Chapter 19
Bargemen to the Rescue
Ned was embarrassed. The ridiculous outfit made him feel like a fool. A fanciful turban with peacock feathers sprouting from it covered his head to his eyebrows. His feet were fitted with soft slippers that had preposterous curled toes. They were slightly too large, forcing him to walk with a shuffle.
“Is this all?” he asked, glancing at the small woman fussing around him, tugging his costume here and there to get the fit right.
“O’ course, dearie, them eastern furriners don’t wear sensible clothes.”
She stood back and studied him critically. “Now, does yer know wot yer doin’? Jus’ carry t’ tray wi’ t’ glasses an’ offer et ter t’ gentlemen.” She finished applying make-up to his face. “An’ don’t spill anythin’ on t’ custom. That’ll get yer some bad tro
