“Of a sort,” Battle said. “I’m in London most of the time, and I do believe Fitzy can handle most anything. However, that big house, and all it contains, primarily its most precious things, my sisters and Fitzy and Patsy, when I’m away, I need to feel they’re all safe.”
Okay.
Yeah.
So overbearing and overprotective was a good thing.
He kept going.
“Scotty and Harry live in the steward’s cottage, a property we’d probably let if they didn’t. And no, we don’t need them around to serve. But yes, I do need men around simply to have men around, but also to make sure the pipes aren’t leaking, and if they are, to fix them. They’re both jacks-of-all-trades, but providing presence is one of those trades. Part of their regular duties is to patrol the property daily. It isn’t a fortress. We can get poachers. We can also get people who want to take pictures. And there’s always the threat of someone wanting to do something nefarious, even though I’ll stress that threat is very minimal. The people in the village know they’re right on hand, if needed. And anyone who might be watching would not miss two fit young men who can take care of themselves, and my family.”
Mm-hmm.
I could fall for this guy.
Hard.
And for forever.
“There’s always one on call,” Battle continued. “Tempie manages their days off.”
“Do they provide your speaker security at the front gate?”
“No. The gate is watched twenty-four/seven by an outside contractor who Tempie or Fitzy informs if we’re expecting guests, workmen, whoever may come to call. They deal accordingly with anyone who shows at the gate. Including notifying Scotty or Harry if someone needs to be handled. Or, if some dire circumstance occurs, corresponding directly with the police.”
“Right. Can they check the veracity of an ID? Like a passport or driver’s license.”
“Yes. They’re one of the top of the line of firms who do this kind of thing, and as such, quite costly.”
I bet.
“Is this for interest, or are you asking about this for another purpose?” he queried.
“For interest,” I said. “What other purpose would I have?”
“That you don’t feel safe at The Downs.”
His comment surprised me. “Why wouldn’t I feel safe?”
“There is the matter of you mentioning Christian.”
Argh.
“Forget I said anything,” I ordered.
“Has he shown interest in you?”
“I’ve only seen him twice, and I don’t think he’s ever seen me.”
“You are hard to miss, darling, as is your very lovely arse, phenomenally long legs and magnificent head of hair.”
All he said was delightful.
But…
Hang on.
Had he been stewing on me mentioning Christian because he was…
