The apothecary’s errand

An original fiction passage set in the nineteenth century.

Mr Lyle remained behind the counter while Edmund searched the dim back room. On the highest shelf stood the stone mortar his master had sent him to fetch. Edmund carried it carefully towards the doorway. Before he reached the curtain, Mr Lyle called that he also required the blue bottle beside the scales. Edmund noticed a sealed jar near it, but the label showed that it belonged to another customer.