“Good.” His nod was firm. “I’d like to explain the two options of protection I propose.”
“Pray, proceed.”
He described the two different possible arrangements as he had discussed with Darcy earlier that day and went into further detail explaining how his men would patrol outside the residence, as well as standing guard inside the home. “Of course, that does not count the four men assigned to both you and your babe, whenever you go outside.”
“Four men at all times? Is that not extreme?” The surprise was evident on Elizabeth’s face.
“Ma’am, the one thing we know for surety is the offender is willing to kill to achieve whatever his goal is. Are you willing to take a chance with your son’s life?”
She paled at his stark words, “No, indeed.”
Dumfries handed Gardiner a paper with the two separate quotes.
“I’ve men ready to begin tonight. They’ll patrol outside and a few’ll be stationed wherever entry may be possible. More men will come in the morning to ’company you to Mayfair. The decision regarding how many men you use can wait for now. I assure you, your safety is our top priority.
“Ma’am, my men put their lives at risk to protect our clients, an’ our success speaks fer itsel’. Still, you’ll need to promise your full cooperation.”
“What about finding out who it might be?”
“Our job is to protect you. I am not aware of any investigation and not privy to those details. Should we happen to pick up on information, we can pass it to whoever needs to receive it, and they can share with us whatever information they find to keep you an’ your son safe.”
Darcy had kept quiet during this entire conversation. On the ride over Dumfries made it clear he would be managing the conversation with Mrs Carrington and interruptions would not betolerated. It was important, he explained, for him and the client to begin to build trust.
Gardiner was not going to remain quiet. He still had reservations about sending Jane, Elizabeth and Alex off alone. “How can you be sure moving them from my home is the better plan?”
“Isolating them will help to control the surrounding environment.”
“Mr Darcy,” Elizabeth turned to the man she met only months before, but who had become a significant presence in her life since then. “You have been very quiet. What are your thoughts regarding this plan?”
He cast a quick look to Dumfries and swallowed. His greatest desire was to pack her and Alex up and sweep them and Georgiana off to Pemberley. Understanding this was not a possibility, he took a moment to gather words of reassurance. “Dumfries is highly recommended by my cousin. I believe my sister and I spoke of Colonel Fitzwilliam when we first met. My cousin did not hesitate to suggest we contact him.” Again, his eyes found Dumfries before resting on Elizabeth. “I believe we can trust in his experience and the professionalism of his men. Hopefully, this will be a temporary situation and the man behind it all will be found. Or perhaps it was a personal agenda, and he will leave you alone. Yet, until we know for sure, I do feel this is for the best.”
She held his eye when Darcy finished speaking, looking pensive. Gradually, her expression cleared. “Very well, Mr Darcy. You have yet to steer me wrong, so I shall trust you in this, as well.”
And she bestowed her sweet smile on him. The one which made him want to both weep and cheer in pure delight. He could not tear his eyes away from her beautiful countenance.
A loud cough startled him. Gardiner was staring at Darcy with narrowed eyes. Eyes possessing a twinkle quite reminiscent of Elizabeth’s.
Darcy blinked, feeling his neck go warm under his cravat. “Well, very good. Dumfries, have we covered it all?”
“For tonight, mostly. One more thing ma’am. From now on, you and your son go nowhere without your guards. No secret meetingswithout informing anyone where you’ve gone. Trust between us needs to go both ways. Our job is to keep you safe and hale. If you won’t cooperate, there is no reason for me to risk the good men under my employ, who have families of their own waitin’ for them to return home.”
Elizabeth listened to his words, and she felt ire begin to rise, but before she could respond with heated words, she heard what Dumfries was saying. Somewhere the men guarding her might have an Alex of their own. They would be placing their lives at risk to protect him, and she would not take that commitment lightly.
A quiet, “I understand,” was all she said. Dumfries nodded once and then winked. His years reading people told him she did understand.
“Excellent, Mrs Carrington. Mr Gardiner, until tomorrow.” He and Darcy both stood, and Dumfries bowed to Elizabeth, “Ma’am.
“Darcy, I’ll wait on the street. Never hurts to keep an eye out.” Since he would be sending men to their address that night, his survey of the area would help with his instructions to the guards.
“Mr Darcy,” Elizabeth had risen to her feet and now approached him. “First Lady Matlock, now this? I must say, it is rather highhanded of you to contact Dumfries and bring him here on your own accord.”
Darcy had to swallow before he could speak, “Mrs Carrington, I-”
“It seems I am once again in your debt, sir.” Elizabeth’s gaze softened as she held his. “However, I shall put you on notice. I dislike when I am not included in the decision making, especially as it pertains to my life.”
Darcy would have stumbled and stammered some more, had he not noticed Elizabeth attempting to hide a smile.
“Duly noted, madam.” He offered her a gallant bow. “It shall not happen again.”
