“Never in my wildest dreams did I think they would be.” Mr. Fielding scrubbed at his close-cropped beard. “Bloody hypocritical blackguards. I will pull them down as well. To think I toadied to them, when they are just as foul as my benefactor. It shows, Daniel, that you can trust no one. No one. I’ve always said so.”

Daniel, I perceived, was not ready to disagree with him.

“I understand why you wish to ruin your so-called benefactor and these swindling, procuring governors,” I said. “I agree that you should. But you cannot lower yourself to their level. Embrace hard work, Mr. Fielding. That is what lifts one above the others. Hard work at your profession, being the best you can at what you do. Then you can hold your head up, and no one can take that satisfaction from you.”

Mr. Fielding stared at me a moment before he let out an incredulous laugh. “You are an amazing lady, Mrs. Holloway.” He shook his head, still laughing. “I suppose you sleep very well of nights.”

“I do, as a matter of fact.” I gave him a quelling frown. “Now, Daniel, you must tell me where we are going. You cannot mean to face Luke on your own.”

“Never fear,” Daniel said with firmness. “I have a few constables awaiting my orders, as well as McGregor anticipating my every report. I simply needed a direction.” He pointed at me. “You will remain in the coach.”

“I know what he looks like,” I argued. “But do not worry. I will hang back and let you and the constables wrestle Luke to the ground. I would like to see that man have his comeuppance.”

*   *   *

Lewis had no wish to take his carriage into the rookeries around Seven Dials, so we descended at Dudley Street and went on foot. The road the bullies had herded me down was in fact Great White Lion Street, the same road the children directed us to. A few narrow lanes opened from this street, none of which I wanted to enter.

It was afternoon, but shadows were thick here, and always would be, no matter how fair the day. With lowering February skies, it was dark in the rookery, even at this early hour. A noisome stench hovered, reminding me that this had been a place of decay and disease. I supposed things had improved since the time of the Great Plague, but today I could not believe it.

Daniel began to ask those on the street the way to the lodgings of Luke Mahoney. The layabouts stared at Mr. Fielding in his collar and me in my coat and hat, probably concluding we were missionaries. Daniel didn’t fit this image, but they were reluctant to speak with any of us. Some, in fact, told us threateningly to clear off.

“This way,” I said, taking the lead.