Dumfries ran his hand over the top of his scalp as he contemplated this brief information. “How sure are they about the deaths bein’ murder?”
“It is still being investigated, but they are fairly certain.”
“It does appear like someone was takin’ advantage of half the line dyin’ out. There is no heir from extended family?”
“There does not appear to be, no. Does it matter? The assignment is to protect Eli- Mrs Carrington and her child.”
A corner of Dumfries mouth twitched. “It can matter, sir. See, if it were a potential heir, the motive is greed, which tends to be clearer, more organized.” He scratched at the stump of his arm distractedly. “If the cause is somethin’ else entirely, well, that canmean a number of reasons. Personal grudge for example, or insanity. Either can make things messier, unpredictable, and in my opinion, more dangerous.”
“How does it make them more dangerous?”
A toothy smile grew on Dumfries face, showing a couple of dark spaces where he was missing teeth. “They think they’ve got nothing to lose.”
Darcy frowned. “If we go with the worst scenario, what plan would you suggest?”
“Need to see where the lady is livin’ and know about her schedule. Though it would be best not to keep to a set schedule. We would not want to make it easy for anyone to easily track them.”
“She currently resides near Cheapside with family.” Seeing Dumfries grimace, Darcy stopped, “What?”
“You said the two gents were killed in a fire?” Darcy nodded. “Those houses are close together, puttin’ many people in potential danger. Best to isolate them. Make it easier to watch the boundaries and see if anyone approaches.”
Listening to Dumfries speak, providing even more details about security options, Darcy leant on one elbow and rubbed his index finger over the top of his lip. When he noticed the other man ceased speaking, Darcy looked up. “How many men will you need?
“With so little to go on, I say the more men the better. More can always be added or reduced as fits the job. We are talking about two individuals, who will not always be together, round the clock guardin’, both inside and outside the building.”
Dumfries grew quiet as he internally calculated the situation. His face alternated between sudden grimaces and squints of his eyes.
Finally, he answered, “Each of them needs four men at all times, as personal bodyguards. The house needs a team of six men, constantly surveying the area and able to see each other at the same time. This ensures all ground is covered. Three shifts in four and twenty hours. At the bare minimum two and forty men. It can be done in two shifts, but I found the men stay sharper longer when they’ve had enough time to rest between shifts.”
“You have the men?”
“Aye, I can call ’em in. If any are not available, between myself and Fitzwilliam we can find appropriate men to fill positions.”
“Good.” Darcy stood. “I will send a note to Mr Gardiner. Are you available to meet with him and Mrs Carrington?”
“Soon’s you let me know. Meantime, I’ll start calling in the men, starting with eight n’ twenty. We can add more once we get the gent’s approval.”
“More likely, the lady’s approval, but whatever she does not agree to, I will cover.”
“Nay, sir. We will try to convince the lady to follow the best path, but it will not do to begin the relationship with mistrust. It is her life in danger—hers n’ her boy’s. My men will be privy to her private life, and she needs to feel she can trust them.” He finished with a definitively sharp nod as if making his point. “I will call in eight and twenty men.”
Darcy was unhappy, but ceded the point, little though he liked to. This was Dumfries’ business and knew what he was about. At least, Darcy prayed he did.
He wrote a note to Mr Gardiner explaining he wished to meet, bringing an associate with him. They would also wish to pay their respects to Mrs Carrington.
Dumfries left to round up his men.
Before he returned to his desk to complete his tasks, Darcy poured himself a small measure of drink and swallowed it in one gulp. His stomach was in knots, and the heat of the drink eased them somewhat. The idea of Elizabeth in danger and him powerless to secure her safety, was anathema to his character. Placing his trust in Dumfries, a relative stranger did not sit well, either. Even if he had been recommended by Richard. Putting down the glass, he sighed.I hope Elizabeth will accept this is all for the best.
~ / ~
Gardiner Residence
Elizabeth was doing her new favourite activity—sitting with Alexin her arms, staring at him. She dismissed Dorothy to enjoy a rest and cup of tea in the kitchen, desiring time alone with her son.
Lady Matlock’s visit had been a shock, but it should not have been. The Darcys had proven to be kind and generous people many times over. They had not hesitated to offer help or assistance when the necessity of it arose. Even if it was not required or asked for.
The sound of Elizabeth’s huff made Alex jump a little. “I beg your pardon, little one. I did not mean to startle you. I must say, it was most presumptuous of the Darcys and Lady Matlock to simply show up and tell me what I must do.”
