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Lady Edgeworth will find nothing to cavil at in my appearance,’ Kate consoled herself, picking up her parasol.
    The knowledge that her friend’s talented fingers had been able to exactly recreate Kitty’s modest style boosted Kate’s confidence as she stepped out across the flag-way. Mary, clad once more in her respectable black bombazine, took up a correct position a few paces to the rear and, declining the services of a pair of idle chairmen, they set off on the short walk to Abbey Square.
    Armed with comprehensive instructions from the landlady of the Hop-Pole, they made their way down the street and passed inside the well-kept city wall.
    Eastgate Street was crowded. Kate looked about her with interest, her attention caught by her first proper sight of the famous Chester Rows. Yesterday’s travels had afforded them nothing more than a brief glimpse of the town, which she had never had the opportunity to visit before, but she had already heard of these unique two-tiered streets.
    Continuous covered walkways had been built into the ancient buildings at first floor level and Kate noted that at intervals steps had been provided to allow access. There were shops on both levels of the Rows, but those on the upper gallery seemed to house a better quality of merchandise.
    ‘It must be pleasant to be able to go shopping and stay sheltered from any bad weather,’ she remarked to Mary.
    ‘Aye, but I expect those shopkeepers charge higher prices,’ Mary answered.
    In addition to these shops, stalls selling butter, poultry and cheese had been set up on the uneven cobbles of the street and a great number of wagons and carts were struggling to pass along the busy thoroughfare. Kate began to look for the short-cut mentioned by their landlady, but the thronging crowd made the task difficult.
    ‘Watch out!’
    Mary let out a warning and Kate narrowly avoided stepping into the mucky kennel running down the street as she dodged a heavily-laden basket wielded by a busy housewife.
    ‘Perhaps I should have taken a chair,’ Kate commented wryly, inspecting her skirts for damage.
    Luckily, the white muslin was not splashed and they walked on.
    ‘I think this is the place,’ Kate announced a moment later and they proceeded to climb up the steps that led to the entrance of Godstall Lane.
    This narrow passageway led towards the Abbey and Kate was glad to find it quiet, if somewhat gloomy.
    ‘I shouldn’t fancy coming down here at night.’ Mary gave a shudder.
    Kate instantly understood her meaning. Although picturesque, this ancient lane, like the Rows themselves, must be shadowy and dark after sunset. A perfect backdrop for danger and violence!
    Nearing the end of the lane, they spotted the decaying bulk of the Abbey.
    ‘‘Tis a pity to see a great church going to ruin,’ Mary commented as they drew closer.
    Kate agreed. ‘If there is money enough to ensure the Wall is fit for use as a promenade you would think the good citizens could spare a few coppers to keep St Werburgh’s in decent repair.’
    An astringent smile touched her lips for an instant.
    ‘I hear they don’t stint themselves when it comes to secular pleasures. Ned says all the leading actors from Garrick onwards have played here at the Theatre Royal. Mrs Siddons, Mr Cooke, Mrs Jordan, even Master Betty.’ Her smile broadened. ‘I wonder what they would make of the Gillman Players?’
    ‘Oh hush do!’ Mary implored. ‘You never know who might be listening!’
    Kate laughed, but, as they turned into the handsome square they sought, obediently let the subject drop.
    ‘Heavens, how grand!’ Kate exclaimed, catching sight of the tall stone obelisk which dominated a central green, which was neatly separated from the cobblestones by iron palisading.
    To one side of them stood a long, rather low building which she guessed must be the Bishop’s Palace from the description given to them by the mistress of the Hop-Pole. It was unexpectedly plain, but the elegant