“Fetch it, Cooper!” Her mother threw the ball and pulled it back, provoking Cooper to bite and paw at the ball, determined to claim it. Lilian laughed with full-throated glee when he almost caught it, an image which hearkened back to childhood, teasing her memory.
“Mama, have you ever had a dog of your own?” Lilian asked, not sure where the question came from. In fact, she had not even thought about the question before asking. It just popped out of her mouth.
Her mother put the ball away and scooped up the shaggy apricot-coloured puppy, kissed his nose and turned to her daughter.
“Mama, what is wrong?” Lilian grew concerned. Her mother’s eyes filled with tears. “I once had a dog of my own. Her name was Rascal. You were very small.”
“I remember!” That was the memory which had fought for a footing in her mind.
“She was a small, terrier-type breed; white with brown spots on her, and we had had her for several years. You may not remember her, but Rascal loved to follow you around as you toddled. Lydia, I recall, was not as enamoured of the dog, but you loved touching her and would coo her name. Rascal was protective of you both.” Her mother dabbed at the corners of her eyes.
“Your father and I left for London for a week. When we returned, the servants had lost Rascal. No one had sent word to us, or we surely would have returned sooner. Everyone in the household searched, afraid they would lose their jobs because they knew how much I loved her.”
She drew a deep breath and paused for a moment. “We finally found her, but when we got to Rascal, she was barely alive. The poor thing had become locked in the basement of the chapel. It seemed she had fallen in through a broken window and nearly starved.” Her mother sat up and dabbed her eyes again. “I have not spoken to anyone, save your father, about Rascal until just this moment. I thought the pain would never stop and the guilt at not being there felt insurmountable.” Lady Avalon placed her hand over her pocket and hugged it closer to her. “Rascal was a birthday present from my papa,” she whispered. “He gave her to me at my own coming out. To lose her felt as though I had lost a part of myself.”
“I am so sorry, Mama. I did not understand. I might have behaved differently had I known.”
“Nonsense! Your father made me come to terms with this, and I want to apologize for my prejudice on the subject. I hope you can forgive me.” She leaned down and kissed Cooper on the top of his head. “I love the name, dearest.” Putting Cooper down on the bed between them, she hugged Lilian. “You challenge me in so many ways. I want so much for both you and Lydia, yet it is no more than every mother wants for her daughters.” Her mother once more wiped her eyes, and a small smile shaped her lips, although it was accompanied by a deep intake of breath. “Lord Harlow has sent word that he has asked a friend of his, a Mr. Mark Whitten, to come and examine Cooper for you. According to your father, he should arrive sometime today.”
Lilian did not quite know what to say. She was both shocked and delighted by this new side to her mother. Cooper, it seemed, was also quite taken with Mama.
Affording full credit to Lord Harlow, Mama explained that since the puppy was not having any problems beyond near-starvation and rope burns, Mr. Whitten felt he could time his visit when he came to Town to attend the Veterinary College.
“It seems he is a young farrier,” Mama explained, “and has ambitions of becoming a horse doctor. He lives in the county of Essex, where he assists the farmers with all their stock, dogs included.”
Timing was a funny thing, Lilian thought to herself, reflecting on the timing of their discovery of Cooper before more damage had been done. Father had asked her how much she had paid for the dog. She had told him truthfully; to her surprise, his demeanour had not changed. He had merely commented that the boys would most likely have better use for the money than the poor, starving puppy. Her father never showed his temper, but that was his way. He understood her. In contrast, she never felt she knew Mama, although this new facet of her personality made her very happy. Perhaps having a puppy was something they could all enjoy.
The bed shifted as Mama stood up, absently brushing wrinkles free from her skirt.
“Before I leave, I have something to give you.” She fished into her pocket and withdrew a small, braided collar of red leather. “This was Rascal’s. I would like it very much if you would let Cooper wear it.” A small silver tag hung from a metal loop near the buckle, inscribed with the words,Cooper. Much loved. “Father secured the inscription for me. It has room to expand as he grows, as long as it is not too much.” She added, pointing out a small amount of extra leather beyond the buckle.
It was Lilian’s turn to wipe away her tears. “Thank you, Mama. That is the sweetest gift you have ever given to me. I will treasure it always, and I think Cooper will be proud to wear it. I should probably attach it to his basket until his neck heals.” She leaned over and secured the collar to Cooper’s basket and then lovingly smoothed his head.
Her mother smiled warmly, squeezing her daughter’s shoulder with palpable affection.
“Now then, I should see Cook about Cooper’s meals. It is my belief that dogs do well with a small amount of vegetables in their meals, although not onions or turnips,” her mother said thoughtfully. “They are never good, so I must instruct Cook to prepare the proper amount of meat and vegetables for him. Perhaps a small portion of rusks.” She patted Cooper once more and left the room.
Lilian leaned back against her pillows in a slight state of shock. Her mother was suddenly more jovial and easier to speak with—all because of one small apricot-coloured dog. Cooper stepped out of the basket and walked up to her, nudging her chin with the tip of his nose.
“Cooper, look what Mama has brought for you. ’Tis a proper collar. Once your neck is better, I will let you wear it and you will look very suitable!” Scooping up the little dog, she cuddled him, and then rang for Clara. She wanted to get dressed and begin her day. It was pretty outside, and she suddenly had the desire to toss a ball with her new puppy.
Five minutes later, her maid came into the room. “M’lady, ’tis time for Cooper to step outside afore he breaks his fast.” The older woman cackled softly. “I have not seen your mother this happy fer years, not since her Rascal passed away.”
Lilian was grateful that Mama had reminded her of Rascal; otherwise, she would not have understood Clara’s remark. Usually she would ignore such ramblings by her old nurse and not ask questions, but she understood Mama now, and also recalled Rascal. She felt honoured by her mother’s gesture.
“M’lady, yer parents asked me to tell you they ’ave decided to leave for Tintagel on the morrow. M’bones cannot wait for the fresh air of the sea again. I will pack your trunks tonight.
Fifteen minutes later saw Lilian being transported to the first floor with Cooper following behind.
“Winston, thank you.” Lilian acknowledged the young footman who always helped her move about the town house. She wheeled herself to the table, where a plate with various offerings from the sideboard was ready for her to break her fast.
Musing over the day in front of her, she realized she would miss London—or at least two things about London. One of those was Lord Harlow. She felt a quickening in her stomach at the thought of him, similar to the jolts she felt when he was near her. Lord Harlow had not been to visit for two days, now.Surely, I have not developed a fondness for him…have I?A gurgle of laughter escaped her throat.I miss him. He had been in her mind for the past year, a faceless man who had saved her, calming her at the very time she needed a calm touch. His warm, baritone voice and haunting scent had soothed her senses, somehow connecting with her very soul.
As much as she missed her home in Tintagel, where the bedroom was on the second floor instead of here, on the third floor of a townhouse. And her horse was stabled there, no doubt eating his head off in his stall. However, she would miss spending time with…John. She tried to think of him by his given name instead of Lord Harlow, as he had asked.
Gently spearing a piece of the orange from her plate, she ate, still lost in her thoughts. Aside from her sister, Danby was her best friend. Lilian often spent hours with him in the stable, using a chair placed near his stall for her use. On bright days, she took a book to read.His velvety brown nose often cajoled her into smiling, no matter her mood.I wonder how Danby will get on with Cooper. Stop worrying. He will love the little rapscallion.
The sound of light boot-steps sounded behind her and broke her contemplation. Her mother partly opened the door to the room.
