“That sounds wonderful.” Caleb nodded and glanced down. “Come along then, lad. I’ll have to think of a name for you, won’t I?”
A little bark and a happy skip seemed to signify a positive response, and made Caleb chuckle. “I have a feeling you’re a sight smarter than you look.”
There was no response other than a look Caleb could best describe as smug.
Deryn’s response to the dog was much the same as his wife’s; incredulity and concern, soon won over by a face that was hard to resist.
So hard, in fact, that as Caleb changed into dry clothing, he saw his butler with a large towel rubbing the pup dry. “There now, chappie. That’s better, isn’t it? And look what a fine coat you have on you.” The dog responded with a good shake, and a happy, droopy-tongued smile. “An excellent carrádog, you are.”
“A what?” Caleb pulled a dry shirt over his head and tucked it into dry breeches.
“Oh, just an old Welsh word, sir. It is one of affection, sometimes used in place of beloved. But I’ve always felt that it would be a perfect name for a really good dog.”
“Hmm.” Caleb sat down on a chair and snapped his fingers. “Here, fellow. Let’s have a look at you then, now you’re dry.”
Obediently, the dog trotted to Caleb and plopped himself down in front of him, blinking his large amber eyes and managing to convey the impression of someone who was just happy to be alive, let alone warm and dry.
“You’re a cheerful chap, aren’t you?” Caleb couldn’t help smiling back. “What say you? Do you think Carrádog might be an appropriate name for you?”
“Woof.”
“All right then. Carrádog it is.”
“And that would be with the Welsh pronunciation, of course, sir,” Deryn offered mildly.
“It would?”
“Indeed. Carr-A-dog. The emphasis is on the “A”.”
“I see.” Caleb tried it out. “Carrádog, sit.”
The dog looked at him.
“Sit?”
Another glance was exchanged.
“Well, it seems we have a way to travel yet, young Carrádog.” Caleb ruffled the soft curls on the top of the dog’s head, making him grin and shiver with pleasure.
“I’m sure the two of you will get there,” reassured Deryn. “However, I would remind you that dogs need to go outside now and again, sir. Please remember that.”
Caleb nodded. “Yes, of course. I’m ready to head downstairs, so I’ll try him with the French doors in the parlour and see if he gets the general idea.”
“Thank you, sir.”
The words were heartfelt, and he found himself chuckling as he and the dog made their way back down the formal staircase and into the parlour.
“Right then, lad.” Caleb opened the door to the garden, pleased to see that the rain had stopped. “Do you need to step outside for a moment?”
Hesitantly, the pup sniffed and then looked up at Caleb. “I won’t shut you out, don’t worry. Go attend to your business and come right back in. There’s a good fire to warm us.”
And sure enough, the dog trotted out, disappeared behind some bushes and reappeared very shortly thereafter, trotting back into the parlour with tail held high.
Caleb shook his head. “You really do understand, don’t you?”
Carrádog strolled to the fireplace, sniffed the rugs, found the softest one and lay down. His amber eyes remained on Caleb as he poured himself tea and put a couple of cakes on a plate. Then stopped and added one more for his unexpected guest.
Just in case.
