but it is not an impregnable fortress. He will find a way in, no matter how diligent we all are.”
“Understood, my lord.”
Taffy let out a huff. The marquis immediately turned to her, his eyebrow arched in question. There was a look in Watkins’s eyes that she found troubling, but could say nothing about it now. “I moved my spillikins. Rafe has won this round.”
He ran a hand through his hair. “Gentlemen, I cannot say I am pleased by this turn of events. But thank ye all for yer continued efforts to protect me and my son. Please go on about yer duties.”
“My lord,” Watkins said, “will you be returning to your quarters now? Perhaps it would be helpful to know your plans for the rest of the day so we can more easily keep track of you.”
Taffy’s gaze shot to the runner.
What was he up to? It wasn’t so much the question, but the warning tingles that once again ran up her spine as he’d asked it. She did not like to admit it, but the marquis was not off the mark in disliking him. She sensed this man had an ulterior motive. But what could it be?
The marquis turned to Mr. Barrow. “What is the likelihood of Lord Gordon returning here before sundown?”
“Slim to none, I would say. I doubt he’ll dare make a move again before the staff retires for the evening. He’ll wait until after midnight before he attempts to slip in again.”
“Thank ye.” He turned to Watkins. “Then for now, I intend to enjoy a quiet afternoon in the library with my son. After that, an early supper in the dining room. And after that, we shall retire to our quarters.”
Rafe looked up from his game. “Don’t forget our cocoa and ginger cakes, Papa!”
“No, son. I won’t forget.” He addressed Mr. Barrow. “We will ask for a tray to be brought up to our bedchamber around eight o’clock. Do ye have any objections?”
“No, m’lord. None at all.”
Mick and Watkins were about to walk out the door, when the marquis called to them. “By the way, did ye each take a wing of the house when ye performed yer rounds to check the doors and windows?”
“Aye, m’lord,” Mick responded. “We did. I took the east wing and Mr. Watkins took the west.”
Taffy’s heart raced a little faster. This meant Watkins had charge of the music room. Not that she suspected he’d opened the doors for Lord Gordon the other night. But it was the easiest access point in the entire house and she did not like that Watkins was the one responsible for securing it.
“Thank ye, gentlemen.” He dismissed them with a nod of his head.
Mr. Barrow remained behind to continue his discussion with the marquis. “My lord, would you now care to tell me what that was about?”
“Och, perhaps I had better.” He glanced at Taffy and sighed. “I believe Miss Ralston and I are in disagreement on this matter. I know ye and yer men are already strained and spread thin, but I do not want Watkins anywhere near us. Nor do I want him to be the one checking on windows and door or standing guard duty by the kitchen entrance. Give him some insignificant role, if ye must.”
Mr. Barrow appeared shocked. “Has something happened to make you not trust him? He has been a good and loyal runner of mine for twenty years.”
“That is the problem. I believe he harbors a grudge against Miss Ralston. I do not want him anywhere near her.”
“Miss Ralston, has Mr. Watkins said anything to you? I shall reprimand him severely if that is so.”
“No, Mr. Barrow. He has said nothing and done nothing to me. As far as I know, he has followed all your instructions dutifully.” She nibbled her lip, wanting to make mention of her uneasiness at the questions he’d just posed to the marquis, but this would only escalate tensions. They needed to be working together, not fighting among themselves.
The marquis gave a grim chuckle. “As ye see, the lass and I disagree on the matter. But I must insist on having my way. We are dealing with a desperate and dangerous man in Lord Gordon. The slightest slip, and he will succeed in getting to me and my son. I want no weak link in the chain of protection.”
Mr. Barrow was nodding all the while. “My instincts tell me this will all come to a head within the next forty eight hours. My