Chapter 11
By the time Duncan returned to the Neptune, his best clothes had been aired and pressed. When she learned he had not eaten, Mrs. Laws insisted on serving Duncan a plate of collops, then tried unsuccessfully to convince him to have Sinner John accompany him when he said he was going to explore the grand buildings along the Mall. To his dismay, however, the innkeeper was standing at the front door, arms akimbo, when he finally descended from his room.
“What’s the bulky package?” she asked suspiciously, nodding to the bundle under his arm.
“Just an old pair of shoes in need of repair,” he answered. “I saw a cobbler on the square.” He felt guilty about speaking falsely, but she gave him no choice. His mission was not one he would share. Before she could reply, he offered a quick
