title: The Absolute Truth And Other Uncertainties: A Remembrance
author: Fairfield Goodale
description: Fairfield Goodale left Harvard to become a World War II fighter pilot. After being trained as a physician, he researched fever and atherosclerosis. As medical school dean, he pioneered innovative medical curricula. Goodale is married with five children and fifteen grandchildren and lives in California.
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  For my dad, with whom I was only fortunate enough to spend 16 years.
  
  And for my stepdad, with whom I spent almost twice as much time.
  
  I miss you both.
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  Chapter One
  
  ![](images/00001.jpg)
  
  London, May 1816
  
  “I haven’t heard a word about your sudden misfortune regarding your shipping
  venture.”
  
  Edward Bishop, ninth Earl of Sutton, peered at his aunt, Mrs. Susannah
  Greville, who stood behind him near the partially open door of the ballroom.
  Outside, rain pattered against the veranda, and a cool breeze rustled his
  hair.
  
  “Excellent,” he said. The report was an utter fabrication, its point to
  discern whether certain people—namely the young woman he was contemplating
  marrying—would share the information after being told in confidence.
  Apparently, she hadn’t, which was to her credit. “You’ve made sure?”
  
  Aunt Susannah nodded primly. “Of course. I’m nothing if not well connected, my
  boy. That is entirely the point of this enterprise, is it not? If I can’t
  ascertain w