Taming The Bride (Brides of Mayfair 2) by Michelle McMaster Page A

barrel-sized chest. “But I agree, the little lady does ’ave a penchant for danger. What d’ye want me to do about it? Ye know as well as I that there’s no talkin’ her ’round. Miss Atwater is as stubborn as a mule and a goat put together…ye better understand that right now. Keepin’ her still is like tryin’ to catch a greased pig. The only thing that comes of it, is the pig gets away, and ye find yerself covered in muck.”
    Alfred disagreed, saying, “We can’t just let her go about, putting herself in dangerous situations.”
    “We?” Mungo raised a bushy brow. “I assume this ‘we’ means me an’ you. That right?”
    “Yes, that’s right,” Alfred stated, resting his hands on his hips. “What I’m proposing is that you and I join forces in looking out for Miss Atwater’s welfare. You’ll be working for me. I’ll double your wage—”
    Mungo made a face. “Don’t insult me, milord. After twenty years on a pirate ship, ye come to understand that money don’t buy loyalty. I work for Miss Atwater. I do what I do for her out o’ loyalty—not for what she pays me. I would do anythin’ for her. But sometimes, a woman that headstrong needs protectin’ from herself. As for the wages, give it to her school. And then, I’ll let ye team up with me. That’s the deal. Take it or leave it .”
    Alfred paused for a moment. Certainly, he was unused to such frank talk from a subordinate. But Mungo was an important ally. Alone, neither would be able to fully protect Prudence. But together, they would be a formidable team.
    Alfred nodded. “I accept your terms, Mr. Church. Now, let us decide on a plan—”
    “Just a minute, there,” Mungo interrupted. “Why are you so concerned with Miss Atwater’s welfare? What’s it to you what she does? And don’t go tellin’ me it’s because o’ your great-aunt’s patronage.”
    Alfred pondered, for he didn’t know the answer himself. “It is my duty, as a gentleman.”
    Mungo looked unconvinced, saying, “Yeah. And I’m the Prince Regent. You’ve got eyes for Miss Atwater. I’d ’ave to be blind not to see it. Just make sure ye treat ’er as a gentleman should, milord, or ’ol Mungo will ’ave to rearrange that pretty face o’ yours. Understand?”
    Instead of being insulted by the man’s words, Alfred felt a grudging admiration. Mungo Church obviously cared a great deal about Miss Prudence Atwater.
    Alfred nodded his agreement. “Not to worry, Mr. Church. I have the utmost respect and admiration for Miss Atwater. Now, let’s get to work on our strategy.”
    As they planned their next move, Alfred discovered that he hadn’t been totally honest with Mungo about his motives.
    It wasn’t just that he cared about Miss Atwater’s welfare. It was, he realized reluctantly, that he cared about her .
    * * *
    “Lizzie, isn’t it?” Prudence asked the thin, pale girl who stood nearby on the dark street corner.
    The girl eyed her warily. “Yeah. So what?”
    “You remember me, don’t you?” Prudence gingerly approached her, sensing that if she moved too quickly, the girl would spook like a frightened horse. “I spoke to you a few nights ago.”
    “Yeah. I remember now. The lady from the school, or something.” Lizzie wiped her nose with the back of her hand.
    “But where is your sister? Wasn’t she with you last time?”
    “Meg,” the girl replied, “oh she got promoted to a fancy ’ouse on Bricknell Street. ”
    “Really?” Prudence asked, unhappy to hear such news. “Well, why didn’t you go there too?”
    Lizzie shifted her feet and looked at the ground. “They didn’t want me. Said I was too old for that place.”
    “Too old? But you can’t be more than seventeen.”
    She looked up at Prudence, and then laughed. “Truth is, I don’t know ’ow old I am. I thinks I’m about that age. But me sister, Meg, she’s younger by a few years. Looks about fifteen, the man at the fancy house said. She’s gonna ’elp me out