between the weight of the layers of my normal ensemble and its incessant rustling ( not to mention the length of the dratted skirts ) , i would have been a walking target for anyone , from whore-mongers looking to find a new girl , to the footpads who lurked in the shadows-or to any threats that existed for a tall , gawky , yet intelligent young woman who 'd been cursed with the beak-like holmes nose .