Page 58 of Snowy and the Seven Doves
Wakefield merely smiled.
“On the topic of the danger to my lady, I am looking to employ guards. Is this something you might be able to help me with? I need men I can trust; men who can’t be bought by Snowden and turned into a weapon against us.”
Wakefield picked up a quill and wrote a quick note. “Take this to Mrs. Moriarty at the address on the note. She will be able to provide what you need.”
Snowy took the note, holding it carefully so as not to smudge the drying ink. “Mrs. Moriarty? It seems an unusual role for a woman.”
“She is an unusual woman. Her husband is with the Thames River Police. They both worked with Wellington’s forces during the campaign in Spain, under the current Earl of Ruthford, who ran a group of exploring officers,” Wakefield explained. “Ruthford has been finding work for ex-soldiers and sailors since he returned to England after he inherited his title. A couple of years ago, he and Mrs. Moriarty set up a formal agency that they call Moriarty Protection. They will only work on the side of the law, and usually require a referral—which you now have. You will find them well-trained and exceptionally loyal. They’ll keep your lady safe.”
*
When he gotto his next destination, the House of Blossoms, Snowy sent the note to Mrs. Moriarty, enclosed in one requesting a meeting. He then met with his foster mothers, to tell them his plans.
“Good,” Lily said, when he explained he was moving into Margaret’s townhouse. “You are a viscount, Snowy. You should not be living over a brothel.”
Jasmine softened the admonishment. “We want you safe. Being here, where people come and go and everyone is busy with the House’s main business, is not safe.”
“Don’t forget us, ducky,” Poppy said. “When that awful man is locked up, come and visit us, if you can.”
“I am not about to become a stranger,” Snowy reassured her. “For one thing, I want all my foster mothers at my wedding.” He gave out the invitations that Margaret had written, one for each of them. “You’ll see that theirs go to Lotus, Holly, and Petunia?” he asked.
“Lady Charmain does not want the likes of us at her wedding,” Poppy scoffed.
Jasmine nodded, thoughtfully. “It would be embarrassing for her if we met men we know professionally,” she said.
Lily’s grin was evil. “Amusing, though.”
“Lady Charmain wrote the invitations,” Snowy pointed out. “It won’t be a big Society affair, if that is what you fear. It is important to me you are there. Please say you will come.”
From there, he went to Westruthers to collect his correspondence—mostly business of one kind or another, but two messages regarding meetings. The Duke of Winshire had asked him to call when convenient to discuss the fate of his prisoner, and Mrs. Moriarty had written to say she would receive him whenever he cared to arrive.
Another fat package contained the marriage settlements and wills that he and Margaret had had drawn up. Fortescue’s covering note said he had worked with Margaret’s solicitor and the solicitor who represented the Snowden estate. He suggested a time the day after next for the solicitors to witness him and Margaret signing the documents. Presumably, Margaret would have a similar package.
Snowy glanced over the rest, confirming that he’d have to spend some time today or tomorrow morning looking over reports from his agents and making some decisions. As well as fitting in the discussion of the marriage settlements, being seen in public with Margaret, and whatever else came up.
He checked the time. Visiting Mrs. Moriarty was his priority. He could manage that before he was due to meet Margaret.
Mrs. Moriarty proved to be a surprise. From the name, he had expected an Irish woman, or at least someone with Ireland in their immediate family history. By her appearance, Mrs. Moriarty was eastern Mediterranean, and when she spoke, he narrowed her origins down to Greece or the nearby islands.
She knew her business, too. She subjected him to a grilling on the topic of his cousin and any other enemies he might have. Snowy, more impressed than annoyed, answered all of her questions.
“Very well,” she said at last. “I recommend you employ eight of our people. Two women, who will take it in turns to stick like glue to your betrothed, and six men who will stand guard two at a time in shifts. The people I have in mind are all experienced with weapons and unarmed combat, and have stood guard duty many times. We have found that, in the unlikely event an attacker evades male guards and our clients’ own protections, female guards are quite unexpected and very effective.”
Snowy had no doubt of it. He had grown up with confident women who organized their own lives, andhewould not expect a woman warrior. How much more unexpected would it be to a man like his cousin, who had little regard for women?
“I accept,” he said. “When can they start?”
Mrs. Moriarty arched her eyebrows. “You have not asked me about price,” she said.
“David Wakefield recommended you, Mrs. Moriarty. I will not haggle over the safety of my betrothed. What is your charge?”
She named a daily sum that was higher than he expected, but not by much.
“Paid to you, ma’am? Or individually to your employees?”
“To Moriarty Protection. You will also provide all meals to guards on duty,” she said.
“Meals, and accommodation if they choose to live on site,” he agreed. “When can they start?”
