He inserted the flexible instrument with a small hook into the dog’s mouth and partway down his esophagus. The dog began to gag and wheeze. “Steady, steady. Almost have it... There!”
He removed the offending bone fragment and tossed it toward the bin.
Louie instantly began to calm and breathe more easily.
Dr. Finch rubbed his ears. “All right now, boy?”
Anne wilted in relief. “You saved him. And me. Thank you so much.”
“My pleasure.”
Anne glanced up at the clock on the church tower. “I should head back.”
“I will walk with you part of the way, if you don’t mind.”
“Not at all.”
He picked up his bag. “Shall I carry Louie for you?”
“No need. He isn’t heavy.”
They started across the churchyard, their path leading them right past the wedding tree. Anne could not help but pause there, gazing around in fond reminiscence as she always did. She said, “Of the ninety-nine yew trees here, this one is my favorite.”
“And why is that?”
“My grandfather proposed to my grandmother here, and later, my father proposed to my mother in the same spot.”
“Why here?”
Anne shrugged. “I’m not sure why, exactly, but this tree has earned the nickname the wedding tree. Probably has to do with the way its branches twine with the tree on the other side of the path.”
He looked up. “Ah yes, like two people joining hands to form an archway.”
She chuckled thoughtfully. “I had not thought of it in those terms, but an apt description.”
Louie began to grow restless in Anne’s arms, so she set him down, making sure his lead was secure. “I’d better get this boy home.”
Dr. Finch nodded. “I am on my way to visit a patient, but I’d planned to call on you later. I have something for you.”
“Oh?”
“In fact, why don’t I give it to you now.” He opened hisbag again, then hesitated. “Though I suppose you won’t appreciate the dog saliva on my hands.”
She laughed. “I don’t care about that. I have grown quite used to this boy’s drool.”
He gave her a crooked grin at that and pulled something from his bag. “This is for you.”
He handed her a paper-wrapped parcel. By its shape and heft, she guessed it was a book.
She gingerly peeled back the paper, and her heart gave a little flip. It was the volume ofNorthanger Abbeyshe had been admiring in the circulating library.
“I’m not sure I should accept it,” she said, knowing how expensive books were.
“I guessed you might say that. Don’t worry, it’s not a gift, per se. I simply put it on my account for you at the library and paid the usual fees.”
“Still a generous gesture.”
He shrugged. “I thought it might help you pass the long hours at Lady Celia’s bedside. When you finish, I’ll request the next volume for you too.”
