“Make sure he gets plenty of food.”
She laughed. “I think I can do that. Do you want to change or are you still comfortable?”
“I think I’m alright for a minute. I will change into a clean dress closer to dinner.”
“Did you have one in mind?”
She shook her head. “Just one of my day dresses.”
“You don’t want to dress for dinner again?”
“I’d rather not make Christopher uncomfortable. Perhaps I can try to meet him half way.”
She smiled. “I’m glad to see how happy the two of you are together.”
“Oh, hush. Don’t turn it into something bigger than it is.”
But despite her words, Veronica was building it up in her own head. It was hard not to. For the first time since she arrived, she felt like she was seeing the man beneath all of his hostility.
“What are you smiling about?” Daisy asked. “Are you thinking about His Grace?”
Veronica shot her a look. “I amthinkingabout my puppies. Which already love me and are not afraid to show it.”
“Of course. The puppies that His Grace got you. That you went to pick out together.”
“He was kind enough to take me to one of his tenants who raises hunting dogs. There’s nothing more to it. Have you sent the letters to my sisters yet?”
Though she would have preferred an older, grown dog, she felt like a puppy might tempt him to feel anything other than his anger.
“Yes, I thought I already told you that they were sent out.”
“Perhaps you did I don’t remember,” Veronica sighed.
“You have had quite a busy past few days.”
“But there’s been no reply yet?”
“Not yet, but as soon as we do, I will let you know.”
“Thank you. What about the repairs and renovations? Have any of those started yet?”
“They have, and they seem to be going well. If you like, I can take you around to see what they’ve started.”
“Perhaps tomorrow. I would like to spend the bulk of the evening getting to know these little guys.”
“That sounds good. Do you have anything I can bring you to work on while you do?”
She thought for a moment then smiled. “Why don’t you bring me some of my gowns. Perhaps I can see if any of them could use a touch of embroidery.”
“Of course ma’am. I’ll be right back with that.”
“Thank you, Daisy, and could you also bring me the list of renovations that have begun? I’d like to get an idea of what we’re working with, even if I’m not going to see it just yet.”
“I can do that.”
Veronica was only alone with the dogs for a few moments. Despite only having them a short time, she was surprised by just how much she had begun to care for them.
Teddy was a little bundle of energy. He hadn’t stopped moving since they brought him home. Meanwhile, Shaggy seemed so sweet. He preferred to spend his time resting against her leg, and one of her hands was all but constantly in his thick black fur.
