness. That’s what allows this kind of thing to flourish. But London is London. This is Kingsbridge.’
‘Yes, sir.’
‘Keep an eye on this for me, Nash, would you?’
‘I could do, sir. They asked me to be on their committee.’
‘Did you agree?’
‘I said I’d think about it.’
‘Join the committee. That way you’ll know everything.’
‘Very good, sir.’
‘And you’ll report everything to me.’
‘I’ll be happy to oblige you.’
‘We’ll teach them a lesson.’
‘Yes, sir. May I mention another matter?’
Hornbeam had guessed Nash would want something. There was always a quid pro quo. ‘Go ahead.’
‘Business is bad, what with the war taxes and the price of food and so many hands not finding enough work.’
‘I know. It’s bad for me, too.’ This was not true. Hornbeam was profiting from army contracts. But it was his policy never to admit to doing well.
‘If I could miss my next quarterly payment it would be a big help.’
‘A postponement.’
‘Yes, sir. I’ll pay it all off eventually, of course.’
‘You certainly will. But you have my permission to skip the next instalment.’
‘Thank you, sir.’ Nash touched his cap.
