her and then assign her to attend to his room, then clearly she was more of a secret guard than a housemaid.
He trusted the duke’s judgment. Coupled with how much she’d already impressed him in the care of Rafe, this was good enough for him.
The guest quarters had an alcove that served as an informal sitting room. It had a small writing desk and several comfortable chairs. They’d chat there. He strode into his bedchamber and immediately searched for Taffy.
She was seated on a stool close to the hearth. The impression given was that of a maid who wished to warm herself by the fire while the boy slept. In truth, her position gave her a full view of every possible entrance to the room. The door, obviously. The windows. The hidden panel leading to the servants’ stairs.
Her hands appeared to be folded on her lap, but a closer look revealed one was actually tucked in the secret pocket of her gown. If that wasn’t enough, she was within easy reach of the fire irons, and the stool she was sitting on could be tossed at a villain if it became necessary. “Come with me, Taffy,” he said in a whisper as he quietly shut the door. He did not wish to wake his son who was sleeping the sleep of the innocent.
It eased his heart to see this, for the lad had been restless and fitful ever since this villain had made his first attempt on their lives, sometimes crying in the middle of the night so that Gavin would have to take him in his arms and rock him gently back to sleep.
“Yes, my lord,” she whispered, following him into the alcove. She took the chair that gave her a clear view of the boy in bed.
This girl misses nothing.
He remained standing, casually leaning a hip against the desk as he shook his head and chuckled softly. “Time for us to speak frankly, lass. Who are ye?”
“Taffy Ralston, just as I’ve told you. Every word I’ve said about the orphanage and my family is true, I give you my oath.”
He shook his head again. “I meant yer profession. Clearly, ye’re verra good at what ye do and it has nothing to do with tidying my guest quarters. Ye’re a trained guard of some sort. Tell me.”
She blinked once. Twice. Obviously assessing the situation and deciding what to tell him. He notice a softening in her lovely aquamarine eyes and knew she had resolved to trust him. “My lord, I am a Bow Street runner.”
He arched an eyebrow in surprise. “I dinna know they hired young ladies.”
“They do. Only a few of us. I work for Mr. Homer Barrow, one of the finest runners you will ever encounter. He taught me all I know.”
He folded his arms over his chest. “Where is Mr. Barrow now?”
“Close by. The Duke of Devon engaged his services during the month to quietly watch over his family and guests during the yuletide celebrations. Seeing as there is so much coming and going, and thieves who might be drawn to Hartland by said coming and going, he thought it prudent. When he learned of your situation, he merely kept us on for an extra few weeks.”
“This relieves me greatly, lass. Now when you say Mr. Barrow is close by, just what is his role?”
“During the day he keeps his eye on the town, checking the inns and taverns for any strangers. He is most resourceful. I’m sure he’s established a rapport with every innkeeper and tavern owner, with every blacksmith, ostler, and shopkeeper within five miles of here. They know he and the duke will reward them generously for alerting him to any strangers.”
“And nights? What does he do?”
“He and Mick, that’s his most trusted runner, scout the grounds of Hartland for sign of any intruders.”
“Does this man ever sleep?”
She nodded. “Of course. We’ve all become accustomed to grabbing a few hours of rest whenever we can. On this assignment, his sleep will be mostly during the day because it is most likely your villain will approach Hartland by night.”
“I see.”
“I’ve notified Mr. Barrow of the presence of your son. Be assured, the boy is now under his watchful eyes and those of his team, as well.”
He ran a hand through his hair as he considered what she’d told him. “How many on your Bow Street team?”
“Ten of us in all, my lord. I shall point them out to you as we encounter them throughout