Lady Falsham smiled warmly. “While my husband doesn’t normally tend dogs, I believe he enjoys a challenge.” Then she thought a moment. “If you are interested in veterinary medicine, you might visit the Royal Veterinary College. They may have pamphlets you could read.”
The idea intrigued her. She had always loved animals, and although the Royal Veterinary College was known for treating horses, they might allow her to borrow books or study aboutthe treatment of animals. She had not considered it before, but it might be a distraction from her family’s goal of finding her a husband.
“I will ask,” she told Lady Falsham.
Chapter Eleven
Matthew had come to call upon Lily, only to find her leaving her brother’s house, a footman assisting her into the landau. He thought about calling out to her, but decided to simply follow. Presumably she was going out shopping, and he could speak with her there. He ordered his driver to follow, but was surprised to see that the carriage did not bring Lily toward the linen-drapers in Mayfair. Instead, the vehicle took a northeastern path.
Soon enough, they stopped outside the Royal Veterinary College. Now what was Lily doing there? He suspected it might be related to Sebastian but couldn’t be certain. Instead, he kept a discreet distance and watched.
Lily entered the college with her maid shadowing her. They disappeared inside the entrance, and Matthew ordered his driver to bring the vehicle closer. Nearly half an hour passed before she strode out. From her posture, she appeared furious. He waited until her carriage drove away and then disembarked from his own vehicle, with his footman trailing behind.
When he reached the entrance to the college, the footman opened the door on his behalf. Matthew walked inside and he studied the registrar with mild interest. “I saw a lady leaving just now, who seemed in some distress. Was there a reason for it?”
The gentleman sighed. “She wanted to enquire about books and papers regarding the treatment of dogs. I told her that we do not offer such reading materials to ladies.”
“Because you specialize in horses and cattle, I presume.”
The registrar shook his head. “No, because it would be inappropriate for women. She ought to spend her time reading about poetry, not material such as this.”
Matthew resisted the urge to argue, for he doubted he could convince the man of anything. “Because you believe she would not be intelligent enough to understand it?”
Far from it. Lily was indeed a bright young woman, and Matthew didn’t doubt she could easily grasp the material.
But the registrar nodded in agreement. “Precisely. It would be quite a waste.”
Matthew could only imagine what the man had said to Lily. But he had another idea in mind. “I wish to purchase a set of books for the first year of veterinary studies. And I require any books and materials you have regarding the care of hunting dogs, and all other animals.”
“Do you wish to seek admission to the college?” the registrar inquired.
“A correspondence course,” Matthew corrected. “I am Matthew Larkspur, Earl Arnsbury.” He gave the registrar an imperious look. “I have an interest in reading about veterinary medicine, but my duties would never permit me to attend classes. Nor would I want to engage in such pursuits.” He looked down at the man, making his point clear. “If my requirements are met, I will bestow additional funds upon the college to assist with further research studies.”
The registrar’s eyes gleamed as he caught Matthew’s meaning. “Of course, my lord. We should be glad to provide you with all the materials you desire. Particularly for your hunting dogs, if that is your interest.”
Matthew nodded. “Give the materials to my servant, and I will await them in my carriage.”
“At once, my lord. And I bid you a good day.” The registrar appeared delighted with the prospect.
And as Matthew departed the college, he looked forward to seeing Lily’s reaction to his gift.
He found Lily at home with Sebastian later that day, sitting on the floor by the dog. The animal’s head rested in her lap, his paw draped over one of her legs. The sight of them together made him smile, and the moment he entered James’s study, the dog’s tail began to wag. Her mother was standing by the window, her expression frozen as she stared. Likely, it was not a good day for Lady Penford.
“Hello, Matthew,” Lily greeted him. Her eyes narrowed at the sight of all the parcels in his hands. “Were you out shopping today?”
“In a manner of speaking.” He set the wrapped books down on the desk and went to sit beside her. Sebastian tried to roll to his back, exposing his stomach. Matthew rubbed the dog’s belly, and his tail thumped with delight. “He seems in good spirits.”
“I don’t like the look of some of his cuts. They seem quite red and swollen.” She rubbed the animal’s ears, and the dog appeared delighted with the attention.
He nodded in acknowledgement, and then asked in a low voice, “How is your mother today?”
Lily only shook her head. “It’s as if she isn’t there. She doesn’t know me at all.”
He reached out to squeeze her hand out of sympathy. “I’m sorry.”
Her face grew pained, but there was nothing either of them could do. Sebastian rolled over and trotted toward Iris, sniffing at her skirts. The matron jolted backward and demanded, “What is that wolf doing here?”
Lily exchanged a glance with Matthew, and they both stood. “It’s all right, Mother.”
