The Blackthorn Key

Christopher makes more burn cream for Master Benedict before he and Tom go up to the roof. Later, Tom goes home, and Christopher falls asleep. He wakes at six, preparing the shop for opening. There is no answer when he calls at Master Benedict's door, and he goes in to check on his master, who is not there. No neighbors have seen him, and Christopher starts to worry. In the street, Margaret Willis, Baron Cobley's servant, calls to Christopher. She needs a refill of an emetic, so Christopher takes her inside to get it, then writes up the account in the leger. More customers come in for Christopher to serve. Finally, Master Benedict comes back.

While serving a customer, Master Benedict notices something outside that disturbs him. He calls angrily to Christopher, who joins him at the counter. Master Benedict is angry that Christopher did not collect Baron Cobley's account and strikes Christopher's jaw. He gives Christopher coins and sends him to the Exchange for natron, as well as on several other errands. Christopher goes, stunned that Master Benedict would hit him. Not only is this unlike Master Benedict, but he is also sure that Master Benedict never asked him to collect the account.