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Melinda nodded. “That’s what James and Michael were planning to do as well.

Coventry will no doubt view this as the desperate situation it could turn into and immediately dispatch four of his most trusted men to Lippincott Manor.

According to what James was thinking, King should be sending at least two or three men as well. ”

The roiling in Mary Kate’s belly eased. “Flaherty mentioned that His Grace hired additional men a few months ago, when he traveled to London alone. From what he said, they are well trained and can step in at any time. The duke is wise to have so many different options to protect his family.”

Melinda sighed and sipped from her teacup. “Then His Grace should be understanding when he realizes that Flaherty was protecting you. You are Flaherty’s family now, too, and as such are under the protection of the duke’s guard.”

Mary Kate had just taken a sip of her tea when Melinda asked, “Have you met your new brothers?”

She shrugged. “Not yet—they are all scattered between the duke and his family’s properties. Rory is stationed at Wyndmere Hall, Fenton is at Penwith Tower, and Dillon is at Summerfield Chase.”

“Depending on how things go, and whether or not the duke is half the man Garahan believes him to be,” Melinda said, “you may have a chance to meet them before Flaherty is reassigned to a different location.”

“I don’t know that he’ll willingly go back now that he has sent the duke his resignation.”

“Did he sent it along with his explanation of what happened, including your being kidnapped, knocked unconscious, and left in the barn those blackguards set on fire?”

Mary Kate shivered. “Aye.”

“I do believe the viscount is in for a shock when His Grace calls him to the carpet.”

“But he wouldn’t reprimand the viscount,” Mary Kate said. “Would he?”

“Once Her Grace reads your missive—and Calliope’s and Aurelia’s—he just might. The duke has been swayed by Her Grace more than once before. It is always wise to see both sides of the story from a fresh point of view.”

“Well now, Flaherty, aren’t our lovely wives a sight for sore eyes? Such beauties sipping tea like the fine and brilliant ladies that they are.”

Melinda and Mary Kate smiled as their husbands walked back into the room, followed by one of the serving girls with another pot of tea, a plate of scones, and another of teacakes.

“We thought to join ye for a bit of tea,” Flaherty said as he approached their table. “But faith, ye know I like me sweets, lass.”

Mary Kate reached for his hand. “That you do, my love. Now then, why don’t you and Garahan tell us the plan? It is going to take His Grace some time to read the flurry of urgent missives while considering your resignation. Then he’ll have to come up with a plan to sort out the situation.”

“What other missives? I know Garahan and I sent one each.”

Melinda smiled at her husband. “And you must know that their ladyships will be sending missives off to Her Grace. I did.”

“You did?” Garahan shook his head. “I should have known.”

“I did, too,” Mary Kate confessed.

“Well now, that’s grand,” Garahan murmured. “Their Graces will have plenty to read and mull over. If I remember correctly, Patrick tendered his resignation a year or so back.”

“But isn’t he still the head of the duke’s guard?” Melinda asked.

“Aye,” Flaherty answered. “In the meantime, Coventry and King will be sending their men to Lippincott Manor. I left it to O’Malley and yerself, Garahan, to ensure they would be protected.

I couldn’t take the chance that the men we’ve been training were not up to the challenge.

No matter how angry I am that the viscount brushed aside me need to see me wife before I spoke to the man, I would never leave them without proper protection. ”

“’Tis why O’Malley agreed that bundling the family up and escorting them to Lippincott Manor was the answer.

By the by, I sent word to Coventry, King, and His Grace as well,” Garahan said.

“Me missive hinted that the rest of the O’Malleys would no doubt fall in line and back us up.

It could just have easily been their wives that the viscount slighted. ”

“Sometimes people act first and think second,” Melinda rasped.

Garahan gathered her close to his side. “No Irishman would.”

“True enough,” Flaherty agreed. His lips twitched as he added, “But there are times we Irish may drink first and think second.”

Mary Kate scooted her chair closer to her husband and leaned against him.

Safe within the circle of his arms, she sighed and closed her eyes.

Whatever happened, no matter whether she had to seek work at an inn, or changing bed linens, she would do whatever was necessary to support her husband.

“You’re not alone, Seamus. I will abide by whatever you decide. I have your back.”

He kissed her forehead. “Rest now, lass. It has been an exhausting few days.”

*

“When is she due?” Melinda asked.

Flaherty pitched his voice low, so as not to wake his wife. “I’m thinking she’s only just realized she’s carrying.” He studied the smile on Melinda’s face and then Garahan’s. “When are ye due?”

Melinda blushed. “Five or six months from now.”

“Congratulations. Ye’ll make a fine mother, lass. Although I’m not sure about himself becoming a da.”

“What’s that?” Garahan demanded, then grinned. “Can ye believe it, Flaherty? The two of us raising our babes of our own.”

“The Lord has smiled down on us, James.”

“That he has, Seamus.”